Have you tried shopping for a tween-aged girl lately? It makes me cringe nearly every time I go out with my daughter. She’s only eight (so not quite a tween), but the clothes that are being offered right now are scaled-down versions of teen fashion. Skin-tight jeans, tops with rude sayings, high heels… Oh, goodness–don’t … Read More
kids
Take a Deep Breath
Yesterday, after a day at the Oregon Coast, my family was climbing up a long stairway leading from the beach and I stopped to wait as my son poured sand from his shoes. When we resumed climbing, I thought I’d impart some wise words to my (almost) eleven-year-old son. Me: (panting) “Do you know how you climb … Read More
Stepping into a Memory
Have you ever wished that you could relive moments from your life? When I was a kid, my family spent some happy vacations on Harstine Island in the southern end of the Puget Sound. We biked, fished off the dock, looked for shells on the beach and swam in a community pool.(I’ve even posted a funny … Read More
Baptism Joy!
I’ve been taking some time off from blogging this summer — but today I can’t resist “crowing” with joy. My 10 (almost 11) year old son has decided to be baptized on Sunday. I’m so proud, I could nearly burst. In honor of this exciting event, I’ve decided to re-post one of my favorite stories about my son. I … Read More
The Summer Sneakies
Summer is here, and I have to admit — I’ve been a bit nervous about its arrival. Last year, I pretty much gave up writing for the summer. What with kids underfoot and their perpetual, “Iwantasnack! Let’sgosomewhere! Hehitme! Canwegotothepark…” I assumed I would never be able to organize my thoughts. (Reminds me of an earlier post … Read More
Jesus is the Tape
“Mom? Mom?!” I heard the cry coming from the back door and wafting out across the lawn to where I was peacefully pruning our rosebushes in the quiet afternoon. I felt a flicker of irritation. What do you need, now? Can’t you see I’m trying to get something done? My ten-year old son came bounding … Read More
Bean Enchiladas
Nothing deep today… Just a smile. A few weeks back my family was listening to the radio while we were sitting in the car waiting for some friends. I couldn’t help humming along with the old tune that was playing: “If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain…” I remember hearing this … Read More
Potty Talk!
It is such a struggle in today’s world to protect your child’s ears and eyes from words that are harmful to them. I always cringe when I hear people swearing in public or I see rude things written on park picnic tables. I know that they are just words and that they have no real … Read More
It is for Freedom…
For those of you that have been following the saga of Chrys, Emily and the newly emerged “Freedom,” I thought I would give you and update on their status. Freedom had some difficulties upon his (her) arrival. She got stuck on her back while her wings were drying. After kicking furiously for about 10 minutes, … Read More
The Power of a Name
My kids and I have been conducting a science project this summer. We bought a “Butterfly Bungalow” at Frogs and Pollywogs and sent away for our painted lady butterfly larvae. They sent us three caterpillars, sealed in their jar complete with their rapid-growth food. I remember looking dubiously at the three critters, so tiny and … Read More