Small Changes Save Lives
About five years ago, we learned the cause of our son’s violent rejection of many meals: an egg allergy. Many changes occurred in our home. Everything about the way food was prepared changed. I read every label, sometimes two or three times in the store and again at home....
The Glue of Anniversaries
On this day, eight years ago, I woke to Peter’s phone call saying he had been bumped from his flight (the Army wouldn’t let him off early the day before to get to his own wedding). He made it, just in time – though I guess we would have...
The New Parent Trap
Confession: I am judgmental. I see often see things in black and white, with little wiggle room between right and wrong. I “call ’em like I see ’em” sometimes without regard for the feelings of others. I am quick-tempered, think justice should be swift and thorough, and that those...
Growing up in the Lord
Welcome family, friends, link up readers, new readers, and anyone in between. Thank you for your grace and patience in waiting for the unveiling and grand opening of my new domain and corner of the Internet. (The wait might have been easier for you than for me). I am...
The Music of My Heart
If my voice could hold out, I would sing all day every day. I have enjoyed the singing part of church service as far back as I can remember. I can close my eyes and see my child self – singing all the words to all the hymns loudly...
The Myth of Super Mom
My children think I can do anything. I fix all broken things, beat Koopa and save the princess (again), find every missing item, answer endless questions, and make them all the food they could ever want (even the meals they don’t eat). My husband thinks I’m awesome, even if...
Redefining Footprints on Our Hearts
In middle school, a friend gave me a decorative banner with the quote, “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay a while leaving footprints on our hearts and we are never the same,” by Flavia Weedn. This sentiment stuck with me through many moves as...
The War Zone of Parenting
Parenting is not for the weak-minded, faint of heart, or simple-willed person. Parenting, many days, feels like a war, at least at the current ages and stage of my children. I love them fiercely. I protect them and care for their needs above my own. These days, every morning...
SQT: Road Trips and Funerals
Nothing interrupts the momentum of unpacking and getting settled like a death in the family. For the most part, things are unpacked, but some organizing remains undone. As the day and week come to an end, another Seven Quick Takes provides the opportunity for reflection before going into the weekend. ~1~ My first...
In Memory of Grandma
“Grandparents are both our past and our future. In some ways, they are what has gone before, and in others, they are what we will become.” ~Mr. Rogers When I was five years old, my father preached a sermon in which he talked about his mother dying. Well, this...