On this amazing day I get to nurture seven children in my home. Three born to me, children of love— Angel Boy, for one more day— Little twin sisters, arrived last week to stay for a time— And— (yes, this is an announcement) An unborn child, due to join us in December. My heart is […]
(briefly) The mother of seven Read More »
Confession: Nowadays, my biggest mothering challenge seems to be saying “What?” so many times. “Hey Mom.” “What?” “Guess what?” “What?” “Do you know what happened today?” “What?” “Um… I forget what I was saying.” “WHAT??!?!” Okay, there might be a few bigger challenges, like sibling rivalries, preadolescent attitudes, and foster bye-byes. But my point is
March comes in like a lion and does not go out like a lamb. March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lion. March comes in like a lion and goes out like a bear. March comes in like a lion and goes out like a tiger. March comes in like a
Marching toward spring Read More »
Confession: My daughter got a pet mouse for Christmas. She’d been begging for one for months. I said “Honey, are you sure you don’t want a dolly?” No, she was sure. A live mouse that she could keep and hold in her hand. Deep breath from Mommy. Already then. We bought his cage and food
So last night I had a dream in which Ryan was talking to a group of men about the challenges of communicating with women. He was acting out the roles, the way he can be toodling along in a conversation and then suddenly blind-sided by a sharp question from his wife. POW! Ryan staggered around
The key to communication found MIA Read More »
This is the time of year when I finally give the season a name: I call it This Horrible Winter That Never Ends. Then I feel badly, because it is rather terrible to look a thing in the eyes and label it something cruel. This is the time of year when A Boatload of Snow
That time of year / Giveaway results Read More »
Confession: I should have seen it coming, I suppose, with Friday being the thirteenth and all, but I didn’t. Of course I don’t technically believe in bad luck— Have I ever told you about Our Lane? This picture makes it look easier than it is. But that is a story for another time. Suffice it
The story of Friday Read More »
Speaking of children… Probably yours are always well-behaved. Probably yours never squabble over dinner, or while doing chores, or (my personal favorite) in the backseat of the van on the way to church? Probably you just say “Love one another, dears” and they drop their quarrels? I thought so. But mine are human, and riding
Stoplight system for the road Read More »
1. It is hard to keep creative energy flowing in January. 2. Especially when all four of your kids come down with the stomach bug at the same time. 3. I found joy in tending them but I will be so happy when we are all well again… if this is really going to happen,
Confession: I’ve been meaning to organize the closets and corners of my house for weeks and weeks now. I kept scheduling it in my planner and it kept getting bumped. This couldn’t possibly be my fault… surely someone else is to blame? With the holidays approaching and a schedule that is unrelenting, I decided to
