Families are one of society's oldest and most resilient institutions. From the beginning of human life, people have grouped themselves into families to find emotional, physical and collective support. Although in recent years social commentators have predicted the demise of both marriage and the family, they not only survive but continue to change and evolve. Family Treasures is a tool for all different types of individuals and families to better understand the qualities of strong families: appreciation and affection, commitment, positive communication, successful management of stress and crisis, spiritual well-being and enjoyable time together. Written in conversational style, Family Treasures empowers families to assess their own strengths and to develop a plan for building upon their successes. Within each chapter are family inventories and a variety of family-tested activities that can be used to enhance the quality of the family. "Family Treasures is one of those great resources that has strong research at its base and can be used by a variety of disciplines. The assessment tools and activities can be readily used by professionals and families to strengthen family relationships." Linda Skogrand, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Extension Specialist Utah State University

For many of us, our home is the center of our life. It is the place where our families meet and mingle, where we share our meals and share our dreams. So much more than just a space to live, our homes offer us a place of comfort, nourishment, and love for us and for our children. In Handmade Home, Amanda Blake Soule, author of The Creative Family and the blog SouleMama.com, offers simple sewing and craft projects for the home that reflect the needs, activities, and personalities of today’s families. As Amanda writes in the introduction, "As a crafter, I’m always looking for the next thing I want to make. As a mama, I’m always looking for the next thing we need—to do, to have, to use—as a family. The coming together of these parts is where the heart of Handmade Home lies." Filled with thirty-three projects made by reusing and repurposing materials, all of the items here offer a practical use in the home. From picnic blankets made out of repurposed bed sheets to curtains made out of vintage handkerchiefs, these projects express the sense of making something new out of something old as a way to live a more financially pared-down and simple life; lessen our impact on the earth; connect to the past and preserve a more traditional way of life; and place value on the work of the hands. Also included are projects that children can help with, allowing them to make their own special contribution to the family home. More than just a collection of projects for handmade items, this book offers the tools to create a life—and home—full of beauty, integrity, and joy. Projects include: • Papa’s Healing Cozy: This hot water bottle cover becomes a simple way to offer comfort to a sick child • Baby Sling: A simple pattern for an object that offers so much to a small child—refuge from the world and a place to lay their head next to a parent’s heart • Beach Blanket To-Go: Repurpose old sheets to create the perfect picnic blanket for special outdoor meals • Cozy Wall Pockets: A creative solution for storing a child’s small treasures Pattern templates for Handmade Home

"The Fine Art Collection of the New England Historic Genealogical Society -- America's founding genealogical institution -- tells the story of the United States. ...this important collection spans almost four centuries of American history."--Inside jacket cover.

In this updated revised second edition of Dharma Family Treasures, Sandy Eastoak combines previous essays by lay and ordained Buddhist practitioners, children, spiritual teachers, young adults, educators, parents, writers and poets, including Diane Di Prima, Barbara Gates, and Thich Nhat Hanh, with nine new essays by Robert Aitken, Richard Nelson, Jin Harrison, Sandy Eastoak, and others. This revised edition also includes a new section containing playful and educational children's Buddhist songs.

About An Italian Cookbook of Family Treasures As the title states this is more than a cookbook but a book of Family Treasures. The Authors opens up about his Italian family and the history of them making their way from Calabria and Sicily Italy to America and settling in upstate New York. In a different and unique way Schuler has tied his family roots to recipes dating back 100 years. These include such family favorites as the original family sauce recipe and home made pasta to family favorites prepared daily in their home. Not only are his grandparent's part of the story but, aunts, uncles and close family friends are tied to recipes and interesting stories that make each recipe a true treasure. The theme is Italian cooking but other popular entrees have found their way to the dinner table, desert tray, and holiday gift baskets and yes the family bar. Drinks found to be family favorites and each having a special occasion and special person associated with the drink is described in the story and recipe sections."

Image consultant Caitlin McBride is moved by the preteen's letter. Jenny fears that unless her single father looks more like a "dad," he'll lose custody of his children. Caitlin knocks on Devon Walsh's door to find a very handsome man in need of a personality makeover. He grumbles that Caitlin cares more about a person's exterior than what's inside. He shoos her away, only to appear at her office with a heart–tugging request. To do whatever is necessary to save his family. A family about to change in so many blessed ways...