Today was one of those days. The kind where you fantasize about disappearing into a cabin in the woods with nothing but a blanket, a hot cup of coffee, and zero notifications. A day where the technology gremlins rise up in full rebellion, locking you out of social media, jamming your printer, and basically daring … Continue reading When You Want to Quit Everything, But Remember Why You Started
family
When Motherhood Tests Your Faith (and Your Sanity)
I have four amazing children. They’re my sun, moon, heart, and every other sappy thing people say. Also—the oldest is twenty-I-know-everything-about-life years old, two are teenagers, and the youngest is 11 going on 35. So yes, they’re also the reason for the tic under my left eye and the mysterious 3 a.m. wake-ups in a … Continue reading When Motherhood Tests Your Faith (and Your Sanity)
Dear Younger Me
I have a 19-year-old daughter now, and I’ve gotta say, she’s pretty terrific. Smart, funny, gorgeous, light years ahead of where I was when I was her age. I wish I could say it was because I’m such an awesome parent, but if I’m going to be honest with myself, I don’t think that’s it. … Continue reading Dear Younger Me
Navigating the In-Betweens
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 Christians LOVE that scripture. I mean, it’s up there with the Lord’s prayer and “For God so loved the world,” John 3:16 It’s one of the first scriptures we learn in Sunday school. It’s the talisman against anything we have to do or … Continue reading Navigating the In-Betweens
New Beginnings Bring Hazards….And Rewards
Arkansas should come with a warning label. A massive sign with red lettering at the border of Oklahoma reading: “Warning: Brown Recluse, Black Widows, Lyme disease-carrying ticks, and Poison Hemlock await you. Enter at your own risk." I’m pretty sure this state is trying to kill me and my entire family. Someone over here has … Continue reading New Beginnings Bring Hazards….And Rewards
A Neurodivergent Childhood
Eight years ago, I carried my screaming four-year-old out the doors of Target and ran for my car, praying no one would call the cops because they thought I was kidnapping her. Luckily all I got was the judgemental stare-down from the Karen Mom. I could hear her thoughts. “That kid is too old for … Continue reading A Neurodivergent Childhood
The Real Challenge of Parenting…and no, it’s not our kids.
I have four kids whom I love and adore. They are my sun, moon, heart, and all the other ridiculous sappy things. Additionally, I homeschool four said kids. This means they are also the cause of the tic under my left eye and why I sneak chocolate in the pantry on tough days. But even … Continue reading The Real Challenge of Parenting…and no, it’s not our kids.
Coconut #1 Goes to Africa
The oldest Coconut leaves for Africa on a mission trip in less than 24 hours, and I don’t even know how we got here. Wasn’t it just yesterday she was 11, starting middle school, knowing everything about everything, and humiliated that I would even think about wearing THAT out of the house? Or maybe it … Continue reading Coconut #1 Goes to Africa
The Coconut Chronicles: The Death of Empathy
“Hi! My name’s Isabelle! Do you wanna be my friend?” I heard this sentence offered up by each of the Coconuts countless times during our monster road trip last month to a plethora of different kids they met. And no matter the size, age, gender, religious background, family party persuasion, every one of the kids … Continue reading The Coconut Chronicles: The Death of Empathy
The Coconut Chronicles: Why God Gave Me a Boy
When Coconut #1 was about a year and a half, Hubby and I decided we were doing so well with her (she hadn't been to prison, nor was she hooked on drugs) that we wanted to try for a boy. Like we had a say so in it. Anyway, we prayed and God in His … Continue reading The Coconut Chronicles: Why God Gave Me a Boy
Conversations With Coconuts 