Vacation Confessions (Day 1)
Dear CT, I’m writing home to tell you how my husband and the 3 kids are doing since we left. You know, all of 7 hours ago. Has it only been that long? Here are some things I learned so far: If you try to …
Family
Saving Our Kids (and Ourselves) From the More We Don’t Need
We navigated through the crowded woodland-themed lobby towards the canopied exit. As we pushed the double doors open, fresh air filled our lungs and though the warm spring sun was fading, we caught whimsical glimpses of its reflection on birds flying high above. We exhaled. …
The Week My Compassion Broke
You know those blog posts that start with a problem and end with a cute little moral, a “you-can-do-it” pep talk, or at least an inspirational quote with a gorgeous panoramic picture? I know you’re starting to feel a little warm and fuzzy at the …
Dear Anarchist Sons
Dear Anarchist Sons of Mine (age 3 and 6 respectively), Where to start? Your attention spans are short, so I’ll begin by saying the important: I’ll love you in and out, through and through till the day I die. This, however, is because my love isn’t a …
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Reality Redo)
‘Twas the night before Christmas, And all through the house, Of course there was “stirring”, but it wasn’t the mouse, (On a side note, we think there’s a mouse in the basement, Because of the droppings in obvious placement). The children won’t “nestle”, they don’t know …
Warning: High Maintenance Areas
I’m not high maintenance. Pff. Absolutely not. Yes, I’ve been buying more clothes from for-real stores and from fair trade/wages organizations like Imagine Goods and Amani Ya Juu, but I’m still a thrift shop girl at heart. My long hair means I don’t have a “salon” so much …
Community is a Pain
Guys- I’m going to make an honest confession here: I’m not sure I like community. Do I need it? Yes. Does it sound wonderful in theory? Uh-huh. Community looks cute on TV- like on that show “Extreme Home Makeover”. All the neighbors and friends …
You Homeschool Too
Today I started my second year of homeschooling my kids. I’m not a saint- really homeschooling is just trading some problems for others. When my daughter went to public kindergarten, mornings were essentially a drill to see how late we could get up without missing the bus. …
When Your Role-Shifter is Stuck
I’m a wife- a mom- a sister- a writer- a coffee drinker- a fan of Tom Selleck. (But that’s probably for another post.) I’m lots of things simultaneously, because…well, aren’t we all? Some of who I am overlaps neatly: coffee, for instance, can work quite …
Advice to Grandparents Visiting from the South
Dear Nana and Papa, We can’t wait for you to visit! The kids are beyond excited and the Mr. can barely contain himself- he’s practically jumping up and down, I’m sure you can picture it. I’m so elated myself that I thought I’d plan ahead …