Whenever anyone would ask me as a kid what my favorite holiday was, I always answered with an eager exclamation “THANKSGIVING!” I literally could not contain my excitement as I said my answer with confidence. I knew they expected what most kids might say—Christmas—but even as a young child, there was something I held dear about Thanksgiving. It was a special time for our entire family and distant relatives to come together and share a special meal around the table. Just the mere thought of it ... [keep reading]
Where Does Thankfulness Start?
Have you ever noticed that your attitude sets the tone for your whole house? There are many days when I wish that wasn’t the case. Days when I’m worn out and tempted to grumble about it. Days when traffic makes me want to vent. Days when I don’t feel like doing laundry or dishes or mothering. If only I could wear a sign on my forehead that says, “Mom’s positive attitude is taking the day off. Check back tomorrow.” But the reality is being an example to my kids is a task that never ... [keep reading]
Leading Your Kids Through Connection
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) I used to think that this Scripture meant that if I raised my children “right,” they would never get in trouble, never suffer, never make poor choices, never be unkind, never part from the Lord, and never question their faith. I misunderstood. I have eight children. Two of them are grown adults, three are teens, and three are preteens. I have done everything in my power to “raise ... [keep reading]
What Would Your Best Thanksgiving Look Like?
It’s the typical Thanksgiving dinner scene: A family gathered around a table digesting turkey, mashed potatoes, pecan pie, and all the other things that come with holiday get-togethers. You know what I’m talking about—the family dynamics. Thanksgiving is an awesome holiday, but let’s face it, some of us just don’t want to go there. It can be anything but a time of celebration. For many it can invoke painful memories, disappointment, or feeling like you “have to” sit through somber family ... [keep reading]
Teach Your Kids the Right Way to Restore Relationships
“I hate you!” I couldn’t believe my ears as I heard my nine-year-old son scream this for the first time ever at his younger sister. To give you some context, dare I say she probably deserved it? And before you think I’m a terrible mom, let me explain why. My son is probably the most sensitive, easy-going boy you will find. He loves to snuggle and is very compassionate. So, to hear him loose his temper and yell at his sister meant there was likely a good explanation. As I headed toward the ... [keep reading]
Enter Our Crock-Pot Giveaway + Get This Delicious Fall Recipe to Try
To celebrate the release of Shay Shull's latest cookbook, Mix-and-Match Mama Meal Planner, here's a scrumptious slow cooker recipe that's perfect for a fall day. And even better, you can enter to win a Crock-Pot. It's easy. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for instructions on how to enter. Take it away, Shay! BBQ Apple Chicken Sandwiches I just adore a slow-cooker meal that is super simple and waiting when I'm ready to eat. Apples, onions, and slow cookers are staples at our house in ... [keep reading]
Rediscover the Beauty of the Bible
Most mornings when I wake up, the first thing I do is reach for my phone. I mindlessly thumb through messages and news feeds, eventually (maybe) opening the daily devotion app tucked away on the front screen. The problem is, when I’m attached to technology, I find that my connection to God weakens. A while back I sat next to a dear woman at church named Sue. She’s in her golden years, twice widowed, and knows the Bible front to back. As we listened to the sermon, she filled the margins of her ... [keep reading]
How to Have Hard Conversations with Your Child
Once when having a conversation with my teenage exchange daughter and one of her friends, her friend said, “I never tell my mom anything.” Surprised, I asked her why. “Because of how she’d react. She’d either be mad or sad or cry or think it’s her fault. I just don’t want to go there, especially if it’s something really important to me.” “Well, thanks for trusting me enough to admit that,” I replied. “Of course,” she said. “It’s easier to talk to someone who’s not your parent.” I ... [keep reading]
3 Ways to Encourage a Culture of Creativity in Your Home
My five-year old and I hosted a cooking show a few weeks ago. The Zoey + Mom Cooking Show had award-worthy viewership of 54 people on Instagram. Watch out MasterChef Junior, we make one killer quesadilla. One of the core values in our family is being intentional in our God-given creativity. You can often find us having dance parties, doing Dollar Store art projects, or playing the sound effects game—quick, ask your son to make a tiger sound. But it wasn’t always this way. The simplest ... [keep reading]
How Can You Help Your Children Discover Their Identity?
I’m an adoptive mom of eight children. Identity is often a conversation we have in our home. Where did I come from? Who do I look like? Do I have good characteristics that come from my first mom and dad? Do I have good characteristics that come from my adoptive family? As I watch my children wrestle with the answers to these questions, I am moved to also question my own identity. Who am I? Where do I come from? Am I of value to this world? Are my particular gifts and talents as good as ... [keep reading]
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