Thoughts During Advent: What to Expect When You’re [Mary] Expecting
Nine months. For some women, the time during pregnancy flies. I wonder how the time felt to Mary. As soon as I found out that I was pregnant, I immediately wanted to tell everyone! I wonder how long Mary waited…
When the Saints Go Marching In…Wearing Snuggies
Note: This post was first published in 2012 in my “Growth Spurts” column for Parents & Kids Magazine. In light of today’s match-up between the Saints and the 49ers, I felt that it was time to re-share it! My son…
O, Christmas Tree
I love Christmas trees. I love the way they smell. I love the way they look. And I love the thoughts and feelings they evoke. I have fond memories of decorating the Christmas tree with my family when I was…
And Just Like That…
Note: This post is from my "Growth Spurts" column, which runs in Parents & Kids Magazine. I often see social media posts, from moms especially, that begin with the words “And just like that…” And then they finish with phrases…
Gratefulness: Teach Your Children to Look Beyond Themselves
An attitude of thankfulness is sometimes hard to find in our increasingly me-centered society. Attitudes of selfishness and entitlement seem to run rampant, while attitudes of service and gratefulness are often squashed or might even be considered to be weak.…
Confession
A few nights ago, I hit a very low point in my parenting. I was exhausted, worn down, and battle-weary. My buttons had all been pushed, and my triggers had all been triggered. I was tired of hearing lies, tired…
Making Marriage a Priority When You Have School-Aged Children
Remember when you were newlyweds and just couldn’t get enough of each other? Spending time together was never a question; the question was more What else would we do BESIDES spend time together?! But as so many of us have…
I Am Not a SuperMom
I am not a SuperMom. I do not have it all together, nor do I balance it all. My house is usually messy, as is my minivan. I let my dogs get on the furniture. I hate to dust. If…
You’re Not Just a Mom
Fifteen years ago I was referred to as a “bucket of rocks” by a man I had just met. This is a true story. My husband and I were at a dinner held by the company he worked for at…
Please Listen
Parents, this poem might resonate with you, as it did with me when I read it today. Actually, it felt more like a big brick dropped on my head, because I very much struggle with jumping right into advice-giving when…