Search Results for: blog words of encouragement

Free Valentine’s Day Apps for Android

Celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with some free Valentine’s Day themed apps for Android devices. It is a good way to get into the spirit of the holiday. Some of these apps are kid-friendly, and some are variations on classic games. Here are some free Valentine’s Day apps for Android that you can play with this year. 2013 Valentine’s Day Hidden Objects is a free app for Android devices. The app was released on January 23, 2013. It features several simple “find the hidden object” puzzles that are kid-friendly. The backgrounds that you have to search through to find the … Continue reading →

Frugal and Free Homeschooling {part 5}

Is it possible to homeschool for free or inexpensively?  Yes, it is. I remember lamenting that I was so low I didn’t have enough money to send my kids to school.  At the time, I felt like I had failed entirely.  Then, I realized what a blessing to know I had no way to go but up and that I could not send my kids to school.  I did not have a car nor money to buy clothes, shoes, and materials just to go to school.  I was forced to see the true cost of homeschooling.  The cost is very … Continue reading →

Someone To Be Proud Of

Sometimes I tell my husband I’m proud of him. I do it when he’s accomplished something really cool, like finishing grad school or laying down hardwood floor in our house. Other times I tell him when I feel that warm ache in my chest when looking at him. He’s a great person, the best in my opinion, and I am so proud of him. It feels a little strange to say sometimes, because it’s not the sort of thing we’re used to saying to our spouses. We expect to hear it from our parents, or tell it to our kids: … Continue reading →

Helping Your Toddler Become A Problem Solver

Did you know that one of the best tools that you can give your toddler is the ability to solve problems for himself or herself? It can be frustrating to watch your little boy or girl struggle with something like getting his or her shirt on, or finding the right place for the puzzle piece to fit in. Many of us are quick to rush to the rescue, to help our little one “get it right” either to ease his frustration, or to get her out the door in time. If we are able to step back a little bit … Continue reading →

Ricki Lake’s Battle with Weight

I just finished a great book, “Never Say Never” by Ricki Lake. I come from the era of the “Ricki Lake Show” and was very interested in hearing more about her life. The central theme of “Never Say Never” is the battle she has waged with her weight. She is similar to the likes of Kirstie Alley, in that her weight problems have always been out there for the world to see. Ricki Lake first came on the scene when she starred in the movie, “Hairspray.” She weighed 200 pounds at the time. That seemed to fuel something inside her, … Continue reading →

Just Shy: Dealing with One Dog’s Uncertainty Around Other Dogs

I’m just shy The more I think about my people dog, the more I become concerned. What if I’m just refusing to see the truth, that my dog has developed potentially aggressive behavior? Sure, she’s never actually fought outside of the initial problems she had with the puggle last year, but I couldn’t help being concerned that her dislike, or at least wary disinterest in, other dogs could develop into something worse. Chihiro had her yearly vet visit last Thursday so I explained the situation to the vet and asked her for advice. I know that veterinarians aren’t necessarily specialists … Continue reading →

You’re Not Special

What words would you want spoken to your high school graduate? Would you prefer they receive accolades and praises for all they have accomplished? Or would you like to hear these words, “You aren’t special.” A commencement speech out of Massachusetts has caught the attention of the nation. High school English teacher David McCullough, Jr. had this to say: “None of you is special. You’re not special. You’re not exceptional.” He goes on to say that despite their trophies, report cards, despite the encouragement they have received from others (including the big purple dinosaur “Barney) and no matter how many … Continue reading →

Potty Training Our Son Part VII

Our first day of hard core potty training was a success. I switched him into a diaper for the night. As we went to sleep that night all I could think about was whether or not our potty training success was a fluke or for real. The next morning he awoke with a wet diaper but it was not soaked like it normally was. I put him in underwear right away after he emptied his bladder. Once again I employed the pantless strategy to help him be more aware of when he had to go potty and it was also … Continue reading →

Eating Habits

You know the old saying, “You are what you eat.” But I also think it could be said that our children are what we eat. In other words, our eating habits are transferred down to them. I was recently reading an article about the “10 Bad Eating Habits Parents Often Teach their Kids” and came to a realization about something. I have gotten slack in this department. When they were younger, I had a lot more control over what they ate. I leaned toward healthier choices and because that was what I purchased, it was what I ate as well. … Continue reading →

Best Read: Educating the Wholehearted Child

God did not forget to include “school” in his biblical design for raising children-home education is a natural expression of all that God intended for parents and their children. ~ Educating the Wholehearted Child * Written by Clay Clarkson with Sally Clarkson * Published by Apologia Press (3rd Edition – June 2011) * Paperback Volume – (11 in x 8.5 in x 1in) * 376+ pages * Biblical, Christ Centered Advice for Homeschooling Families * Available from Apologia Educational Ministries * $22.00 * See the Table of Contents HERE. The Clarkson’s began their homeschooling journey when their first child was … Continue reading →