Tonight he goes to sleep with a smile, because he is loved

Today our youngest child turned one year old. I admit, it was a bit bitter sweet, because we knew with COVID-19 keeping us at home, we wouldn’t be celebrating with any of our family. This marks the first kid birthday celebration without family, without our loved ones. To celebrate without our people made this day …

A season for rest.

Life has me in quite a season. I haven’t written in over two weeks! That says something, because I love to write, and I have a lot to say. I don’t know if it’s the umpteenth sinus infection in the last six months, or the heavy workload at the college. Perhaps it’s that my husband …

When exhaustion hits, choose to be present

I don't know how realistic it is to assume all parents feel like me at times. But I do believe, more often than not, most of you do. It is inevitable, as a parent, to become exhausted. I'm not talking about the 8:00pm, kids are finally in bed, I'll just lay down for a minute, …

What would you do with a time machine?

Today a friend asked, "If you could travel back to only one event, what would it be?" There are so many events I'd want to return to. Perhaps back in time to see my grandfather or grandmother, just one more time. Or to sort out an argument with a childhood friend so we could still …

The sincerity of an innocent heart

Tonight my husband made the kids dinner, then went on to spend an hour making dinner for me and him. (I know, different meals seem excessive, but when we want a meal full of veggies it's not worth the struggle and waste of tasty food.) I had asked for a sweet potato sort of hash. …

Demystifying the capabilities of parents, and recognizing when to ask for help.

Okay parents, let's be real with each other for a moment. How often do you need help? Go on, it's okay to answer. Now... how often do you ask for help? Do you see a discrepancy? I sure do. I am proud. Or I'm stubborn. Actually, I'm both. Growing up I learned to be independent …

Why we should stop attaching “Bad” to our name.

I am quite guilty of adding "Bad" to my title. You will hear me say, "I'm a Bad Mom", or "I'm a Bad Wife". But if you are like me, it's time for both of us to stop. We are not doing ourselves any favors by bringing down our worth. Our value to the people …

To my threenager: You do you girl! I’ll just be hiding over here.

Okay, where are all the parents out there with a three year old? (Insert hand raises here from all the toddler parents frantically googling: What is going on with my toddler?) If you don't know what I'm talking about, you are either the one lucky parent out there, or you haven't hit this phase yet. …

New Years Eve: Reflecting on the past to inform the future

As we stay up late preparing to ring in the New Year, with the sound of fireworks in the distance (far too early I might add), it's nice to do some reflection. Many of us are excited for the symbolic fresh start the new year will bring. Some of us can't wait to say goodbye …

To gift or not to gift? When to choose presence over presents.

This year there has been a large focus on gifting experiences on social media. This movement really resonates with me, as I'm sure it does with many parents today. The idea is quite simple: instead of spending money on toys, spend money by getting children an experience instead. Unfortunately gifting experiences can be quite expensive. …