Yesterday I found myself reliving a piece of my childhood. My father was driving, my mother was in the front seat, and I was wedged in the back with my two sisters. Even though my sisters and I are now all in our forties, have seven kids between us, and my dad was actually driving my sister’s SUV, I couldn’t help but feel like I was 11. If we were in the old Volvo with a bag … [Read more...]
Being My Teens Mom Not His Friend
Yesterday my husband and I were at a party to celebrate the middle school graduation of one of our son’s classmates and closest friends. I still can’t believe that the same group of boys that kept me up all night at their first sleepover when they were eight are going to be entering high school this September. It’s been an amazing experience watching this group of boys grow … [Read more...]
When Mom Learns to Grow Up
The other day I found myself getting angry, frustrated, and even sad at a parenting article in a magazine.The funny thing is, it wasn’t a piece on the pros and cons of spanking, or whether I’m a good or bad parent because I stay home. Or, whether my youngest child is forever damaged because I bottle fed him and nursed his older brother and sister. No, it wasn’t on any of … [Read more...]
Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
My fourteen-year-old son Tom has been one of my greatest teachers from the moment he was born. His ability to rise above any challenge and face life with grace and dignity amazes me. I thought of this when I was driving him home from school the other week. His finals were over. All that remained was graduation and the eighth-grade farewell party the following day.“Mom, I … [Read more...]
Daddy’s Girl
Growing up this backyard was my playground. It was also the site of many arguments over the weekly torture exercise my dad would put my sisters and I through, otherwise knows as mowing the lawn.Being a girl was no excuse. And my mother was of no help since she frequently told us how she mowed the lawn even when she was nine months pregnant with each one of us. My sisters and I … [Read more...]
