She Didn’t Win the Trophy, But I Couldn’t Be Prouder
I looked at my daughter as her face fell. She looked at me for a moment, took a deep breath, and went back to her seat.
When Your Child Asks the Hard Questions
Our kids ask us the hard questions. And while some of those questions I dread hearing, I know it’s good that they ask us – hopefully, it means they know we’re safe, that we’ll tell the truth, and that we…
Lessons From a Middle School Mom
My oldest recently finished her first year of middle school. It was quite a learning experience – perhaps more for me than for her. There were highs and lows, unexpected surprises and unwelcome obstacles. My husband and I talked about…
They Can’t Take Jesus Out of Our Schools if We Send Jesus to School in Our Kids
This parenting gig comes with all sorts of worries. Some we have a small amount of control over – like making sure we don’t run out of milk or that the electric bill is paid on time – and others…
When You’re the Oldest Mom in the Pre-School Drop Off
I’ve got a birthday coming up. The big 3-9. An age that can no longer be classified as “mid-30s,” and is one slippery year away from the once-dreaded 40. Mostly, I’m fine with that. I haven’t worried too much about…
Sometimes You Need a Helping Hand
Once upon a time there was a young boy who went to the park with his mama. He ran up to the playground and sped around it trying to find the way up to the slide. He moved to one…
When the Pain Won’t Stop
It was after 9 pm. I had unofficially “clocked out” for the day. I say unofficial because you’re never REALLY off the clock as a parent, but by 9 pm the kids were all settled in bed for the night.…
Learning to Share with a Box and a Dinosaur
My three-year-old and I were out shopping today. We were buying toys and other things to put in our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, which need to be turned in soon so that they can make it to children in need…
Yes, I’m That Mom.
I let my son wear his turtle shell the other day. In public. Yes, I admit it. I’m that mom. The one who lets her daughter out of the house with a boot on one foot and a sandal on…
To My Pre-Teen, I’m Sorry
Dear Pre-Teen, I need to apologize. I did something to you the other day that I’ve tried to teach you over and over and over again not to do. Something that I would prefer never to admit to. I judged…