Lately I have not been to impressed with the Movies that have been released on the public. There has not been any good educational topics or life meaning drama's in some time.

I was very discouraged until I saw "Akeelah and The Bee." The description on the DVD web page says it all:

With an aptitude for words, 11-year-old Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer) is determined to spell her way out of South Los Angeles, entering scores of local contests and eventually landing a chance to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Despite... more

One of the most wonderful feelings we experienced in our early years of adoption was watching the expressions on our children's faces, when we took them on vacation to new places they had never been before.

I remember the first in state vacation we took the kids on. We went up to my husbands family cabin in Westbranch, Michigan.

The kids were very sleepy when we finally got there and the six hours it took to drive up from down state had them bored to death. So we carried them in and placed them in the spare bedroom and on the couch to sleep.

The... more

One of the most beautiful sounds on earth to me is the sound of children laughing. It is a glorious gift to life.

Those of us in Adoption and Foster Care know that even a smile is a big step for some of our kids. So when we hear good uncontrollable laughter floating around the echoes of our home. We sit back smile and enjoy the beauty of that wonderful sound.

The bible says that "Laughter is a medicine to the soul." I whole heartedly believe that is true. Sometimes when stress builds you have to laugh or cry. I prefer laughter.

But... more

One of my favorite past times is tickling and wrestling with my little grandson. He is just this awesome ball of energy. He wears me out in just a few minutes.

I love to hear the sound of his laughter. It brightens my day.

When he and his mommy get into a good tickle session. He will giggle and wiggle all over the floor. We have to call time outs so that mom and son can breath.

I always knew that my oldest daughter would be a great mom. But at moments like this I just gleam with pride and happiness. To see her enjoying her child so much and him loving his mommy so much.

He is now in his terrible twos. He is giving mom a run for her money. Picking... more

If you have children who are picky eaters. I bet you spend time like me. Trying to come up with ways to make sure all the food groups enter your dinner plan, in ways that the children will consume them.

My two grand children take after their mom so much that they are very picky like my daughter. She hated cheese but loved noodles and butter. We came up with a few ways to make pasta salad that she would not mind eating.

My other two daughters love Mac & Cheese. But one will not eat meats and the other is very picky on her veggies. So I... more

Training Toddlers... Whose job is it anyway?

Well if you live in my home. The answer is clear. It is everyone's job.

Everyone who comes in contact with your toddler will leave an impression. If everyone agrees that it is a No, No to touch the tv screen or the stove when it is hot. Then everyone enforces that idea into your toddler. Your little one will learn quickly and will let you know by their actions.

It is the same with a lot of common sense ideas like running into the street or going near the water or pulling the dogs ears and squeezing the... more

We are moving into some of the hottest days of summer. Everyone is trying to get in a few last days of vacation before the kids start back to school.

Staying cool and enjoying life is a good way to top off the hot summer days.

Everyone may want to get in some school shopping. Pick up those summer sales on school supplies and new out fits. Get the back packs all ready for that smooth return to school year activities.

Some of the most pleasant times I had with my kids were shopping for school supplies and getting them ready to catch... more

Here is another beautiful picture floating around the net this month. I just had to share this with my readers.

Someone really had to spend some "family time" here teaching this wonderful young man and his pet to say their prayers each night before bed.

This is just one more place and point of interest, of family traditions that carry on through life. I am sure this boy and his dog will never forget the precious moments they spent before bed, saying their prayers together.

I hope this has blessed you as it has me. It made... more

There is nothing like a good Thunder Storm that comes along and takes out all the power in the house. If it lasts just a few minutes the excitement wears down and everyone goes back to their electronic haven. But, if it is one of those long lingering power outages that lasts for hours. Many of us stay at home mom's scream for help.

What to do...hummmm....how do you keep those little ones busy enough to survive the day?

1.) Get out a large piece of drawing paper and some colorful pencils, crayons or markers.

2.) Have everyone join in. Draw something... more

One of the most valuable things you can teach your child is the art of problem solving. When children bicker and fight, instead of jumping in and correcting the kids by time outs. Try a different approach.

Take a few minutes and discuss why they are arguing. Then ask them what other way would be useful in solving the problem rather than arguing.

By interrupting the argument and challenging the kids to take a moment and think. You are teaching them to brain storm and work out situations with out the anger involved.

It takes... more