The more my kids grow the more I realize that they are really ‘wild’ things. They have been given to me to love and take care of, but they are not mine to keep.
Teaching Kindness, Not Obedience
“You don't have to be the smartest, fastest, best looking or most popular. You only need to be the kindest and hardest working. Those are the two things that will bring you happiness and success in life.”
Do I Deserve Mother’s Day?
Each year I wonder, do I deserve it? Have I done enough to be the mommy they believe me to be?
Smells Like School Spirit: Do “Spirit Days” Force Conformity?
As an awkward child, I found the forced cheerfulness and pressure to adopt color-coded attire during “spirit days” in school humiliating.
Frazzled Homeschooling Mother of Three Sends Children Back to Public School Mid-Week
When the school principal noticed three disoriented children, wearing pajamas, walking around in front of the building, she went out to investigate.
That Book
Despite the missing words, there are inscriptions where I tell him how much he was wanted, how intelligent he is, how he is our greatest gift.
Does Anyone Need Me?
I can’t control and fix everything like I did when they were toddlers, and I shouldn’t. But, I really want to.
We Have Lice (Again)
When we got home from the party, bugs were visibly crawling in her hair. I raced to the supermarket and picked up pesticide-grade lice removal kits and wine. With Catholic guilt about probably infesting the movie theater, I stayed up all night cleaning the house, scrubbing, washing sheets, towels, bedding, coats, scarves, hats, and stuffed animals.
My Bed is Just a Bed, Unless You’re my Kids
My parents' bed was always warm. A cushion of comfort, wrapped around my body, encouraging me to snuggle in deeper, pull the blankets up tighter.
Lost
He is only five and I didn't lose him at a familiar school with adults he trusted. I left him hiding in a bush at a small, local water park during an intense game of hide and seek.