We have a family tradition of saying what we are thankful for on Thanksgiving. It is often funny, frequently tender and always a good thing to do. My oldest came home after 5 weeks away at first year University for the long weekend. I loved having her close so much. When it was my turn to say … [Read more...]
notes to my daughter- hold onto your way, hold onto your childhood
I was watching you last night like it was the first time. Sometimes, as a mom, we worry. Does the world see you the way I do? Is the world good enough to have you in it? You are not much of a teenager. You dont exacerbate me. I am not fed up with you. You aren't selfish or mean. You have never- … [Read more...]
surviving dress shopping with teenage daughters
My daughters went to a formal dance a few weeks ago As it always is, two children from the same family are always always very different First girl finds a very well priced fabulous dress that fits her perfectly (I mean perfectly) on the very first hanger She runs to me and says 'done. And I will … [Read more...]
hard questions
I have always loved hard questions ~ except for an extended period of darkness where I was running as fast as I could from the truth.I try to ask hard questions of the people I care about and hope so much for them to ask them of me.I can hear my children hold their breath a little - now almost … [Read more...]
being a grownup and peanuts envy
Once upon a time when my Godson was born- I went to visit him, to meet him, to squeeze him, to adore him and his mom, one of my oldest friends, who was so 'exhausted' ( a euphemism for other things I will not print- very tough labour). His 2 and 1/2 year old sister answered the door screaming … [Read more...]
growing pains revisited
(This was previously published here on October 21st, 2010, but I am resubmitting in honour of my daughter's 17th birthday which is today. I caught up with an old and dear friend last week who said - she so loved this post~which I had forgotten about~ that her husband printed it and framed it for her … [Read more...]
words for Wednesday – happy kids
(yes it is Thursday)"We are only as happy as our least happy child" … [Read more...]
Burden or Blessing?
Hanging out with a good friend last week who has just left a job he was at for more than a dozen years -I asked him what advice his father gave him before making the switch. He said "I don't burden my parents with my problems. I go to them with solutions" So he never told his dad he was … [Read more...]
piss me off- nylons and negotiating
Teenagers express their "need" for you in extremely subtle ways especially when you compare it to the life or death need of babies or the danger present with toddlers or the working through growing pains of sharing, and early friendships of school age little ones.Friday night my daughters were … [Read more...]
I get to be your mom
On Saturday you turned 14. My life with you flashes through my mind on your birthdays. I remember how you used to twirl in the middle of the room with the most serious look on your face. I remember how hard it was for you to be little- you wanted to be the best at everything, the fastest … [Read more...]