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…
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.
A Blessing for a Pandemic
May the quiet usher in space, May the space give way to attention, May the attention allow for reflection. And, may the reflection bring about gratitude. May the fear travel aside comfort, May the comfort be followed by assurance, May the assurance give way to strength, And, may strength birth hope. May this pause help to simplify, May the simplicity reflect your deepest sincerity, May sincerity center your core, And, may this core guide you in the days to come. “I like it, Mom.” “Thanks, Babe!”
Breaking & Baking Bread
Well, the first week of stay-at-home and social distancing, Addy and I survived. In fact, it was more than survival. We thrived and had lots of fun together. Homeschooling for 1 week was a success! I’ll check in again after 3 months of it. I might have a different sentiment. But for now, I am on board and truly grateful for our time together. Each day, we did a science experiment and posted it to Facebook. On the third day, we decide to use science for a very old tradition: baking bread. Normally, we are a wheat/whole grain bread family. So when we visit Grandma Ann, we feel gluttonous when…
A Playlist for International Women’s Day: Volume 2
Because music is such a powerful medium of expression and is something I absolutely make a part of my every day, I had to offer a second playlist for International Women's Day.
Women’s History Month: Celebrate through Simple Costumes and Timeless Portraits
I am not being original as I got this idea from another mom and daughter who did the same thing for Black History Month. I was inspired by the conversations some costumes and a camera could make. So Addy and I set out to capture who she believes are "strong and brave" women from history and fiction. For each day during the month of March, Addy is dressing up as a different strong and brave woman.
Lent: Why I Hate The Season But Need To Observe It Still
I love Advent. I hate Lent. Lent is dark. Advent is light. Lent is mourning. Advent is inviting. Lent is full of solitude. Advent is full expectations and hope. One is waiting for birth. The other is waiting for death. Then there is Good Friday. Yuck! In the past, I have started Lent with a visit to the pub. Right after Ash Wednesday, I walk to the nearest bar and order a simple Ale. There I take stock of where I’ve been and slowly accept a season that lays bare the doubt and pain that causes me to stumble. I am both Thomas and Peter as they question the promise…
When Stubborn Serves Her Well
She turned her cants into cans and her dreams into plans. Yogi Yamada, author I’ve used stubborn to describe my daughter before (actually many times). Ages 3 and 5 are better left in the past as they were her most stubborn stages. Whoever said “terrible twos” never made it to 3-years-old! Year 5 had so many major life changes and routines disrupted, I don’t hold that one against her. This last year at 6, in Kindergarten, she is fun to be around. Her capabilities are ever expanding. She is confident and more accepting of not having to be the center of universe. She is helpful and quick to offer her…
Fertility: A Story of Loss & Grief
At 41 years old, I am the mother of a 5-year-old. I came to motherhood a bit later than most do (in the Midwest at least). My first marriage was one without the thought of children. And it was only near its end that I realized I wanted very much to be a mom. I’d like to think my second marriage would have taken place regardless of my daughter’s conception, but it was definitely a big factor in taking another set of “till death do us part” vows. My fertility was never in question five years ago. In fact, my pregnancy came as a surprise, albite a delightful one! My…
