Suppertime at home always started with this prayer and even though our parents are gone now, we still gathered at their home for Christmas this year. For what we are about to receive, May the Lord make us truly grateful, And ever mindful of the needs of others. In Christ’s name, Amen
Hidden treasure
I first met Glenn* years ago. I was working in a school for children with disabilities and Glenn was one of the children in the small class I was assigned to. I was told Glenn was severely autistic. That was his diagnosis. But I soon learned six-year-old Glenn was a little boy of boundless curiosity,…
Respecting the living and honouring the dead
I live in a region in Northern Canada which does not permit the burial of those who pass away in winter. Instead they are housed in special facilities until the ground is thawed. My dad passed away in March but he was only just laid to rest in June. Our family waited three months from…
A very hard goodbye
My Dad A life of adventure, love and curiosity has come to an end. Ninety-one years of working hard, traveling, raising a family, and learning. Always learning. A farm boy, train-hopper, self-taught electrician/carpenter/roofer/engineer and motorcycle rider. A man of faith acquainted with grief as well as joy. He routinely checked on his neighbours, often lending…
Jeff Pennant’s Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents
Every time Jeff tries to make his parents happy, disaster inevitably follows so he decides to turn his life into a science experiment. The results aren’t exactly what he hopes for but along the way he learns a lot and discovers even parents sometimes make mistakes. Available now from Chicken Scratch Books, Jeff Pennant’s Field…
New adventures
Welcome to our new adventure! Like many folks, we have decided to leave city life and find some land in the hopes of being more self sustainable. We are not off grid; we are not those people! I have a deep admiration for anyone who is attempting to live that way but we know our…
Homeschool book news!
Although we are currently packing and moving, I have also found time for a new project. Part devotional, part anecdotal with some fresh ideas thrown in, this book is designed to encourage homeschooling parents. Deciding to teach your children at home is life changing for the entire family. I will address topics such as creating…
Reuniting families and libraries: an interview with Anne Eliza Sey
I first discovered Anne Eliza Sey on an Instagram live with author Candice Pedraza Yamnitz who spoke to Anne about her work in connecting families with libraries. Too often, parents become discouraged when trying to find wholesome books with traditional values for their children in our public library system. Parents can become convinced that those…
Kidlit resources for homeschoolers
As a homeschooler, my greatest challenge was also my greatest joy: spending all day, everyday, with my kids. I loved learning with them, seeing their faces light up when they mastered something and finding ways to tailor the learning to their strengths. But it wasn’t all fingerpaint and field trips. It was also finding ways…
Ten years later
This long weekend marked ten years since I finished treatment for breast cancer. A lot has changed and I am grateful for these bonus years. I am remarried to a wonderful man and my family has grown to include stepchildren, son and daughter-in-laws and many grandchildren. I have a new career as a children’s book…
