It's been two years since I wrote the post, "What a Teenage Boy Needs most from his Mom." The two teens that I referred to in that post are now 15, and 17 years old, and I'm happy (and relieved) to report: They're still doing great. I honestly couldn't imagine a better experience raising teen boys than what we're in the midst of now. (And it's a good thing because son #3 will become a teenager in a few short months...)I know it's not always so smooth though. Since writing that post I
Parenting and Family
Let’s have coffee! Updates, Links and Aloha here
Well we are transitioning from one season to the next now, and I thought we should all just take a minute to check in! How about you pull up a chair and grab your coffee...So: how are you doing? Was summer all you hoped it would be? (winter for some of you! So crazy! :)) Are you feeling ready for the next season? If you've been around a while you know I'm a lover of autumn, (which doesn't exactly exist in Hawaii) so when your leaves start to fall, think of me. And feel free to
When I Heard my Kids Describe my Marriage.
It all began in the car. The boys had just finished school, and we were headed to the beach...All six of us, or "the whole fam-damily" as my mom used to say.The crew of excited boys were clamoring in back, loud as ever, while I thumbed text messages into my iPhone. My husband drove quietly, lost in his many thoughts--likely thoughts of hospital patients, or our skate park project. He's a thinker. Not a big talker.In the middle of it all, one of our boys, the chattiest one, leaned
We’re all a work in progress. (But this might help…)
I went for a walk with my good friend recently, and as we climbed the wet trail up the wooded hills, we caught up on life. We chatted through what was going on with each of our kids, (there are eight between us.) Like me, her kids span a wide age range, and hers are also spread among a variety of school settings: From private, to public, to homeschooling--she has it all covered.I asked her how her family was navigating one kid's activities, which I knew was challenging, and probably a bit
3 Character Qualities that Will Set Your Kids Apart
Well, summer is wrapping up for us the same way it started, (too fast! too busy!) and therefore I am giving myself permission to share one more post from my archives. (It's a summer thing I do.) I've made a few minor edits here, (including the title) but this post is so much of my heart that I am happy to share it again. It also resonated with a lot of readers before, SO: if you remember reading it, thanks for grace. And if you haven't read it yet--well, here it is--***** Like most
Connecting With Your Kids: How to Find the Open Doors
The four boy tuck-in routine can be exhausting. Our four-year old is the most challenging of any of our kids at bedtime, and by the time he is down, I'm usually on my last nerve, or ready to collapse.When we finally get the little guy down, there are still three more boys to read to (on a good night,) say prayers with, and get into their bed. By the time I get to my oldest, it is usually an abbreviated tuck-in. He doesn't need much. He reads to himself. Finishes school work.
Helpful Ideas for vacationing with kids (and actually enjoying it!)
I am just getting settled after nearly a month of traveling with three kids (and no hubby along!) While it is fresh on my mind I thought I would share a few of the (little ) things that I've found make a (big) difference in my travels with kids over the years.This doesn't cover everything of course, but here's a few things I had to figure out for myself, so thought I would pass along...HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. We all know that traveling with kids will not really be a vacation in
When feeling bad about ourselves makes us parent badly.
One thing is certain: When we're feeling down on ourselves, it will affect our parenting. We simply cannot be our best self when we are preoccupied with negative, inward-turned thoughts.Guilt Shame Self-loathing Insecurity regretNo one enjoys living with these kinds of thoughts, and I daresay, no one enjoys living with a person who is constantly tormented by their negative thought life. Therefore, as parents we have extra motivation for dealing with them. Because all the love