The beginning of the school year saw a lot of changes for both my kids, but more so for Ava, who would leave the security of the home school environment for the “big time.”  It’s no secret that I was apprehensive about homeschooling her last year, if for no other reason than she is sometimes … Continue reading Letting Go

New Year, New ResolutionsGoals2012.Since I came up with some good ones last year, I’ll start this list by borrowing from last year’s.I will continue to seek out Joy wherever, and whenever, I can.  I will not let the bloodsuckers steal it from me.  And I will make sure my children have it, as much as … Continue reading New Year, New Goals – Part 2

New Year, New ResolutionsGoals So last year, on the brink of declaring my independence once and for all, I posted my New Year’s Resolutions.  And I did quarterly updates, but gave up after September in the midst of the Perfect Storm.  I haven’t looked at them since.  Today, I did.  This is what I learned.  Here … Continue reading New Year, New Goals – Part 1

  I met him on November 27, 1984.  I was at cheerleading practice, wearing my Prince t-shirt from the Purple Rain tour.  He was the wrestler on a break from his own practice, walking by, wearing the very same t-shirt.  My friend, who already knew him, and I talked to him a few minutes before returning … Continue reading First, and Last

This year is my year to give thanks for all I am so very grateful – and thankful – for.I am thankful for…God.  Above all and everything else, God alone has blessed me all my life… and given me the strength I needed, when I needed it most.  I am so grateful for the Father … Continue reading Attitude of Gratitude

It all started back in the winter of 2010.  With a 9-year-old and a soon to be 5-year-old,  I was starting to feel the inevitable maternal need to take care of someone, or something, else.  I knew I wasn’t having another baby, so …. why not have a dog???  After (what seemed like) a lot … Continue reading My Golden Love

Ok, so time for a little light-hearted blogging.  So, you're just waking up in the morning, in the usual way, and in the middle of it, the clock radio goes off........ and henceforth, a song list is born....20.  Private Eye - Hall & Oates19.  Glory Days - Bruce Springsteen18.  Allentown - Billy Joel17.  Hip to … Continue reading 20 Worst Songs to "—-" To

Okay. We are now more than halfway through 2011 so, time to check myself. Currently, I'm sorry to report, my Joy meter has been running a bit low. Hence the absence of me in the blogosphere. I'm still feeling it, but it has been tempered by my preoccupation with some pretty heavy issues (details upcoming). … Continue reading Resolutions Update: How Am I Doing Now?

School's out. Summer is here. We all wanted it - we all said we "couldn't wait." Then, faster than Gloria Allred chasing a naughty politician, all of us moms out there posted retractions on Facebook. "Oh no, wasn't me." "When does school start?"On the second full day after school let out, my two were already … Continue reading Pokeback Mountain