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...
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. ...
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...
I was in for a busy night, but I had a plan. I could get all three girls where they needed to be – and on time – but I needed to hurry. Unfortunately something ruined my plan: a little gray car. “I can’t believe this. They’re driving 40 miles an hour.” I shook my head...
A couple of weeks ago we traveled to Chicago for a gymnastics meet. This meet was a little different than usual because there were two levels of gymnasts competing at the same time. On one side of the gym we had the beginners, the level threes. On the other side were...
Paula Sands & Me I've never cared about being the center of attention. The mere thought of public speaking makes my hands sweat and heart race. In fact, I’m perfectly content spending time alone with my thoughts in my nice, peaceful office. There. I've said it. I...
"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...
Watch out! I'm coming in for a landing! “Hey, do you have time to listen to a story?” I can’t imagine how many times I’ve asked my mom that question. I remember coming home from junior high and reading her my stories. Even now, when I struggle with writer’s block,...
Some days I just love writing. I love it when a great idea hits me as I’m driving down the road or vacuuming the living room. It’s a wonderful thing. I literally get goose bumps. (I know, it doesn’t take much to excite me!)I love it when my creative juices start...
They're here! Well actually, we have two winners! But before I make the big announcement, I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your comments. Thanks for taking the time to swing by my little corner of the internet. I felt very blessed and encouraged!So...
We arrived home late that Sunday night. Curt unhooked my car from the RV, and I parked it in the driveway. Normally I would pull it into the garage, but we’d been gone for the weekend and my daughter’s vehicle was in my spot. I thought Curt was going to finish up with...
Two ridiculously cute shih tzu puppies wrestled and played while I asked myself the same question I’d pondered many times before. Why do I put myself through this? I scooped up a sweet little fluff ball, snuggled her against my cheek and snapped a selfie. Then I...
I don't know about you, but this sheltering-in-place thing is making it hard for me to keep track of what day it is. Is it Monday? Is it Saturday? Who knows? I still have two college girls, a high-schooler and a husband here every day. To make matters worse, last week...