Photo Credit: Jenni C For the second time in two years I was the new girl. I was mighty scared that when the recess bell rang all the first graders would sprint toward the playground, and I’d be standing alone. Again.I couldn’t stand the thought of it so I decided to do something. And quick. The … [Read more...] about Plunging into Hello
When a Father Made Me Cry at the Pool
They say you remember trauma more acutely than pleasure. If the memories of my first high dive experience are any indication, it’s true. My boys did not inherit my high dive angst. I was in fourth grade. No one made me do it, but it looked fun. Something akin to flying. So, in my least … [Read more...] about When a Father Made Me Cry at the Pool
7 Reasons I Can’t be the Umpire
Umpires for Little League seem to be in short supply around here so a couple times per seasons the parents are required to ump. Although this sounds efficient, it’s probably not the best solution—at least in my case. When it was our turn to ump, I contacted a whole list of … [Read more...] about 7 Reasons I Can’t be the Umpire
A Post-Mother’s Day Reflection
Super-mom forgot to supervise. Did you ever imagine motherhood would be a ride like THIS?I always wanted to be a mom. I’m just not always the mom I wanted to be. Here’s a little confession: I actually remember telling someone I wanted to be a supermom. I know… But somehow confessing, recounting, … [Read more...] about A Post-Mother’s Day Reflection
The Unseen Work of a Teacher
A few years ago I heard a call-in radio show honoring teachers. A Michigan man with a slight Arab accent told a story I can’t forget. In the 1970s, when he was in elementary, his family moved from Iraq to Michigan. Can. You. Imagine? One day at school his teacher had pulled down the world … [Read more...] about The Unseen Work of a Teacher
Are We Better When We’re Serving?
Last weekend we had the privilege of caring for two foster children ages one and two. It wasn’t our first time doing foster care, but it was our first in quite a while. Before we committed to an overnight placement, Kurt and I wanted to make sure the whole family was in. “If we are going to do … [Read more...] about Are We Better When We’re Serving?