It occurred to me recently I have an anniversary coming up. It’s actually next month. No, it’s not my wedding anniversary. Curt and I were married in May. But I must say, this anniversary was even more life-changing than my wedding day. Before I get ahead of myself,...
The weatherman said a storm was coming, and this time he was right. Fourteen inches of wet, heavy snow bombarded our area last week over a two-day period. It definitely disrupted some plans. Flights cancelled. Schools and businesses closed. Many lost power. I’m not a...
Do you remember Charlie Brown’s best friend, Linus? He was that philosophical kid that dragged his security blanket around wherever he went. I used to think he was weird. Then I had kids – and I learned that it’s actually pretty common for little ones to latch onto...
It’s that time of year again. If it hasn't happened yet, it probably will. You'll open your mailbox, pull out the mail, and find a bright red envelope amidst the holiday catalogs and department store flyers. A Christmas card. There might even be a letter inside. Yes,...
I'm half asleep. The 10:00 news is wrapping up and I hear a girl tiptoe into our room. I pretend I'm sleeping. Madison whispers to Curt, “Dad, you know that bar that holds up the shower curtain in our bathroom? Can I hang on that?” At least she asked permission. This...
I knew I was supposed to appreciate my blessings on Thanksgiving, but as we pulled into my grandparents’ driveway, I had mixed feelings. I was thankful to still have my grandparents. I was glad my girls could know their great-grandparents. But lately, visiting them...
Three things always happen at our house during this time of year. Sunday afternoons become all about football. Our oldest daughter starts reminding us that her birthday is only a month away. And my thoughts drift back to a difficult time many years ago. This year...
I tried to enjoy my new-found freedom after my third and final daughter started kindergarten. Instead, I felt lost. Mundane days drifted into weeks. Of course I was still a mom, but my job had changed drastically. One day I shared my frustrations with my husband. ...
Normally I don’t notice real estate signs. After all, I’m not in the market for a new house. But the other day on my way home from the store a sign caught my eye. Actually, it was the smaller sign on top of the sign. It said, “I’m gorgeous inside.” My first thought?...
My 93-year-old grandmother has severe Alzheimer’s. It's heartbreaking. She doesn't remember her family. She can’t communicate. If she does try to speak, she just babbles nonsense. It’s difficult to visit someone who doesn't recognize you – or even respond to you. But...
You know what? I've noticed something about social media since this whole Covid-Crap began. People are stepping out of their comfort zones to encourage each other. Surely it's not just happening in my social circles. I've seen people playing the piano, singing songs,...
Well, hello. Hello? Is there anybody out there? I know. It's been a long time since I've shown my face around these parts. Honestly, it's not you. It's me. You see, I've been writing, just not here. Lately I've been pouring every bit of my creative energy into writing...
I must admit, my emotions have been a little crazy since my middle daughter graduated from high school last weekend. Yep. Unbelievable. It feels like we just sent my first daughter off to college and now--here we go again--learning to let go of daughter...