He approaches the steep blue slide with excitement and gusto. The same slide that we went down together a few weeks ago only to have him cling to me and cry out in fear as we dropped to the bottom. I have never seen Ben go down a slide by himself, let alone this massive […]
Little Dreamer :: Wordless Wednesday
5 Ways I’m Staying Positive in this Nast
Here we are again. A new year, a new cold/flu season. We mamas take the extra time needed to be sure hands are washed, doorknobs are wiped, clothes are scrubbed, sink handles are cleaned, and yet we still all get it. The terrible, horrible, sniffling, sneezing, hacking, wheezing, feverish, achy, itching, stomach turning, no good, […]
I’m Giving Up the Normal Life
Jennifer Garner is my new hero. On the Ellen show, she faced rumors concerning her “baby bump” with confidence, poise, and style. Smiling triumphantly, she said, I do [have a bump]… I am not pregnant. I have had three kids and there is a bump. From now on ladies I will have a bump. And […]
Why I didn’t wait until Christmas for th
Candlelight flickers, twinkle lights shine, and the sliver of the moon suggests the sun it reflects. Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. We choose to recognize that Light wins in a world of darkness as we adorn our houses, trees, and streets with glimmers of joy. For in celebration […]
3 Ways To Swallow When You’ve Bitten Off
While sitting at the smorgasbord of opportunity, my eyes glimmered in the candlelight of my dreams as I loaded my plate high with events, commitments, opportunities. Each one looked better than the rest. Each was an easy yes. And last week they happened all at once. Beginning October 1st, I joined #write31days and committed to […]
When Your Monday Feels Like a Wednesday
It’s Monday, and it feels like a Wednesday. It was a hard weekend. Tim was on a men’s “retreat,” so I was alone with the kids. And, I was grieving. So, though I woke up this morning feeling ready to go, I am now done. Have you had those Mondays? When, though you get started […]
The Day My Son Got Hurt
It was the sixth morning of kindergarten and we were waiting for the bell in the school yard with the other kids and parents. Jack had gathered a pile of rocks and formed a smiley-face with a few sticks and a strip of plastic. He stepped back and smiled at his work before running to his […]
I Kissed His Hand Goodbye
I loved school as a kid. The line from You’ve Got Mail about a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils gets me every time. I am taken back to the excitement of a new classroom, new teacher, new friends… new beginnings. I suppose that is the best part. The chance to start something new and to move ahead in […]
Conversations between a Toddler and a Pr...
A few weeks ago, Ben was still learning to talk and many of his words were gibberish. Sitting at lunch one day, Ben starts “talking.” Ben: I giiaaeeemaameeeya. Me: What? Ben: I giiaaeeemaameeeya. Me: (blank face) Ben: I giiaaeeemaameeeya!!! Me (trying so hard!): You got a mommy? Ben (screaming): No!! I giiaaeeemaameeeya!!! Me (sigh): You […]