I really wanted to go to this conference. So I formed a plan. Here’s what happened when my plan hit the fan.
When My Plan Hit the Fan: Unexpected Blessings in the Midst of the Mess
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First Impressions and True Confessions
Here it is. The whole story about how I met their father. And truthfully, it wasn't love at first sight. It didn’t take long for the news to spread among my young, female coworkers. My friend pulled me aside in the breakroom.“Did you hear? We just hired a new guy...
No Words
I stood in line at the funeral home, waiting my turn to express sympathy to my friend. What would I say? She had just lost her husband. No words seemed right. I desperately wanted to say something … anything … to help. I quickly dismissed every thought that came to...
My Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
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...
Just a Little Further Down the Road
In four short months my youngest will be heading into unknown territory. Her sisters have been there. It’s a mysterious place with lots of drama and awkward voice cracking around every corner. Some say it’s an orthodontist’s paradise. Yep. I’m talking junior high,...
Lessons for a Lifetime
Each day after school Madison proudly shared her backpack full of art projects, crafts and school papers. But not everything she learned in kindergarten could fit in her backpack. No teacher or textbook could compare to the valuable lessons she learned from an...
Lights … Camera … and My Nervous Jitters
Hi everyone!I've had a fun (and somewhat frightening) week. Do you remember my post from last week on the Quad City Moms Blog? It was called, How to be a Better Wife: Five Great Reminders from My Three Little Girls. Well, the day after it was published I was asked to...
A Walk to Remember
“My shoes are tight and they’re getting worn out.” I vaguely remember Madison telling me this one morning before school. But honestly, I didn't give it much thought. The school year was almost over. Her typical summertime footwear consisted of flip flops and softball...
What Mommy Learned at Playgroup
The email subject line simply read, Got the call. I held my breath and clicked. Well girls, my nightmare just came true. I have breast cancer. I slumped down in my chair and shook my head in disbelief. How could this be? My mind flooded with all the irrational reasons...
My Front Row Friend
"Maybe Grace scrutinized the newsletter with a critical eye, but she always looked for the best in me." Today on the blog I'm sharing my story about a very special (yet unexpected) friendship. This story was recently published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just Us...
An Eye-Opening Experience
I stared at the display of eyeglass frames when a saleslady strolled over to me. “Can I help you find something?” “No thank you. I’m just looking.” I kept my tone light, hoping the lady would take the hint and give me some space. She didn’t. “What kind of frames are...
That Time I Fell into Another Man’s Arms
It was the perfect day for our local high school’s state softball tournament. My husband and I sat near the top of the stadium and cheered on the girls. Of course, just as the game got particularly exciting, nature called. I whispered to Curt. “I’ll be right back. I...
To Infinity and Beyond
Her bedroom was empty and the U-Haul was full. If it wasn’t for my middle daughter being so excited to move into her very first apartment, I would’ve been a mess. But she was ready, and I couldn’t have been prouder. “Well,” I said, glancing around the kitchen for an...