Blogged while trying to avoid yard sale preparations. I have “unspecified” anxiety – which I’m fairly certain just means, “I get nervous frequently and for no apparent reason.” My grandmother had anxiety, and I’m just going to assume it’s genetically inherited since I have no real reason to have it otherwise. Well, okay – I … Continue reading To Practice What I Already Know
raisingkids
Present State of Mind
Written to the sound of my dove calling, a cool breeze coming through the window, and Todd on the phone doing damage control on his software program. They drove me to drink. We have a community yard sale coming up this weekend and I decided to spend yesterday organizing my crap for that, rather … Continue reading Present State of Mind
Grown up, But Not Fully Grown
I had to go out today because Opac forgot to take his medication. So I drove to the high school with impeccable and completely unplanned timing (since I can never remember his schedule), as he was in the middle of lunch. The office has a window looking out into the cafeteria, so I saw him … Continue reading Grown up, But Not Fully Grown
What’s New Under the Sun
As my youngest rapidly approaches the end of her elementary career, I am reminded of not only how young she is, but also how fast she’s growing up. And I’m not ready. Several nights ago, Veruca got her first phone call from a boy. She was all cool and simultaneously silly – and he’s “just … Continue reading What’s New Under the Sun
Overheard in a Fitting Room
A 10-year-old walks into a space-challenged fitting room after trying on a dress, and wedges herself into the corner seat. The click of hangers and whoosh of fabrics … a few seconds of trivial conversation turns to this. Dad really loves Stephanie. I hope so. I’m glad. You want him to be happy. Yes, … Continue reading Overheard in a Fitting Room
Respect, Accountability, and a New Name
It’s 10 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, the day after MLK, Jr. day. Not a sound in the house… because my children are still sleeping. That’s because they were up late partying with their uncle Matt, playing Wii, until Veruca came and woke me at midnight to announce she was going to bed. Why Veruca, … Continue reading Respect, Accountability, and a New Name
Baby Girl
Six years ago after what seemed like the longest nine months of my life - 13 putrid weeks of round-the-clock nausea and five agonizing months of worrisome ultrasounds - and the shortest imagined delivery that almost ended in the car, Ava was born. She was, perhaps, the most anticipated baby ever - she was planned, … Continue reading Baby Girl
Firstborn
I was a late bloomer. Always late on those simple milestones that seem so important to a tween - you know, the ones you painfully watched your best friend achieve first. She even got to shave her legs first! And I thought my argument in favor of that particular privilege would be well-served if I … Continue reading Firstborn
Say What??
It's taken me over a week to write this - I've written it twice. The first time it sounded too supermom hokey - "oh it's so wonderful teaching my daughter." The second time a little too Joan Crawford - "no colored pencils!!" Hopefully, the third time's a charm. If not, you can stop reading now. … Continue reading Say What??
Don’t Look Now
I would like to add exterminator to my resume. Not that this is some great admirable trait to brag about. It's not. But, I hate bugs. I know they all have a place in God's vision of creation, but personally, I am skeeved by them. I don't want to look at them up close and … Continue reading Don’t Look Now
The Tara Chronicles 