In 2012, about 100 blog posts ago, I set up a little blog called Permission to be Real. It was born out of unexpected inner conflict when my youngest started kindergarten. When I dropped him off for school the first day, I thought I might cry. Lots of my friends had cried. However, I’d dropped … [Read more...] about On Moving to a New Place
Motherhood
An Unconventional Valentine
It was what you might call an unconventional valentine. Early and unexpected. The best kind. It didn’t come with doilies, construction paper, glue or conversation hearts. There were no chocolates or stuffed animals. It was delivered to me over a table full of Mexican food as we crammed … [Read more...] about An Unconventional Valentine
All I Want for Christmas
It came up again last week at bedtime. A gift from the past: hand print snow man ornament. “Mom, what do you want for Christmas?” I could not think of one reasonable thing to say. A few years ago Zach asked me this same question, and I was ready with a completely practical … [Read more...] about All I Want for Christmas
Receiving the Undeserved Gift
I scrambled up to the first couch cushion and dutifully obeyed my mother’s little rhyme: “Open your hands and close your eyes and I will give you a big surprise.” Meanwhile on the middle couch cushion, long after I had settled myself, my little sister wriggled off the couch and then climbed … [Read more...] about Receiving the Undeserved Gift
Growing Gratitude
Back in the day when the boys were 2, 3, and 4 years old, it was a little rugged around our house. I was plagued by my inability to mother like I thought I should--you know, teaching my toddlers to use their manners, say thank you, and always obey. But since that rarely went as planned, I almost … [Read more...] about Growing Gratitude
When You Work for the Gift You’ve Already Got
Remember the fort/blind the boys built this summer for all their fall hunting adventures? Well, apparently a blind isn’t complete without certain hunting accessories. And this year for his birthday, Zach asked for all manner of them. Every time we went to the store he’d point them out. When they … [Read more...] about When You Work for the Gift You’ve Already Got