5 Ways to Bring Your Family Closer Together

If you're a regular reader of this blog, or follow my work on Smart Parenting and Philstar.com, or read my posts on Facebook and Instagram, you'll know that I'm a total advocate for intentional family time... for making meaningful memories with our families, and for cherishing our relationships with family members! 🙂 Of course, neither my husband … Continue reading 5 Ways to Bring Your Family Closer Together

Around the Web: On Positive Discipline, Back to School Preparation, Being a Prayerful Mom, Beating Your Facebook Addiction and Keeping It Real

I haven't been "around" here lately, I know, and there are many reasons behind my "absence." For one thing, work and chores (well, life in general actually) have been keeping me busy, and while there are SO many things to write/blog about over here, they will have to wait for a while. Another reason is that I have … Continue reading Around the Web: On Positive Discipline, Back to School Preparation, Being a Prayerful Mom, Beating Your Facebook Addiction and Keeping It Real

Children Are a Blessing

I'm praising God for the blessing of children today, for a very, very special reason! 🙂 Some people may consider having children a burden, especially under difficult, challenging, seemingly "impossible" circumstances — but God's Word assures us: No matter what the events that led to your becoming a parent... No matter what trials you faced … Continue reading Children Are a Blessing

A Reminder for Parents: Tell This to Your Children Every Day

It's the weekend, friends! 🙂 For the parents out there, don't forget to spend some time building beautiful memories with your kiddos (yes, even if sometimes you—like my husband and I—would rather spend it lazing about with your own individual interests)! I know many of you are celebrating your kids' special milestones this weekend, too, like … Continue reading A Reminder for Parents: Tell This to Your Children Every Day

11 Inspiring Messages for Families from Pope Francis

There is no doubt about it — Pope Francis, who had even non-Catholic and atheist well-wishers during his visit to the Philippines, has truly been a source of inspiration, encouragement and hope not just for Filipinos, but for millions of people worldwide, too. Locally, many of us found ourselves taking to the streets, hoping to … Continue reading 11 Inspiring Messages for Families from Pope Francis

How to Make Christmas More Meaningful for Your Family {Philstar.com}

Christmas is just weeks away, and many of us have already started preparing for it by decorating our homes, buying presents, and maybe even planning for an out-of-town trip. For some people though, Christmas preparations can be quite stressful, and may even take away from the joy and wonder of the season. Don’t let that … Continue reading How to Make Christmas More Meaningful for Your Family {Philstar.com}

6 Ways to Teach Our Kids Gratitude {UpsideDownHomeschooling.com}

Most, if not all, homeschooling parents know that educating our children isn’t just about academics. It’s actually much more than that. It’s about preparing our children for the future, and, dare we say it, “raising saints.” One way to do this — to raise our children for the Lord — is to teach them gratitude. … Continue reading 6 Ways to Teach Our Kids Gratitude {UpsideDownHomeschooling.com}

Truly Rich Tips: How to Hold a “Page of the Lord” Ceremony for Your Son

Our eldest turned seven years old last month. Here in the Philippines, when a child turns seven, the usual custom or tradition is to throw a bonggacious (extravagant) party in honor of the celebrant. However, since we are a frugal family and we also believe in simple, meaningful celebrations, usually DIY ones, we opted not to … Continue reading Truly Rich Tips: How to Hold a “Page of the Lord” Ceremony for Your Son

On Philstar.com: What I Learned About Forgiveness from My Six-Year-Old Son

Contrary to what you may think about me or glean from my posts here and on Facebook and Twitter, I am certainly not the "perfect" wife and mother. While I don't believe that there is such a thing as a "perfect" anyone anyway — except God, of course — I do strive to be the best … Continue reading On Philstar.com: What I Learned About Forgiveness from My Six-Year-Old Son

On Philstar.com: Learning to Let Go

My post this week on Philstar.com is all about letting go and letting God. I was waxing sentimental again while writing it, because I know I still have a LOT to learn about being the intentional parent I want to be. Here's part of my post: Every day, I realize more and more the importance … Continue reading On Philstar.com: Learning to Let Go