Finding Neverland In My Own Heart

After a particularly rough day with the Little Critter, I decided to relax by watching Finding Neverland on Netflix.

Now, mind you, today wasn't especially bad... but it's been a few weeks of solo-parenting, kiddo missing his dad, summer bliss, boundary breaking fun. In a nutshell, today may have been a day that broke my emotional threshold. You know, when your heart is just overwhelmed with all of it and the normal kid behavior makes you wanna cry, even though it probably shouldn't.

Finding Neverland was a good choice.

Following the dismal reception of his latest play, Little Mary, J.M. Barrie meets widowed Sylvia and her four young sons in Kensington Gardens. He proves to be a great playmate and surrogate father figure for the boys, and their imaginative antics inspire him to write a play about boys who do not want to grow up. Barrie's producer skeptically agrees to mount Peter Pan despite his belief it holds no appeal for upper-class theatergoers. Barrie places children from a nearby orphanage in the audience for the opening night show and the adults present react to their infectious delight with an appreciation of their own. The play proves to be a huge success. *Credit: Miramax, 2004

This movie struck all the chords within my heart, the first being mother. I was reminded that though kiddos have rough days (as all humans do), at the center of each child is a heart that longs to explore, be free, imagine, and learn all they can about this world we live in. Every child is Peter and the Lost Boys.  As a mother, it is my job to encourage these things within the heart of my own child and those I am called to love. Loving a child is allowing the spirit to soar, so that they may learn who they truly are within their own hearts.

As children grow and learn what it means to be human, they are forced to handle the pressures of life and this can often be overwhelming. Anyone else had a long, busy day result in tears and refusal to brush teeth? No? Hmm... must just be me.

 Life will, if we let it, snuff out the creative heart of a child and they will fight it. Finding Neverland reminded me that though the days and weeks can be grueling, they are also beautiful treasure, because often this is our kids efforts (though they're usually unaware) to take back their time, freedom and creativity.

It can be a very difficult and often impossible thing to truly "store up these treasures" or feel the "gratitude, because someday you will miss this" when the pressure of parenthood becomes a weight, but if we truly have a heart for this calling (parenting), we will be blessed with reminders of why we're going to get up and do it all again tomorrow. It's my job to advocate for the heart of my child!

I am continually having to be reminded of this. My calling as a parent is not a duty, it is a gift; a treasure.

On our roughest days, it's often wise to plop down on the couch, and find something that will remind you of your own heart, and what you believe in. Give yourself a good cry and let yourself be free to acknowledge that one bad day doesn't mean you're a bad parent. In fact, bad days give us opportunities to reevaluate and reacknowldge just why we're doing this incredibly important job.

This Morning Is Different

It's a fresh morning, here in Muncie. There is something wonderful about getting up early, and today my morning brings thunder, wind, and rain. As I sit here at our kitchen table, I can see our freshly cut lawn, Lucas' adorable tree swing and the leaves blowing the wind. It's as if the bright summer sun took a break and allowed the clouds to roll in... giving all of us a small reprieve from the normal morning bustle.

These are moments I am thankful for. Often in motherhood, it can feel as if I'm on a carousel. We go round and round with days that are fairly similar in fashion. After too many roundabouts, I start to feel anxious, jittery and uneasy. I begin to hear my inner thoughts saying things like "this is not fulfilling" or "I'm bored, and that means this job I'm doing is not important."

What!? I know... negative self-talk. Just stop it, right? Right.

This morning is different and it's confirmation in my heart that even nature needs a break from the mundane. That beautiful summer weather was getting real mundane (listen to me!...I can't believe what I'm saying). And it's true; no matter how beautiful my life is, I need a break sometimes. I listen to the negative, focus on my inadequacies, and somehow convince myself that things should look different.

Sure, sure, sure... we all need breaks. I can say it, and even believe myself when I say it, but when the hubs tells me to "take a break," I immediately feel guilt and all the feelings that hang out with guilt. That darn guilt! Where does it come from!? Why should I feel anything negative when I am refilling my emotional tank? Sigh...

As I grow through this motherhood gig, I've learned to push those thoughts out. Ignore them. Deny them. And then, find truth! Finding time and space in my day to fill myself with truth, goodness, energy, and life is the ONE thing I SHOULD do. Meeting with The Creator, taking a nap, stopping to write blessings, eating a popsicle WHILE sitting down, calling my sister... these are all things that fill my heart, and enable me to feel joy and continue the journey of motherhood, wife, woman, sister.... you get the idea.

