When I was teaching at a small Christian school in Nebraska, the principal called a rally of the entire school in the gym to promote the new fund raiser. That year we would be selling a variety of delicious nuts and chocolates to raise money for our school. Our principal was very enthusiastic and in… [continue reading]
Frustraded
From the back seat of the van my then five-year-old kept shouting, “Mama?” I kept answering, “Yes?” over and over. Significantly frustrated (that’s a nice respectable sounding word) I said, “Baby, don’t say ‘mama’ anymore!” There was a short pause, and then I heard a meek, “Esther?” A real mom would probably not have died… [continue reading]
My Green Couch
I remember the day it arrived on a big truck. My missionary parents had just moved to South Texas, and a very kind family had sent them a truck load of much needed furniture. We were particularly excited about the avocado green couch. It was a hide-a-bed! There were six in my family and our… [continue reading]
Hope for Parents
I showed up to church a few weeks ago not a little proud in my new dress. If I’ve only worn it twice before, it’s a new dress – so what that it’s eight years old. After three more kids the important thing is that it fits me…again, but this is all beside the point…. [continue reading]
Boarding School
I was talking about my boarding school experience, and I didn’t realize that my children were paying any attention. My first-grader piped up and asked if she could go to boarding school. Although I had been talking about some the fun things I did there, I didn’t want her to get too excited about it. … [continue reading]
Achy Breaky Heart
This pitiful thing is an animated western cow with lights and music that I found on sale at Walmart right before Valentine’s Day. I think it was about two dollars and fifty cents. I thought my kids would have fun with it. It plays “Achy Breaky Heart” which I knew would get annoying fast, but… [continue reading]
Potty Training Treat
A friend of mine realized she was missing her yellow food coloring. That seemed odd. All the other colors were there. After inquiring among her children, the truth came out. Her six-year-old boy had taken it and for several days had been squirting it in the toilet to make the family think uh, you know…that… [continue reading]
My Purpose
I was beginning to think I was a pretty good person so God sent me a husband. Then I thought all my problems were basically his fault so God sent me four blessings. Now I see my sinful heart revealed to me more and more each day. May I take this gift God has given… [continue reading]
My Little Laborer
I had my six-year-old sweep the floor for me a few days ago. The next morning she put her hand on her hip and pointing to the grass that was tracked in said, “What happened here? We just cleaned up this place!” Funny how you see things differently when you’re the one that did the… [continue reading]
The One Day I Got Out
It had been an extra difficult three weeks with the kids, and Jason had worked extra hours, a weekend and even took a weekend trip, so I was more stir crazy than usual. I rarely go anywhere by myself, but I was going nuts and people were beginning to notice. It was high time for… [continue reading]