A favorite post from my archives...a game changing mindset shift. Hope you enjoy--This whole thing began a few months before our trip, but while we were away, expanding became my recurring theme. I've talked about it just enough that now all of the boys talk about it too. Or maybe they make fun of me talking about it, but regardless, it's kind of a thing now.This is how it all got started...It was an afternoon like many others...My boys were rough-housing and loud, and in that
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What A Middle School Boy Needs Most from His Parents.
Hey Friends! I am sharing a reader (and author, I might add ;)) favorite post from the archives today. I'm guessing many of you have read this at some point, but I know there are things in here we could use reminders of often. Also: After receiving a number of emails and messages from moms-in-the-thick-of-it lately (you know who you are) I think this post covers much of what is on mom's minds...Hope reading it (even if again,) it offers you a few fresh reminders and some encouragement in
What happened in the hardest season of my life
Today I am sharing a post from my archives. This is an extra special one to me because, well -- it brings me back to such a challenging season of my life. A season that forever changed me. Anyways, I hope it encourages a few of you this week. XO, Monica******************* Moms of Little Ones... If you've got one or more little person in your home, this one is for you. I'm talking babies, toddlers, preschool, and the like. These days are crazy to say the least.I can say that the
Talking to your Teen/Tween about Peer Pressure
With summer on the horizon, I can't think of a better time to cover the next "Conversation" in our series! Today is all about talking to your kids about...peer pressure.The term "peer pressure" has been thrown around so much that many of us gloss over it. We might assume kids are already aware of peer pressure, and they've heard all the messages: Just say no. Don't succumb to pressure. Believe in yourself. Be YOUnique. All of the cliches that hang on the walls of
Family Favorite Energy Balls.
Energy balls are one staple snack food I have in my fridge almost all of the time. I shared a recipe for our favorite energy balls within another post a couple years ago, but as I am cleaning up my archives, I wanted to give the recipe it's very own post. It is worthy. ;) Energy balls are perfect for breakfast, a snack, on-the-go, or late night...Kids love them, and they are packed with great ingredients. They take a little time, but the end product is so worth it. The awesome thing about
For the days that matter. {every day} A word of encouragement.
Hi friends...While I've been away, I've begun the daunting task of looking over hundreds of posts in my blog files -- some published, some unpublished...some inspired, but unfinished, others clearly begging to be trashed. ("blog spring cleaning" --it's a big job.) Anyways, I found a special post tucked away that for some reason was never published. I thought maybe this was a good time to share it. I hope there's something in it for you.BTW: This post was written 4 years ago -- (I
What I’m reading now…With a great new book giveaway!
So...let's talk about books! Like many of you, I typically have a stack of books by my bedside (and chair-side, and scattered throughout my house.) But the sad truth is: I have way more books than time to read them. One day, when my house is quiet, I'm pretty sure you'll find me reading all of the books. (then I'll cry and dream of a bunch of noisy kids, right?)Well, I've been meaning to share a few of my latest favorite books for a while, and now I have extra motivation: My friend
Talking to your kids about how to treat the opposite sex
Remember when the most important manners we taught our kids were as simple as: share your toys, play fair, be nice, and don't pick your nose in public?These might have cut it in on the playground, but when adolescence hits, everything gets more complicated. In their tweenage years (<-- that works, right?) our kids need more guidance than ever. Interestingly, however, these are the years a lot of parents become the most quiet.Don't be that parent.Our kids continue to need us