Three different things happened recently that gave me pause and made me ask, "Why are we doing this to our kids?' The first: I was in a cafe working when I overheard a boy around 7 years old saying that pink was his favorite color. A woman in her 30s discouraged him with a smile and asked, "What does your dad think about that?" Everyone at the table was smiling and it may have all been a joke, but the message was clear. Boys shouldn't like pink. If they do, surely their father will be disappointed.  The second: My family was at a children's museum when a 3 year old girl joined us at a table with coloring supplies. She grabbed a … [Read more...]

I've been struggling to feel connected to my life. Perhaps that sounds silly, but I bet that you know what I mean. At times it feels like my entire goal is to make it through the day. Then I turn around and do it all again the next day. It is like I am waiting for that moment when my real life starts, but this IS my real life. Do I feel this way because I'm still waiting to feel like a real grown up? Is it because there seems to be a lack of deep purpose behind preparing meals, doing laundry, and picking up toys? It is because my spiritual life needs a tune up? Or is it simply the constant level of stress that comes from having little … [Read more...]

Ever since I became a stay-at-home mom 5 years ago, I've enjoyed the luxury of ditching my alarm clock on most mornings. I set my alarm for church or other special events, but most of the time I wake up when Grace crawls into bed with me or when I hear Noah calling for me. Every expert under the sun says that waking up before your children is the key to starting your day off right. Clearly I'm not doing things right, but I'm a night owl. 100%. Well it is time for things to change because this night owl needs to get her little girl to preschool two days a week. Take a look at my cutie on her first day. I can't even handle it! 10 … [Read more...]