Date Night

By Becky | February 18, 2012
A couple stands on grass, holding hands on what seems to be a perfect date. The word "FOREVER" is spelled with Scrabble tiles resting in the open palms of their hands, layered together. The woman's hands are on top, adorned with a lace dress and bracelets.

Spontaneous date night is not really an option with little ones in the house. A plan is necessary! Unfortunately the plan is often times determined by the babysitter’s schedule. Funny how a thirteen-year-old can dictate date night. Sick kids can play into the equation too. I remember one special evening. Scott and I had a wonderful…

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Valentine's Day…Just for Love

By Becky | February 12, 2012
A red bucket tipped over, spilling small white and pink heart-shaped objects. In the foreground, a glittery red heart stands out, all placed on a dark surface—perfectly capturing the spirit of Valentine's Day.

Valentine’s Day is my very favorite holiday. Christmas is beautiful, celebrating the birth of Jesus. Easter is magnificent, rejoicing in the Risen Savior. Valentine’s Day too, is all about love. February 14th is a quieter holiday, one set aside for loving each other. Valentine’s Day is an exciting day for kids! I taught kindergarten and first…

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A Mountaintop Moment

By Becky | February 4, 2012
A scenic view of a snowy mountaintop with a ski lift in operation. Skiers and snowboarders are visible on the slopes under a clear blue sky. The sun shines brightly, creating lens flare effects, while pine trees are scattered in the foreground.

Downhill skiing is one of my family’s favorite sports. Minnesota skiing is fun but mountain skiing is exhilarating. There’s something about the anticipation of a long run down the slope that gets the adrenaline pumping. Smelling the pines, hearing the swoosh of snow on each turn, and seeing the delighted smiles on the kids’ faces…

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Chasing and Catching the ZZZs

By Becky | January 22, 2012
A close-up of a baby peacefully sleeping on a soft surface, as if chasing dreams. The baby is wearing a light pink outfit, with arms stretched above the head. The lighting is soft, highlighting the baby's serene expression and gentle features.

You know the nights…tossing, turning, and readjusting the pillow over and over. Sometimes getting to sleep can be a chore. The culprit can be anything from too much caffeine close to bedtime to anxious thoughts. Our kids can suffer the same problem. The suggestions below will help your child avoid those restless nights. Set the…

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Getting Enough ZZZs…Sleep

By Becky | January 14, 2012
A newborn baby lies on white sheets, sleepily wearing a gray knitted hat with cartoonish eyes and a black nose. The baby has its mouth open, appearing to yawn or make a noise, with one hand raised near its face.

Sleep Habits for Kids …when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24b Getting Enough ZZZs? In regard to attitude, health and general well being nothing beats a good night sleep. I know at my house when we are not getting enough of the old shut eye things deteriorate quickly; tempers are quick…

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Comfort Food for a Cold Winter Night

By Becky | January 7, 2012
A person wearing a gray knit hat and black gloves blows snow from their cupped hands, capturing the essence of winter. They stand outdoors with snowy trees blurred in the background, embodying a serene seasonal moment.

In Minnesota, it’s usually cold in January, very cold. This year has been the exception. Even with the warmer than usual weather, comfort foods are still at the top of the menu lists. Pot roast with mashed potatoes and gravy, wild rice soup, and hearty spaghetti with Italian meat sauce are family requests on cold…

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New Year’s Resolution or Revision?

By Becky | December 30, 2011
A "Happy New Year" card featuring a fireworks design sits elegantly on a wooden surface, encircled by pine branches and small red berries, symbolizing fresh resolutions and new beginnings.

I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions in the past. It always seemed a little hokey, making a promise to do something one needs to do anyway such as get fit, clean out closets and finish projects. This year may just be different. What if the resolution was manageable and more than just a…

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Where is Jesus?!?

By Becky | December 17, 2011
A nativity scene featuring three wooden figurines on straw: a serene woman with clasped hands, a bearded man holding a staff, and baby Jesus in a small manger wrapped in cloth. They are set against a wooden backdrop.

Advent, a time to look forward expectantly to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Each day, the advent calendar ticks off another day, moving my family closer to the real Reason for the season. When I think back to when my boys were little, once the nativity scene…

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More on Manners

By Becky | December 10, 2011
Close-up of a Christmas tree branch adorned with small white snowflake ornaments and warm white string lights. Pinecones are nestled among the green needles, crafting a festive atmosphere with impeccable manners against a soft, blurred background.

Christmas festivities have already kicked into high gear to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus. It’s the time of year when families and friends draw close, sharing stories, traditions and of course meals. To make this joyous time less stressful when visiting with the relatives, take some time to work on manners with your…

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Do Manners Matter?

By Becky | December 2, 2011
Child's hands, with a hint of mischief, hold and spill colorful jellybeans onto a light wooden table. Scattered beans in red, blue, yellow, green, and orange spread joyously as if defying all manners of neatness across the surface.

Manners are powerful, both good manners and poor manners. Think about it. Would you rather hang out with a friend who is polite or rude? Society may focus on the crass and unruly, but respect and polite behavior will always be in style. Teaching manners goes far beyond please and thank you. And it is…

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