We had a creek, but they had a pool. So why did they think we were the lucky ones?My heart pounded as my bare toes inched toward the edge of the steep ledge. I peered over the side, watching the water cascade down the eroded bank below me, and inhaled a slow, deep...
photo: freedigitalphotos.net / Ambro Every summer there comes a time when I hear those dreaded words: “Mom, I’m bored!” In the past, I’ve caught myself jumping in to help them resolve the problem. “I’m bored” was usually my first sign that a fight was brewing. Many...
Many years ago when Taylor turned two she began a wonderful (yet irritating) new approach to life: independence. Whether putting on shoes or brushing her teeth her motto was, “I do it myself.” “I do it myself” was most annoying when she thought she had it all figured...
I just love this picture! When Curt and I heard that Olympic gold medalist, Shawn Johnson was coming to speak at an event in the Quad Cities, we knew one little gymnast that would love to attend. I purchased four tickets for me and my girls. A couple weeks later,...
My never-ending to-do list My girls have been on summer break for a week now. Needless to say, my routine is a little out of whack. Each morning I begin the day ready to tackle my to-do list. But before I know it, it’s time to drive someone to band camp. Or...
It’s hard to be patient when there’s a long road ahead. Maybe your goals feel way beyond reach. That's when it's best just to enjoy the journey. A couple of years ago we drove to Florida. We would have preferred to fly, but the cost of five airline tickets...
My girls also enjoyed Grandpa's tractors When I was a little girl growing up on a farm, I had lots of fun riding my dad's tractor. I know this probably wouldn't be allowed today, but I’d face backwards, safely resting back-to-back against my dad, with my little legs...
Madison @ State - April 2013 The noisy gym is full of activity. Everywhere you look, girls are cart-wheeling and back-flipping. They’re swinging on bars and kicking into handstands. But I’m only focused on one girl. And it’s her turn on the balance beam. A judge nods....
My gpa was behind the wheel, Curt's gpa rode shotgun One of my favorite memories from our wedding day was the ride to the reception. It was a beautiful day. A little breezy. Especially in the back of a 1909 Model T Ford. Curt and I laughed as I grabbed my veil, trying...
My sweaty palms have nothing to do with the steamy afternoon temperatures. How did I let my husband talk me into this? One minute I’m nibbling on a funnel cake, and the next, standing in line for the wildest ride at the park. I plop into the seat and lower the padded...
Have you ever heard of the children’s book called, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day? Well, last Sunday I had one of those days. I don’t know what I did to deserve it. Maybe I stayed up too late Saturday night. Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten...
I've always known that looks can be deceiving. But my recent diagnosis of MS has made me living proof.For the past several years I looked fine on the outside. No one knew when I was having a bad day. Friends and family didn’t understand how I felt inside. (I didn’t...
Multiple sclerosis? Of course I’d heard of it, but I knew nothing about it. I resisted the temptation to Google it. On December 21, 2015 I met with a neurologist. “Now don’t look,” he said, “but am I pushing your big toe up or down or to the left or right?” I gave it...