For the first time in decades, I left my full time job and am currently working part time until I find another part time to fill in. It’s a long story, but after working a full time plus a part time job for six months, the time came to dial down the crazy a bit….
The Spicy Thomas Jefferson, Potty Training, and Assorted Tales
Where to start. . .I thought life would become a little quieter—possibly more predictable, with teenagers. I clearly lacked the foresight to see that I’d have babies/toddlers/teens simultaneously. It’s proving to be—er—interesting 🤔 Today, I was subjected to a long dissertation from one of the teens pertaining to all that she is learning about Thomas…
Where There’s Smoke, There’s Family
A week ago, we had the chance to spend time with my parents and family in Ohio. After several weeks of quarantine, homeschooling, and work disruptions due to the pandemic, our collective sanity was tenuous at best. Anyone who has lived in the Midwest knows how mercurial the weather is and as usual, Ohio did…
“Whose Poo Is This?!” And Other Awkward Parenting Tales
Poop seems to be a central part of parenting adventures–certainly while you have young children in diapers. Newborns are notorious for noxious explosions that stain those cute little onesies and anything in the vicinity of their tiny bodies. As they grow into toddlers, the poop messes can happen anytime/anywhere. A couple days ago, our resident…
The Illusion of Cool Parenting Transportation
Allow me to be candid for a moment about the state of family transportation options for modern parents. . . We are in the early stages of hunting for new family transportation–a process about as pleasant as a root canal I might add. First of all, you need to find something that fits your clan,…
The Real Truth About DIY Home Renovations
Last year, we embarked on what we thought was a moderate room remodeling project to prepare a room for the baby’s arrival. What was projected to be a 2-3 week project turned into a 2-3 month renovation that involves removing all of the walls, including exterior walls and huddling on air mattresses in the living…
Braving the Jungle AKA the DMV
Obtaining a driver’s license is one of the few rites of passage into adulthood that exist for teenagers. Getting a learner’s permit and scaring a couple decades off your parent’s life while practice driving is part of the journey to coveted independence in the form of a small piece of plastic. Lane had little enthusiasm…
Go Rest High On That Mountain
Four years ago, I wrote about “What Really Matters” in response to the news that my brother’s young niece, Madison, had been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 8. Although the possibility of a devastating childhood illness is on the fringes of our parental awareness, when it strikes someone we know, it’s gut-wrenching. When…
Teens and Toddlers: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
When the first four of my five children were babies and toddlers, there were moments when I dreamed of the day when they would no longer be walking biohazards (runny noses, drool, inadequate hand hygiene), eat without looking like a food fight had erupted, and converse with me about meaningful topics. The teenager years have…
“You Be Good Now—Ya Hear?”
I was walking to the parking garage after work today and overheard the loud goodbye ceremonies going on among a group of young and middle-aged ladies. As they were hugging and saying good-bye, one of the older ladies loudly admonished one of them: “You be good now!” I started reflecting on why this has even…
Parenting is NOT for Sissies 