We were at the Dollar Tree today picking up some candy and other odds and ends. As I passed a man wearing a Chicago Bears stocking hat down an aisle, my purse knocked some items off of a shelf. I bent down to pick them up, and as I did, the man also stopped to … Continue reading Paying it Forward
Compassion
The Sandwich Season
Have you ever heard of the sandwich season of life? It occurs when you are still in the stage of taking care of your own children, while now having to worry about and possibly take care of your parents. One thing that I seem to continuously forget is that as I age, and my children … Continue reading The Sandwich Season
We Must Entertain
"I don't have any friends!" That is what I have heard this year, more times than I would care to mention, from my youngest daughter, who just turned ten. I have witnessed old friendships fall to the wayside, and I have seen with my own eyes the way these old "friends" treat her at school. … Continue reading We Must Entertain
We’re All Trying To Get Back In
Social scenarios are not my forte. A crowded room of people is not a comfortable place for me. I find myself getting nervous, panicked, and clumsy in these settings. The thought of presenting myself to others in a manner that will lead them to like me is stressful. If you think about it, we all … Continue reading We’re All Trying To Get Back In
Always Be You
Have you ever had one of those "momma bear" moments? You child tells you someone has hurt them, or hurt their feelings, and you instantly become consumed with anger, as you want to make it all right for your child. But what do you do when you are a logical thinker, and know that anger … Continue reading Always Be You
I’ve Been Afraid of Changing….
Have you ever heard the song "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac? In the live version, Stevie Nicks begins it by saying "this is for you daddy." However, I have read that the song is more about relationships and sacrifices. And as of late, I find myself listening to this song, and thinking about my own life. … Continue reading I’ve Been Afraid of Changing….
Andy’s Story
We lost our dear friend Andy in January. I was approached by the producer from KWIT, our local public radio station, about writing a piece to honor our friend. Andy loved listening to public radio. 🙂 After several edits of a longer piece I wrote, we finally ended with the perfect story. At first, I … Continue reading Andy’s Story
The Reality of March 15th
March 15th has a sting to it. The kind like cold winter air hitting your warm face. A sting like a knife slowly pressed into your soul, never to be removed again. March 15th carries the weight of the world's saddest souls, and only casts shadows among the living on this day. March 15th is … Continue reading The Reality of March 15th
The Frailty of Life
Frail Our cat is pregnant. It has been such an exciting time for our family! The kids have been taking such good care of her. They make sure she eats enough, they have been rubbing her belly, and all that good stuff. They even were making bets on how many kittens she would have. This … Continue reading The Frailty of Life
A Letter to My Son – In Detention
Dear Son, Today is the day that you have been dreading for four days now. It will be a life changing event for you. You will serve one day in detention after school, and hopefully never be there again. I wanted to make sure that you knew how much I love you. I am so … Continue reading A Letter to My Son – In Detention
Terror Among Us
In light of yesterday's horrific events in Paris, everything seems so trivial now. The grocery shopping, the bills that need paid, the laundry, etc. Nothing seems to match the scale of importance as all of the lives senselessly taken yesterday. I have the same feelings that I had on 9/11. Same fear, same anger, same … Continue reading Terror Among Us
Am I Doing This Right?
This article is so important to read if you are a parent. If you're anything like me, you put so much pressure on yourself to be the "perfect" parent. Always questioning every choice and decision you have made. In the end, when our children are all grown, we will realize is was, and is, about … Continue reading Am I Doing This Right?
Self Absorbed
Don't turn around, your chance has past. Keep moving forward, or you'll never last. All that's behind you, is over and done. Yet you came out a loser, when you thought that you'd won. All those that cared, have long since moved on. You always took advantage, until their spirit was gone. … Continue reading Self Absorbed
Days Like This…
My daughter and I. She had another tough day. Much similar to my post "You Don't Have to Fit In" from yesterday. I wish I could fix the world for her.
Snapped
As of late, I'm quick to snap. It seems no patience is in me. I need to breathe, and take a step back, to control what seems to exhaust me. I'd like to just be listened to, to have all of my thoughts be heard. The same common courtesy I give to everyone in return. … Continue reading Snapped
Rest In Peace Little Chicken….Sorry We Let You Down
Last night, right at dark, the kids and I heard our chickens making an awful sound. My son and youngest daughter ran out to the coop, only to come in the house with tears in their eyes. "Mom! There's feathers all over the place!" My heart sank. I already knew nothing good was going to … Continue reading Rest In Peace Little Chicken….Sorry We Let You Down
Contemplating Among the Tulips
This weekend is the 75th annual tulip festival in Iowa. It's a really fun weekend where you get to learn about, and celebrate the Dutch heritage. There are tons of beautiful tulips in the city, and many activities. As a child, my family and I would go every year, and spend the whole day there. … Continue reading Contemplating Among the Tulips
Some Wounds Take Longer To Heal
Remember in my last post when I said we had lost a family member while he was in custody? (See Here). Something happened this weekend that I feel the need to write about, that relates to him. A little back story......he was a loving and caring person, whom everyone loved. He died tragically and suddenly, … Continue reading Some Wounds Take Longer To Heal
