When life challenges, I tend to submerge myself into books. These books are like old friends and old places that are comfortable. I just finished Persuasion by Jane Austin. The Secret Garden is next on my list–yes, a children’s book. I read it first in 5th grade. Everytime I have ever moved, I pull it out and read it. Even … Continue reading →
Someone said the two most stressful events in a person’s life are weddings and moves. My son married in June in an outdoor, 102 degree weather. Yesterday, we packed up 80 percent of our belongings, said good-bye to my son, small-town paradise, great friends, and hauled ourselves to a new home town. It’s my husband’s hometown. We lived there for about … Continue reading →
Experience allows a more 20/20 perspective on behavior. Otherwise, the other night, I probably would have notched my stress level to Red Alert, incited an inquisition and reduced my little guy to tears. As a matter of fact, he was disappointed I didn’t make him cry. I was snuggled in a blanket reading The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. … Continue reading →
My very favorite niece advised me to keep posts short. Perceiver of Truth will tell you that if you want a quick answer, don’t go to mom. If you want to sit down, savor a conversation, talk detail, then I’m the go-to mom. There’s a sign on my porch that says, “Sit Long. Talk Much.” At 40, I learned to … Continue reading →
Noah Webster’s 18 28 Dictionary provides the quintessential defintion of education. Sadly, it probably wouldn’t be allowed reading in public schools today. “EDUCA’TION, n. [L. educatio.] The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and … Continue reading →
A mom’s birthday is so different from the parties planned for a mom’s child. As a mom, I gather my sons’ friends, design a cake that will inprint in their memory, fill up water balloons until my fingers are sore, puzzle over party favors that are cost efficient but are die-to-take-home favors. A day of celebration, a day that hugs … Continue reading →
Health insurance has changed since my first son was born. Each year we do pay more and more for services. When Perceiver of Truth was born, the state of Kentucky paid for all immunizations. When Faithful was born, I paid a $5 co-pay for each visit and immunization. When Joyful came around, the co-pay went up. However, when The Fire … Continue reading →
We had some difficulty. . . . keeping our pets out of heaven. Figaro, a pretty little Beta fish, a birthday gift given to Joyful from a friend died twice. Once when Joyful was away visiting grandparents. We cheated death, though. The fish store had one that looked just like him. Joyful never knew. However, he died one Christmas when … Continue reading →
The boys found a baby turtle one day. Wild Animal Rule #1 in our house: If you catch it today, you have to release it tomorrow. Wild Animal Rule #2: Rule # 1 doesn’t include snakes. They made a nest in a critter box, looked up what to feed the 1-2 inch little fella, and watched him. The next day, … Continue reading →
I have learned that it is not philosophical arguments that persuade about faith, about God. It is our own stories of how God moved in our lives, what He and only He has done for us. It is those stories that change lives, that moves someone to take a chance on relationship with The Father. This is one of my … Continue reading →