Bacon, Ricotta and Peas on Pasta is one of those recipes that is fast, easy, and yummy. It is one of those Italian Dishes that is really filling and not very good for you. Shhh. Don't tell. All of my kids love this dish. The long pole in the tent is the bacon. Once the bacon is done, this dish comes together really fast. So start your garlic bread when you start the bacon and start water for your Continue Reading >>
Sometimes Change Is Good. Are You Ready?
I grew up in a small town. When describing it to others, I've always called it Small Town, USA. The official name of the town is Petersburg. When my sisters and I all got married to out-of-town city boys, they all called it Piddlesburg. Just a tiny little two-stoplight town with not much to offer in the way of entertainment or culture. We were lucky if we came for a visit during the annual 4H Continue Reading >>
Book Review: Children’s Atlas of God’s World by Craig Froman
I went to get the Children's Atlas of God's World out of my suitcase to write this review, and I had to wait for ten minutes while my fourteen-year-old flipped through the book reading bits here and there from every page and studying the beautiful pictures. She was especially interested in the page about New Zealand, because we just watched an episode of Amazing Race that took place in New Continue Reading >>
Curriculum Review: Institute for Excellence in Writing
I thought I was going to have a hard time convincing my daughter to use Student Writing Intensive Level B ($109) Set from Institute for Excellence in Writing. I sat down to watch the first session of Teaching Writing with Structure and Style ($169) on DVD when she just happened to be in the room. Mr. Pudewa was articulate and even funny, and I noticed her laughing to herself even though she Continue Reading >>
Happy Inside the Fence? Setting Rules Your Kids Can Live With
The way I see it, two extremes exist. Those who set no rules for their kids and those who have rules galore. Most of us are struggling to strike the right balance between these extremes. I'm actively seeking ways to achieve that balance. We are trying to set enough rules to keep our kids safe and healthy while at the same time provide enough freedom that rebellion is not the first step they will Continue Reading >>
Bible First – Every Day – How to Set the Right Tone for Your Homeschool
A few years ago, this was a very basic rule in our house. Everyone did Bible first — Every Day! No Exceptions, Bible always came first. On days when we had COOP; or dentist appts., or whatever — Bible might have been the only subject we got done at home that day. When my kids tried to alter this I'd say, “No, Bible is the most important thing you study; and I want to make sure that no matter Continue Reading >>
