*Disclaimer: this content is not appropriate for younger eyes.* Imagine your daughter perched on the couch, laughing with friends while painting their fingernails and watching an Austen film. In the last year, she’s grown taller than you, but her knobby knees and questions let you know she’s still a child at heart. It wasn’t that […]
Perspective
A Bike and A.D. 33
In the last four months, I’ve biked over 650 miles. Regarding legwork, I’ve traveled from the northern border of Missouri all the way down to Louisiana. But, I haven’t gotten anywhere. Although I burned calories and toned my leg muscles, I accomplished little else. I saw nothing of the world and didn’t help anyone along […]
How to be a Friend to an Introvert
First off, let’s blast some misconceived notions ignorantly floating out there: introverts do like people. To say that all introverts are shy is like saying that all extroverts are obnoxious. Yes, introverts really do have friends. In fact, introverts appreciate deeper, long-lasting relationships more fully than some extroverts can or want to. For most, it looks more […]
Motivating our Minions
In college, I worked two years at a daycare. Although I appreciated the preparation it afforded toward future parenting, some of the methods employed didn’t set me up as a successful instructor. Obviously, a daycare regulated by the state had to be cautious when it came to disciplinary actions. We as teachers were not allowed […]
Joy, I Miss You, But I Feel Guilty Around You Too
A few days ago, Jon Acuff posted of picture of himself in Austria, skiing these gorgeous slopes. Under the photo, he shared this: “I didn’t ski for 11 years. I grew up going in Massachusetts but then it was like I forgot something that gives me joy. Part of it was our stage of life, […]
Misery, Party of One, Seeking Company
Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world. ~Helen Keller Last night I watched a show that involved a man named Charlie. Charlie had been working hard for a group of lawyers who treated him like a peon. He made their coffee runs […]
Male and Female and Crossing Over: the Dangers of Rewriting Gender
Our family loves watching competitions together (especially in the baking, cooking, and music fields). My daughter and I feel inspired to learn new baking techniques, explore exotic flavors, and venture into recipes we weren’t brave enough to try before. Everyone enjoys listening to talented musicians show off their vocal abilities, although no one in our […]
Facing the Enemies of my Marriage
I’d done it again: said the words I shouldn’t have said. Critiqued when I should have encouraged. And the person I love more than anyone else felt the brunt of my barbs. Why is it that the people we care the most for often receive the ugliest, unrestrained aspects of us? Sometimes I need to […]
What Really Scares You?
Our family launched a new practice this year: we now have enough Nerf guns to have a battle. Turning nearly all the lights out and taking teams, we establish ourselves on opposite ends of the house and slowly make our way toward one another. Three shots and you are out of the game. The kids […]
Do You Need a Substitute Teacher?
Homeschool mommas need a break too, but ironically, we are often the last to get it. Aside from helpful grandparents who bail us out, we don’t get out-of-jail cards very often. No paid holidays, no snow days, no long weekends. Even co-ops and sports often require our help or presence. Homeschool moms are […]