B is for Bubbles

B is for Bubbles. Also Big. Hence Big Bubbles. This preschool activity was an all-around favorite. Homemade bubbles are simple, and you can make them in any size. Can’t find glycerin? Check the pharmacy section of your grocery store or order it online. And go with the name-brand soap: Dawn makes better bubbles. This recipe …

General Conference 101

Dear friend, I’ve been thinking about how strange it must seem, our sacrament-less Easter Sunday. During the first weekend of April and October, we skip church and take the weekend at home with ten hours of sermons-via-screen. For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, General Conference is many things— It’s a …

I Cryyyyyyyyy

I’m usually quick to pack up holiday decorations. December 26th isn’t too soon to box up ornaments and throw out stale goodies. But this year, the twinkly lights are still up. This year I’m clinging to the hope and anticipation that comes with holidays. This year, part of me is moaning Michael McLean lyrics: “I …

September Dinner Ideas

It’s September, and we’re harvesting tomatoes, bell peppers, and squash in large quantity. Here are three of our favorite dinners–each includes at least one seasonable veg. Pepper Steak This savory crockpot dinner is loaded with bell peppers. It’s delicious served on pasta, rice, or hoagies. We’ve been using a recipe similar to this one for …

Man Edition

From my man to yours: the best tools for shaving and time management.

Stories

I found this story about Keshia Thomas a few months ago, and I’m still pulling it off the mental shelf for consideration. It’s the kind of story that we all need to hear, in hopes that we’ll match our political fervor with equal amounts of kindness. Behind most good stories is a bona fide goofball. Introducing …

Munch, Music, Misc.

Good Things Thursday: three commendable things, brought to you weekly from your friends at Our Prosaic Life. Munch: Bell peppers are ripe–it’s jambalaya season, y’all. If you’ve never tried jambalaya, this recipe is a perfect starting place. It’s a classic all-in-one Southern meal featuring rice, meat, veggies, and cajun seasoning. Not sure where to find …

Rose, Bud, & Thorn

Most people come away from Scout Camp with fire starters, but I failed pyrotechnics and came away with a conversation starter. “Rose, Bud, & Thorn” is cheesy and fool-proof, as any good conversation starter should be. I use it as a lab instructor, as a youth leader, and during family dinners. Actually, it is a …

Bringing Up Geeks

In my mind, this is THE parenting book. It’s about how to raise kind, intelligent, classy kids in spite of a degenerate culture.    MaryBeth Hicks writes with the candor and wit of a newspaper columnist. Her writing style is easy to digest: she balances research with personal anecdotes and real-world philosophizing. She straight-speaking and …