On Giving Generously, Without Control
Posted:
October 25, 2023
Under:
This Thing Called Life
A few weeks ago, Katie baked chocolate muffins to take to church potluck. After she’d pulled them from the oven and set them on the stove to cool, she hopped up onto the counter and rummaged through our junk cabinet. A moment later, she emerged, triumphantly clutching a place card holder, a relic leftover from … Continue reading "On Giving Generously, Without Control"
Read MoreEighteen Summers: Some Thoughts on Doing Enough
Posted:
October 03, 2023
Under:
Family and Parenting
Why, hello. It’s been far too long, hasn’t it? I have an excuse. (I always have an excuse.) This time, the excuse is a 25-pound firecracker who, until recently, believed sleep was for babies. But I may have already mentioned this once or twice. Or three times. Fine, four. It was kind of a big … Continue reading "Eighteen Summers: Some Thoughts on Doing Enough"
Read MoreWhen God’s Help Looks Like a Post-It Note
Posted:
October 26, 2022
Under:
Family and Parenting
Last week, I was catching up with a friend over text. (A theme, it seems: though I much prefer to chat in person–on a walk, perhaps, or with something warm to drink–texting is more manageable these days. I’m working on doing what I can, when I can.) We shared some of what was happening in … Continue reading "When God’s Help Looks Like a Post-It Note"
Read MoreThis Post is Not About Sleep, or, Lessons in Community
Posted:
October 20, 2022
Under:
Loving Others
A few months ago, a friend asked how we were doing. I shrugged. “Another rough night last night.” She commiserated, and I shook my head, rallying myself out of my own self-pity. “I’m sorry!” I told her. “I’m sorry I’m always talking about how little we’re sleeping.” She smiled. “It’s ok,” she said. “It’s your … Continue reading "This Post is Not About Sleep, or, Lessons in Community"
Read MoreOn Riding Bikes and Modeling Love
Posted:
July 22, 2022
Under:
Family and Parenting
Sometime in August or September of last year, Katie and Abby were riding their bikes in the front yard while I tidied up inside. I peeked out at them from time to time, and it was clear they were doing more than just riding. They were playing some sort of game. One of them would … Continue reading "On Riding Bikes and Modeling Love"
Read MoreI Do, Still
Posted:
July 14, 2022
Under:
Family and Parenting
In recent (and, if I’m honest, not so recent) months, Katie and Abby have had frequent conversations about the people in their lives whom they deem to be marriageable material. (I have no idea where this came from.) Abby’s young enough still that her list often includes such people as her dad or her brother … Continue reading "I Do, Still"
Read MoreOn Sleeping (or Lack Thereof) and Sickness and Sanctification
Posted:
June 23, 2022
Under:
Loving God
When it comes to sleeping, Emmeline is the worst. I mean this quite literally; of the five babies we’ve had, she is, hands down, the one who has woken me the most at night. And don’t even get me started on naps. She’s adorable, of course. She’s a snuggly love-bug who has a smile that … Continue reading "On Sleeping (or Lack Thereof) and Sickness and Sanctification"
Read MoreOn Casting Votes and Raising Kids and Living Life
Posted:
June 09, 2022
Under:
Family and Parenting
Late last week, Katie picked up a campaign flyer that hadn’t yet made it to the recycle bin. “This guy has ‘the energy and skill to get the job done,'” she read, then narrowed her eyes. “Wait a second. Who sent this, anyway? Are they just saying that because they want you to vote for … Continue reading "On Casting Votes and Raising Kids and Living Life"
Read MoreIt Seems Like God Would Have Wanted to Answer That Prayer
Posted:
May 30, 2022
Under:
Loving God
A few weeks ago, at the end of our bedtime routine, I put an arm around Katie’s shoulders and pulled her close. “Want to talk about anything, kiddo?” It had been a tough day. We’d intended to leave for a much-anticipated camping trip that morning but had needed to make a sudden change in plans … Continue reading "It Seems Like God Would Have Wanted to Answer That Prayer"
Read MoreWhat I’m Teaching My Kids
Posted:
May 14, 2022
Under:
Family and Parenting
At a recent meeting at our charter school, Abby was admiring the keyboard skin on our ES’s* laptop. Abby has long had a fascination with technology. (Her running birthday request for the last three years has been a phone, and she was legitimately disappointed not to receive one when she turned five.) The skin was … Continue reading "What I’m Teaching My Kids"
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