Why do I shut down under stress? When I first hear any important news, good or bad, I am usually in shock. People often wonder at how calm I seem. Then later, usually when I'm on my own and have had time for it to sink in, I freak out internally! I may still seem calm on the outside, but my mind is suddenly on overdrive, thinking, obsessively … [Read more...]
When to Push Your Kids and When to Let it Go
Monkey was so excited to begin track But by the time starting day came around, he had forgotten how much fun he had had at the open meets last summer. He's finally old enough to be on the Youth Track team and the season has just begun. The first couple days were a shock for him! So many kids, and not a familiar face in sight. I was hoping he'd … [Read more...]
Cure for Depression
I was depressed for most of my life and have finally overcome (well, lets say I'm more than managing it)! Cure for Depression: If you are suffering from depression, especially if you’re thinking of suicide, this is the best advice I can give: 1. Coming from my counselor who told me to keep a daily journal, "If you're not going to take … [Read more...]
How to Be Happy
Something that I'm really good at. This is a hard one! I feel like I’m good at a lot of things, art, crafts, sewing, writing, cooking…, I can even sing! And I used to be a pretty good dancer (swing dancing, if I had a good leading partner!) But I’m not a super star at any of those things. What am I really good at? I think I’m best at being a mom, … [Read more...]
My Life as a Poem
Originally posted ten years ago on May 1, 2013 I was challenged to write the Story of My Life in under 250 words. I tried, but couldn't narrate it under 300 words, so here's My life as a poem Brady bunch beginnings. Happy hippies loving life in Santa Cruz. You think things can’t … [Read more...]
How to Truly Live Happily Ever After
photo by Shawnicy Barnhart I reviewed the new book My Beloved and My Friend: How to Be Married to Your Best Friend Without Changing Spouses Every girl dreams of someday jumping into the fairytale and living happily ever after! But can you have a lasting happy marriage? Is it all just a myth? What makes a great relationship? Where do I … [Read more...]
Learn About Flowers with These Beautiful Kids Books
Do your little gardeners love flowers? My daughter would love if we grew only a flower garden rather than a vegetable garden. We had a great time recently identifying plants and flowers that were growing in our front yard. We moved here a year ago and I was not sure what every plant was in the landscaping that we were left with. We were thrilled to … [Read more...]
What a Spring!
It went from freezing, to rainy, to super hot! But I'm loving it! I've always been a sun lover. My kids and I have been outside as much as possible. We planted our garden, took swim lessons the last two months at Simpkins Swim Center, which is awesome! My son improved so much! And I got to swim with the baby while my son was in his lessons. (Love … [Read more...]