Come with me on an interesting and practical journey of my past life representing our unified family by sharing helpful ideas that will not only intrigue you but find them valuable for you and your family. Ideas of the past may be just what you need. We will stop at each of the "seven steps" along the way to gather serious and humorous details you will not want to miss. Step 1: Do you find family life frustrating and sometimes chaotic? If so, metaphors are relevant to life in general. You may be able to relate to them. Step 2: Is your family foundation's building blocks crumbling or on solid ground? Consider some serious concrete "building blocks" involving biblical and spiritual truths. Read on to discover other essential "building blocks". Step 3: It is time to take a leisurely break and concentrate on memorable family occasions. You, too, will be inspired. Step 4: Have you ever felt you squandered your educational days? Get a glimpse of the limited education of my parents and how they were successful. Step 5: What does it take to have a productive work ethic? Pay close attention to the kind of work and responsibilities my parents "modeled" for us. Step 6: Would you like to be more creative with crafts and planning indoor and outdoor activities? There are simple, inexpensive, and enjoyable ways. You will like these ideas. Modify them if you wish. Step 7: Do you walk down "memory lane" and think of your past? We are now ending our exhaustive journey and there are lots of things to think about. Now relax and be sure to share your memories with your family, grandchildren, and generations to come! College graduations in elementary education: B.A. from Goshen College; M.A. and Ed.D. with reading and special education cognates from Ball State University; outstanding citation of dissertation: "A Study of Factors Related to the Reading Ability of Kindergarten Children." As an elementary teacher: taught children in grades two to four, those with reading difficulties in the government Title I program, and college students; workshops for teachers and Title I parents; reading consultant and coordinator; chairman of the Language Arts Division of South Bend Teachers' Institute; organized speakers, displays, and workshops; tested students' reading skills for a national organization (NAEP); science and reading demonstrations for Parent-Teacher Association; and tutoring students from preschool through college. Publications: STEPS ALONG MY PATH, a book about my life;