parenting

Mid April and prom season has arrived! For the next 6 weeks, one or more high school communities in most every city in the nation will be celebrating this special event for juniors and seniors. And while the prom committees, staff, and administration are busy making sure everything is ready for the dance itself, its up to the kids to organize the rest of the night. And here is where a well organized Mom can >> Read More

Remember when your kids were babies and how hard it was to leave them in someone else's care the very first time?  Torn between thinking you might die if you didn't get back right away and knowing you'd go crazy if you didn't have just a few minutes to yourself, this first outing away from your baby was a milestone for letting go.  For me, the next one happened in pre school.  Each child so >> Read More

Halfway through the school year and we've just received the 2nd round of report cards for our children.  Proud of their hard work, it has long been our tradition to take our children out for a special family dinner to celebrate their accomplishments. Because we don't eat out often, this has always been a much anticipated ritual and no matter what the final grades are, the focus is on their hard work, achievements, and their >> Read More

Our oldest child is graduating high school in June.  I have finally ordered his cap and gown, his senior pictures, and his final yearbook.  I put it off as long as I could before he'd be in trouble with the delivery dates.  I procrastinated each of these orders nervous to hit send with each and every one.  I am not ready. He has finished college testing, college tours, and college applications and is waiting to >> Read More

Raising children is the most important job I will ever have.  I'm not being cliche ~ at 18 years and counting its the God's honest truth.  Doing this well is harder than I could have ever imagined.  And if I'm really honest with myself, raising children is hard because it requires constant self discipline, self control, sacrifice, and the willingness to walk through anything life throws you. Truth is, I'm incredibly human, making my fair >> Read More

Girls, and women, are mean.  Don't be shocked...you know that you've thought it, and perhaps even felt it personally too.  But why?  Why do women treat each other this way?   My daughter is in elementary school and unlike her brothers at any age, she shares every little detail of her day.  I'm saddened to see that as she grows, this conversation is increasingly focused on recounting unkindness she's witnessed or been the child to >> Read More