Tales from a Mid-Lifer

  • I Can’t Be All Things To My Kids

    Gulp. I said it. Once upon a time, I really believed I was all things to my kids.  That is probably normal for young Moms with small children. Or, maybe I was just an egomaniac, but I’m going with the fact that I was young and inexperienced. I hadn’t yet…

  • Normal Is Good

    After a fitful sleep last Thursday night, I stumbled into the bathroom half-awake on Friday morning. Going through my regular routine, I held a cotton ball in my hand, ready to use toner on my face. Just before I dunked the cotton ball, my eyes caught sight of the label:…

  • The Berenstain Bears Keep the Faith

    What’s not to love about The Berenstain Bears series? The book, Keep the Faith, will not disappoint either avid Berenstain followers or those brand new to these books. Author Mike Berenstain (son of the original Berenstain Bears authors: Stan and Jan Berenstain) does a terrific job of creating an age-appropriate…

  • Are You Tired of Wearing Boots Too?

    With half the country experiencing the wintriest winter in years, I know I’m not alone when I say, “I’m tired of wearing boots!” I admit that by early October, I look forward to putting on pretty scarves, cable-knit sweaters and cute boots. It’s fun! I can wear them… or not.…

  • Wordless Wednesday

  • Is It Really All “Small” Stuff?

    In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s when the “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: And It’s All Small Stuff” books were at the height of their popularity, I would read the title and wonder, “What about the Mom of twins who just found out that she has stage 4 cancer?…

  • The Jesus Bible (for kids): Discover Jesus in Every Book of the Bible

    Book Review (I’ve included photos below): I have viewed countless children’s bibles over the years, and The Jesus Bible (NIV), Discover Jesus in Every Book of the Bible is terrific! Although the stated age group is 9-12, this bible could also be shared with children a couple of years older…

  • Shhh…I’ve Been Doing “Nothing”!

    My husband and I are both “A-” personalities. I know a few true type A’s, and while I admire their daily sanitized and shining kitchen floors, that’s not happening in my house! Therefore, I’m an A- to a B+ on most days. I share this to illustrate the truth that…

  • The (Un) Enthusiastic Mom

    Ten years ago I had a quote on my cork board in my home office. It read: “Be the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.” One of my friends spotted it one day and laughed, “That’s you alright.” At the time, I was also reading the book, The Power…

  • Wordless Wednesday-Summer or Winter Pool?

  • I’m Going to Read the Entire Bible – This Week!

    I have days when I’m disappointed with the amount of time I’m spending on worldly routine vs. the time I’m spending connecting with God. About six times a year, I resolve to “get better” with my spiritual disciplines. These (often unrealistic) resolutions usually go something like this:  Get out of…

  • Thank You Veterans

    Thank you, Veteran. For every moment you have spent in a uniform, up before dawn, in the field, away from your family, or for having suffered from the array of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual struggles that have accompanied your service: thank you for giving of yourself for my safety…