At the beginning of the summer, during our daily Quiet Rest Hour, the energy in our house changed. I looked up from my book and felt that it had gone from Quiet Rest “Quiet” to eerily and suspiciously “Quiet.” I …
Keeping It Cool When It’s Hot: Kids’ Playtime
We’ve had some pretty hot weather recently. I don’t know about your kids, but mine are not big fans of the high heat or humidity. In fact, it kind of makes us all a little cranky (OK, not my husband, …
Mama, You Are Fat: A Mother’s Moment of Truth
“Mama,” he said in a hushed tone, his big brown eyes full of regret, unable to meet mine, “I need to tell you something. I had a bad thought about you and I need to tell you.” “What baby?” “I …
The Mom-Break Myth
The kids are fighting for the millionth time. The chores need done for the millionth time. The laundry sits and waits for my attention for the millionth time. Someone is hungry, someone is thirsty, someone is climbing something they shouldn’t, …
The Juggle Is Real
I am a creature of habit. Since an early age, I realized that I thrive on routine and consistency and that I do not like surprises of any shape or form. The structure to life that I pursued served me …
Motherhood Is Meaningful
Sometimes I get discouraged. Being a mother with no other current employment seems like not enough; less than. I am surrounded by other mothers who appear to be accomplishing abundantly more. It’s in my face to gather time to take …
Prayers From the Heart
When I was a young mom with four kids under the age of six, I felt guilty at my lack of a significant prayer life. My prayers didn’t measure up to what I thought they should look like. Looking back …
Breaking the Rules – One Box at a Time
When I was younger, I would have told you that a rebel is someone who breaks the rules. I would have smiled and said that rebellion is for troublemakers; knowing full well that I put myself in such a category …
When His Promises Are Plenty Good Enough for Our Disappointment
My sweet girl. Sat on the sidewalk and wept. The ground supported her weight but not her disappointment. Some friends, a little older, had left her behind. As they rode away on their bikes, she labored to keep pace on …
Second Grade Dreams
Some kids dream about growing up to become athletes, singers or doctors. Me? I dreamt about college. I recall with great detail the day when my second grade teacher talked to our class about what we wanted to be when …