raising rileys

alaska part i

I fell in love with Alaska during our trip there in August. I've been there a couple of times; Jeremiah proposed to me there on his family's land overlooking the bay. And then we went up there the following winter when I was expecting Matthew. For the record, winter there is an amazing experience. The sky is the bluest blue. The snow is pristine, and the air is clear and salty with the wonderful refreshment the ocean brings. I enjoyed both times so very much. But this time was different.

Life I LoveElizabeth RileySeptember 28, 2016family, alaska, dreams, videoComment

on humility & time management

It’s Monday, and the school year is fast approaching. I am excited for it! Last school year when Matthew was four, I viewed it as my ‘preparation year’ for homeschooling. The year I’d take to develop the self-discipline to homeschool and to figure out how to weave it into our family’s busy life and to try out some different teaching techniques. It was a wonderful year and agreat learning experience for me. I feel so drawn to homeschool for our children, for our family—but along with many other moms, I’ve asked myself, “but how?? How can I find the time in my already busy life to do this?” Here are a couple of things that are helping me. I hope that maybe they are helpful you too.

sunny in any light

Sunny in any light. The title of a sunflower-filled watercolor painting in my mother and father-in-law's home and the inspiration for a beautiful bouquet filled with sunflowers and lilacs they sent to Jeremiah and me on Monday. I love the title "sunny in any light" and I love the imagery it brings to my mind. Even when difficult trials surround us, we can carry God's light within us to help us through.

MotherhoodElizabeth RileyMay 15, 2016family, marriage, motherhood, miscarriage, faith, hope, Jesus Christ, peaceComment

mothers, listen with your heart

The other morning Matthew rushed into me with a sweet smile and twinkling eyes. I was working on something at the kitchen table. "I have a secret for you," he said. "But you'll have to listen with your heart." I stopped what I was doing and turned sideways in the chair to face him. He'd never said that before, and the profoundness of the last part struck me. "Okay, I'd love to hear your secret."

MotherhoodElizabeth RileyMarch 29, 2016homeschool, family, faith, listenwithyourheart Comments

eating whole: breakfast time

I like our family to eat as many whole and unrefined foods as possible. I believe the more whole foods children eat when they are young, their palates will develop to appreciate whole foods and they'll have less of a craving or taste for more refined foods (which I believe leads to healthier habits). With that said, we still do occasionally eat some sugary cold cereals and some other refined things, but I try to keep it to a minimum. We try to have them as treats rather than meals.

Nourish & CreateElizabeth RileyMarch 12, 2016family, homeschool, cooking with children, eating wholeComment

cattails and kites: our homeschool day

Early this morning the sun began to shine from behind the clouds, so I knew we needed to spend some time outside today. February in Northern Utah is a mix of snow and rain with occasional bursts of sunshine--so it's important to seize a sunny day when it presents itself!

Homeschool, Life I LoveElizabeth RileyFebruary 23, 2016homeschool, familyComment