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The Emperors New Clothes

“Why, he’s not wearing anything at all! He’s only wearing his underwear!” The surrounding people gasped. “Who said that?” one asked. “Who said they cannot see the cloth.” “It’s only a child!” exclaimed another. “An honest child!” his father insisted. “Perhaps more honest than any of us.” During our morning devotion, I asked Eva, “When do we tell the truth?” She enthusiastically shouted, “All the time!” I followed up with, “What about when it hurts someone’s feelings or is unpopular?” […]

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This Little Light of Mine

“God bless the friend who sees my needs and reaches out a hand, who lifts me up, who prays for me, and helps me understand.” Amanda Bradley “Come on, gang! Everyone grabs a bag!” The words of my sister rang through her living room as we were leaving for the splash park. About to head out the door with four kids, Brittney quickly finished with, “Oh, Caroline!” Looking around the corner, there she was, still laying on the changing table […]

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And to the Republic

I am experiencing technical difficulties. Thank you for your patience and concern when I did not show up in your inbox. I love to hear from you! However, I should be back to my normal schedule next week. For what avail though plow or sail, or land or life, if freedom fail? Ralph Waldo Emerson Enjoy a journal entry from my father this week. He makes me think and I often find myself corrected every time I read his writings. […]

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Strawberry Shortcake

There is nothing like staying home for real comfort. Jane Austin Strawberries are summer’s sweetness. Red, plump, and juicy goodness stain our clothes and faces as we make strawberry jam and shortcakes. Local producers sell these seeded gems and dare you to try and make it home without devouring them. We have yet to win. So delicious are strawberries that we now have a patch of our own to enjoy on our summer gardening excursions. Dicing up strawberries, Eva scoots […]

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Dance With Me

When I was little, pizza was the Friday night special. Mom and Dad had a standing date night, and we enjoyed pizza and a sitter. “Book It” was also the rage in elementary schools. It was the way to earn free personal pan pizzas from Pizza Hut. Once you finished a book, you would receive a coupon. My sister and I couldn’t wait to earn our reward! We were brand new newlyweds. It was a rainy evening, and Chuck and […]

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Music to Daddy’s Ears

“Daddy, daddy! Please tell us a story!” Brittney and I would crawl up beside him before bed, each of us under one of his strong arms. Then he would begin with, “When I was a little boy.” On and on he would recreate the past. We would sit spellbound by his steady voice and captivating scenes. It seems only fitting that I endear you to him a bit more. If you’re itching to know how to make blueberry pancakes, build […]

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The Seesaw

“On and on, you will hike, and I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems, whatever they are.” Dr. Seuss After Charlotte was born and I found my new rhythm, I committed myself to begin teaching fitness classes again. I was excited about the opportunity. It was only a couple of nights a week with the benefit of extra spending cash. I would have a sphere of influence to impart change to others and encourage them on […]

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Peaches and Peanuts

You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read. Charlie Tremendous Jones There is just something about holding a book. As my finger turns the pages, the sound keeps me spellbound while the smell lingers around each line as if trying to tell me of the adventure that awaits. I get my love of books from my mother. Her office and bedroom used to be […]

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Mind Your Manners

In a world where rudeness flares it is time to teach our children to mind their manners. Read a story from homesweethome.blog about courtesy and respect for others.

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To: Mommy

“Mommy! Charlotte has her hand in the toilet!” “Eva, please remove Charlotte’s hand from the toilet bowl water.” I stepped outside to put the dogs in their kennels before leaving the house. Without even seeing the situation on the inside, I knew exactly where my girls were and what was happening. How does a mother do it? We are cooking supper, yet we can holler to the other room, “DO NOT walk across that carpet with your shoes on!” Switching […]

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