He Hurt Me Sometimes, or, On Loving Others Well
The other day, Emmeline and I were playing a little game that has become a staple in our home. “Who loves Emmeline?” I asked her. She grinned. “Mama!” she said. Then, in quick succession, “And Daddy and Katie and Abby!” I waited for her to finish the series, but she just looked up at me, … Continue reading "He Hurt Me Sometimes, or, On Loving Others Well"
Read MoreThat Time Our House Almost Burned Down, or, I Would Have Been Angry, Too
Back in October, we had a fire on our property. (For those keeping track, yes, this was a mere six weeks after we had moved on to said property.) Not the good kind of fire, all warmth and cheer, crackling merrily as you roast hot dogs or marshmallows. Not the useful kind, clearing dead brush … Continue reading "That Time Our House Almost Burned Down, or, I Would Have Been Angry, Too"
Read MoreThe Big Yellow House, or, Some Thoughts on Home
We moved recently. (Well, relatively recently. After four months, you’d think you might have made the time to hang pictures on the walls, might have found some place other than your bathroom counter for storing clean towels, might have turned the dining room into a functional space rather than a repository for all the random … Continue reading "The Big Yellow House, or, Some Thoughts on Home"
Read MoreA Little Bit Like Mary
It has been a year. I mean this quite literally; it has been a year (and then some) since I last had anything to say on this blog. (Scratch that. I’ve had plenty to say. It’s just that most of it has been far too raw to be shared with the world.) But also? It … Continue reading "A Little Bit Like Mary"
Read MoreOn Giving Generously, Without Control
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
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
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
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
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
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"
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