As Christmas approaches, my excitement typically rises. It’s my favorite time of year. But without fail, someone will utter the words “better be good, so Santa brings you lots of presents.” Or “you are such a sweet girl, I bet Santa will bring you something nice this year.”  My kids have always looked at me or my husband confused. I smile, and we changed the subject. They mean well. I get that.  But we do things a little differently in my house.   Last night, for the first time, my 6 year old looked at me and said “I do not think Emmy is on the nice list this year.”  I am thankful her little sister didn’t hear her say that.  I honestly was taken back. Ugh.  Now how do I get this out of her head?  I don’t do elf on the shelf. I personally find him a little creepy. This could have something to do with growing up in the Chuckie era, but a little elf, mischievously moving around my house, spying on my kids, nope not for me.  Absolutely no judgement to those that do it. I know a lot of pa

This year, Thanksgiving looks a little different.   It’s not going to have all the excitement. There will be no sweet potato casserole. The side dishes will be limited.  The house will be quieter.   Hosting Thanksgiving is our thing.  We have hosted every year since we bought our first home.  Typically, my aunt comes and my husband’s whole family comes.   It’s the only time we are all together in one big group.  And there are a lot of us.  Hosting everyone is a big deal to me. It’s become our tradition. The only Thanksgiving tradition my kids know. But this year is different. This year it will just be the five of us.  Every year I get stressed.  Anyone who knows me knows that me being stressed isn’t really anything new.  I rush home to clean, bake and premake everything I can for the next day. I am usually up late. Anyone with kids knows that cleaning with kids around is like brushing your teeth with Oreos.  I’m always exhausted. I usually shower 30 minutes before everyone starts arriv

  As we celebrate our 7th year of marriage, I could make it look like it’s been all bliss.  Life is perfect.  We are the perfect couple.  Life is always great.  Someone once told me we were the “power couple for Christ.” Which is an amazing compliment, but, for those of you who know me, I am not about the highlight reel .   When we pretend our marriages are perfect, we do a huge disservice to other married couples who may have struggles. I also think that we do the same thing to unmarried people when we complain about our spouse or our marriage and make it appear that the struggles are not worth it.  There is a difference between being real and complaining about your spouse. This is meant to be real .  A dose of reality .  First off, when we met we were not leading a very Christian life. Honestly, we weren’t really followers at all.  Neither of us were sexually pure and we moved in together 4 months after we met.  Here we were, both fiercely independent people, in their late 20’s, with

“If they really cared about you then they would make time for you.”   I get so frustrated when I hear that phrase.  I’ve heard this so many times and frankly, it is simply not true.  I know in some cases it is, but in the case of moms with small children, it is often a huge misconception.  I do care.  I do want you as a part of my life.  I am just busy right now. I think about you often.  While standing in the grocery line.  While taking a shower.  While hanging laundry.  While driving in my car, I think about you.  I think about texting you to check-in. I have a list in my mind of things that I want to ask you. So many things I am wondering about your life.   A list of things I want to share with you about mine.  You are frequently on my mind.   But before I can reach out, almost immediately my train of thought is gone.  My kids are fighting, someone needs to pee,  the phone is ringing, someone is asking for a snack, the trash is overflowing, someone needs a diaper change, the toddler

  Sometimes, I need a break.  Not like a Ross and Rachel, circa 1997, type break, but a break nonetheless.   A break from just...everything.  That sounds terrible, right?  Especially from a mom.  I am sure to some it sounds selfish.  But right now life seems crazy and even overwhelming at times.   Recently, I have started to truly reflect on why that is.  I have a good life.  I am so thankful for my blessings.  I adore my children.  I have a wonderful husband.  So, why am I feeling this way?  Why am I so exhausted? Why do I have a desire to disappear and go off the radar for a day or two?  And there were some obvious answers that came to mind. I’m typically overextended. I don’t get enough sleep. My diet and exercise routine has been less than stellar lately. I want to help others in need so I rarely say no.  Actually, I feel guilty saying no.  I have three energetic kids.I am basically trying to do it all, all the time.    And let’s not forget, the entire world is a bit crazy right no

Tightness.  Fast heart rate.  Rapid breathing.  That all too familiar feeling of anxiety.  Over the past few weeks it comes on, out of nowhere, every time I think about the fall.  Every...time. As a mom and a teacher I have a million mixed up feelings, thoughts, concerns racing through my mind.  First, I miss my students. I miss engaging with high school students.  I miss the school atmosphere.  I miss my co-workers.   I miss the smell of my building, which is quite odd because it doesn't really smell all that great.  I just miss being there.  I love my job. But part of me is afraid. Afraid to go back.  Afraid for my co-workers, my students, myself.  That part of me is growing every day.   Second, I am a mom.  My kids miss school.  They can't wait to go back.  They talk about it all the time.  At dinner the other night my almost 6 year old asked me how she will clean the toys after she plays with them so another student can play with it.  She has been super observant during all

In my house we are trying very hard to eliminate the word “punishment” from our vocabulary.  There is discipline, not punishment.  The Lord disciplines his children.  And we discipline ours. I once heard a podcast and the speaker said “If your children don’t learn to be obedient to you, how will they be obedient to God?”   Obedience. People don’t like the word “obedience.”  After all, as Americans we are so focused on freedoms that we dislike the idea of being obedient.  We feel it infringes on our lives and our rights. But, obedience is required.   Following rules and laws is a form of obedience. Obedience isn't a bad word. We follow the laws.  Why?  Because there are consequences if we don't.   And in life there are consequences for our actions.  They can be positive or negative.  But there are consequences.  Recently, I broke another “rule” of parenting.   I am not supposed to let my child know that the words she used hurt me.  In the course of her receiving discipline