EVERY MOMent COUNTS!
I’m Susan Yates and I think I’m one of the oldest of the bloggers, but in my imagination, I’m really 38! When I take care of my daughter’s five little ones it feels like it’s me all over again. My husband and I had five kids in seven years (including twins) and we still feel the effects of 10 years of not sleeping through the night. Today our five are all married and we have 19 grandchildren. I love being a pastor’s wife, hanging out with the next generation, writing (especially with fellow blogger Barbara), speaking, dogs, horses, hiking, Tarheel basketball, cooking less, and eating more chocolate.
I imagine each one of us is living with some kind of uncertainty. Uncertainty over a job application, uncertainty about what medical tests will reveal, or how to handle a hormonal teen, or make the best decision, deal with a misunderstanding with a friend, or a child’s depression and anger. There’s financial uncertainty, political uncertainty, [...]
“This Christmas is going to be so hard, really hard. I’m already dreading it.” I vividly remember this heartache of a few years ago. It was to be our first Christmas without any kids. Our twin daughters had both married the summer before, and now that all five of our kids were married, it meant we [...]
“Does your neighborhood impact how you live and think?” We live in a Washington, DC suburb. Life here is very fast paced. Folks are super busy. People rush from one event to another, one important meeting to a crucial private appointment. We are constantly told that we live in the most important city in the [...]
You’re into preparation mode-shopping, cooking, invitations, fundraisers, junk mail, Christmas cards, special parties. And this is above and beyond the regular stuff on your plate- sports teams, concerts, work deadlines, homework help and then there’s the unexpected- a child’s broken leg, another ear infection, a friend in crisis. But for many there’s another source of [...]
Are you having fun in your marriage? It sounds like a ridiculous question doesn’t it! After all we got married because we liked being with each other and we had fun. But now, many of us don’t even think about fun. We are just trying to get through the day-cleaning up the next poopy diaper, [...]
When our 5 kids were little I ran away. Well not exactly, but I do remember standing by the front door at the end of a horrible, rainy day of being cooped up with sick toddlers, fighting siblings, a hormonal pre- teen and a hormonal and burned out me! With my coat on and purse [...]
When our 5 kids were little I ran away. Well not exactly, but I do remember standing by the front door at the end of a horrible, rainy day of being cooped up with sick toddlers, fighting siblings, a hormonal pre- teen and a hormonal and burned out me! With my coat on and purse [...]
“That’s my ball. I want it now.” “I want that blouse; you never let me get anything new.” “The coach should let me start in the game.” “I don’t want to do “that.” ” I want to go out with my friends.” “I don’t like that food.” Me, mine, I … sound familiar? Translation: It’s [...]
It is not beauty, education, accomplishments, material possessions, health or significance that will ultimately matter. Each of these can disappear in a second. Our kids come into the world packaged uniquely. You may have one who scores 2400 on her SATS but you may also have a downs syndrome child who will never complete school. Is one more valuable than the other? Your child may be homely, shy, and a very average student. In the world’s eyes he may never be a success. But if nurtured properly he may develop a compassion for others that is life changing and life giving.
Editor’s Note: There’s a few more weeks until school is back in session. Have you heard these words yet? “Mom, I’m bored!” I heard them for the first time yesterday, so I thought we’d re-share this post from last summer to give us all some fresh ideas of how to combat that pesky boredom problem. [...]
