(some new pillows in the making) The last couple of months have been a lesson in "starting over" for me in many ways.  We moved, the kids moved schools, and we are officially starting over in a new neighborhood and as corny as it sounds a whole new world.  I had to find a new grocery store (one where I don't have things memorized) and a lot of new "firsts" even though we only moved about 15 away.   And while I was fully expecting it to be hard....I think it's in the "starting over" phases of our ... View the Post

Like mother...like daughter On Mother's Day I found this picture of Grace shoved under a pile of books on the table.  When I asked her what it was she grabbed it out of my hands and said it wasn't for me. But why?  Who is it for? No one!!!  (And she started to cry.) After some time on my lap and some rocking in the rocking chair she told me all about it: In her class on Friday they took pictures of themselves to give to their moms for Mother's Day and she RUINED her picture.  RUINED ... View the Post

Do you ever have those weeks where you feel like you are failing everything?  The laundry is stacked like Mount Everest, everyone needs to be at different locations (with you) at the exact same time, there is no bread for lunches, and no one can find anything that they own?  Not my best days in the art of homemaking.  Well, that is my house this week... And weeks like these can get so overwhelming.  I am hoping that most of you can relate in some way.  How do you deal with days (or weeks) like ... View the Post

Recently over on Facebook I have been sharing some stories about Simon and track and me and running and well....these are some photos taken on my phone the other night when Simon was giving me some long jump lessons. My children never cease to amaze me.  They seem so fearless.  They are so eager to try new things, meet new people, put their heart and soul into what they love, and believe that the world is good. How much do I love that? A lot.  I love it a lot.  And I don't want that to ... View the Post

I know...I know...I know.... Even as I write this I am sitting on the couch, late at night in my pajamas after just showering for the first time today. It's been a long day...running errands, doing homework, and changing diapers.  Sorting laundry, fixing dinner, and paying bills.  Attending meetings, making calls, and driving the carpool.  Doing dishes, cleaning toilets, and mopping floors.  And today wasn't even a busy day. As I sit here tired and worn out in my Winnie the Pooh thermals ... View the Post

A few weeks ago, I was overwhelmed.  In the middle of a move and at my wits end.  And it seems like at those times in my life, I start dropping those giant balls of motherhood that we all juggle.  And as those balls were falling to the ground I started to tell myself I wasn't good enough.  And those tiny thoughts snowballed into "I am a horrible mother, I can't do anything right....." One night I had a good cry/prayer session and the thought came to my head and heart. "you are doing your ... View the Post