I've been in a funk lately. Back pain and difficulty breathing landed me in the ER last week. My sons have been home sick. Our ill-behaved dog has been a pest, and not in an endearing sort of way. The North Carolina general assembly has given us all coach class tickets … [Read more...] about The Burden of Parenting
parenting
Happy Mother’s Day! (an inadequate post)
Mother's Day has become a commercial blitz. First of all, one day out of 365 is hardly enough. I'm thinking at least a quarterly celebration is the least we can do. Who's with me? I did get a lovely handwritten note from Bird and a sweet story from Deal. It's those things I … [Read more...] about Happy Mother’s Day! (an inadequate post)
The Media Lacks Compassion (and Sense!) When It Comes to Steubenville
I have two little boys asleep upstairs. They are small enough to still hold my hand in parking lots and say "I love you" unabashedly. They are wild and loud and energetic, yet possess a certain pensive quality that sneaks out when they are reading or daydreaming. They are both … [Read more...] about The Media Lacks Compassion (and Sense!) When It Comes to Steubenville
Live and Learn
There are some things that you cannot learn just from someone telling you it is so. We've all been teenagers and can vouch for this, no? Bird and Deal are still too young to delve into teenage impropriety; they are young enough to dip their toes into puerile mischief and listen … [Read more...] about Live and Learn
A Book Brought Me to Tears
I knew I should have taken off my mascara before settling in to read last night. I wrote this promptly after reading to my sons and tucking them in. Bird goes to sleep with a book within reach, and Deal goes to sleep surrounded by a menagerie of stuffed friends. These boys of … [Read more...] about A Book Brought Me to Tears
Clash of Values Can Kill a Friendship
I have always said the worst thing about parenting is other parents. It can be a challenge when you take different discipline paths in the midst of a play date. It can be irksome to listen to the overbearing sports parent cheer and denigrate in the same breath. It is intimidating … [Read more...] about Clash of Values Can Kill a Friendship
Giving Tuesday Fits Our Family’s Tradition
I do love the holiday season, mostly for the food. I also love the chill in the air...because that means boots and knee socks. I love having children underfoot during the holidays, maybe because they are on their best behavior and are crippled with giddiness. I hate the … [Read more...] about Giving Tuesday Fits Our Family’s Tradition