book review

Yes, I AM writing an entire post about Anne of Green Gables

My almost-4-year-old and I have been watching “Anne of Green Gables” and “Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel” over the past four days – during her little sister’s nap. We sit side-by-side on the brown leather couch, arms linked, smiling. “This is the best movie ever!” I say, in energetic bursts (and I mean it). [...]

Dear God, Please Help Me to Read Soon

Yesterday we found our 3-year-old jumping on her bed and praying jubilantly, “Dear God, Please help me to read soon!” over and over again. I think her prayer will come true sooner than she realizes. You see, she is a consumer of books. She reads them in the morning, in the car, in bed, and [...]

Kids Matter (my kids, your kids, ALL kids)

Yesterday I asked my 15-month-old, “Are you a baby?“ She waved her head resolutely from side-to-side. A decided “no.” ——————————————————- Then I looked at her – and SAW (again, for the millionth time) a little person. So smart. So affectionate. So creative. With so many opinions + intentions already. In our society, we too often [...]

1st Bday: Words to Remember

We were eating dinner at a friend’s house. Their 2-year-old boy and our 3-year-old girl were being silly at the table as they ate pizza and fruit salad. He giggled, “What does NO mean?“ She answered, “No means No.” They laughed out loud at their brilliance. “What does YES mean?” he queried. “Yes means you [...]

*Giveaway* Stay Home, Stay Happy

I am convinced of this: Being home every day, all day with small children is the hardest job ever. It’s taxing to be a mindful, involved parent – to be gentle, patient, and positive day and night (yes, parenting does still happen at night). But it’s worth it. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. [...]

The Mother I Want To Be :: wrap-up

This past themed weekend – “The Mother I Want to Be” – has given me a chance to reflect on who I am and who I want to be. Heaven knows I need reminders to be more intentional about being Available, Fun, Well-Read, Fit, and Selfless. Of course, I want to be many, many other [...]

Products for People Who Work at Home: The 1 Book

Thomas Edison once said, “I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others… I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to invent it.” I love his philosophy – his thoughtfulness – his generosity – his ability to look at the bigger [...]

BEST OF 2009: Books

Little-known facts about me: I LOVE reading. I read reallyyy fast (Tim calls me a Super Speed Reader). I have a distinct preference for non-fiction, but I also like fiction. I reviewed my fair share of books this past year and quite a few of them were really wonderful, but I narrowed down my picks [...]

3 Best Pregnancy Resources

Are you waiting for your baby to arrive – with curiosity and wonderment? Not sure how to prepare? Start by strengthening your marriage, getting your finances in order, freezing a bunch of meals, and taking a photography class. If you still have a bit of time on your hands before baby arrives, you may want [...]

3 Inspiring Books

If you know me well, you know that I can often be found with my nose in a book. Reading allows me to learn new things, to be introduced to new ideas and concepts. I like all kinds of books, but the books that I enjoy reading most of all tend to be the ones [...]

book review: love & logic

I recently read both “Parenting with Love & Logic” by Foster Cline & Jim Fay (NavPress, 2006, $24.99) and “Love & Logic Magic for Early Childhood” by Jim Fay & Charles Fay (Love & Logic Institute, 2000, $24.95). Both are excellent – instructive, practical, and immediately applicable. “Parenting With Love & Logic” offers parents an overarching [...]

5pm: I know exactly what’s for dinner

5:00 p.m., any day of the week, anytown, USA: “What are we going to have for dinner?“ That’s the question that rings ’round the country. In my house too, I admit. But not lately. Because I finally found a system that works really well for our family and our “season” of life. At this very [...]