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...
“I'll take a half-pound of honey ham, please.”The skinny kid behind the counter gave me a nod and grabbed a plastic glove. “Ma'am, do you think you're in a rut?” What did he say? I looked up from my grocery list. “Excuse me?” “Um … it’s just that uh … you always get...
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. ...
Every day it’s the same thing. I pick up Emily from volleyball; she hops in the van, unzips her backpack and pulls out her iPhone. “How was your day?” She doesn't look up. “Fine.” Her thumbs are already flying, responding to a text. I try to think of another question...
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 husband smiled and shook the landlord’s hand. “We’ll take it.” I couldn't even fake a smile. I just hoped the next few months would fly by quickly. “It’s not that bad,” Curt said during the car ride home. “Not that bad? Didn't you notice that weird smell in the...
“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...
We've had an ongoing dilemma in our family for years. Our girls would love to have a cat; but unfortunately, Curt is allergic. It might be different if he just got the sniffles, but he is extremely allergic. I’m talking throat-swells-up-can’t-breathe kind of allergic....
I never intended to become a stalker, especially with my kids in the van. But I suppose that’s how it looked. I just couldn't resist. My girls didn't help matters either. “Mom, can we please drive by the blue house?” Poor kids, I thought. They missed the place as much...
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...
I wiped my sweaty palms against my khakis and glanced at the dashboard clock: 7:58 AM. Across the parking lot, a young woman carried an armful of books and headed toward the front doors. Should I go in? Registration began at 8:00, but the first speaker didn’t start...
It was shaping up to be one of those weekends. Two kids had important activities they were required to attend. Taylor had a volleyball tournament in Indianapolis. Closer to home, Madison had a music contest on Saturday. Curt and I decided to divide and conquer. He’d...