One of the weird things about moving into a new house being surprised by plants. Not that there's an Azalea jumping out and shouting at you from around the corner or anything. But there's still this element of surprise. The subtle, slow unfolding of little chlorophyll-charged mysteries. They just start popping out of the ground … Continue reading Mystery Plants :: Some thoughts on kids
“I wonder why they’re called storm troopers? They don’t even make storms...” he says, staring up at me through those little glasses, his head resting on a pillow at the foot of the bed. Gavin has come to keep me company as I sit here in the bedroom, still resting and recovering from Wednesday’s surgery. … Continue reading Lessons in heroism from a six-year old
Who will Luke and Wyatt be when they grow up, move out and hit the world on their own two feet (or four feet, collectively)? What passions will drive them? What character traits will define them? What mark will they leave on the world? As a part of Baby Dedication at our church we challenge … Continue reading 18 Years From Now…
Two more boys. Two more pairs of tiny footsteps following in mine. Two more adventurous, daring and passionate hearts to direct and try with everything in me not to squelch. Two more ninja, pirate, super-hero, knights saving the day… everyday. Two more wrestlers to team up against me in epic battle royales. Two more … Continue reading Two More…
I hate change. I know it’s not cool to hate change, but I still do. I don’t resist change. I know it’s healthy, not to mention inevitable. But I still hate it. This morning I discovered that my daughter, Kate, also hates change. Kate has had the same babysitter, the AMAZING Paula Hardee, ever since … Continue reading The Sting Of Change
There comes a point in every child’s life where a line must be drawn. A bridge must be crossed. A question must be answered… Am I going to move on from toddlerhood toward maturity? Am I going to remain satisfied with my complete dependence on Mom and Dad or am I going to endeavor to … Continue reading Potty Training And Perspective
Yesterday was our ninth anniversary. We have a five-year old boy, a two-year old girl and Erin is pregnant with twins. Wow. When I write it out like that it feels kind of surreal. Like it’s someone else's life, not mine. It seems like someone should have it together more than I do before they … Continue reading The Road Ahead :: A Few Thoughts On Expectations
As the van drove away, I felt Erin’s head lean hard against my shoulder and I could hear that she was crying. I felt my heart beating faster with the strangest sort of longing. And for the next minute or two we had a deep and meaningful conversation without speaking any words at all. I … Continue reading Freedom Hurts :: Life While The Kids Are Away…
Every year our church hosts the graduation ceremonies for the Preschool next door. And every year I am amazed at the insane level of enthusiasm in the room. Parents start showing up, as early as, two hours before the ceremony hoping to secure a good seat for pictures. There are tripods being set up at … Continue reading Preschool Graduations :: Thoughts on God’s joy in us
We just got back from a spontaneous two-day trip to the beach. It was a desperately needed break from our other responsibilities to focus on our too often neglected, yet critically important, relationships within our own family. One of my favorite memories from the trip revolved around the classic, family activity of sandcastle building. Which. … Continue reading Castles Made Of Sand :: When Parenting Meets Life-Planning…
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