Fancy Shoes
“Mommy, I’m going to get fancy!” My four year old bounded into my closet as I changed out of pajamas into (you guessed it) leggings and a loose-fitting top. “Okay, kiddo,” I replied, walking to the sink to wash my face. I scrubbed, dried my face, pulled a curious baby out of the shower (much […]
My baby turned one and I didn’t cry
My baby turned one and I didn’t cry. My baby, my second-born baby, turned one and I didn’t cry. My last, final, no-more-pregnancies-please baby turned one and I didn’t cry. I wondered…am I sort of heartless? Are my emotions so worn out from the roller coaster of 2020 that I can’t access them without trauma? […]
Ten Questions To Settle Your Anxious Heart
A few weeks ago, I was in a funk. I just couldn’t seem to get myself out of it. Finally I sat down and thought deeply about what practices have helped me find peace in the past and what is bringing me joy now. This was the result. Here are ten questions I ask myself […]
I lost my faith, but it’s okay
I think I’ve lost my faith. There–I said it. I’ve lost faith itself–meaning, the ability to trust and hope in the unseen. And I’ve lost my faith–my experience and participation in Protestant Christianity. And I think it’s okay. I became a Christian when I was 12 or 13 years old. I’m 34, nearly 35 now. […]
The Race I Won But Didn’t Run
I turned over the heavy plaque in my hands, reading the inscription. Half marathon relay. First place. I wasn’t sure I’d ever won first place in my life. Except…I didn’t run that day. The race kicked off that morning at 8am, at a nearby park. I was new to running and I had been invited […]
When Things Aren’t What They Seem
Last month my husband and I rented kayaks on the nearby river. We’ve kayaked before, but never at this spot. This was our first outing alone in months, so we were understandably excited — drunk on the fresh air and the possibility of uninterrupted conversation. So we paddled our kayaks down river, enjoying the sunshine, […]
Tough Skin, Tender Heart
It finally happened today. I looked up to hear you protesting, “I want to play, too!” as the other kids ran away. Your shoulders slumped, tears threatened to roll down your cheeks, I saw you standing dejectedly on the edge of the playground. “Mommy, they called me a baby, they said I couldn’t play with […]
Our Favorite Picture Books Right Now – August 2020
From time to time, I’ll share what books or toys my kiddos are enjoying. These are not sponsored posts–we are just sharing what we love! When possible, I try to link to independent bookstores to order, rather than Amazon. Have a favorite indie bookstore or picture book? Share it in the comments below! Not All […]
Just Start Driving
An introduction of sorts… Returning to the blogging world, I complained to my husband, “I don’t know who I’m writing for. I don’t even know what I’m writing about! I don’t know what lane I’m in.” He looked up at me. “Just start driving. You’ll find your lane.” This is terrible automotive advice, but decent […]
How To Stay Productive At Home (Spoiler Alert: You Already Are)
For Christmas I received a daily planner. I chuckled a little, wondering what I would write in it. Shall I schedule diaper changes? Toddler meltdowns? A friend suggested making a gratitude list. I had done that before and found it helpful, but I often felt a little bit of shame after making the list, as […]