Loving these two... it's my favorite thing to do.

The routine must continue, because I've committed my life to serving in love (and I'm grateful for the
opportunity), but thank God for the small (or big) moments that cause us to stop and refill ourselves with goodness. I hope this post encourages someone to stop in their day today and fill their tank a little bit; to feel the rain on their face, watch their favorite episode of Arrested Development, thank God for a few blessings, order the sweetened coffee instead of the black, eat another bowl of berries, go ahead and take that nap, call a longtime friend, go for a jog, do some crafting (and make a mess!), sing your favorite songs, read an extra chapter in your book, or kiss your spouse a little longer when they come home.

Without the little blessings, the carousel continues and we grow weak; we believe the lie that we're not enough. We miss The Creator's moments to bless and enrich our hearts, and then, we never see the blessings to praise him for; the sweet, tender moments in which we know we are deeply loved.

"Jesus fill me. The Holy Spirit is our Steady Comforter and our Ready Reminder." 
Lysa TerKeurst, Am I Messing Up My Kids

Aggression, Messes and Yelling!

I gotta tell you guys... raising this boy of ours is a challenge! Every day feels like a fight to teach gentleness, manners, kindness, empathy, cleanliness, tidiness, respect, obedience and general social skills. On some level, I've always thought children inherited most of these life-lessons from their parents... gleaning attributes into their own lives as they live among their elders.

I cannot say this is true at this time in our lives.

Every day feels like dirt, loudness, defiance, rough housing, running, stomping, sassy talk, disrespect, disobedience, undoing everything, making messes, eating a lot, eating loudly, refusing food, demanding food, whining, chasing the cat, getting muddy, changing clothes, getting muddy again...

This boy will find a stick anywhere... it could be a parking lot, and he'll find it. Any object can be a sword and will be used as a weapon while running and jumping, nearly impaling himself, or another. I've found my child lodged underneath, beside and between things. He has hit his head on nearly everything. Smashed fingers, stubbed toes and slammed all appendages on all things.

There are many plans made. Plans for rockets ships, tree houses, forts, underground tunnels, digging lakes, adopting puppies, adopting kittens, collecting worms, feeding the birds, collecting the "worlds largest rock collection", finding dinosaurs, staying up all night, eating all the pizza, jumping the highest, running the fastest, being the sneakiest, and riding "all the animals!"

*Deep breath*

I end my days often sitting on the couch... with a cup of tea and blissful silence. After a day full of conversation, conflict, and compromise... I find myself empty. Hoping to fill my emotional tank just enough to start all over again the next day, I sit and mentally review the events... remembering the tough moments... but also remembering the sweetness.

Our boy is full of sweet. His morning greeting when he says: "Good morning mom. I love you and it's time to get up." The joy on his face when I place peanut butter and apples in front of him at the table. His giggles when we play hide and seek. The deep desire he has to be just like his Dad! I see sweetness between the hard moments... and though I often feel like our boy is too much "all aggression and messes and yelling!" I have glimpses of what his heart will always be like.

It will always be loving. Lucas will always have a heart that wants to serve others. He will always want to impress his father. Our boy's heart will always love his mother and always want to see her happy. That heart of his will always want to be adventurous and a physical challenge to make him feel like the brave soul he is!

This is the greatest challenge I've yet to come up against... this child of ours. He is opinions, and defiance and hard-headed... but the sweet, loving heart pulls me back in every time. Some days I wonder "what am I doing!?" because I am not equipped to raise this boy! But that heart... it slays me, and makes me want to try harder each day following.

Maybe, just maybe... this boy will be okay. As far as his mother goes... all bets are still out.

Life Within

As all family situations would be, when one person is struggling... everyone struggles. Especially the kiddos. Children are flawless examples of the ripple effect. Their seemingly "normal" behaviors can be examples of hurt, loneliness, misunderstanding, and basic internalization of emotion. Children have a narcissistic view of the world, therefore believing everything is about them... including their parent's feelings.

As I have been navigating all my feelings and emotions this Winter, I can't help but be sensitive and aware of Lucas' heart. This boy feels hard and deep! I love him for it... but also find myself nervous that somewhere I'm failing. Don't we all feel this way!? Help! Someone tell me how to raise this child... someone!

