At the supper table the kids were telling us about the movies that Aunt Miriam let them watch while Jason and I were gone. They liked one series in particular, and one of my daughters told me, “It didn’t have any bad words or anything.” Curious as to what they considered “bad words,” I asked,… [continue reading]
The Consequences of Disobedience
The kids wanted me to take them to a particular function at the library. I had planned to take them, though I really didn’t feel enthusiastic about it. I had woken up that morning with little energy once again, but I thought if the kids would all cooperate and help me it would be okay…. [continue reading]
Bad Things Happen to Everyone
I was leading the class I tutored. That day we were learning about a composer. I don’t remember which one it was that day, but we were listening to the music via CD while the kids drew what the music made them think of. When they were finished, each child who wanted to got up… [continue reading]
Children’s Honest Answers
The morning after my breakdown over what a horrible mother I have become, we were with our class of three-year-olds at church. As we were talking to them, Jason began asking several of them, “What do your parents do?” He said a little girl answered, “My mommy yells at me all day and my daddy… [continue reading]
The Contentious Woman
A few nights ago we were enjoying our supper around the kitchen table. To engage the children in conversation, I like to ask random questions. This time I was having them compare Jason and me. We do this quite regularly, and their answers usually make us laugh. This night, however, my crew, led by my… [continue reading]
The Birds and the Bees
My mom Frieda is guest posting for me today. Here is a little tale about yours truly: I hear the phone ring in the English department at Pan American University, where I work. Someone says, “Frieda, your daughter is on the phone.” It is Esther, my first-grader. She asks, “Mom, how does the daddy cat… [continue reading]
Women’s Retreat with Martha Peace
This was one of those times that I needed a retreat. I caught Paula in the hall at church one day and begged her to go with me. Tears may have been involved. How could she say no? Upon arrival I got stuck in the revolving door with someone pushing forward and my Nikon, of… [continue reading]
My Two-Week Old Baby Quit Eating
Events following the birth of our first daughter were indeed dramatic. One week after she was born, I hemorrhaged and had to be hospitalized. The week after that we once again landed in the hospital. Our precious little girl decided one day to quit eating. I was nursing and tried everything I could think of… [continue reading]
Fruit of the Spirit
Here is yet another tale about Grace and her one liners that lighten the mood. We were at a restaurant for lunch after church on Sunday. My oldest two girls were arguing back and forth, disturbing the peace. I reminded them of the Sunday school lesson of the morning. “Did you learn about the fruit… [continue reading]
The Worst Mom Ever
“Girls! Get your shoes on!” I yelled as I got little Jason ready to go. I could still hear all three girls playing. “Girls! It’s time to go. Get your shoes on right now!” I wasn’t that far away from them. I knew they heard me, but none of them had made any attempt to… [continue reading]