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…
Along the Road
These are pictures of my two adopted sons, Carlos and Brandon. The picture on the left was taken around four years ago, before they even knew there was a family ready to adopt them. The picture on the right was…
Cultivating Self-Control: It Takes the Spirit Plus Some Effort
Note: I wrote this as a guest post for Mary Kathryn Tiller: Cultivating a Faithful Heart Amid a Frenzied World. When I caught my son sneaking Netflix after he was supposed to be in bed, I could’ve used some self-control.…
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…
Gotcha Day
Three years ago today, Kevin and I met Carlos and Brandon face to face in Colombia, and they became a part of our forever family. It has been an intense three years, but there have been many victories to celebrate!…
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…
Your Home: A Powerful Arena
This quote on this actual same piece of paper has been hanging in my kitchen for more than 15 years. In fact, it has hung in three different kitchens now. With each move, I’ve packed this piece of paper as…
Being an Aunt
Once a year my extended family gets together for a week-long vacation together. There are nearly thirty of us, and more than half are “the kids,” ranging in age between one and twenty-two. It is always fascinating to watch them…
