I used to teach elementary music. I worked in the most wonderful school district with supportive administration, staff and teachers committed to the best for the kids, engaged parents, and a friendly community. It was a teacher’s dream job. Every few months, I would put together a musical program...

My son lied to me a few weeks back. It wasn’t anything “big,” but it was a lie. And it was the perfect timing to talk to him about my history with lies. I can remember quite clearly telling lies in the first grade initially to look cooler and...

We take St. Patrick’s Day pretty seriously around our house. I come from Irish ancestors on both my mother and father’s side. My first name is Erin {Gaelic for “Ireland”}, my maiden name began with “Mc,” and we know exactly where all those relatives lived on the Emerald Isle...

The season of love has my mind focused on the hearts of my children. Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. ~Proverbs 4:23 {The Message} As I read this verse in my quiet time a few weeks ago, I understood the implications for myself, but I...

As an elementary music teacher, one of my young students’ favorite activities involved a book about animals and lots of movement. I would show them a page of animals, turn on some music, and let them move around as one of the animals on that page until I stopped...

It happens around November 1st for me every single year. Everyone starts sharing their favorite holiday traditions and Advent calendar ideas and recipes and…I get sucked in like a giddy child! It’s a wonder my mind doesn’t explode from Christmas idea overload. Between Pinterest and blogs and magazines, you...

This month I have a very easy project for you that will encourage expressions of gratitude, both to God and to your own family members! This is my Blessings Box: We did this fun craft in our MOPS group a few years ago and it has been holding some...

We are still a few months away from the season of making resolutions and big changes, but for me, fall is the time of year that brings change most to my mind. It starts slowly with a leaf turning yellow here and there. A few more join in and...

The school year has started and you’ve probably been bombarded with lots of back-to-school posts already. I think it can all be a little hard to digest. Mom A posts about her homeschool day, complete with a schedule planned out in 15-minute increments. Mom B talks about the importance...

I have a degree in education. My bachelor’s degree is in music education, and just like most other education degrees, I was required to do many practicum and student teaching experiences. Throughout these experiences, I noticed a common theme amongst schools: a heavy emphasis on character education. Character Counts!...

I have three boys. Sometimes I can’t believe God entrusted me with the job of raising THREE boys because I have absolutely no idea how their minds work! I have found, though, that He is showing me just what I need as we go. The latest challenge has to...

Have you watched many sitcoms recently? I’ve noticed a trend in these sitcoms, specifically involving the father figures. Sitcom dads tend to be lazy, unmotivated screw-ups who can’t be counted on by their families. What a sad commentary on society’s view of fathers. And when we immerse ourselves in...