Dear Whomever Marries Luke and Kate, You have been given a sacred and very prepared spouse. Each of them is overqualified and overjoyed to share life’s adventures with you. Any adventures. They can roll with what life hands you along the way. You see, for decades, they have loved and lived with their disabled brother. They have been Ryan’s cheerleaders and champions. His Continue Reading
Is It Merry Merry?
At this time of year, I pause, and I think of you. The You’s everywhere. And I wonder…is this time, “the happiest time of the year,” really truly joyful for you? Because you are on my heart. Growing up I didn’t really loooooove the holidays. The holiday time just reminded me once again that I had this crazy-complicated family story. Parents divorced. Multiple times. Lots of Continue Reading
The Gift of Brutal Honesty
What if, we gave our kids the gift of being brutally honest with us? I had this thought today. Maybe type up some questions or fill-in-the-blank sentences, wrap it up with a bow and stick it in their stockings. And hope they will take the time to answer. Candidly. Bravely. Boldly. Laced with love, not harshness. A few ideas: 1). I wish, MOM, that you Continue Reading
I Would Die of Parental Happiness If…
These range from silly to sappy to serious, and some even totally unrealistic, BUT---a mama can wish and pray and hope. Because that is what we do. I would truly die of parental happiness if: My daughter would wake me with hot coffee every morning. And then get in bed with me to snuggle. My kids would learn to use a towel more than ONCE. The laundry piles up so fast, and right Continue Reading
Pretty On The Outside But…
Don’t judge us by our Christmas card. We look pretty perfect. Like the quintessential all-American family. Don’t we? The only thing missing in the picture is our adorable, chocolate labradoodle, Gracie, with a Christmas bandana around her neck. It’s a great picture, if I do-so-narcissistically-say-so myself, as the mother in this photogenic crew. BUT... Just because I know how to Continue Reading
Divine Appointments & Chili
Today’s post may not be full of a thousand words. But its packed chock full. Of heart. Of soul. Of spirit. Of joy. Of awe. Of humble appreciation. Of gratitude. Of humanity. What comes out of a simple invitation for hot chili on a cold winter day astounds me. A new family, new to us, and us, new to them, came over for lunch. The house was picked up. Bathroom cleaned. Table set. Flowers Continue Reading