books & more
Last year I shared our book club's 2024 picks, so it's time for an update! After we got started up, we had a couple people drop out, new people join, one had a baby . . . so our original list changed a bit, starting in September. So, here's what we actually read in 2024, [...]
Meal planning is time consuming, so if I'm going to do it I might as well share it, right? It's November, so we're feeling in the mood for slow cooker meals, comforting pastas and soups, and hearty meat-and-three dishes over here. This is what I'm planning for my household of five this week. Note: One [...]
This year we are taking on Modern Literature at our high school co-op English class, and it's been the most fun list for me to put together so far. There are so many books that students will thoroughly enjoy in this category (no offense, Victorian Lit). In fact, my co-teacher and I couldn't narrow it [...]
You all have loved our post on how to read Pride and Prejudice along with the BBC miniseries (because, Colin Firth!), and some of you have requested we do a similar post on Sense & Sensibility. So, here I am to save the day! At the homeschool co-op where I teach literature, I also happen [...]
Christmas is three weeks deep in my rearview window, but my bank statement is feeling it now. I'm guessing I'm not the only one who puts off shopping until the last minute, then panic-shops and has the financial hit to go with it. This year, I'm determined to bring more sanity to my advent season. [...]
The Eagle rank in Scouts BSA is one of the most distinguished achievements a teen can earn, and rightly so. It is a lot of work, but the kids I know are excited and willing to do it. With so many young people are focused on social justice these days, I wanted to share some [...]
The internet has been abuzz this week with leaks from Prince Harry's deeply personal new memoir, Spare. And yes, I will admit that I have already pre-ordered my copy and will be submerging into my bed for some binge-reading the moment it arrives. #Sorrynotsorry. Whatever your opinion of the rogue prince, it seems like the [...]
-Tell myself I will NOT argue with the moms on Facebook saying “guns aren’t the problem” -Argue with the other moms on Facebook saying that “guns aren’t the problem” -Stare wistfully at the tufts of my son’s blonde hair while he draws with markers -Answer the question, why is Mommy crying? -Answer the question, why [...]
Anyone else having a hard time letting themselves rest now that the pandemic is starting to wind down in the U.S.? I've been struggling with this lately, even though I’ve been busy serving as the sole caregiver, friend, teacher, playmate, and germ guardian (virus bouncer?) to both of my children for the last year and [...]
In our neighborhood in the Nashville suburbs, almost every house has a yard sign that reads, “Drive like your children live here,” with a heart emblem around it. There are neon-colored, plastic figurines waving flags that say, “SLOW,” at other houses, and the moms shove them farther into the intersections so that even if cars [...]
Spilled Milk 