The Resolution of Routine
Routine. It’s a word that brings to mind a certain amount of dullness. Doing something “as a matter of routine” sounds like you work either in a courtroom or a...
Shannon Williams
Thankful Leaves
It’s become a tradition worth documenting: each November, I create a pile of leaves out of paper, a hole punch, and a length of string. Every night at dinner in...
A Winter Prep List
I am one of the approximately three people who have never watched a single episode of Game of Thrones. (I know.) Yet even I know its tagline: Winter is coming....
To the Siblings Left Behind
I had prepped all summer for my oldest kids, the twins, to head off to Kindergarten. We prepared in tangible ways. I checked off the list of school supplies: crayons...
Parenting Battles I’m No Longer Interested In Fighting
We’re all familiar with the parenting adage to “choose your battles.” I’ve certainly found it easier over the years to hold on to some things and release others from my...
The Kids Will Be Fine
A year ago, when the world shut down, I did what any reasonable Type-A person would do: immediately crafted a schedule to structure my days with a four-year-old and twin...
Entering My Kids’ Middle Years
How old are your little ones? Maybe they’re not so small and you’re entering your kids’ middle years, you already know things are beginning to shift in your home. It...
Because I Want To
It was the end of the bedtime marathon and I was ready to take my victory lap. My youngest was asleep, or nearly so, in his room. I’d changed his...
The Spirited Child Chronicles
“But at least you aren’t trying to squash him down,” Mrs. Whatsit nodded her head vigorously. “You’re letting him be himself.” (A Wrinkle in Time, Madeline L’Engle) I have what...
Farewell, Nap Time
My youngest turned three earlier this year. He’s made it very clear he’s done with naps. Really, he started dropping his nap long before I was ready to admit it. Far...
The Life-Changing Magic of Showering
Bathing is something we think about surprisingly often as mothers. Sponging kids down after each diaper explosion, spaghetti dinner, and marker incident. Wondering if playing in the pool for five...
Not a Summer Bucket List
I’m a One on the Enneagram and an ESFJ always and forever according to Myers-Briggs. I’m your typical straight-A, type-A firstborn child with a penchant for meal plans and lists....
Sometimes, Everything Goes Just Fine
The articles blur together as I scroll through social media. (Reminder to self: just stop it already.) You know the ones I’m talking about: “Preschool Changed My Kid…For the Worse”...
Ordinary Hard
I pulled my phone out of the pocket of my leggings to check the time during open gym last Friday. 10:45. How could we possibly still have thirty minutes left...
