Lessons Kids Teach Me

Yarn Along: Little, Hopeful Hands

Last week three older girls from some homeschooling families I’ve met came over to be Mother’s Helpers so I could continue to stay off my feet and let this baby safely and quietly incubate further. (We’ll hit the 36 mark in a few days. People are calling this a miracle baby. I’m not arguing.) TwoRead the whole post >>

Planning Ahead (But Not Too Much)

From my prayer journal, circa October 2010: “The plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:11 Dear God, I’m a planner. I’m always making lists, mapping out my day, my month, sometimes even my year. We’ve started our first official year of homeschooling, and my propensity toRead the whole post >>

Why I Didn’t Watch the Oscars & What I Did Instead

My husband was on call on Sunday and would be working all day and far into the night, so I’d made plans to pop some popcorn and join millions of others and tune into the Oscars once the girls were asleep. I figured I might also do some free weights and fold some laundry whileRead the whole post >>

The Big, Black Boot, Solo Birdwatching Expeditions and How It All Relates to Risk, Love, & Trust

Mary Elizabeth is confined to the boot for 3 weeks. My my almost 21-month-old has a broken leg. It stinks. Not only because I hate to see any of my babies suffer but because I feel like I should have been able to prevent it from happening. (Oh, and despite her being the peanut ofRead the whole post >>

Bedtime Prayer

“Will you stay with me?” I hear the small voice call to me. My oldest daughter is still not asleep. Unlike her younger sisters, especially my Rachel, Madeline’s vespertine mood is not quiet or calm. She’s moving until the very second she finally slips into nighttime hibernation mode. In recent months, I’ve decided I canRead the whole post >>