I was tucking you into bed last night and you reached up quick and put your chubby little hands around my neck and whispered a question “Is Daddy coming home this year, or the next one?” I didn’t even think, I crawled right into that bed that’s three-sizes-too-small for me and pulled you in ... Read More
We Are the Lucky Ones: Sisterhood, Courage, and Love That’s Strong Like a Circle
After the ceremony, Brennan is driving with Lane in the back of his truck, she’s wearing her special pink floral dress because it twirls and he’s wearing his dress uniform because that’s what soldiers do with ceremonies this important. His boots are polished while her shoes sparkle, and she’s ... Read More
On empathy, marriage, and when real love feels real hard
Sunday morning, I wake up with a sore throat and the three girls do the same. Canceled plans for the day turn into canceled plans for the week as all four of us are the sickest we’ve ever been over the longest amount of time. Tuesday evening of that week, girls in bed, Lane and I are on the ... Read More
Don’t quit. If you don’t quit then I won’t either.
It’s the evening, Lane looks at me and says “You know what today was, right?” “Absolutely no clue.” “I could have gotten out today. Today marks the end of my initial three-year commitment to the Army.” It’s post-dinnertime and I’m standing at the sink while he clears the table, elbows deep ... Read More
Light of the World, an Advent Devotional Series for Christmas 2018
Eight o'clock in the evening last night and I'm out on my front porch, dark outside already, slippers on, precariously balancing myself on a rickety thrift store chair that serves no real purpose and which I mostly own just because it makes me happy. Except for last night, as I stand on it to string ... Read More
Ways of Mothering: The Exhaustion, the Invitation, & the Gift
There’s certain qualities I would name if you asked me what makes a good mom. I’d begin with patient, sacrificial, creative, strong. I’d add in encouraging and consistent, loving and empathetic. In this birds-eye view of mothering though, they’re the words that describe it, not the moments ... Read More