Normally, I try and slip into another mother’s (or father’s) shoes before I give them the mental stink eye. Parenting is tough, and you just never know what someone else is going through. But there are a few occasions where I judge, and judge hard. Sometimes, parents make stupid decisions, or are just plain stupid in general. Like what I witnessed at the zoo a couple of days ago.
As I pushed my toddler in circles in her stroller, hoping to stave off the “I’m tired and overstimulated” tantrum that was building, I couldn’t help but count my blessings that I had come to the zoo with backup. My mother-in-law had taken my preschooler to the bathroom as we were making our way towards the exit. (And trying to get out through the gift shop without …
The first time I met author Malena Lott (at a Buzz Books retreat), there was something so….familiar about her. Not her appearance, not her name. It was her spirit. She was charming, and poised, and dare I say, a lady. But her social graces were not pretentious, as she was warm, friendly and completely approachable. Just like two other ladies I know, my Great Aunts Nora and Mozelle. Both Oklahoma mavens, they held their gracious heads high no matter what life’s circumstances held. And then I found out something about Malena that tied all the pieces together. She is obsessed with Mid-Century design, the type of home goods and apparel my dear great aunts would have been using on a daily basis. It all makes so much sense now.
Not only …
Somersaults aren’t the only thing she’s learned at dance class.
I tried something new at dance class tonight. I left. Usually, I’m chasing my 18 m/o around the studio while my 3 y/o attempts to follow the instructor’s directions. It’s chaos. So, I decided to take the toddler outside to run around while my big girl did her thing inside. I thought all was going well (no shouting, screaming, etc.) until the end of the class. That’s when I heard crying. Loud, soulful crying. It was my kid. Sigh. I hurried in to her, expecting to find her with a stubbed toe, rug-burned knee, or some other dance-class casualty. No. She was sitting in closing circle, crying her eyes out while the other girls looked on with uncertain expressions.
“What’s wrong?,” I coaxed. Had she suddenly remembered I’d …
There’s nothing like Facebook (and a pumpkin muffin from Panera), to distract you while your toddler is crying it out in her room at 1 a.m. (She’s fine, just mad I won’t give her milk.) Here’s a little poem I wrote about items from my news feed to commemorate the occasion.
(image from insidefacebook.com)
Laundry mishap
Mommy rant
Messy child
Pink elephant
Starbucks coupon
Ikea plug
Baby pictures
Cute lil pug
Someecards
Random meme
Family photo
Star Wars theme
Politics
Silly joke
Kitty faces
Thankful note
Gee I’m glad
I logged in
What would I do
Without my friends?
My brother and I hang ornaments from a less-than-perfect tree. But that never mattered to me. It’s one time we actually got along when we were younger. 🙂
It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, and still, Christmas has taken over. This is no surprise, as it’s crept earlier and earlier every year. But it bothers me, for several reasons. First of all, I love Thanksgiving, and feel that the Santa-shaped shadow is looming over this once-simple holiday. Yes, I know the stories I was told about Thanksgiving growing up (happy Pilgrims and Indians frolicking together) are way off base, but I enjoy the tone it has developed over the years. It’s all about being grateful, and expressing that gratitude to others. Ok, who am I kidding? I like the food, and maybe this is my main …
You have two choices when you see this sign on the side of the road. You can avert, or pervert, your eyes.
I have four nephews, the oldest of whom is only five years younger than me. They’re more like little brothers than nephews, especially since I spent so many hours babysitting them when they were younger. They’re all good kids, and most of all, they’re funny. Even when they’re not trying to be.
Around 10 years ago, we were headed on a family trip to a lake in southwest Missouri. Driving down scenic highways in eastern Kansas, we pointed out historical markers, interesting buildings and run-down ghost towns. The trip was full of laughs, as usual, but none could compare to what would happen on our way back. As we neared the outskirts of the lake, a …