A Funny Memory

Once upon a time, I was a little girl, believe it or not! (At times I feel as though it was just yesterday, even though I am reaching my middle years!) My parents left me, and my four other siblings, with a babysitter for the weekend. They went away for a romantic weekend.

Upon their arrival back home, they were pulling into the driveway and saw the babysitter running around the front lawn. She was running around yelling into the air. They followed her gaze and to their shock all five of their angelic children were sitting on the roof of the house taunting the babysitter. (I am laughing so hard I am going to pee my pants!)...Needless to say, as this was the early 70s, our butts were 'loved' well for that piece of excitement!

The babysitter never returned.

What stunt did YOU pull????? (smiling)

My First Gift to My Child and Yours

I can't believe it! I have finally finished the manuscript to my first book! Are you asking yourselves what is this book about? I will leave you with an exerpt, just to tease your mental tastebuds!

"I know you do not like being called a child. You are an adult now, growing stronger every day. Yet, you have come from my womb so I still see you as the baby that I took home from the hospital. I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing; it just is. That day changed my life forever. I no longer worried about where I was going to eat, I was worried if I was going to be able to feed you. You were my world as I was your world. As time marched on and your world expanded, mine did too. You see, my child, I had to force my world to become smaller so that I was able to see the world through your eyes. You know something? It scared me to become smaller. But to become smaller has actually expanded my own world and perceptions of it. I was changed forever."

Today's Parents

It is not easy being you. At times, as your child ages, it feels as though there is a mindfield between you and your child. Sometimes there is. Sometimes there is not. Through the many ups and downs of raising children the one common thread that always keeps coming back is "love". I know that that sounds so mundane and not intellectual. But, I beg to differ. It is and in todays day and age, that is what will protect your children the most. It validates, at all times, your childrens' walk and yours as well.

Please, expect to make mistakes. That is not a bad thing, despite what the experts will tell you. Oh, the pressure to be the perfect parent! Well, they don't exist. We look out at other parents and say to ourselves, "Why can't we be a family like that?" or "Why can't I be a parent like him/her?". ALWAYS remember, that that 'perfect' parent, at times, is also saying the same things. No one, I mean no one gets it right every time. The one thing that is right at ALL times is love no matter what. Even in the middle of dishing out limits, love will come through.

Embracing the mistakes will strengthen your own heart as you learn and relearn other ways. Those mistakes are what shape us to be better...and more forgiving.

Give me some examples from your life?

Parents in the Trenches

Welcome! I am really excited about sharing with you my own personal stories of triumph and failures. With seven children in a blended family the tales are plenty! Some are so gloriously funny that they will have you rolling on the floor with laughter. Others are sad and will leave you feeling encouraged and validated. Either way, you will be inspired and encouraged. Encouraged to explore, love and enjoy your family, in good times and bad times.