Sigh....

On the flip side, there is SO MUCH to be thankful for in this child of ours. He is beautiful. Seriously you guys... we have a beautiful child, inside and out! He's handsome with his big brown eyes, smooth skin and thick dishwater-colored hair. So handsome, that one.

His heart... where do I start?!... it's big, open, sensitive and intuitive. Lucas' heart is full of wild wonder; constantly seeking answers and approval. This child... he wants to be a part of all things big and wonderful. He wants to be seen and understood. I don't think this desire will change within him. He will always fight to be understood.

Lucas is full of life! He runs and jumps and hurdles and rolls with all his might. He finds sticks, rocks, bugs, dirt, mud and water... and will be fully engrossed for all of time, if allowed. He loves critters and just wants to play! Lucas has a light behind those big brown eyes... it's full of smiles, laughter, loud talking, belching... that light is life!

I love these things and more in our son. He is truly special to us... like no other boy I've known. He's uniquely made.

So often we don't talk about parenting while in the midst of depression or emotional lows. How does a parent care for a beautifully full child, when they themselves feel as if their tank is empty? Often I feel this way... and I have no advice. These are moments when I turn to prayer, devotion toward something that fills me (poetry or scripture), and a form of physical activity that leaves me feeling rejuvenated. Also, counseling. Parenting without solid, safe advice seems impossible. I couldn't do it.

Being aware of our own feelings allows us to be intuitive to our children's feelings. When we see our kids' hearts, we see them for what they need and who they are... at the core. I see my child's beauty, light, and life within!



I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. - Psalm 139:14

Limitless Adventure In The Outdoors

It's a balmy fifty-seven degrees here in Muncie today. It felt like the Pacific Northwest. Temperate and calm. The clouds were low, the mist fell heavily and the air was rich with the smell of Winter. I loved it.

With the warmth, I decided we'd play outside as much as possible today. I swept leaves off the back porch and Lucas ran amok in our small little yard area. I ended up shedding my jacket and spied Lucas' little red mittens sitting in the chair, rather than on his hands. Clearly, we were both feeling the warmth of being active.

After finishing my chore, I made another cup of coffee and watched Lucas throw things into the lake we live near. I sat on a log while the kiddo was adventurous along the shoreline. He crawled under twigs and bushes (as there are no more leaves) and over logs. He avoided getting his feet wet in the water and managed to make his way from one path to the next, calling it "an adventure" and screaming out "I made it!!"

It is a beautiful thing, to play outside. I have a friend who very much values the concept of being outdoors and before meeting her, I always knew it was important but never knew another who really took it to heart like she does. After meeting Jenny, it's been something I make note of more often... read more about... and observe my child benefiting from.

There are layers of benefit from being outside.

Anyone who is an adult can recall some of their favorite memories involving the outdoors; camping, picnics, boating, cabins, horseback riding, hunting. I know my sweetest memories include friends, family and my sister... all being outside. These fond memories give us a sense of belonging, and that is special.

Adventure. It's something we all want a little bit of. Being outdoors challenges our minds (problem solving) and our bodies (climbing, crawling...). When we face adventure and succeed, the boost in our self-esteem rockets. Who wouldn't want that for their own child? Almost anyone can succeed outside.

Being outside enables us to be aware of our world and our environment we live in. Right now I could ask the kiddo what the weather is like and he would say: misty, cool, overcast, and breezy. He knows what the dirt smells like in our backyard, what the ducks sound like, how the trees feel as he climbs around them and what the sky looks like above us. Being aware of our surroundings is vital to survival, security and well-being.

For those of us who need to blow off steam, being outdoors allows just that. Often the day provides moments of frustration, limitations, boundaries and the word "no." Being outdoors allows us to be limitless, free, and feeling like anything is possible. It's beautiful when we can free our minds from the worries of life and appreciate the wind, the birds, the air. We can appreciate life and our world around us. We can let go. Kids need to let go too.

After foraging in the bushes and such, we walked to the park to play a little bit more. We collected pine cones and meandered. We discussed the ducks and the Canadian Geese.. and why they poop so much. The conversation was very enlightening.

