photo source There’s a garden nearby where children play happily, never bickering or squabbling. They share nicely and politely. Always. They are impeccably dressed, no stains or tears in sight. The older help the younger and obviously enjoy each other’s company. The yard is well-tended with beautiful flowers, neatly trimmed bushes, and lush lawns, all…
I am not one to say that I have the perfect marriage. I am not a perfect wife. And hubs, well, he’s not perfect, either. Recently I read through an old journal that reflected a very tough year. Whew. Humbling. There are seasons of spring where everything’s roses. And there are seasons of winter when things…
I didn’t become a Christian until shortly before my 18th birthday. Until then, I’d, more or less, been a “good girl.” I didn’t smoke or drink. I didn’t party. I got good grades. There were nicer, kinder kids than me, certainly. But there were “worse.” I thought I was pretty okay. And then I learned…
It can be all too easy for us to compare ourselves to someone else. It can be the celebrity on TV, a co-worker, a family member, or the girl next door. And sometimes that comparison leads to jealousy and want. What we once thought was sufficient somehow pales next to what someone else has. Yes,…
To have an opinion worth having. I’ve been thinking about this phrase for a couple days now. My man-child is starting high school coursework in a couple days. He’s four years away from “legal independence.” But, he’s already on the road to becoming a man. He’s taller than me. He’s growing a mustache. His voice is…
photo source I had been on my first trip without husband or kids to a blogging conference in Nashville. The weekend had been a whirlwind. Things had broken down at home; the meal plans I had left had failed for my family; and my plane was arriving in the middle of the Superbowl! In a…
My first child was born just a few weeks after I turned 25. He is quickly approaching 14. I now have to reach UP to hug him. He has the beginnings of a moustache. And when I’m in another room and hear his voice, I think it’s my husband or my brother talking. Yes, the…
The Girl Next Door has decided to: homeschool put her kids in public school quit her job go back to work switch to all organic foods start clipping coupons swear off Facebook, blogs and social media start her own blog dedicated to her passion hire a housecleaner fire her housecleaner and start doing the work…
Photo Source About twenty years ago I flew over the handlebars of my bike and face planted on the pavement. I banged up my knee, busted my chin open, and broke my jaw. About two months ago, I flew over the handlebars of someone else’s bike and face planted on the pavement. I banged up…
Photo source I watched a newsclip last week about Oprah’s Favorite Things segment of her television program. I’ve never watched the Oprah show, but evidently, once a year, O gives a ton of stuff to everyone present. The segment topic is always a surprise and the show’s audience doesn’t know until it starts that they’ll…