Tales from a Mid-Lifer

Category: Parenting

  • Perfection Is Not The Goal

    I dropped off my twins to their freshman year of college in late August. Separated for the first time in 18 years, they are at different schools, in the same state, but two states away from the nest. Like many parents, the lump still forms in my throat as I…

  • Should “their good” be good enough?

    At his part time job, my son’s work is organized, clean and excellent, leaving the managers counting on him for more important responsibilities than other employees. My son is the teenager at his part time job who does what he is told to the very best of his ability. Maintaining…

  • I’ve Missed YOU!!

    Just like you, different seasons bring new time-zappers and before long, months have passed! Since my hiatus from this wonderful blogging community, I’ve been through as many surprises and family busy-ness as I’m sure you have. One thing we can always count on while raising families: we are involved in…

  • How Long Can a Mom Monitor Kids’ Media? Is 17 years too long? :)

    My kids had a good laugh while reminiscing recently about how I “previewed” Hannah Montana before letting them watch it many years ago. That show eventually became a family favorite. Lest you label me a helicopter parent, when my kids were 12 and 13 years young, the world’s version of…

  • God Answered a Little Sister’s Prayer

    “Mrs. X!!” The voice of a young man from my children’s school called behind me in our local supermarket two days ago. As I turned and smiled, I was greeted by a wide smile of his own – a 17 year old boy I’ll call “Tom” who has been on…

  • Letting Go of What We Can’t Control

    I’ve read two Mom blogs recently where the Moms are going through a challenging time with their teenager(s). I’ve learned myself over the last few years (and I’ve blogged about it) that teens make their own decisions and definitely exert their own free will – at will. I keep this…

  • The Bedrooms Tell the Passing of Time

    My times are in your hands. Psalm 31:15 Mama, will you sleep with me? This request came from my 15-year old and sometimes is even asked by my 17-year olds. I said “yes” and I woke up to this :):As I laid quietly, listening to the breathing of my girls,…

  • Mom Is Breaking The Rules?

    Mom Is Breaking The Rules?

    I’ve often proclaimed that I am a rule follower. I like rules. They work for my inner cautious child who craves order. “Grey areas” make me uncomfortable and delay my decision making ability. I tend to endlessly ponder the “what ifs” and “if not, then what?” Then, I question the…

  • Wordless Wednesday – Note on my Bible

    A note from my daughter that she left on my bible….a note to us all.  

  • Moms Influence Other Kids Too – Not Just Their Own

    Shuffling into my kitchen with a pile of groceries, I was surprised to find my daughter’s friend standing by the counter after school. I smiled at her, breathless from dragging in the bags. “Hi! It’s nice to see you! But, I thought you were grounded…?” “Oh, I am. Just not…

  • Trouble Will Come. Why Am I Surprised?

    “In the world you’ll have trouble.” John 16:33 Many people draw closer to God when trouble comes. I tend to step back, surprised by it. As if I should somehow be immune. I am a passionate prayer partner for others, but struggle when it’s personal. While I lean into God…

  • The Boston Marathon Bombing

    As today marks the anniversary of last year’s tragedy in Boston, I am re-posting what I wrote last year in response. After contemplating the horror of what happened, my youngest daughter came to the frightening realization that everyone is capable of evil. Boston. Last year on September 11th, my 14-year old daughter…