Lucas played outside a bit longer, only to be interrupted by management of our complex. I was told he could not play by the water any longer, as it was dangerous. It was comical, really. The water is quite shallow. It's a true shame that some cannot appreciate the adventurous heart of a child, and yet I could not argue with someone who was probably worried about liabilities and lawsuits.

That's okay, though. We had already played for a couple hours. The beauty of playing outside when it's chilly is coming in and snuggling up with cocoa and a hot bath. The cozy feeling of being exhausted and knowing that an adventurous little boy is going to sleep well tonight!

Compliments From Another Generation

 This morning we all went to look at a home with our Realtor, Jim. Jim is an old-fashioned man. He's kind, polite, matter of fact and a bit hard of hearing. That being said, we've grown attached to him and greatly respect all of his input and advice regarding home buying in Muncie.

Upon arrival at this home, we get out of our car and wait for Jim. Sure enough, he rolls up in his red Tahoe and gets out of the car. Lucas yells, "Hi Jim!!" and runs across the yard to greet him. And then Lucas says: "It's nice to see you again!"

Jim just smiles and says: "Aww, what a good kid."

Cynical me responds: "Well, it's still early in the day... he he he."

Then Jim said something that both humbled me and warmed my heart. He said:

"You know, you guys... I almost said something last time we were together, but I'll tell you now. You guys are great parents."

Jim then went on to explain why he thought we were doing a good job, and most of his reasons were old fashioned, but solid. He said: "If you ever doubt, I can assure you... you are doing SO good."

This coming from a guy who ignores my sarcasm and witty jokes. This coming from a man who has grown children and obviously prefers "to be seen and not heard" policies regarding kids. This coming from a man who is serious about life and has a deep respect for raising children with strong morals and a heavy honor for their elders.

It was good for me to hear these things Jim had to share. The day in and day out sure does feel gritty, wild and unruly. But from a man who is quite possibly two generations ahead of us, a compliment like this gives me perspective that everything is going to be alright. Our son, though he be strong-minded and independent, has all the workings of good man.

Thanks for the compliment Jim. You have no idea what this does for us. God bless your heart.

The True And The Questions: Guest Posting

I do not deserve this honor, but my good friend Katie asked me to "guest post" on her blog. She asked if I could provide some type of insight regarding being a stay at home mom. I don't feel like I have anything special to contribute, but willingly took the challenge to articulate my thoughts on the subject at hand.

So, today she posted it and here it is in all it's glory: The True And The Questions, You ARE the Boss

Katie has become one of my best friends here in Salt Lake City, and I gotta tell you folks... she's real, honest and unabashedly herself. I LOVE that about her. Her willingness to be a wife and parent who is true to herself is a beautifully unusual thing. Katie speaks her mind and it's glorious!

Thanks be to Katie for inviting me to speak my own mind on her blog. I encourage you to check it out and participate in this ongoing conversation about what it means to be a stay at home mom.

Katie can be found on Twitter and HERE. 

Questionable Parenting Skills

Guys... I had a moment this evening where I seriously questioned my parenting skills. One of those "What Was I Thinking!?" moments.

I took my child (nearly four) to the dollar theater to see Monster's, Inc and about a third of the way through, he asked to leave. 

His exact words:

"Mom, I can't look at this movie anymore. I don't want to look at it. I want to leave."

My heart fell as I quickly became aware of the fact that I had taken my child into a movie he would eventually want to leave. I was THAT parent who exposes their child to scary imagery and fails to think from the onset, maybe it'll be too much for him.

So, we left. I said: "Okay... we can do that."

Once we were out in the hallway of the theater, I explained that the movie ends "really happy" and the monsters were "nice" monsters, but he said "...not all of them. I don't like the mean monsters."

Sigh... the child watched parts of the movie on Netflix as a baby. What the heck!? 

Just to ensure we all go to bed with happy thoughts, we came home, picked out a happy movie and are now watching something familiar and light-hearted. 

For now, it's all good... but I find myself wondering if I seriously dropped the ball on this one. Should I have known the movie would be too much for him? I mean, my child had to set his OWN boundaries. Yikes! Am I a mother who is SO clueless that I realize too late that a situation is not appropriate for my child?

Maybe I just need to sleep on it. Things will look clearer in the morning, right?

For now, we'll just stick to Winnie the Pooh.

