by Arlene | May 4, 2014 | Parenting, The Latest ...
A few years ago, I purchased this little toy named Gabbit because I wanted to get my family talking. When you press a button, you hear a question. You answer the question and then pass it along to a family member. Ethan got the question, “If you could spend a...
by Arlene | Apr 14, 2014 | Parenting, The Latest ...
This year, I came up with a brilliant plan to put a twist on the traditional Easter Egg Hunt. Actually, the idea came from my second grade daughter which made it all the better. So, you know there’s got to be candy involved because it’s Easter. But maybe...
by Arlene | Apr 8, 2014 | Parenting, The Latest ...
If you told me when James and I were first married 15 years ago that we would be doing martial arts together, I would have laughed in your face. Being Asian doesn’t mean I know karate. James would always joke, “Don’t mess with my wife. She’s...
by Arlene | Mar 18, 2014 | Parenting, The Latest ...
I love this picture of my son taken at the Scripps Aquarium in San Diego. It’s a picture that reminds me of childlike wonder. To be drawn to a magical underwater world. To see a (really) big fish. To capture the moment with your camera because you want to...
by Arlene | Dec 23, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
As cute as my Mrs. Claus is, we know that Santa Claus is not the main character of Christmas. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a...
by Arlene | Dec 5, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Every year, we put up our Christmas tree over Thanksgiving break. We love the way it lights up the house! We used to have a $2 beautiful artificial Christmas tree that we bought in Dallas, one hot summer day at a garage sale. That tree served us well for many...
by Arlene | Dec 2, 2013 | Books I Like, Parenting, The Latest ...
I know you’re going to love this guest post by my friend Lynn Donovan, author of Not Alone. And..we’re giving away a free copy of the book Not Alone. To enter, simply leave a comment at the end of the post! It started with a pound of hamburger. Yep, I...
by Arlene | Oct 7, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Wow, we have returned from an incredibly memorable family vacation to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! If you’ve ever wanted a feast for the senses, you will want to put this annual international balloon fiesta on your bucket list. It was on my hubby’s...
by Arlene | Oct 7, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
It doesn’t have to be a bad day…even if it starts out on the wrong foot. Mornings can be rough when you have young kids to get to school. Although, I have a feeling that teens may be even harder to wake. It was one such morning. I was helping my kids...
by Arlene | Sep 30, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
If you’re like me, you need help for sibling rivalry from time to time. My kids are 3, 6, and 9. For the most part, they get along. But of course, like all siblings they have their moments. As a mom, I want to help my kids learn to appreciate one another and...
by Arlene | Sep 23, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
This weekend, I had the pleasure of going to a Moms in Prayer Retreat in Southern California. There is nothing like being in a room of charged up moms and grandmas who want to pray for their kids and their schools to be places where Christ is glorified! There are so...
by Arlene | Sep 3, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Since my kids are in a year-round school, we’ve had some practice getting back to school this summer. I’ve thought of the top 3 steps to help your family get back to school with ease. For many families, Labor Day is the precursor for the beginning of the...
by Arlene | Aug 26, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
I usually don’t have to travel for business, but this month, I was away to meet with Dr. Gary Chapman and the Moody Publishers team, and then to speak at the women’s retreat of the Rock Church. When I’m away from home, my kids have different...
by Arlene | Aug 1, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
This is my youngest child Lucy. And her love language is definitely touch. Although from the photo, you might think it was gifts. (If you’re not familiar with the Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman, check it out here). She’s constantly giving hugs,...
by Arlene | Jul 24, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
A big part of the summer is officially over: Today was the first day of school. I know, some of you who start after Labor Day are thinking, “What in the world???” My kids officially began 2nd and 4th grade at their amazing elementary school that we love. ...
by Arlene | Jul 10, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
You’ve decided to send your child to kids church camp and (eek!) it’s his or her first time away from home. How can you get your first timer ready to for a great camp experience? This week, our oldest child Ethan (8) is away at Kids Camp at Pinecrest. We...
by Arlene | Jun 28, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Since Ethan has been in 1st grade, I have been a part of a Moms in Prayer group. If you have a kid or grandkid in school, you must consider joining a Moms in Prayer group. It’s a wonderful, sure fire way of blessing your child and protecting them through their...
by Arlene | Jun 24, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
I am thrilled, honored, floored, and humbled to announce that I will be writing my next book with Dr. Gary Chapman. Dr. Chapman is the author of the bestselling The 5 Love Languages series (more than 8 million copies sold – yes, you read that right!). We will...
by Arlene | Jun 21, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
I’m not pregnant… We’re not adopting… We’re not moving… But I do have some exciting, red-letter-day news that I will share with you next week. Especially if you are a parent, you are going to benefit from my announcement! Talk to...
by Arlene | Jun 16, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Here are some of the Father’s Day gifts James received yesterday. Boxes made with love. A touching book all about dad. These gifts were made by the best kids in the world for the best dad in the world (yes, I’m biased!). James is a great father for many...
by Arlene | Jun 10, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
The kids are home for summer…now what do you do with them? You don’t want to over-program, but you don’t want hours and hours of idle time either. Here are a few summer activities for kids that have worked for us in the past that we will try again:...
by Arlene | Jun 6, 2013 | Books I Like, Parenting, The Latest ...
Are you looking for quality easy-to-use Bible resources for toddlers and preschoolers? There are many choices on the market which is a good thing. I have a few favorites in case you are looking for a summer gift for your child or grandchild. These toddler and...
by Arlene | May 13, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Each year my kids grow older (3, 6 and 8), the Mother’s Day celebrations keep getting better and better it seems. I can’t think of anything to top the essay my oldest Ethan wrote about “Why My Mother Deserves the Prize for Mother of the Year.”...
by Arlene | May 9, 2013 | Parenting, The Latest ...
This morning, my son Ethan asked James with great sincerity, “Do you like being a dad?” James belted out, “I LOVE BEING A DAD!” I love that brief interaction that means so much. When we as parents love what we do, we pass that positive...
