Our kids want a Wii. So we decided to start a "Wii Jar" and the kids could use it to save money for a Wii. This is how their friends got  a Wii, so our kids think this is a great idea. They get money by doing extra chores around the house. We had a… Continue reading Wii Money (Ruth’s SOLS 22/31)

I've read three new books recently that have brought a smile to my face -- not to mention to the faces of all my family members (the 4, 6, and 8 year olds + my husband). Because of this, my husband and I have been asked to read them again and again and again. All… Continue reading Lighten Up!

Here's a little slice from my life: Stacey and I have completed all 180 reflections for our book! All that is left is the introduction, closing thoughts, and compiling the appendix. We'll discuss our final reflections on Wednesday and complete the revisions. (Plus I have to write the opening to the Assessment chapter.) I know… Continue reading 180 Reflections — CHECK! (Ruth’s SOLS 21/31)

Today we did a little Spring Cleaning and a bit of organizing. The kids cleaned their rooms. Andy did a couple of "handy-man" projects around the house. I organized my studio -- again. It seems every few months I change things a little in there to make myself more effective when I create. It feels… Continue reading Spring Cleaning (Ruth’s SOLS 20/31)

Tonight we ate dinner outside. Although it was a little chilly, we gathered around a patio table with some of our closest friends. The kids ate on a blanket in the grass. The breeze carried their giggles to us. Perhaps it was because of the sunshine . . . Perhaps it was because I spent… Continue reading Dinner Alfresco (Ruth’s SOLS 19/31)

Six months ago I learned the truth about slavery. There are 27 million people living in slavery worldwide. A slave is someone who is forced to work for little or no money and is not free to leave. In our modern society, there are 27 million slaves. Many of these are children. As I've learned… Continue reading I’ve Become an Abolitionist (Ruth’s SOLS 18/31)

On Monday I attended an All-Write meeting with literacy coaches across Indiana & Michigan. One line from the meeting has been glued to my mind. Kristen Horrell and Karla Hayden commented about Workshop teaching: "It's so simple!" they said. Sometimes we spend our time making things more complicated than they need to be. If we… Continue reading It’s So Simple

I've been serving on a committee at my church for a couple of years. It is a committee which was formed for a purpose and now the purpose is almost complete. I was heavily involved in the process early on, but haven't been as active the past several months. I was honored to be asked to be… Continue reading Perspectives (Ruth’s SOLS 17/31)

While talking with Stacey, Sam demanded that I staple a handful of pages he was pushing at me. I tried to quiet him. He was having none of it. "Momma, this needs stapled!" I covered the phone and said, "I'm on the phone with Stacey right now, go find Dad." "I know you're working on… Continue reading First Book EVER! (Ruth’s SOLS 15/31)

Two years ago our daughters came home. We celebrate today in honor of the remarkable way families are made. I'm reminded how family isn't about blood and genetics and giving birth. Family is about love and support and time together. Sometimes I forget we don't share the same genes. There are times when they are… Continue reading Got’Cha Day (Ruth’s SOLS 14/31)

After my husband read today's slice, he said, "It reminds me of my favorite quote when I used to play sports:" Winning isn't everything. It is the only thing. --- Vince Lombardi After school Stephanie and I holed up in the studio for a little while. She was working on making a card for her… Continue reading An Athlete’s Mindset (Ruth’s SOLS 12/31)