by Marlene Ellingson | Nov 5, 2018
A Culture of Love One of the first things we did when we came to Hawaii was to take the boys snorkeling. They had a blast seeing what was underwater: the schools of cool fish, the coral, even a hiding squid. But in the deeper waters, they discovered something...
by Marlene Ellingson | Jul 7, 2017
Gifts to Celebrate So when the older boys in our family were saying goodnight to each other from their beds, one would call out, “SORRY FOR ALL THE CONTENTION!” Someone else would yell, “LIKEWISE!” and then the next brother would yell, “LIKEWISE” and the...
by Marlene Ellingson | Feb 11, 2017
Everyone needs to be Validated and Reassured! There once was a little boy who loved to explain things. He jabbered and jabbered to anyone in his large family about his little boy dreams, his big plans, his questions, his ideas. When my friend told me about this...
by Marlene Ellingson | Jul 19, 2014
Preparing for School Mom and Dad, It’s time to start collecting my crayons, pencils, and backpacks! Along with the new socks and underwear, please take time to get me ready for school in other important ways as well. I’m nervous about a new teacher and new kids I...
by Marlene Ellingson | Jul 12, 2014
Teaching Children to talk Respectfully to Parents Our world today seems to be losing the respect for those older than oneself. It used to be that living to an old age was much less common, and so if someone did, that person was considered wise and smart–one to...
by Marlene Ellingson | Jul 4, 2014
Inspiring a Love for Our Country My Favorite Idea: 1. Be the First to Teach Principles and Tell the Stories One day, my Junior high-aged son came home from school and commented casually, “My teacher said that Columbus was bad for the Indians.” I was horrified! I set...
