September 8, 2021
by Maralee
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I told my son yesterday that my biggest goal in parenting is not for him to have the best childhood, but for him to grow into the best adult. Obviously, that’s an oversimplification. I’d love it for him to have … Continue reading
July 22, 2021
by Maralee
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One of my favorite moments of spring every year is buying some plants to put in the ground. I love the whole experience. Reading the little tags to figure out if this plant will fit the spot I need to … Continue reading
May 11, 2021
by Maralee
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Yesterday I listened to a podcast I typically enjoy. It’s about the Enneagram and the host (who is adopted) was interviewing a woman who aged out of foster care and is now a foster parent. I am not putting her … Continue reading
November 9, 2020
by Maralee
3 Comments
My daughter has a birthday coming up. As I was shopping for gifts for her, I thought about how stressful her birthday used to be for me. I wanted things to be perfect for her, but I felt like I … Continue reading
June 19, 2020
by Maralee
2 Comments
I’m a good mom. I don’t yell. I’m structured and the queen of routine. I enforce nap times and bedtimes. I make sure grapes are cut in half for little ones and meals always contain vegetables. I make chore charts. … Continue reading
June 17, 2020
by Maralee
0 comments
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
May 28, 2020
by Maralee
2 Comments
I’ve been reading the story of a family that just breaks my heart. They very publicly crowdsourced funds for the international adoption of a child. They very publicly brought him home and talked in detail about his history. They very … Continue reading
May 27, 2020
by Maralee
1 Comment
Dear Parents of Foster Parents, I remember when I called my mom and told her I was now raising seven boys– most of them teenagers. My husband and I were working at a group home. We started with four boys … Continue reading
May 21, 2020
by Maralee
2 Comments
I was trying to figure out why there’s been this familiar sinking feeling in my stomach for the last 8 weeks or so. This “remote learning” thing has been rough, but why did it feel like I’d experience this before? … Continue reading
April 14, 2020
by Maralee
2 Comments
The first day of “remote learning” was not a good one. I literally cried and I am not a crier. I yelled at my kids and I am NOT a yeller. The technology didn’t work right, kids didn’t understand the … Continue reading