family – Page 3 – Signora Sheila

Through the Eyes of a Child

Child in a pink knit hat and striped shirt looks toward a small backyard playhouse and swing at sunset, creating a warm, peaceful mood.

One day, while watching an old Andy Griffith episode my 6-year-old grandson piped up with a question. “Why don’t they want that man to sing, Nonna? He sings real good!” That man was Rafe Hollister who, with his golden singing voice, had entered, and won, the singing contest held by the local Ladies’ Society. ButContinueContinue reading “Through the Eyes of a Child”

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”

Longing for Home: Do we Miss it Enough?

Close-up of a large white dahlia blooming in a sunny garden, with smaller flowers, a red cottage, blue sky, and lush greenery behind it.

Sometimes after a long time away, I find myself longing for home. (HOME. Isn’t that a beautiful word?) I appreciate the hospitality we are given. But as the days pass and the miles fly by, my longing for home grows. Even when visiting family and friends we rarely get to see. Home – an evocative wordContinueContinue reading “Longing for Home: Do we Miss it Enough?”

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”