Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn’t stop to enjoy it. – William Feather
Just a few weeks into my One Word 365 and I’m certain I made the right choice. I feel it seeping into my heart and mind and almost constantly new revelation on the word slow becomes part of me. This years word complements last years so well. It allows me to continue walking on the path God placed me on last year – minus the self-inflicted stress. Discipline is the result of a slow, methodical, thoughtful life path.
Continue Reading »
I remember as a teenager having to program the VCR* for my parents. It was new and tricky for them, but came naturally for me.
Today, as a parent, I’m now on the other side with social media. It seems every day there is a new app for yet another way to keep in touch. I find it overwhelming, but for the teens, and even much younger kids, downloading and setting up profiles comes naturally.
Like it or not, life has changed, and to keep up and protect our kids, we need to be aware of what they are doing online.
Continue Reading »
As my fingers start to move across the keyboard, my eyes are filled with tears but there’s still a smile on my face. That’s what happens when I think about my mom.
It’s been five years since I’ve been able to celebrate Mother’s Day with her, and I still miss her like crazy.
My mom, like so many moms, was chauffeur, cook, housekeeper, laundress, counselor, painter (walls as well as canvas), gardener, nurse, teacher, party planner, nutritionist, beautician, and decorator. She was also a fabulous hostess, a voracious reader, and a talented seamstress. She could even shoot straight and scare away those critters brave enough to invade her garden and munch on her labors.
Continue Reading »
I began with the “H” in royal blue across a square of white, my rainbow of classic Crayola markers splayed over the plush burgundy carpet. I smiled, imagining Mom’s delight when she spied it in the morning, my signature, block-bubble letters, surrounded by a wavy, drawn-ribbon border: Happy Birthday!
I taped the poster board in its traditional spot, above the doorway to the dining room, where all the delicious indulgence would occur. Next came assorted balloons with bold red curling ribbons cascading down.
She created them for all of us, a sign for every birthday growing up. I delighted in the task of creating hers.
Continue Reading »
Having tantrums is part of being a toddler. Almost anything has potential to trigger a tantrum in a little one. When my kids were little, they had plenty of tantrums. There was rarely a day when someone wasn’t having a tantrum over something.
There were many days when I felt like banging my head on the floor right along with the fit thrower. However, I realized early on all this would do was make one more crying person. Mom losing her cool only made matters worse. Someone needed to maintain their composure, and it needed to be me.
Once I realized I needed to keep my cool when my little ones were losing theirs, I tried to figure out how to stay calm.
Continue Reading »
I know it’s cliche, but it’s so true; a mom’s job is never done. It’s 24/7. Whether you’re working or stay-at-home doesn’t matter. Even if your not with your kiddos all the time, your mind is running crazy with all of your mommy thoughts. It’s exhausting! I know. This stay-at-home mama of 3 has been there. And I’m not ashamed to admit that anti-anxiety medication is just one tool that I use to manage it.
But another tool I’ve found helpful is simple positive thinking. At New Years I resolved to take simple steps to “Be the Best Mom” I can be in 2013.
Continue Reading »
As a mom, I wish I could fix all of the issues my daughter has to face.
The dramas of growing up and fitting in.
Learning to control her emotions and behavior.
Figuring out how to live in this sinful world.
But even if I could solve everything, I know it wouldn’t be what’s best for her because there are lessons to be learned.
What I can do is be there for her.
And sometimes, that’s what she needs most—someone to listen and let her know her feelings are valid.
She wants to be heard. She wants to know I’m there for her no matter what.
Continue Reading »
Tiny sock covered feet shuffle across the carpet towards my room. I hear the shh-shh-shh-shuffle getting closer. It stops a few feet from me. I look up to sleepy eyes and tornado hair. She waits. “Good morning bitty girl!” I muster all the excitement in me. Her eyes brighten, her eyebrows raise, and her mouth tips upward as she takes a flying leap towards my legs with arms outstretched. I cover her head with kisses and bend down to sprinkle some love on her cheeks and forehead, as well.
Every morning is the same. My little girl drags into my room and waits to be acknowledged.
Continue Reading »
