“I’m sorry, but we can’t groom your dog today,” the technician said as I reached to hand her my schnoodle’s leash. “Why not?” I replied. “I have an appointment.” She tapped a few more keys on her computer before answering. “It says here that your dog was due for rabies shots last month. But his…
3 Strategies For Planning Family Adventures
Outside it’s a winter wonderland of frost-gilded trees and snow-blanketed yards. But while my kids are making plans for sledding after school, I’m making plans for spring break. I’m ready for some family adventures and I want to map an outline of them before that week arrives. Often we spend our break at home, with…
Why We Need the Courage to Admit When We’re Wrong
It’s hard to admit when we’ve done something wrong and hurt another person in the process. Really hard. In fact, it’s easier to point our finger at another source than to own up to our role in the matter. Have you ever noticed this tendency in yourself? You know you’ve got to apologize because it’s…
Winter Boredom Busters For Moms
It’s cold. It’s dreary. And I’m getting that cooped up feeling, no matter how many times I leave the house to run errands. Even if you don’t live in a cold climate like I do, where winter means hurrying from car to building to car with as little flesh exposed as possible, chances are you…
All In
This month I’m making a leap. I’m stepping off the edge. I’m diving into a new venture (or adventure). This month also marks the start of a year in which I’ve decided I’m going to stop holding back. I want to be all in. The new venture is a series for parents at my church….
Celebrating Amidst Imperfection
A symmetrical evergreen bedecked with ribbon garland, white lights, and glass ornaments sits in the front window giving off a subtle pine scent. The soft sounds of carols play throughout the house, mixed with the crackles and pops coming from the glowing embers in the fireplace – the perfect counter to gently falling snow outside….
Wish Lists
It’s that wonderful time of year – those weeks where we head to the stores or our craft rooms or kitchens to buy/create an item from a loved one’s list of wishes. Our goal now, and in the weeks ahead, is to fulfill a wish (or wishes) for every person on our shopping list. But…
Can’t See the Dangers For the Quirks
My 1999 Chevy Prizm was full of character – all those idiosyncrasies that you only find in a vehicle that’s seen a lot of years and thousands of miles. The interior light didn’t work. The heater moaned in cold weather. The front end shook at speeds over 65 miles an hour. The brake pedal squished…
Why Do I Do This?
Three times a year I put myself through the finger-numbing task of creating and decorating my daughters’ birthday cakes and treats. It’s often a four- or five-hour process, during which my shoulders cramp up high around my ears as I hunch over my masterpiece. My tembles throb from the effort of concentration. And my hands…
Celebrating a New Book
I’m so excited for my friend, Sharla Fritz. I’ve had the privilege of seeing her new book, Bless These Lips, come together chapter by chapter in our local writer’s group. This week she’s been celebrating the launch of the book (with a fun giveaway – check out the details below) and today is my turn…