parenting
31 Days of Real Life [10/29/16]
We celebrated Caleb’s birthday with a small group of friends and family. Usually, we make a big deal about birthdays, but I was overwhelmed by grief and never got around to doing any kind of decorating. Even though Caleb usually badgers me until we decorate, he graciously forgot and had a wonderful evening. I was…
31 Days of Real Life [10/30/16]
On each of his birthdays, I’ve taped streamers over his door. It’s so fun to start his special day with such joy and delight. These are the moments I hope to remember. Birthdays are the hardest grief days for me, but I want to remember their childhood with visions of all these wonderful moments of…
31 Days of Real Life [10/23/16]
This is my family. We don’t look like how I imagined (aside from the fair skin, blue eyes, and blonde hair – that was not a surprise since that’s how Keith and I looked as children). Honestly, as much as I wish Keith were here, I can’t imagine us looking like anything else. These kids…
31 Days of Real Life [10/22/16]
From the moment they met, when Libby was just a few days old, they’ve been inseparable buddies. When I walked in and saw him reading to her, I was overwhelmed. When Keith died and I was still pregnant, I was angry that I’d be bringing a baby into a broken family. What I didn’t realize…
31 Days of Real Life [10/20/16]
Caleb got a behavior chart this week. He’s loving earning stars and has had a significantly better attitude since we started. Whining is the behavior that drives me most crazy, so anything to cut down on that makes me happy. When he earned this dinosaur tattoo, he instantly said, “Mom! Take a picture of me…
31 Days of Real Life [10/17/16]
I think it is hilarious and delightful that she opens her mouth this wide every time she takes a bit of anything. A friend came over for an after bedtime dinner last night and brought desserts and this wine. It was wonderful. And even better to have time to share our hearts and connect one…
31 Days of Real Life [10/16/16]
Because sometimes a Sunday is the perfect time for ice cream for dinner. Follow the series: Subscribe to get weekly summaries directly to your inbox.
31 Days of Real Life [10/15/16]
This boy was my first little buddy. He came into the world during an incredibly difficult season. My dad was dying while I was in labor and eight hours after he entered my life, my dad left it. I didn’t grieve well. I thought I had it all under control, but really I was avoiding…
31 Days of Real Life [10/3/16]
We went apple picking with friends today after preschool drop off. Just the moms and the little kids. I didn’t want to go at first. I’m tired. The house needs cleaning. There are a million things I should be doing other than dragging a toddler through an orchard. I was afraid she would be eating…