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14 Comments

  1. Carrie Beth says:

    Such a wonderful post!!

  2. Great article Monica! One thing I have always made of huge importance is having dinner together as a family. We do this most nights (unless sports gets in the way) and I believe my kids really enjoy this time together. It’s just a great time to talk about anything that comes up. I think it helps us feel connected as a family. I know many families that never eat together and I think that it’s just sad. It seems that even when they have the chance to, they don’t, and they don’t even know how to eat together and that’s sad too! It seems like such an easy thing to do and it amazes me how many people don’t!

    1. I totally agree Jane! Well done! And it is absolutely creating memories that your kids will carry with them for a lifetime. Many blessings, thanks for sharing! aloha-

  3. Love that you can speak so directly to what your family is and how we can learn from you if we want. Love that you’re plain speaking and full of common sense (something fading quickly from the world unfortunately).

    Being intentional is great advice. Thanks for taking the time to write this down and share it!

    1. Thank you Jessi. That is a huge compliment, those are truly my goals and my heart. I appreciate you taking the time to share! Blessings to you! XO

  4. Love that so many of your tips are action items I can start today! I, personally, need to focus on creating a more positive environment. I can play fun music, put on a smile and start the morning our right! On goes a little Pandora Jack Johnson channel and a beach scented candle. We can pretend to be in the islands. Thanks!!

    1. Aw yes, Shannon! Jack does it every time! 🙂 Thanks so much for commenting–So happy these are actionable and hope you have an amazing day off today! 🙂

  5. Thank you Monica! Your blog was very helpful. It’s funny how we, as Moms, forget the importance of the little things, such as carving out family time to do something FUN, nurturing your marriage and praying. Your specific suggestions were wonderful and I can’t wait to put them into action.

    1. Oh thank you Wendy. So so happy if a few of these add a positive tone to your home! Bless you and thank you for taking the time to comment. Aloha! 🙂

  6. Love it Monica 😊❤ You are helping so many make home the safe, loving, sweet place it should be.

    I grew up so alone in a very dark, destructive home. My father was an alcoholic with serious mental/emotional issues which of course led him to be abusive in many ways.

    What’s far worse is that he was also a preacher. I couldn’t talk to anyone about the confusion and turmoil within our home and my heart! 😳 My mother had left our home (she was driven away really) when I was 18 months old, so I really had no one. A father is important, but no child should grow up without a mother either.

    I left home at 16– pretty rebellious (go figure). 😜 I couldn’t get away from the craziness quick enough. God saved me at 24, but I had no idea how deeply I had been traumatized by my upbringing. Even so, God knew, and set about straightening the crooked places, lighting the dark places, healing the wounds. It has been incredibly painful, but so worth it. I’ve been a Christian for 17 years and the deepest, hardest work didn’t take place until recently. I believe I’ll always walk with a limp, but I know that God will use me to help others who need understanding.

    Today, I have a loving husband and two awesome sons. Our home is filled with light & love. Sure, we have struggles too, but that makes the grace and love all the more beautiful. We are safe. 😌

    I love seeing your family healthy, happy & free– such a testimony to God’s goodness. SUCH important work for generations to come.

    I’m reminded of this Frederick Douglass quote:
    “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

    Xoxo sister ❤

    1. Oh you just made my day with that comment. Thank you so much for sharing, and wow–what a testimony you have. As a mother my heart just breaks to even imagine your childhood like that. Ouch. God is so good though, and how blessed is your family now to have your full heart. Bless you and thank you again for blessing my day! xo

  7. such great points, Monica, and I love that they are very “do-able”!

    We find that the “Do memorable things together” has brought us so many huge bonding times!

  8. Great advice! My kids are still littles, but I’m trying to establish good habits early and collect information now so as they get older we have a good family relationship. From your list, right now I try to really be conscious of mood. I read once in relation to kids: “it’s their day too.” Remembering that really helps me check myself.

    1. Oh Amanda, that quote almost made me just cry! SO GOOD. Thank you. You are wise to begin collecting young–you’re definitely on the right track already. Bless you and thanks for taking the time to comment! ALoha-