I crossed my arms and gazed up at the top shelf. This is silly, I thought. I don’t have time for this. Besides, it'll probably make me sad. But the temptation was too great. That big plastic tote in the basement storage room was calling my name. “Girls, come down here...
I clasp my hands together and take a deep breath. Butterflies swirl inside my stomach. You’d think I was the one about to climb onto the balance beam. But I really want Madison to do her best. I know how hard she has worked. I know how many hours she has practiced. I...
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...
Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by. Today I'm sharing a story I wrote for Good Old Days Magazine. It's a story that reminds me that sometimes, the most treasured heirlooms are the memories of our family. It was just an ordinary spring day in 1952. Like many times...
I remember when I found out I was expecting my first child. I spent the following months reading every book I could find on becoming a mom. There were books about "what to expect" during pregnancy and childbirth. Books that explained how to care for a newborn. I even...
I handed Curt the camera and signaled for the kids. “Alright guys, let’s get a quick picture before you open your presents.” All three girls settled down in front of the fireplace. They knew the drill. We’d had this tradition since they were babies. The night before...
Christmas always brings back memories for me. I especially love to reminisce about my years with three little girls. I remember festive dresses and patent leather shoes for Christmas programs. Cute and comfy jammies on Christmas Eve. Heartfelt letters to Santa. One...
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,...
So here we go. Thanksgiving is over and it's full-speed ahead. As you know, there's much to be done before Christmas. Especially for you "younger" moms. You know who you are. You've got little ones who still believe in the big guy in red. You're crazy busy. You're...
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...
Hi everyone! In honor of Mother's Day (this Sunday) I'm sharing my story that was recently published in the book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Mom Knows Best.Leave me a comment and I'll enter your name for a chance to win a copy for your favorite mom! One word. That’s...
No one likes to watch their parents grow older. In my eyes, my dad was always strong. When I was a kid, Dad used to throw me up on his shoulders while he walked through the hilly pastures on our farm. Yep, he was a farmer, which meant long hours of hard work. He also...
“Merry Christmas! Come in!” Grandma wiped her hands on her apron and hurried over to greet us. I took a deep breath, enjoying a wonderful whiff of turkey and apple pie. I stomped the snow off my shoes and kicked them onto a nearby rug. Four pairs of well-worn...