Addy Chronicles: COVID Opportunities & BFFs
Physical distancing is hard. We all know that. And then kids really know it! My daughter has grown quite savvy with her mask wearing and keeping 6 feet of distance between herself and others . She knows not to hug, high five nor wrestle. No trading jewelry nor putting her face within 2 cm of her best friend while giggling or playing with her hair! All of these are physical actions that are second-nature to a 6 year old girl. So when wearing a mask becomes so common place that she forgets to take it off in the shower, my heart both shrivels in mourning and lifts in pride. She…
Who Needs A Party to Decorate: DIY Halloween Witch Legs
My family absolutely loves Halloween. It was my sister’s favorite holiday. The only decorations I’ve ever known my husband to have are Halloween things! And my daughter thinks the creepier the better! Two years ago we had our first Halloween party! It was amazing, and we instantly envisioned it becoming an annual event for our neighbors and friends. Well, last fall, I was still recovering from my depressive episode and only had enough energy in me for one party – Addy’s golden birthday was most important! This year…well…need I really comment about COVID?! Without a party, I thought we would scale back on the decorations. Nope! Not with this family!…
When Hope Still Hurts
My period is late – way late! And just to add context, I am also pre-menopausal. Aaron and I are in the process of adoption. We have accepted our fertility challenges and feel called to grow our family in a way we hadn’t ever imagined for ourselves. My forty-something friend is 12 weeks pregnant! Okay, confession time. Back to my period…I am late, like weeks late. My body has felt like I should be bleeding but nothing happens. With this context and all the various factors swirling around, I started wondering (hoping, really) that I was pregnant! I recognized that little flitter inside my stomach. The one that you get…
The Scarlet Tide
September is almost over and October is in view. This is my favorite season. For some reason, I have always had more hope and energy during the Fall. The smells, the sounds and temperatures remind me of my college campus, my seminary apartment in Chicago, studying and writing, walking to classes and meeting up with friends for study groups! These are joyous memories. They lift my spirits and remind me that opportunities are bountiful! I am burning my Autumn Blessings scented candle as memories and emotions flood my amygdala! And then Allison Kraus’ haunting voice reaches my ears as “The Scarlet Tide” plays on my iPhone. The saltwater builds over…
A New Mantra for Today’s World
I have written about mantras before! I use them with my daughter and found them to be helpful for me too! My newest is this… BE YOURSELF. EVERYONE ELSE IS TAKEN. “Living your best life” is something everyone is saying right now. But like most things, it seems to steer us toward competitive living where success is measured in money, toys and beautiful Facebook posts! So when I say “be yourself” I am not advocating you put on the “sunshine and roses” face just so your FB looks dynamite. I am advocating for an intentional action toward authenticity! What does it mean to be AUTHENTIC? This is what Dictionary.com says.…
Sun Doesn’t Always Shine
How I Know I Am Called to Adopt
Saying Goodbye When Goodbye isn’t Enough
My heart is breaking. During this pandemic, I have been without the comfort of friends or the freedom that Addy’s kindergarten classroom affords. I have been in constant contact with Aaron or Addy for 2 1/2 months and yet I feel so alone. I am appreciative of their help and devotedness. We have accomplished a lot of house projects, planted a garden and had lots of kitty cuddles. Honestly, I have nothing to complain about. I am healthy. I am loved. I have enough money, enough food. I do not want for anything. Except, I do. Ann Marie Bond. One of two mothers-in-law has died. I’ve never known a tougher…
Addy is Going to be a Big Sister
Our family is getting bigger! We are so excited to announce our plans for adoption. After 4 years of trying to conceive, 3 miscarriages and a failed fertility treatment, we have decided to adopt a child from Minnesota. This is something we have wanted for a long time. In fact, I peeled called to grow our family. Addy is called to be a big sister! Though timing isn’t perfect, we are proceeding to make this happen. So many birth moms need reliable and reputable adoption services, like counseling, medical assistance and the choice of choosing an adopted family they can see their child with for life. This is why we…
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Saying Goodbye When Goodbye isn’t Enough
Stay-At-Home Coronavirus Pandemic: Week 1
Fridays, the schedule shifts a bit. It is Fun Day Friday, so instead of Reading and Math, we take part in Project Lab. A room is filled with various stations like Legos, play dough, art and craft projects and other team-oriented activities. They've even made Apple Butter after their day at the Orchard.
