June 23, 2018
by Maralee
1 Comment
Congrats, Jojo (Can I call you Jojo?)! The news is out and I’m thrilled that you and Chip are welcoming Baby #5 into your family. You are about to make the transition from a regular family to a Large Family. … Continue reading
January 18, 2018
by Maralee
Comments Off on Sex Trafficking is YOUR Problem (and one thing you can do to help)
I’m going to be really honest with you about the evolution of my understanding of sex trafficking. I’m wondering if maybe it’s been your process, too. Step 1: Sex trafficking is a really bad thing that happens in other countries … Continue reading
December 10, 2017
by Maralee
Comments Off on Forget ’50 Shades.’ Moms Today are Hot for Hopper.
Do you still think women are swooning over billionaire playboys who wants to dominate us and maybe we hope we can tame? Nah. Who has time and emotional energy to sink into that ridiculousness? Moms today know what we like. … Continue reading
October 10, 2017
by Maralee
Comments Off on Dear Girl Mom About to Have her First Boy
I know you’ve been eyeing me for some time now. You wonder why my kids always have stained shirts. You wonder why they’re constantly bruised or scratched. You can’t figure out why my bathroom constantly smells a little like. . … Continue reading
July 13, 2017
by Maralee
Comments Off on 5 Tips for Raising a Future Douchebag
Every once in a while I read a piece that sticks with me and seems to come up in conversation regularly for months afterwards. This post about why “douchebag” is a powerful word is one of those pieces. It is … Continue reading
June 20, 2017
by Maralee
Comments Off on To the Local Mom Whose Child got Locked in a Hot Car
Hi Mama, I don’t know you and I don’t know anything more about you than what I read in the paper a few days ago. From that article I know your toddler got accidentally locked in the car when a … Continue reading
June 9, 2017
by Maralee
Comments Off on My Kid’s Boredom is Not My Problem
So school is out and my kids are bored. Not just “bored” they are “BOOOOOOOOOORED” (said while flopping over the edge of the couch). I know this can be the cue for some parents to sign them up for robotics … Continue reading
May 30, 2017
by Maralee
Comments Off on When it’s Time to Stop Being a Foster Mom
I’m still not okay with calling myself a “former foster mom.” It just doesn’t feel right. My heart is still so in the world of foster care as I support families in the trenches and continue to deal with post … Continue reading
April 24, 2017
by Maralee
Comments Off on 10 Questions that Might Actually Get Your Husband to Talk (without wanting to poke his eye out)
. . . The truth is, I’ve always got a half dozen (who am I kidding, A FULL DOZEN) questions ready to go about my husband’s feelings or our future or ways I’d like feedback on how I’m doing as … Continue reading
March 28, 2017
by Maralee
Comments Off on How to Help a Financially Struggling Friend (without making things weird)
A few months ago I wrote about why I cringe when someone’s financial pain goes viral. We love seeing someone in need get their needs met, but it often means we’re witnessing that “needy” person at their lowest, most painful, … Continue reading