Parenthood

Years of being a military spouse and now a stay-at-home mom have left my career history full of gaps and have made my résumé what you can only describe as “interesting.” As my son gets older, I have started thinking about...

Six years ago, I signed up my 3-year-old for pee-wee soccer because I was pretty excited to get him started in activities. It’s a great way to introduce sports, plus it’s adorable. Am I right? It’s so much fun watching...

Another woman is living in my home. I am fairly certain she has knocked down your door as well or has plans to in the near future. She is both saving and ruining lives, and I think it's time...

My dearest (almost-4-year-old) daughter, Last week you told me that pizza “is my grossest.” Last night you told me that “dino chicken is yucky!” This morning you told me that “waffles are too sticky.” You cried as I left this morning...

Every night at bedtime my 5-year-old and I have a special routine. It's a routine he started one night. He gives me a big hug and then five kisses. He kisses me on my right cheek, then on my...

I grew up experiencing two different cultures. My mom is American and has English and German origins. My dad is originally Palestinian, but his family migrated to Egypt and then to Saudi Arabia. I was born in the United...

She first asked in third grade. Two kids in her class had their own phones. "No way," I told her. "Who would you call? What would you do? Nothing that you can’t do from my phone. Nothing that you can’t do...

It usually starts the same way. The lipstick is too dark. That crop top is not appropriate for school (sometimes not even the living room). Those earbuds have to be removed before it becomes surgically necessary. He is not...

A few months after my first daughter was born, I bought a baby carrier. She always wanted to be held, and it enabled me to have my hands free and keep her happy. I tried a few different wraps, but...

Other than living overseas for a few years as a child, for most of my life I have lived in Indiana, also known as the Hoosier State. I’m a Midwest girl and love it here. Indiana is known as...

“Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong.” — W.R. Purche I did have the best dog. His name was Astro, and he died a few weeks ago at the (best guess) age of 18. He...

Marriage can feel hard. In the beginning, it isn’t. My opinion is that it shouldn’t be. It should be mostly rainbows and loving gazes and every night feeling like a date night and "no, I love you more!" (OK my...