By: Sandra L. Churchill Many of us are so tapped out by the energy-sapping likes of quarantines and Covid restrictions, that New Year’s resolutions seemed like one more demand on an already strained schedule. It’s not necessarily that we are doing “too much” when we examine our days, but for many of us as parents, … More Setting Goals for a Stellar 2021
By: Sandy Churchill The year 2020 will go down in the history books as a wacky, upside-down time when nothing was normal, “socially-distant” became a buzzword, Zoom became a lifeline for school and work, and all of us became fashionably “masked.” While we did our best to take health precautions, adapt as much as possible, … More Silver Linings at a Covid Thanksgiving
By: Sandy Churchill Every mom needs an “I-Can-Do-Anything-Sweater.” I am not sure when this started or how it became a staple in my fall wardrobe, but for me, it is here to stay. My power sweater is a gypsy-looking, striped maxi-sweater in shades of mocha. I truly feel I can do anything in this sweater. … More The I-can-do-Anything Sweater!
By: Sandy Churchill I love the spirit of “positivity” and “making lemons out of lemonade”—and truly, the COVID-quarantining-mask-wearing-social-distancing world we are currently living in is an ideal place where a sense of optimism and hopefulness is needed. A friend recently launched a “lemon-themed” Bible study in her newly-revamped garage-turned-girl-cave where she decorated a Christmas tree … More Choosing Positivity and Making Lemonade Out of COVID Lemons
By: Sandy Churchill Someday, we will look back on this wacky Coronavirus time—perhaps referring to it as the “pandemic pandemonium”, “COVID chaos”, or the “plague of 2020”. For now, however, we are navigating tough times. Some are struggling with the total upset of routine and freedom, confined at home and perhaps overwhelmed with concerns about … More Covid Cancellations: Embracing Flexibility and Silver Linings
By: Sandy Churchill Just when we think we have marriage—or parenting—figured out, nature throws us a curve ball that can start with the smallest thing. Truly, I am never ceased to be amazed by this. When we have practiced our communication skills, worked on predictable stress phases, and done our part to help keep balance … More Never Too Old to Learn
By: Sandy Churchill We know that nature abounds with opportunities for exercise and fresh air, but what about the gifts of stress relief, peaceful connection, and pure joy? On a recent bout with an incredibly stubborn bronchial infection I have maintained my near-daily, two-mile walks, regardless of wind, rain, fog, and hail. I didn’t say … More Nature’s Gifts, Year-Round
By: Sandy Churchill August has turned the page and students from pre-school to college are boarding yellow buses, toting backpacks, and gathering for sports practices in the shift to fall schedules. Thankfully, Labor Day weekend provided summer bliss of sunshine, time with family and friends, and excursions to sand and sea. My oldest daughter and … More Savoring Summer as Fall Begins
By: Sandy Churchill Piano, karate, theatre, ballet, scouting, and student government… What do these things have in common? At our house, any commitment to long-term participation in the arts, sports, government, and community service have the potential to grow a child (or even adult for that matter J) in the three Ps: patience, persistence, and … More School Activities and the Power of the Three Ps!
By: Sandy Churchill “I say this with all the love in the world,” a dear friend recently told me, while inspecting my school supply closet, “do not buy another pencil!” She was critiquing my supply stash where a hoarding mentality sometimes took over—not because I intentionally hoard, but because I often stock up, then temporarily … More Kind Correction
