The Attitude Monster

Both of my children have attitude problems, but my oldest especially.  The younger one came in to get a drink just about the time that I was going to go fetch them to come inside for the night, so I told him to go get his brother.  This is partially on me because I should…

The Fight for Kids’ Right to Play

My husband and I have hated for a while now that our kids are not afforded the same childhood as we had.  One of freedom and exploration, of making new friends and triumphing over bullies.  In today's world, kids are not allowed to simply go and play.  They have to be watched like hawks, well…

Spring Break: I’m Proud of Me

I'm gonna level with yall right now: I am not a good mother. Not by nature anyway.  Some parents were born to be parents, whether they realize it or not.  They're doting and loving and genuinely take a real joy just from their children's presence.  They kiss booboos and smile a lot and very naturally…

Motherhood is:

For me, motherhood is draining. Motherhood is unappreciated. Motherhood is packing your children wholesome lunches every day only to have them come home with them uneaten, declaring that they suddenly don't like <insert food they've literally always liked> anymore. Motherhood is homework. Motherhood is Googling how to do homework. Motherhood is taking an hour out…

The Monster Under My Bed: Depression

It's not surprising to me that I'm writing this post, although I was really hoping to avoid it.  I knew in the back of my mind that this could happen, but I guess I just assumed, you know, that this would be different. I was wrong. Big changes always sort of send me through a…

Solar Eclipse and Permanent Change

As I walked from my car into the grocery store this afternoon I couldn't help but notice the strange shadows cast onto the ground by the trees overhead.  It's amazing how much more I notice about the world around me when I'm not constantly looking over my shoulder, beckoning a small child to walk just…

Dear Other Mom

Your van is bouncing in front of me at the stop light and I can see multiple sets of arms waving in the rear window.  You're leaning on the car door, forehead rested on your clenched fist as you glare out the window.  You know the glare:  A hard expression.  An exasperated expression.  A 'done'…

Chapter 3

Both of my children will be starting school this year, with my youngest entering Kindergarten. And I am not ready. For nine years, I have been at home, caring for my babies, knee deep in the chaos, the all encompassing responsibility of being the sole and often only caregiver to young humans who cannot be…