• A Simple Rainboot Make-over for Decoration Only

    Twenty-two years ago, this little guy stole my heart. All 7 lbs. 1 oz. of him. And now, 22 years later, he’s made me a grandma and my heart is stolen all over again. I’m planning a baby shower for little Shalom that will be held this Saturday and yesterday I did a super simple project that I want to share with you. Hardly any time was involved, it’s easy and low-cost. All you will need is a pair of rubber boots that are ready to be thrown away. Like these. One of the boots has a 4″ crack where water can come in instead of keeping it out so…

  • A Western Style Farewell Dinner

    This past Saturday we had a different kind of dinner here at the ranch. It was a farewell dinner for friends that our kids have almost all grown up together with. They’ve been with us through all our homeschooling activities, the Castle Keeper club, and the list goes on. So it wasn’t really a celebration but a dinner in honor of, since it’s kind of a sad time for all of us here. We’re happy for them but also sad that they’ll be moving 2,000 miles away. Because we were doing hamburgers/hotdogs, I decided a cowboy theme would be fitting.   The chalkboard sign is written in Spanish and says,…

  • A Never Complete List of Things To Do With Your Child At 5 and 6

    Recently I wrote a post about the pressure many of us feel to start our child’s formal education when they reach 5-6 years of age. I asked the question of why, at this point, do we feel we need to get formal with their education. Many times, especially if they’re boys, they are just not ready to sit at a desk for extended periods of time. But most mom’s do it anyways because of many possible reasons. Before I rewrite that post once again, why don’t you just go ahead and read it? 🙂 So today I want to give you a incomplete list of things your child can learn…

  • When You’re Feeling Dejected and Discouraged

    Sometimes when disappointments and discouragements are present in our life it’s easy to lose sight of anything good. This is something I have struggled with a lot in my personal life.  I’ve overcome it to a certain degree but then there are the days I have my set backs. It’s not wrong to feel discouraged but it’s how you and I handle it that determines whether we are going to let the trial or situation affect us adversely or if we’ll be overcomers. David also had his ups and downs as he shares in the Psalms – There were times when he was full of praise. “I love the Lord,…

  • Our First Grandchild Has Arrived

    As of last night I am a grandmother! Little Shalom Adriel arrived somewhere around 7:32 p.m., weighing 7lbs. 10oz. and measuring 20 1/4″ long. Zachary is a very proud daddy. And the mommy… Audrey adores babies – loves to hold them, feed them, take care of them. She’ll make a great auntie. Justus kept checking his new little niece out. Was he marveling at new life, I wonder? First time aunts and uncle. The captivated Grandpa. Am I really a Grandma?? Shalom Adriel Shalom means “Peace” Adriel means “God’s flock, from God’s congregation” We are thankful for a relatively short delivery and a healthy grand-daughter!