Today we had one of those rare mornings where everyone had eaten breakfast, everyone was dressed, all teeth were brushed and all lunches were packed about a half an hour before the buses were coming. What I have learned from experience though, is that even when we are all pretty much ready to go with […]
Parenting
You’ve Been Elfed — How We Are Going To Practice Kindness This Holiday Season
Yesterday was Sunday, and Number 4 had a cross country meet about forty-five minutes away from our house, and Number 5, 6, and 7 had to come watch. It was chilly and not especially exciting for them, and I so I promised them that we’d make popcorn and sit on the couch in our pajamas […]
You Smell Like A Butthole
Number 7’s go to insult is “You smell like a butthole.” A few years ago, I would have responded to this differently than I do now. A few years ago, I would have reprimanded and shamed any of the kids for speaking to each other that way. Or I would have, out of exasperation, pretended […]
A Wake Up Call (All Puns Intended)
I had an a-ha moment yesterday. Why I need to be slammed over the head with these things repeatedly before I get them, I don’t know. But that’s how it seems to work for me. I have a history of depression. Fifteen or so years ago, I was hospitalized (for the first time) and consequently […]
It’s Okay To Ask For (And Accept) Help
There is one comment I hear far and above any other as the mom in a large family. I don’t know how you do it. So I’ll fill you in on my secret. But first, one important thing to note is that when you have a lot of kids, it just becomes your new normal. […]
I Guess I’m Just A Survivor
Tonight’s dinner conversation: Me: Number 7, let’s do your hair tonight so it’s ready for soccer in the morning since I won’t be here. Number 7: Where are you going? Me: To a swim meet with Number 3 and 4. Let me do two french braids. Then Daddy doesn’t have to worry about your hair. […]
