“School’s out. Yay! Summer’s here. Whoopee! Finally, I can do what I want!” Sounds good, but it’s not too long before we’ll hear: “I’m so bored, there’s nothing to do.” It makes a mother (or grandmother) want to pull her hair out! When did boredom become a sin? Kids today are used to being programmed, … Read More about Beating Boredom
Highlights from Cousin Camp 2017
We just finished our tenth Cousin Camp and it was an incredible, exhausting, thrilling blessing. Our eldest granddaughter, Callie Gaskins (age 19), put together a video of some of this year’s highlights: Our granddaughter Isabel Yates (age 12) wrote this beautiful poem about our farm—where Cousin Camp takes place: I Am the Farm I am … Read More about Highlights from Cousin Camp 2017
The Power of a “Buddy”–Cousin Camp is coming!!
I know it’s getting close when I start getting phone calls from my grandkids asking, “Ghee, whose buddy am I going to be this year?” Cousin Camp is almost here! It still amazes me that buddies are such a big deal. I started this system out of desperation! I needed the kids to help each … Read More about The Power of a “Buddy”–Cousin Camp is coming!!
My Second Hike on the Appalachian Trail
My friend Melody and I just finished our 2nd hike on the Appalachian Trail! 4 days, 3 nights, 37 miles, each with 37-pound backpacks; We hit the trail at Trout Creek, Va and staggered off 4 days later near Daleville, Va. We scaled Virginia’s triple crown-“Dragon’s Tooth,” “McAfee Knob,” and “Tinker Cliffs.” Even my … Read More about My Second Hike on the Appalachian Trail
Is it really a vacation with toddlers?
I used to think vacations equaled rest. Sleeping in, curling up with a book, long walks, and romantic dinners with my husband… and then I had kids! I distinctly remember one of our early family vacations with toddlers. It was a disaster. The babies did not sleep, the siblings fought, and it was either too … Read More about Is it really a vacation with toddlers?
How You Can Build A Strong Friendship with Your Husband
I’m thrilled to have my dear friend and colleague Lisa Jacobson share a guest blog today! Her words are rich! He often introduces me as his girlfriend. Ever-so-slightly embarrassing. He’ll say it to the barista at Starbucks, or the cashier in the check-out line of the grocery store. Even to the new couple we met at … Read More about How You Can Build A Strong Friendship with Your Husband
A Mother’s Legacy
Her long white hair was usually tied up in a bun. A twinkle in her deep blue eyes revealed a well of joy and perhaps mischievousness. Even though she was already 96, she still met weekly with twelve young mothers she had been mentoring for nearly a dozen years. Widowed at 62 she had poured … Read More about A Mother’s Legacy
Do You Feel Empty in Your Nest?
It’s the season of graduations. You may have your first child graduating or you may be launching your last. It’s a joyful time, a sad time, and a big adjustment for all! Years ago you could never imagine the “empty nest season” but suddenly it is here! Because our 5 kids were so close in … Read More about Do You Feel Empty in Your Nest?
