family life – Signora Sheila

Honoring Dad

Two children play in the sand on a sunny beach, digging beside a sand mound as turquoise waves roll behind them, creating a carefree mood.

Today I’m looking back, way back. Yesterday was Dad’s birthday and he would have been 87. He died last year, just 4 days before his 86th birthday. I still miss him and always will. Especially because of all the years we lost. All my years overseas, so far away from my family. It’s not thatContinueContinue reading “Honoring Dad”

Mamma Anna’s Menu

Festive dining table with hand-painted floral plates, wine glasses, cutlery, napkin, and roasted vegetables, creating a warm, welcoming setting.

Everything I know about cooking I learned from my Italian mother-in-law! (Wouldn’t that be a great title?) Except it’s not true. 🤔 I already knew how to cook and didn’t need any lessons from Mamma Anna. But she did teach me about menu planning, albeit second-hand. And I learned a lot about cooking from livingContinueContinue reading “Mamma Anna’s Menu”

Raising Readers in a Technological Era

Dreamlike illustration of a girl in a wide sunhat reading by a glowing lantern, with a teddy bear, books, and misty window creating a cozy mood.

From the time our children were babies we read to them a lot, identifying pictures in books. Building their vocabulary, along with their love of books, one word, one page at a time. And it paid off! Our daughter could say many words by 9 months. And by the age of one, she was speakingContinueContinue reading “Raising Readers in a Technological Era”

Parents, Be Careful What You Allow

Tall beach grass fills the foreground, with three blurred people walking beside a bright ocean in the background, creating a warm, serene mood.

John Wesley said, “What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.” He was referring to sin. And we have seen this play out throughout history. But I’d like to look at it from a different perspective. Children are always listening to, watching, and imitating adults. And they often follow any example they’re shown. Kids from violentContinueContinue reading “Parents, Be Careful What You Allow”

The Father Abraham Mystery Walk

Family walking hand in hand along a sunlit path at sunset, with parents guiding their young daughter; warm, peaceful, hopeful atmosphere.

Have you ever taken a Mystery Walk? I have, and we all take them every day. Because when we get right down to it, life is a mystery. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, or even if we’ll have any tomorrows. And sometimes it’s hard to know which path to take, let alone explain itContinueContinue reading “The Father Abraham Mystery Walk”

God’s Plan for Marriage

Smiling young couple runs hand in hand through a sunlit meadow, woman in plaid shirt and man in white T-shirt beneath a blue sky.

The topic of marriage came up at a neighborhood dinner this past Christmas, after they learned that my husband and I have been happily married for 43 years. “What’s your secret?” they asked with both incredulity and admiration. But one middle-aged couple said, “We don’t see the point of getting married. Besides,” he added, “IContinueContinue reading “God’s Plan for Marriage”