Family Life | Heart of the Matter

Fishies and Encouragement

I had survived the event and made it to the fish tanks. Four children. Long school day behind us. Minutes swiftly approaching dinner time. Marathon grocery store trip. You know the drill. And the fish tanks were there, situated...

Dealing with Chronic Illnesses Part 3: Dreading Winter

December is my favorite month of the year because it includes my two favorite holidays: Jesus’ birthday and my birthday. I love the presents (giving as well as receiving), the wrapping, the sights, the sounds, the smells, the...

Happily See-Through

We teach our kids about the omniscience and omnipresence of our God. That is, we let them know that God knows everything, sees everything, is everywhere, and so on. We can’t hide from him. He is always by our side. He is...

The Literal World – Be Careful What You Say

While enjoying a nice lunch at the Japanese restaurant we were recalling that it once used to be a Blockbuster video store. It had been remodeled so well that it was hard to remember the building in its original state. An old...

The Abnormal Schedule

With Christmas behind us you might be inclined to think I’m turning my mind toward diving back into homeschooling and our normal life. However, this year, that is not meant to be. This year we are moving to a new house and my...

The Smell of Victory

It’s funny what our kids remember about their childhoods. Their memories are distinct and individualized, and some of their most significant memorable moments didn’t even register with me at the time. As my children have...

Embracing Interruptions

I like schedules. They make me happy in a strange list-making addiction sort of way. I know, I know: it’s a sickness! I’ve found that I’m not alone, though; many of us homeschoolers tend to be a little OCD that...

Homeschooling Is a Gift

Thinking about Christmas brings to mind gifts. Well, this year I am thankful for the gift of homeschooling. As I look back on this journey, I am realizing it is a gift that God presented to me six years ago, and I have slowly...

Around the Web with Kris

photo courtesy The Homeschool Classroom Domino Christmas Ornaments – The Homeschool Classroom – If you’re looking for fun, simple Christmas projects for your kids, this post from The Homeschool Classroom, part of a...

I Can’t Believe I Said That!

We don’t write on the baby. Please don’t lick the car. How can you not know what hit you? The bruise is between your eyes. When you thought about becoming a parent, you probably expected you’d say regular things, normal...