February 21, 2017
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
September 16, 2016
by Maralee
Comments Off on For All the Worship Widows
This one goes out to all the mamas making breakfast alone on Sunday mornings. All the women up before dawn so they can get ready before waking up their Little Blessings and starting the chaos that is preparing for church. … Continue reading
September 1, 2016
by Maralee
Comments Off on How I’m Trying NOT to Raise a Brock Turner by Talking to My Kids about Porn
A man was found guilty of raping an unconscious woman. He received an unbelievably light sentence and then only served half of it. And we were all appalled. This is as it should be! This sentence (that seemed to be … Continue reading
August 24, 2016
by Maralee
1 Comment
So your friend has become a foster mom or maybe you just met a new friend and it turns out she’s a foster mom. You like this woman. You want to be close and be a support. You want to … Continue reading
August 11, 2016
by Maralee
Comments Off on Why My Daughters Need Simone Biles (excerpt)
Dear Simone, My family is rooting for you. And not just because you represent our country, but because you represent us. My two little daughters sit next to me and cheer for you because just like you, they spent part … Continue reading
July 1, 2016
by Maralee
Comments Off on New York Times, Thanks for the Hair Shaming
Dear New York Times, Thank you so much for caring enough about me to weigh in with your opinion about my hair. It is just SO HARD to find a publication willing to tackle the tough issues, like making women feel like … Continue reading
June 13, 2016
by Maralee
Comments Off on What Your Foster Kids Can’t Do
When it comes to parenting, I think realistic expectations are an important part of maintaining your sanity. This is doubly true for foster parenting. Foster parents may have expectations of what their foster kid can do that put an unfair … Continue reading
May 13, 2016
by Maralee
3 Comments
Yesterday I was driving my six kids to a foster parent training class when one of my children said, “I want to see that Kung Fu Panda movie. The one where he finds his REAL dad.” I felt my stomach … Continue reading
May 2, 2016
by Maralee
1 Comment
I always knew God created me to mother children. I knew it the same way I knew I had blue eyes. It was just a fact about the way I was made. So our infertility diagnosis left me with questions … Continue reading
April 4, 2016
by Maralee
Comments Off on Before You Give up on Hospitality
I stink at hostessing. It is not my gift. This has been clear to me for a long time because I grew up in the home of an incredible hostess. My mom loves hospitality and takes such joy in entertaining. … Continue reading