Mom and stress. Some would probably say the words are synonymous. And there's no question, mamas: Some stages of motherhood are defined by a unique kind of craziness. Need an example? How about the newborn stage with its inexplicable crying, endless feedings and diaper changes, … [Read more...]
Why I’m Thankful for My Struggling Learner
I wish I could tell you I've never experienced feelings of envy as I stood talking to a mom whose children excel academically. Her children read and test above level in every subject. Her children are articulate and precocious. Her children are everything it seems a child … [Read more...]
The BIGGEST Reason Our Kids Aren’t More Help Around the House
There aren't many jobs out there tougher than motherhood. Child rearing is a full time job, and the fact moms often do it on little sleep and with very limited resources is truly remarkable. Not to mention all the manual labor involved! "Momming" itself is work enough, but when you … [Read more...]
The Moments When I Know I’ve Done Something Right
There are those moments when I know I've done something right. It's not always. It's not even frequent enough for my liking. But it does happen. I look at my kids -- my beautiful, happy, fun family -- and I wonder, "How did this happen? How did I get … [Read more...]
My Life is Harder Than Yours
Note: It's been nearly four years since I wrote this post, but I notice this little human tendency has not changed... I heard about Gwyneth's comments and I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. Actress-and-mother Gwyneth Paltrow sent moms all over the country into an absolute … [Read more...]
Yes, Moms, You CAN Survive Being Home with Your Children
It's been seven days. Seven. Snow moved into our area last week, and then more came in at the close of what was already a 3-day weekend. Around here, it doesn't take much snow to cancel school, and so students have been at home now for 7 consecutive … [Read more...]
Embracing the Ugly Christmas Tree
Note: I wrote this post a few years ago when the days of having a lovely themed Christmas tree seemed an eternity away for me. This year, for the first time EVER, I have a tree that is all about appearance and not so much about memories. But don't think for a moment my … [Read more...]
Because There Are More Important Things Than Your Happiness
Your happiness really is not the most important thing. Ouch. I think most of us read that and something within us bristles a little. Because we want to be happy. I mean, we really want it. All of us. And it's human nature to seek out our own … [Read more...]
A Moment’s Neglect — The Day I Left My Baby in a Hot Car
I used to have them regularly, these nightmares of finding my child drowned. That's dark and morbid and hardly the kind of pleasantness I prefer writing about, but it was something that truly tormented me for a time. My youngest son was terrifyingly fearless as a toddler. He … [Read more...]
Why Our Frustrations with the Kids are So Often Our Own Fault
Listen, the last thing in the world I want to do is mommy-bash. If ever there was a woman who is sympathetic to the plight of all the hard-working, long-suffering, over-committed, under-appreciated, desperately sleep-deprived moms out there, surely it's me! And in writing … [Read more...]
