it’s a sign…
“Mom, do you have a minute? I need to talk to you about something serious,” Sam said. I looked up from chopping the salad. “Do you want to talk while… Read more it’s a sign… →
today’s change
At a little after six this morning, Andy said, “Wow, you’ve walked and showered and finished your morning notebook writing already. You’re going to have a productive day!” I smiled… Read more today’s change →
The Story Behind the Sweet Board Game
If you hang out around our house long enough, you will hear: “MLP!” Make. Life. Pleasant. In fact, last February, right after Jordan joined our family, we made a little… Read more The Story Behind the Sweet Board Game →
Daughter Redefined
Five feet.Three inches.125 pounds.Ten years old. Andy gave her a nickname.I was mortified when he suggested it,Thought it was offensive.Of course, She loves it. Boss. It’s not something she would want you to call her, but us — the ones who share a house and breathing space with her — we’re allowed to use it. I don’t use it. Boss. What mother wants her little girl to be called Boss?Sweet.Tender.Gentle. These are the words to describe a daughter. But not this daughter.She defines herself. Strong.Demanding.Bold.Confident.Self-Assured. Boss. She’s redefined my vision.… Read more Daughter Redefined →
The Best Medicine
SneezyStuffySleepy Write GrumpyGroucyOuchy Write WimpyWoozyWhiny Write
hugs
A hug is the number one mood booster among men and women. I heard this fact on the radio today and it gave me pause. Whenever our kids get frustrated or angry or start sliding down into the land of no-self-control, we ask them: Do you want a hug. Sam always takes the offer. Always. Growing up with endless hugs must make it easy to take one even when you’re grumpy or angry or frustrated. The other kids have learned to take the offer. Hannah learned the fastest. It took… Read more hugs →
When You Want to Quit
It’s not even 8:00 am and tear-soaked tissues gather at my toes. Alone, I try to pull it together, tuck the chaos behind my ears as I smooth my curls,… Read more When You Want to Quit →
Undeserved (SOLS)
In the back southwest corner of our yard is a dump pile. It’s a place for grass clippings and watermelon rinds and leaves and trimmings from the flower beds. It… Read more Undeserved (SOLS) →
Flower Boy (SOLS)
{Flowers from My Editor} Once, a long time ago, Andy and I lived in two different Big Ten towns. I attended IU Bloomington and Andy studied (briefly) at Purdue. One… Read more Flower Boy (SOLS) →