In about 10 days, Julia will be home for the summer. What a strange, surreal, wonderful thing to write. There are bursts of growth that happen in every life and marriage. Somewhere in the top ten most memorable milestones lives the year your first child leaves home....
Family
Avengers: Endgame Movie Review
Disclaimer: I was invited to a complimentary media screening of Marvel Studios AVENGERS: ENDGAME. Earlier today, I had the privilege of watching the grand conclusion to 22 films. Yes, writing that makes me tear up. I am still processing the full range of...
Tea Time with Grandma and Grandpa
For Mary Alice's birthday, she asked for tea time. My mother has been collecting tea cups and saucers since before I was born. I can remember searching antique stores and flea markets every year for her birthday and mother's day for the perfect addition to her...
Mary Alice’s 4th Birthday
Dear little Miss Mary Alice, As your father, writing on a very fancy blog, watching you wear a very fancy dress after a very fancy party, I am inclined to write as a Victorian. Therefore, I will do so, forthwith! I write to you today on the occasion of your fourth...
Bathtime
Very soon, you will outgrow together bathtimes. Each night, when I say 'bathtime?', you both run for the stairs ready to play with boats and bubbles. Some nights are peaceful as you both unwind. Some nights are crazy as water splashes everywhere and you both get into...
Wasting Wonderful Time
Today I heard the most beautiful parenting talk, given by Tricia Hoyt. She is a long time friend with the wisdom of growing four children into adulthood. She gave loads of amazing and practical tips, all with her enthralling Irish accent - which I'm certain gives her...
My Riley, part 2
There is a plaque on my desk that says, "share your story, to set someone else free." My sweet friend, Cindy, gave that to me years ago and encouraged me in my writing. I look at that plaque every day and wonder why I don't write more about our days. In July 2017, I...
Sebastian’s 2nd Birthday
Dearest Sebastian, you are two! You are just absolutely amazing. I cannot imagine our family without you. You are so kind and compassionate. When someone is upset or hurt, you go sit next to them and pat their back and give them a hug. It is so incredibly endearing to...
Dear mom… lean in
Never Marginalize Always show dignity Always include Goodness that sounds like a tall order. We are the science lab for our children. Imagine having so much freedom in Christ that you are empty and liberated to be compassionate, non-judgemental, loving, patient,...
Snow Day
Last week, our desert received a beautiful blanket of white snow. Now, I know this sounds silly to those of you up north, but you know that feeling when you see a cactus in person and you haven't seen one in a very long time? Yup, it's like that. We were giddy. People...