“Smile, not the fake toothy smile,” I said to my oldest daughter. “Smooth your dress right there,” I pointed to my youngest daughter. “Okay, 1…2…3…!” SNAP! I took the photo. “Wait you blinked, let’s try again!” Does this sound familiar? We strive to capture that perfect family moment, the two kids smiling while wearing their …
The lights were off. No glowing pumpkins sat on our home’s front porch. Zero candy bowls were gently placed at the door for children seeking chocolates. Darkness, fear and uncertainty filled the air inside my house instead. The eerie feelings grew with each breath I took. Continual screams blasted in my aching ears. I had …
Now that I’m over a month into my fall semester of graduate school, I’m beginning to feel the pressure and anxiety that goes along with homework reading and assignments. Add to that my work and family obligations. Specifically I’m thinking about my daughter’s second grade learning, her extracurricular activities, my family meals to plan, an …
I had a revelation recently about criticism. Last week during a meeting with my book illustrator, I realized my change in attitude over helpful feedback. He showed me his initial sketches that are bringing my words to life (which I absolutely love!) However, on one page, I had too many things happening in the story. Within four lines …
When I witnessed my seven year old yell at her younger sister during a routine bath, I blurted these words out: “When did Anger take control of you? Can we try to find Joy again?” I could not help myself. The summer release of the Disney Pixar film Inside Out has caused my brain to …
July has been an excellent writing month for me. I am once again appearing in the Pensacola News Journal for an editorial I wrote on encouraging parents to talk to children early about sex, consent and inappropriate behavior. The story also appeared in the Alabama online news media too. I’m thrilled that attention to this issue …
I was featured in the Sunday, July 12, 2015 lifestyle section of the Northwest Florida Daily newspaper for this piece I wrote on dealing with children who say they are “bored.” This was inspired by actual events and real conversation. Below is the full article. I’m placing it here since the newspaper did not publish …
My family’s budget was tight in the summer of 2013. We had no travel plans. With my children home from school, I strove to make our days feel like a vacation even though we stayed in our community. Beach days and pool time became tiresome. We turned our daily routines of shopping, touring, playing at parks …
I’m going to share funny things my children say from time to time here. Why? 1. Because they really are hilarious, and 2. So I won’t forget them and what they’re like at their current age. ———————————————————————————– Conversations with my Kids: “Butts and Toots – it’s what’s for breakfast!” Last weekend when my family all …
Whether you’ve been married for thirteen years like me or you are just starting a new relationship, at some point, you are going to reach messy moments-both literally and figuratively. I thought about this recently as my husband and I were giving solicited advice to a single friend who is back in the dating pool …