Every Moment Of Tenderness

In my slack, I've failed to keep you all up to date on Lucas. Frankly, it seems as if the weeks go by effortlessly and he continues to grow into this little man child. A little man full of life, emotion and personality.

All of this is great. Lucas will undoubtably be a great man some day. He's always happy... quick to ask for a tickle or go for a run. I find myself unable to keep up with the constant chatter, activity and charm he adds to any and all situations right now.

I'm tired a lot. But, I'm encouraged that we've been blessed with such a charming boy in our lives.

Lucas is a independent kid who is constantly asking questions and seeking answers. He eagerly learns all he can about life and though we find this endearing, we find ourselves worn out at the days end. From the moment he wakes to the moment he falls asleep, he's alive, buzzing and whirring with activity.

I find myself soaking up what little bits of baby are left in our little boy, as he is quickly developing into a young man who is strong and willfully proving to the world he's ready to conquer it. I soak up the moments of tenderness when he randomly says: "I love you Mom." Or, "Mom, you're beautiful." Though I know these statements won't change in his heart, I know I'll hear them less frequently as he develops his sturdiness and strength against the world.

For now, I'll snuggle that baby boy and I'll catch every moment of tenderness possible.

When You Act This Way, You Get Nothing

Five minutes ago I endured an epic meltdown with my three and a half year old. It was unnerving, awkward and frankly, really inconvenient. To boot, it's not the first "meltdown" today. This habit of "freaking out" has become routine the past two weeks and, it's killing me.

Truth be told, I recognize this as normal. Three year olds are like baby teenagers. They're not babies, but not kids... they're in between. The ability to understand emotion is there, but they cannot control those emotions. Not unlike a teenager, this three year old goes from calm and fun to psychotic, the-world-is-ending, emotional wreck. Choices cannot be made without irrational desires (i.e. I want to make a choice, but really I want both!) and the ability to fully verbalize one's thoughts is still lacking.

I believe this leaves both of us tired.

I can see the meltdown coming... typically if there is a disagreement regarding activity or limitations. I can also typically identify why we're having a meltdown...off-routine, tiredness, insecurity, not enough attention...the list can vary, but normally, there is a good reason why we're headed in this direction.

I can do my best to divert or distract, but the value of "seeing it through" is really important. So I gird up my loins, put on my "I'm-tough-but-calm" face and I stick to my guns (even though I'm shrinking inside, because hey, I've got my own issues!).

Normally the child would cry and admit defeat. But not lately. He's ready to fight.

It takes a good twenty minutes, typically involves a spank (ugh...break my heart) and reminders that once child has decided to act this way, all choices are up to Mom. I reward nothing. He is taken away from all fun activities and I repeat this phrase every time:

"When you act this way, you get nothing."

I insist he lay in his bed (or sit in a quiet place when we're not at home) for ten minutes (I point to the clock and give him a time when he can get out of bed), or until he is calm. Ironically, he usually falls asleep. This is good, because most of the time these meltdowns happen when kiddo is tired (coicidence!? I think not!).

The part that kills me? After waking, he always says: "I'm sorry for my behavior Mom. I was being SO naughty...". Slays me. And then I wonder, "Am I doing this right!?" Ugh...

We talk and snuggle and I reward his cuteness with something I KNOW he'll love (typically a movie or a game together). Then I remind myself this will happen again... because you know, he's learning to be a human. And not just any human... a really awesome one!

Testing

Everything is a test. Bedtime, dinner...getting into the car. It's been a solid week of testing... and I find myself feeling impatient, hardheaded and the ultimate rule enforcer. The boundary setter. The one who says "no..." The one who draws the line.

It's painful, really.

Being a mother. Being a parent... and trying to be a good one. The key word is trying. Because every day I'm a failure.

And some days my child brings out the worst mother in me. He can't help it... it's how he was created to be. Strong, independent, intelligent... challenging.

This child will always challenge.

And I will always sigh... knowing that even as a preschool boy he was pushing the limits. Trying new things to attempt his own way. To attempt independence.

These are the days when I listen more intently,  read more meaningful things... do more yoga. These are the days when I feel helpless, inferior and absolutely incapable of doing this properly.

And then I'm reminded it's just a time of testing. For all of us: Father, mother and child. We're all trying our hardest and just as the waves feel too high, the tide will let up and the storm will pass.

