We have spent almost nine blissful years out of the over-scheduled din of child rearing in modern times. Bird and Deal have each enjoyed stints in various sports and taken swimming lessons, piano lessons, hip hop class, and art class. They lead a well-rounded life that is full of … [Read more...] about Baseball and Beer – 5:00 Fridays
parenting
Standards and Stress and Sisyphus
Sometimes I look at my shelf of cookbooks and snicker at the irony of one of my first books, The Joy of Cooking. To many cooking is more chore than joy. I love to cook but I still feel that way sometimes. I keep telling myself that if I lower my standards my life would be easier. … [Read more...] about Standards and Stress and Sisyphus
Digital Memories
We spent much of yesterday cozied up in our jammies. We surrounded ourselves with various books, the Sunday paper, the iPad, and magazines. The dog curled up at my feet, and Lenny Kravitz played on the iPod. The day was gloomy and cold, a departure from the sunny spring-like days … [Read more...] about Digital Memories
Drunk Driving is a Parent’s Worst Nightmare
I sat in a church pew wearing an evergreen Laura Ashley ankle length dress with a black sash and shiny black flats. I sat among my teenage peers as we gulped but couldn't swallow the astonishment and anguish rising like pebbles of bile in our throats. We had to remind ourselves … [Read more...] about Drunk Driving is a Parent’s Worst Nightmare
About Time
I'm not sure how I regarded Time before I had children (not the band, though they do have a song called "The Bird."). I suppose I never considered milestones and firsts. Well, there are the obvious bridges we cross that entail Pomp and Circumstance or Pachelbel's Canon. … [Read more...] about About Time
Talking to My Sons About Penn State
I'm sorry if it seems I'm prattling on about Penn State (and now the Citadel). I literally cannot stop thinking about it. I look at my innocent Bird and Deal and want to scoop them up to protect them forever. I cannot begin to imagine the lives of those abused boys. … [Read more...] about Talking to My Sons About Penn State
Penn State – No Words
See those sweet faces? Those are my sons. And may God help the person who ever harms them. I am so sick about the events that have unfolded at Penn State. I find myself sitting down to write about it, yet I cannot bring the words from my heart to the page. I tear up and feel … [Read more...] about Penn State – No Words