I didn’t enter the “Mom Club” in the normal way. In fact, the first four+ years haven’t been “typical.” The day I officially became a mother, I joined a few clubs: new mom club, mom club of medically fragile babies …
We Belong: Navigating Friendship and Down Syndrome
It’s 9:00 a.m. on a snowy Saturday in February. My son, Kaleb, and I drive to a friend’s house for his first drop-off playdate. He’s beside himself with excitement. We pull in the driveway and see Kaleb’s friend, Ethan, waiting …
My Friends Think I’m a Stay-at-Home Mom
In our increasingly digital age, many parents are given the opportunity to work a more flexible schedule. Occupations that previously required a steady presence in an office, distant from home, are now presenting options for flexible schedules and working remotely. …
Road Trips From Long Ago
The years have come and gone – but the summer memories of our family filling every seat in the minivan and taking road trips all over the United States, have not. I love the anticipation that comes with the closing …
A Messy Invitation
We were halfway through winter when the walls started closing in like we were stuck in a bad dream. After months of temperatures so cold we couldn’t endure more than five minutes outside, and even more months of colds and …
The MOPS Experience: Meet
This article appears in the latest spring issue of Connections. The day had come. It was finally time. I had managed to get myself and my toddler up, showered, dressed and fed. Our bag was packed, stuff gathered by the …
Celebrate the Ordinary
I don’t like glitter and I’m not a fan of confetti. I’m not good at celebrating. I’m a doer, a survivor, a caretaker. I can help create a fantastic celebration for someone else, but won’t take that same energy and …
Don’t Let the Bully Define You
It started when she was in fifth grade. Suddenly my daughter who had just come out of her shell and transformed from a shy introvert into an outgoing and active child, was being left out and picked on by her …
DIY: Rustic Triangle Wreath
Let your imagination take you to a place where you find beauty and strength in the small things. Materials Branches (12 inches long or so, depending on the size you want your wreath to be) Greenery (various …
Amanda: A MOPS Story
MOPS has saved my sanity over nine years (and four states)! I love my MOPS group and the women who are in it. It’s been such a blessing! So, I started thinking about ways to form deeper friendships with some …