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keep . Good Night Prayers

I’ve been thinking lately about the things in our lives that help us create family, the experiences and qualities of “home” that knit us together and create the safe place we need to become confident in our best selves. After my husband, Mike, died, we were all engulfed in this wave of sorrow and change and uncertainty, and for my children, a sea of confusion and lack of understanding – an ill-defined sense of loss and insecurity. It was all very natural, and in many ways still an ongoing process at various stages of resolution, even six years later. But, during those early days of grief, I felt so strongly that I needed to focus on making sure our home was a place of security and honesty, where all feelings were welcome and peace would reign. Home-keeping. A tall order in a very chaotic and confusing time of adjustment.

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letters to my daughter 052118 . Brain Freeze Season

Summer vacation begins for us on Wednesday. We have big plans for small schedules and fun with our summer jar and each other. I predict a few brain freezes.

letters to my daughter 051118 . Forever

The conversation went something like this…

Baby Girl: I’m going downstairs.

Me: Oh no! But then you won’t be with ME!

Baby Girl: Mommy. I’m with you forever. Forever and ever.

Me:

I think I may have gotten out a whispered “me too.” But, I’m not sure. She had already disappeared into our little off-the-entryway “Kid Cave”, with snacks in hand, and the curtain drawn for her own little girl time. Those few words just filled up all my hopes and dreams and goals for our family. To share the power of being “with” one another. No matter where we go, or what we experience, to know that our hearts are knit together. That with each other, there is always a place where we belong.

letters to my daughter 051018 . I Can’t Wait

We’re in single digits on days until school is out, and this morning, we decided we liked it better to say “9 days until we kick off the Summer Jar!” The kids are excited – as most kids are – to be nearing the end of school and schedules and homework and getting up for class. But, I was realizing last night how much I’m excited too. I can’t wait.

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letters to my daughter 050418 . Day Dreams

I read one time that you teach best what you most need to learn. This week, I’m saying this as much to myself as to my daughter. I’ve been struggling lately with the direction of my business, managing my schedule to allow time to really create, and figuring out how to make some of my ideas take flight. It’s hard work, and it can be discouraging at times. I’ve wondered whether it’s time to just lay aside some of the things I’ve been reaching for — things I know I really want to do. The prospect of “giving up” and leaving things unexplored feels like such a loss and a stretch to my creative energy and hope for the future. As I’ve been praying for clarity and direction, I feel like God has given me little glimpses of encouragement and possibility. The encouragement to keep pressing on. That only good can come from practice, from perseverance, from trying. And trying again. I want that for myself. And I want it for Baby Girl. I always want her to be in touch with her own dreams, and to keep after them. To not let circumstances or discouragement prevent her from what she loves. If she lays something aside, I want it to be a choice made in pursuit of something better — not in settling for a lesser version of her dream.

Don’t quit your day dream!

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