This is probably one of my favorite books, and one I have used in many lessons. In this book, The Lion and the Little Red Bird by Elisa Kleven, we meet two creatures who become improbable friends through their time together and a shared love of art. The bird loves the lion's artistic painting ability and the lion loves the bird's beautiful songs. They don't speak the same language, they don't live in the same space, they don't share the same story, but they share a love o

My dearest boys, So excited! School is starting today! Summer was so fun, but … let’s be honest: it’ll be great to see your friends, right? What fun it will be to tell them all about your summer, your adventures, and your triumphs! So much and so little has changed. I look at you three and I can't help but get a knot in my throat: look at how much you have grown and changed over this summer break! So many inches gained! The competition for which of you is the tallest is

Tough love – Parenting lessons from the Marines Have you heard the expression that the Marines offer the toughest job you’ll ever love? I think that was their slogan at one point, perhaps a while ago. Not having ever been a Marine, but related to two (sister and bro-in-law), and married to a former Marine, I feel a strong affinity for this military branch. Enough to join? Nah, but definitely enough to admire. In many ways, the lessons offered through being a Marine can e

(aka 10 things I am so very happy that my kids have learned from us during these years overseas) Life stuff 1. Good toilet paper is a good, no, a necessary thing. There is no point at all ever that 1-ply toilet paper is appropriate. Nor should toilet paper be colored. White. 2-ply. Period. I've tried, honestly we have but we just can't do the local stuff. Okay, I admit: I can't do the local stuff. I am a toilet paper snob. The same can also be said (but perhaps not q

Have you heard the expression that the Marines offer the toughest job you’ll ever love? Anyway, I think that was their slogan a long while ago. Not having ever been a Marine, but related to two (sister and bro-in-law), and married to a former Marine, I feel a strong affinity for this military branch. Enough to join? Nah, but definitely enough to admire. In many ways, the lessons offered through being a Marine can easily be related to parenting. Running herd on one (or m