June 17, 2020
by Maralee
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This was a fun conversation to have with Stan (who is coincidentally, one of my dad’s best friends). Dads aren’t perfect. They don’t need to be. I think it takes time for us to make peace with that reality both … Continue reading
June 12, 2020
by Maralee
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We are in a cultural moment where there is a lot of noise. It can be overwhelming to decide you want to adopt a listening posture only to be inundated with voices (strong voices, LOUD voices) with differing opinions. It’s … Continue reading
March 2, 2020
by Maralee
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Maybe somebody out there has a really easy time getting through the morning insanity of church prep, then their kids sit so nicely and quietly during the service (hands folded, obviously) and afterwards the kids have these insightful conversations about … Continue reading
February 6, 2020
by Maralee
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At my funeral, hand out lollipops at the beginning. Kids like lollipops and they help keep them occupied. We used to bring lollipops to court hearings when we were foster parents so our kids would have something sweet to help … Continue reading
January 21, 2020
by Maralee
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A Prayer for My Children as They Make Their Own Choices Lord, let me catch my children. May I always listen to that still small voice that tells me to walk into the room without warning. Let me not avoid … Continue reading
December 11, 2019
by Maralee
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Watching your child experience suffering is one of our hardest experiences as parents. But I don’t think it’s an avoidable one. Even if we could keep our kids from ever experiencing a hard time in their childhood, we know those … Continue reading
December 5, 2019
by Maralee
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I jumped in the minivan the other morning to run some errands. When I turned to buckle my seatbelt, I saw it sitting there in front of me— my son’s hair sponge. He brought it in the car that morning … Continue reading
November 11, 2019
by Maralee
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We took our kids to a funeral recently. I was getting ready to explain to them how funerals typically go, until I realized they’ve actually been to quite a few funerals already. And every time we take them, I think … Continue reading
October 17, 2019
by Maralee
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To look at this picture (or my house in general) I don’t think you’d describe me as a perfectionist. But I can see it hidden in there, between the wadded up paper towels jammed next to the paper towel roll. … Continue reading
October 15, 2019
by Maralee
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Miscarriages are cruel. They steal your hopes and dash your dreams. They silence you with shame and regret. They make you feel unworthy of the gift of motherhood that comes so freely to others. They make you second-guess every decision … Continue reading