Welcome!You've arrived at home base for Monday FunDay, a carnival dedicated to swapping simple, amusing–maybe even silly–everyday ways you enjoy good, clean fun.Monday FunDayTo participate in Monday FunDay, just post a story, idea, or explanation at your blog of how you and/or your family has livened up Mondays (or any day).Then link up via Mr. Linky below (if you don’t … [Read more...]
This Weekend, We Visited Heaven
I snapped this shot of The Belgian Wonder's niece standing next to some of our kids as they stared at the Heaven Room at the Billy Graham Center, where the "Hallelujah Chorus" plays continuously.Our niece, a student at Wheaton College, walked us through the exhibit during a campus tour.I wanted to post this while I was there, but had trouble with the hotel connection, … [Read more...]
The Blessing of Boredom
"I'm bored," a child whines. Oh, no! Quick, pull out the paints or Playdough—heaven forbid the child actually sits with nothing to do. In our entertainment-obsessed society, we almost panic at the thought of having nothing to do, at being bored. The world seems to want to fill every spare moment with productivity or fun. But is boredom such a bad thing? Could boredom … [Read more...]
Monday FunDay (week 9)–Easter Fun Continues
Happy Easter Monday to you!And welcome to home base for Monday FunDay, a carnival dedicated to swapping simple, amusing–maybe even silly–everyday ways you enjoy good, clean fun.Monday FunDayTo participate in Monday FunDay, just post a story, idea, or explanation at your blog of how you and/or your family has livened up Mondays (or any day).Then link up via Mr. Linky below … [Read more...]
WFMW "Truth or Bare" Modesty "Tests"
My tween-aged daughters appreciated this outside, objective source of advice for determining the modesty of an outfit from The Secret Keeper website: "Truth or Bare," a set of modesty "tests." Obviously, a reader's personal standards might be much more or much less conservative than this, but it's a starting point to discuss modesty standards, and why they matter. … [Read more...]
Kid-Hosted Tea Party
The kids knew that we were planning on a tea party in the afternoon, so as I worked on something else, two of them set the table with a blue cloth and prepared the treats. They artistically arranged Girl Scout cookies, Trader Joe's Oreo-style cookies, truffles, and Andes mints on plates and pulled silk flowers out of the storage cabinet for a centerpiece.The small white … [Read more...]
Monday FunDay (week 7)–Tea Party
I'm a little late with my Monday FunDay post. I'm still in the post-retreat Slow Zone (sigh). Please accept my apologies. Welcome to:Monday FunDayWhat? You didn't know about Monday FunDay? Why, it's a carnival dedicated to swapping simple, amusing–maybe even silly–everyday ways you enjoy good, clean fun.Just post a story, idea, or explanation at your blog of how you and/or … [Read more...]
The Simplicity of Reading
I recently came across a passage in a book called Graceful Simplicity. In a chapter entitled "The Politics of Simplicity," in a section subtitled "Education for Simple Living," the author claimed that "In educating for simple living, three building blocks stand out: fostering a love of books, developing a stronger aesthetic sensibility, and enhancing our … [Read more...]
Somewhere in the World
The Boy came up to me just minutes ago and said, "I'm going to start praying about the girl I'm supposed to marry. My future wife. I'm going to start praying now for her, so that I'll know her when I see her." I affirmed his plan. "I think that's a great idea. That's exactly the thing to do. If you start praying now, when you're young, you'll have prayed about her all … [Read more...]
Recycling Never Looked So *Adorable* (bonus: Save the Wolves)
My friend Anita, designer/creator of those buttery-soft, recycled leather handbags I told you about, launched a line of children's backpacks called "Woof Packs." They come in different colors for both boys and girls—Anita said she'll soon be making some in pink—and I think my animal-crazy kindergartener will go bonkers over them! [Updated 2022: You may need to consult … [Read more...]
The Best Way to See Art: With Kids
We went to the art museum to see an exhibit of Roman art that was in our fair city on loan from the Louvre. En route, I had the kids take turns reading short chapters about ancient Rome from a kids' history book. I wanted them to have some historical context for the sculptures, busts, and reliefs they were about to view, so they took turns reading about … [Read more...]
I Love to Tell the Story: How Advent Traditions Invite Us to Reflect, Together
A few years ago we bought a preformed Advent wreath at Michael's. I wrapped some ribbons and beads around it, stuck some plastic red berries into the greenery here and there, and deemed it ready for service. It was hardly an example of artistic brilliance, but it would serve us fine. It was festive. It would hold the … [Read more...]
Adventures in Literary Outings: Encounters with Haven Kimmel, Author of A Girl Named Zippy
In 2007 I attended a colloquium at which Haven Kimmel, author of several books including a favorite of mine called A Girl Named Zippy, was the keynote speaker. It's been years since I read Zippy. Not long before I was heading to the colloquium, I happened across a post at Shalee's Diner reviewing it. The timing was fun, and I was glad she … [Read more...]
10 Simple Ways to Class Up One’s Act (a notch)
You may have concluded at some point that I'm not exactly a style guru. If so, you are correct. Just ask the friend who does my hair—she's thrilled if I agree to something other than a blunt trim straight across. I often forget to wear makeup, even though my face would certainly benefit from daily attention and improvements. And then of … [Read more...]
What are Your Five Fat Files?
Janel Messenger published a post entitled "The Anti-Boredom Life," in which she talked about modeling a life of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, turning off the TV and assigning chores. After reading her post, I was ready to take the kids on a breezy bike ride, run in the woods or veg out in a hammock watching clouds. She also included some practical suggestions for … [Read more...]
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