I have struggled with the concept of “mindful” for years. It usually comes with a lecture, or a demand disguised as a request often framed as a learning opportunity. It has been used to override boundaries, and bypass requests. The concept is often used in Christian Science to blame, shame, undermine, and side-step the actual … Continue reading mindfulness (little “m”)
Category: parenting
the Light of Hope & Thought
As we approach 280-something-th day of March my calendar insists it is actually mid-December. This makes some sense, Bells, Bows, Gifts, Trees and Seasonal Cheer have started to percolate onto my Facebook feed. Our Christmas (“Festive Holiday”?) Tree is up, lit and decorated (still no angel on top). Our Advent Calendars — yes, calendars plural, … Continue reading the Light of Hope & Thought
I have work to do
I'm going to jump right in and admit I need to examine my old, learned, and hidden biases. It is my responsibility to check myself for my stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination. I need to listen when I am called out for them. I need to learn more than what I was taught in school. I … Continue reading I have work to do
they’ll be back, they always come back
Around this time of year I usually have a post that talks about darkness and light and Dragons and maybe we'd all be better off if we just sat down and ate tacos, because everyone knows dragons love tacos. I don't have it in me this year. Darkness and light, inner reflection, meh. I couldn't … Continue reading they’ll be back, they always come back
normalization
Mommy, what is that line on your chin? A scar.How did you get it?I fell off a scooter. Then what happened?I got up, walked about fifty yards back to the house and Grandma sat me on the kitchen counter and cleaned me up a bit. I had a huge band aid on my chin for … Continue reading normalization
the new Missionaries & Santa
The other evening as I was preparing dinner, three young women knocked on our door. They introduced themselves as the "new missionaries" in town and wanted to "share a message" with us. I politely declined, wished them a good evening and closed the door. They looked mildly surprised, but took my rejection well. Kid2, who … Continue reading the new Missionaries & Santa
You can’t run on gratitude alone.
You can't run on gratitude alone. I knew this already, but I'm learning it again. All the heartfelt thanks in the world are not going to make up for the lost sleep, poor food choices, and exhaustion. It feels good to receive heartfelt thanks. Then it gets awkward, watching a tear of gratitude trickle down … Continue reading You can’t run on gratitude alone.
I’ve “done enough” and I’m going to do more
Another week, another meal train. More meals made for a family that is not my own. Another night of pasta and whatever vegetables we happen to have in the fridge for dinner so someone else can have a freshly made pot roast and veggies or baked ziti and a salad. Brownies for dessert, something chocolate … Continue reading I’ve “done enough” and I’m going to do more
a rainbow does not make up for the annihilation of mankind
The other night Kid2 wanted to read the story of Noah's Ark. We have an older children's copy probably first published sometime in the 70s. It was my husbands when he was a child, and as great flood stories are common in many cultures, I figured why not. I did my best to read in a … Continue reading a rainbow does not make up for the annihilation of mankind
Soon they’ll know Santa’s not real.
My eldest child's teacher sends weekly emails to the class to keep us up-to-date on what is going on in the classroom. The most recent email included a section headed "What to do if your child hears that others don't believe in Santa" as the class is learning the story of St. Nicolas (a very real … Continue reading Soon they’ll know Santa’s not real.
kind-ism 