Many of you know I have a daughter named Grace. This post is not about her. This story is about another Grace. I was never able to meet this Grace, a beautiful and creative ten year old who was wise and brave beyond her years. But I did get to know her in a very…
Parenting
Parenting Test
I found this on the internet and just had to share. ………………………………………………………………… How to Know Whether or Not You Are Ready to Have a Kid (Posted by the UC Berkeley Parents Network) MESS TEST Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Now rub your hands in the wet flower bed and rub on the walls….
Make Mornings Better {through patience + planning}
I have three kids ranging from age 7 to 14. Their schools all start at different times, which makes my mornings very long (sigh). They also have three distinct personalities that come with their own morning challenges. One is sleepy and moody, not a morning person. One is up early but defiant and stubborn, needs…
A Quiet Moment
From the author Katrina Kenison, this passage struck home with me. “When I come to a stop myself, when I draw a circle of stillness around me, my children are drawn into that peaceful place. They visibly relax, as if my very calmness nourishes them. The impact of just a few minutes of quiet attention…
Siblings + Love This {four}
Spending time with my sister and brother this holiday, and watching my own kids (who have the same birth order as I did growing up) made me realize once again that sibling relationships are like no other. My kids, they fight a lot. All three have strong personalities…there is not one of them who is…
Make Something + Love This {three}
It’s time for my monthly (ish) round-up of the things I’m loving these days: Love This {three} 1. This post from comedian Kelly MacLean about surviving Whole Foods is hysterical {and true}. 2. We had toast for dinner, and it was brilliant. 3. Do your kids play sports? This is the best parenting advice {from the kids…
The World Needs You + Love This {two}
My middle daughter started middle school last week, and it’s been a bit of a bumpy ride. It is so surprising to me how there are some families who don’t teach their kids that they must filter their words. What ever happened to “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at…
A Pep Talk for My Friend
I wasn’t going to post anything today. It’s August, the kids are home, and I want to spend my last few precious days doing summer-y things. But my friend is in need of a pep talk. She is making a big change and is having the normal second thoughts. This is for you, my friend!…
Sisters + Love This {one}
I’ve been thinking lately about all that interests me…and would you be interested, too? Whether books, articles, quotes, apps, blogs, artists, or places, I am constantly reading and looking for inspiration. I’ve decided to start a new series, Love This. Here are a few things that have caught my attention this month: Love This {one}…
A Backyard Birthday
To some, the thought of a backyard birthday party is terrifying. I will agree that it is so much easier taking your child’s party to Pump it Up or Chuck-e-Cheese! If my kids would ask for one of those parties, I would be more than happy to oblige. However, except for the movie theatre party…