We all make assumptions. I watch my boys getting off the bus in the afternoon, one carrying Owen's backpack and the other carrying Owen, and I assume my 5-year-old was snoozing. I observe a mom pull into the parking lot, studiously avoiding eye contact with everyone, her dark hoodie pulled up over her head and [...]
I have two very important words to say to you. These two words are for you parents. Just two words. Thank you. You may have heard these words from me before, but today, I want you to REALLY hear them. Thank you—for sitting with your child and reading. Especially during those times when it seems [...]
When I picked her up from school for a dentist appointment, I was greeted with the words: “You look like everybody’s mom.” I wasn't exactly sure if that was a compliment. And then I caught a glimpse of myself in the reflection of the window. It was true. I had conformed. I was wearing my [...]
Am I that parent? Am I pushing my kids towards things that I wish I had been successful at? Or worse—am I steering them towards areas I think they should be successful at, that they might not even love? I always claimed I was going to be the kind of parent who allowed my kids to [...]
My baby just turned three! Can I call him my baby anymore? He says "No!" But do they ever stop being your baby? My oldest turned 16 only days later and in my mind he's still my baby. I know my son is probably gagging at that thought right now but just hold your horses [...]
I know it’s not very lady-like, but sometimes I burp. It probably wasn't the best time to let go of one of those big bellywonkers, but it happened right as I walked into my daughter’s room. Me: "Braack…whatcha doing?" A: "My homework…and, say hi to Zoe." Me: (recoiling in shame) "When did Zoe get [...]
I really think it is time to let it go. I have three young daughters who are, like many of my grade 8 students and apparently a large percentage of people generally, obsessed with the movie Frozen. Hardly a day goes by when there is not a musical number from Frozen being staged in my [...]
Music. It can move you in ways nothing else can. It can bring back memories long forgotten. It can move you to tears at the most inexplicable times. It can make you drum your fingers and bop your head or completely let loose and dance like no one's watching. But when the music is coming [...]
Over spring break I had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles in order to check out several Christian colleges and universities my daughter is considering attending in the fall. (She will not be too excited about me making this public, but I am willing to run that risk because this is worth sharing.) We [...]
The Rainbow Loom® craze started late for us—it came as a Christmas present for my daughter. But since then, not a day goes by that I haven’t seen or heard about these colourful elastic creations—at home and at school. The stores love them because revenue is high. The kids love them because it is the [...]
