I am a fairly new fan of Stevia, which is  an all-natural sweetener made from the leaves of a South American herb.  Stevia does not cause any change in your blood glucose levels; its  glycemic index is zero.  Therefore, stevia is suitable for... »

I have been reading J.D. Wyss' novel, Swiss Family Robinson, to my children for the last 3 weeks.  We are almost halfway through the novel, but are enjoying it immensely.  Well, we enjoy the story, but both Jake... »

If you have read my blog for long, you know that I have a great appreciation for Sally Fallon and her ground-breaking cookbook, Nourishing Traditions.  I refer to it often as I cook in my own kitchen.  It truly is a cookbook that one must read from cover to cover.  If you are not sure or don't remember what the... »

Sometimes you can get so caught up in life that you start losing your own life.  Relationships suffer because you are so busy doing.  Having small children can put a strain on you, too.  They completely rely on you for everything.  If you aren't careful, your relationship with your spouse suffers. Over a year ago, Lane and I committed to having... »

Before Jake was tested for allergies, he had a reaction to Hidden Valley Ranch dressing.   A welpy rash appeared all around his mouth.  I read the ingredients and assumed the problem was milk related.  Isaac had already been diagnosed with several allergies, one of which was milk. During the allergy testing process, Jake had no food allergies.  However, he was very... »

I cannot believe that it is mid-August already!  My spring/summer garden is done.  I have a few peppers still growing, but other than that it is done and mowed under.  Now ironically in the dog days of summer, I am preparing for my fall garden. We live about 45 miles from Monterey Mushroom Farm in Madisonville, Texas.  If you are from... »

Processed foods are not ideal, but I do rely on them in a pinch.  One of the items I almost always have on hand is Bob's Red Mill Chocolate Brownie Mix.  It is delicious and gluten-free. You never know when someone might drop by or when you might need to bring a dessert... »

Since I was a little girl, I have loved to read.  Reading brings me enjoyment as I grow and learn while simultaneously escaping to another world.  I have a degree in English from Texas A&M University; therefore, I have dedicated years to the study of literature.  I have grown to love fiction as well as non-fiction works. So many home school... »

When I was engaged to my husband many years ago, we agreed that he would never purchase a gift for me that plugged in unless I specifically asked for it.  We knew a couple who struggled at gift-giving time.  The husband loved gadgets, which he also loved purchasing... »

In the book, Little House in the Big Woods, Caroline Ingalls used to say, "Wash on Monday, Iron on Tuesday, Mend on Wednesday, Churn on Thursday, Clean on Friday, Bake on Saturday, Rest on Sunday."  They had a day in which to tackle a big chore. Some days it feels as if all I do is stay in the kitchen.  I... »

My children usually have little to do about what I decide to write.  This article is an exception.  Both Jake and Kyla wanted me to talk about the Summer Art for Homeschool Art Show.  They are proud of their art work, and honestly so am I. I discussed in the article, "Inspire Your Children," my experience with trying to inspire my... »

Most fields in today's workforce  require an employee to go to seminars, take classes, etc. to stay current.  I would assume that for anyone in a technological field this would be essential as times and technology are always changing.  When my husband was an automotive technician, the dealerships would send him to school for one week of the year.  Now... »

I thoroughly enjoyed the 2010 THSC State Convention and Family Conference this past weekend.  Thursday night my husband and I went to see the opening programs.  John Erickson entertained us by reading excerpts from his writing.  He writes the Hank the Cowdog series.  Next we listened to Carol Barnier.  She shared her insight about parenting in her speech, "Don't Miss... »