August 16, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on I wanted a baby. God gave me a grad student.
I have six kids and the oldest is twelve. Our family has been in the habit of adding a baby to the mix every couple years either through adoption, birth or foster care. But a few years ago, we found … Continue reading
July 9, 2019
by Maralee
2 Comments
It has been a beautiful blessing in my life to be able to witness a lot of adoption ceremonies. Each time I’m present to hear the legal language, listen to the parents answer questions, and watch the faces of the … Continue reading
July 3, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on The Kind of Mom They Made Me
I have a serious issue with baking bread. In my mind the world is divided into two kinds of women: those who bake bread and those who don’t. I have happily been in the “those who don’t” category for my … Continue reading
June 28, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on I’m not Woman Enough for My Daughter
I signed my daughter up for a felt crafting class offered by our local public school. I was excited for her to do it not only because I know how much she loves that kind of creative crafting, but because … Continue reading
May 31, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on A Mom’s Summer Out-of-Office Message
Hello! Thank you for attempting to contact me via social media/text/phone/making eye-contact/etc. My brain is currently out of the office for the summer. I would love to respond to your request for my attention, but I am unavailable. I am … Continue reading
April 29, 2019
by Maralee
2 Comments
My mom played piano and organ for our church when I was a kid. This meant some Saturdays she’d bring my sister and me to the dark, empty church building where we would entertain ourselves for hours while she practiced. … Continue reading
March 25, 2019
by Maralee
2 Comments
The other night we were having dinner with my parents, my sister, brother-in-law and their children. My 9-year-old volunteered to pray and she ended it with a heartfelt plea on behalf of her little cousin. She said, “And please let … Continue reading
March 7, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on Mom Moment: Offering our Kids Empathy
The other day my youngest daughter asked me a question I’d been dreading. She looked up at me with her pleading brown eyes and said, “Mommy, can I do your hair?” I decided to risk it and let her take … Continue reading
March 1, 2019
by Maralee
1 Comment
Last night was a disaster. Today is “Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character” Day at school and it ends with a book parade where the kids show each other their costumes. For years I have successfully avoided any interaction with … Continue reading
February 22, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on Rocking a Baby, Learning to Dance
Recently a friend handed me her baby. He was a little fussy and I found myself doing that walk/rock/dip/dance move I’ve perfected over 12 years of parenting six kids. How many late nights did I spend pacing the halls like … Continue reading