And then...we can all breathe again. We can all enjoy each other. We can all remember that we love each other! And I can be fun, joyful and maybe let out those boundaries a little bit.

If I can just get through this time of testing before losing my mind.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. -James 1:2-4

Home School Moms Are Insane

I have been mulling over this post for weeks now...this post about home schooling the kiddo. Yes, it's only preschool, but really it's me fully immersing myself in a willingness to teach Lucas the basics of reading, writing, and early education. And then... submitting this idea to our community (both in real life and online).

It's been a challenge for me to imagine how I would present home schooling without appearing insane/overbearing/overconfident/ignorant/lazy... the list could go on. I mean, we all know someone who is a home school parent and their a little off, right?

Then again, you have to be a little insane to be a parent in the first place.

It's important to be a socially aware parent and I highly value the vantage points of all my other parent friends. I look into their lives (who are all different) and seek the wisdom, intellect and maturity of their choices. In turn, I would hope my parent friends value aspects of how I raise my child too.


How we educate our children is definitely swayed by our social norms... by our peers. What we consider normal and acceptable, if often dictated by how we were raised and the things our friends deem as okay. Thankfully, I'm surrounded by all types. I have friends who are adamantly against home school... and they have valid reasons for that. In fact, I highly value their opinions. I am asking them to speak into my life and challenge me when necessary. I ask them to be the relationship that keep us in balance.

I have friends who have exclusively home schooled and have extensive experience out of the "system." I value their knowledge and will too seek their opinions. I will observe how they do school in their homes; what their "classroom" looks like and how they organize their schedules.

I have friends who do both home school and public school (charter). This provides their families with balance and allows the home teacher to focus on each childs' needs when necessary. The balance of peer learning and scholastic excellence is walked finely.

All of that being said, I recognize that we no longer have a formula of how school should be done (my beloved friend Summer said this), because we do not have children who are all the same. Every family has different values in education and to deem one better than the other is heading down a road that will only define and draw lines... this is not something I value. I accept we're all different (which is why life is so great!) and we all approach life from different angles.

That being said, I'm taking this on for one year... one year only. And when it comes time for Kindergarten, we'll reevaluate Lucas' needs as a growing, learning, developing person. We'll also reevaluate my ability to be a home school Mom (I'm willing to admit it's going to be gnarly some days). I ask you to challenge me, ask questions and provide support. I'm still pouring over blogs, curriculum and a way to familiarize myself to this life of home school.

Here goes nothing...we're headed into a little insanity!

French Kids Eat Everything

As I've been getting back into the swing of things I find myself wasting spending more time reading. It's delightful, really. I'm not the type of girl who reads five books at a time... instead, I pour over one book and soak it all up; page by page.

The book I'm reading right now is French Kids Eat Everything, by Karen Le Billon. It's a fantastic read about how different the French are compared to Americans when it comes to food. Duh, right? But really... it starts with their kids.

French children are not given special attention, excuses or value when it comes to meals and food. Children are expected to behave like little adults at the table. They exude manners and etiquette that would be expected from any French adult (which would far surpass most American adults, sadly). Kids are expected to try every food and eat it without complaint. Most kids have no need to complain, because the food is delicious.

I should probably step up my cooking game.

The beauty of these expectations (amongst many other unwritten rules) is having children who eat a wide variety of foods... including fruits, veggies, meats and foods that are not particularly identifiable. How grand is that!? As parents, the French do not make separate meals for their children, they do not indulge in calorie dense snacks and the kiddos are having a nutrient rich diet that is full of variety. In addition, kiddos go to the restaurant with the folks and eat a meal like little humans... not little animals.


How many little animals have you had dinner with lately?

The French have a significantly lower obesity rate in their country compared to most other countries in the developed world. France in general, has a lower rate of diabetes, heart disease and other life threatening diseases that the US. This should be proof enough.

I'm not quite finished with the book yet, but I've found it so inspiring that I've sought out additional books on French parenting. It's a beautiful thing to imagine living our lives to the fullest right alongside our children... rather than waiting for them to be out of our way. Why can't we raise our kids to be decent, mannerly and pleasant? I'm fairly certain I've quite the learning curve ahead of me... but it's given me hope that being a firm and disciplined parent may not be all that old fashioned.

For starters, we're going to eat a delicious dinner tonight. All of us.