One of the fun events our elementary school has is the yearly, “Andover Idol.” We have judges and everything. It’s for middle school only, 6th-8th. Cope did her thing. After literally months of deliberation, she passed on hip-hop, rock, or diva-ville. She sang a song she’s been singing since she was three: “Wishing You Were […]
September was the third month of a Year of Living Without. In July there was no nail biting (I’m still pretty good except when I feel stressed and I bring that hang nail to my lips.) August there was no television (I rarely watch it now – there’s no time! But once or twice a week I’ll […]
Our kids are in the arena. They are fighting a daily battle. They are warriors just for enduring. And they sometimes forget – because we do – that they are already golden.
It’s that time of the year, when many many kids are being awarded, graded, applauded. But not everyone is, are they? I don’t begrudge any of the above. Achievement is important and good for our personal growth.
But in all of our effort to make our kids “great again,” let’s not forget that they already are.
My one-word theme for the year, “Simplify” is staring at me from the wall. Personal progress is suspect. I tell you, simplifying is hard. It means saying No to SO MANY THINGS. I experienced further angst when reading this stove analogy by humorist David Sedaris on management: “One burner represents your family, one is your friends, the third is your […]
I used to actually think that when my kids were older, life wouldn’t be so crazy – that life would be easier and might actually slow down…oh, silly rabbit. Life is going by at warp speed. If our family isn’t incredibly intentional about scheduling time together, we are the ships passing in the night. How easy it […]
Want to be happier? Send a surprise gift. The last few months I’ve been the recipient of a few surprise gifts. I’m still marveling at their impact on my life. 1. The window candles. I was at church one morning last month and my body language must have indicated I was having a bad day. True. I […]
This cake is brought to you just in time for Valentine’s. It’s special for three reasons: It’s my Aunt Margie’s recipe, who is now gone, but I have her cake and think of her whenever I make it. It has a very special ingredient that makes me laugh. It represents so many things I love […]
The problem with educating your children is that they become…educated. When Cope came home from Ocean Classroom (and after a period of love and kindness) I was informed we were doing it all wrong – “We need to get chickens again and eat our own eggs. And we need a goat. Mom, that face wash is […]
“It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?” -Henry David Thoreau Oh yes, it is that time of year. When I feel absolutely giddy about GOALS. But did you know? Only 8% of all people actually keep their New Year’s Resolutions? On Sunday, we […]
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and there isn’t any snow on the ground! In New England, that means Fall. And in this family, that means soccer. Here they are, the fab four lacing up during the last days of August to play a friendly game of family soccer. You see, for better or for […]