Study Break 2013

Every year, I get a study break.Every year, I try to take a bit of it.This year, I'm doing it right.(Here is a little glimpse of last year's break...)I'm taking the entire break in one big clump, as encouraged by my boss (who had a terrific, extended study break during his sabbatical last summer). After …

Mother’s Day 2012

 This was an unusual Mother's Day; the first time in memory without all five kids.As my kids grow up and move on, I'm thinking more about how my identity has been forged in my responsibilities to and for them. Being the mother of Sarah-Shannon-Sydni-Daniel-David has been my life for over 20 years. It remains so, …

In Which The Truth Comes Out

I’m house cleaning. Music pours through the empty halls and off the walls as I wait for three of my five kids to make the 45-minute trip from their dad’s house back home. I’m in the kitchen, and I can hear the shuffle of the melodies from the living room.Eminem - Tenth Avenue North - …

Baby Beluga – AKA The Headless Mannequin

Sometimes, the things that happen in our house are just too complicated to explain.

David’s Eleventh Birthday

Guess who had a birthday today?David turned eleven.I can hardly believe it.Seems like just yesterday, I was laying on the couch, eating Cheetos and Oreos, processing the fact that I was going to have another baby. Number five.The timing didn't seem right, but boy, was I surprised. David has brought such joy to our family, …

What Comes Next

I'm considering furthering my education. Just starting to think about it......I think I want a seminary degree. I want to study the Bible, seriously. But I don't want to go to some rubber stamp let's-make-a-minister joint. It's tough to decide which direction to go.Or maybe I could learn some new technology. Study graphic arts, seriously. …

Swagger

Just a few days ago I was thinking about how my family dynamic has changed since my oldest girls got their drivers' licenses.  Used to be, we had to pile five kids into the Suburban together to go anywhere. We didn't fit anywhere else. There were always heated arguments about who got to sit up …

Ever Think About Organ Donation?

I read this post with my coffee today and was dumbstruck.Danielle is an amazing young writer who is also a doctor. Her journey has been fascinating.Take three minutes. Read this. Grab a Kleenex.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

It's Thanksgiving Eve. The house is quiet - just me, the laptop and a little mindless television. It's been a busy day.We had a house full of fun and food and laughter all afternoon. We call it "Fake Thanksgiving", and it's an every-other-year event. My favorite holiday - I can't stand to skip it when …

A Smaller Solution

I'm having a rough time right now.Lots of things swirling together to make a recipe for the autumn blues. Family and relational challenges. Kids growing up, stretching their wings and breaking things in the process.A friend's illness.Another friend who is processing his wife's illness.Life changes that bring about anxiety, stress, regrets and concern.The consistent lack …