changing the world

60 Years Left (maybe)

We are in the habit of praying together as a family before meals, in the car, on hikes, spontaneously, and right before bed. The bedtime prayer typically happens because our 3-year-old INSISTS. “Let’s pray,” she’ll say, tugging our hands toward her little sister’s bedroom. We typically pray until one of the girls inevitably sits on [...]

Are we really going to do this? Yes!

The secret is out (knees knocking, heart pounding). And now we have 1 million things to do (not exaggerating). Thank you to everyone for your overwhelming support. We read every comment, every e-mail, every tweet – and we are so encouraged by you. Several of you have asked about the fate of Metropolitan Mama. The [...]

We have something to tell you…

Full Story: Coming Soon. Share

The best is yet to be

We went hiking last night at dusk. We stomped in mud, splashed in the water, hopped over rocks, heard trains rumbling, and drank ice cold water from our CamelPak. We made it back to our car after sunset – happy, a little overheated, dreamy. Our 1-year-old drifted off to sleep quickly after bath and kisses, [...]

Kids Matter (my kids, your kids, ALL kids)

Yesterday I asked my 15-month-old, “Are you a baby?“ She waved her head resolutely from side-to-side. A decided “no.” ——————————————————- Then I looked at her – and SAW (again, for the millionth time) a little person. So smart. So affectionate. So creative. With so many opinions + intentions already. In our society, we too often [...]

Focused

We’ve been focused on our new website launch. We’ve been focused on Tim’s upcoming international trip. We’ve been focused on our family motto: “Love God. Love Others. Change the World.“ And we’ve been focused on two little blonde heads, two little smiles, and two teeny tiny voices (Tim would argue the “teeny tiny” part – [...]

Pretty Girl

Everyone is constantly saying it. Pretty dress. Pretty smile. Pretty shoes. Pretty eyes. Pretty. Pretty. Pretty. I say it to her too (and I mean it). But I ALSO want her to know that she is smart, capable, strong, inventive, kind, brave, loving, and creative. I want her to know that – when it comes [...]

On having friends and having opinions

Some of our best friends spank their kids (and they’re wonderful parents, by the way). But we choose not to. Some of our friends have little girls that know all of the Disney Princesses by name. But our girls don’t. Some of our friends watch “The Office.” But we can’t stand it. Some of our [...]

Tim’s [voluntary] pay cut

This past winter, Tim took a voluntary pay cut at his job. He opted to work in the office one day less per week. He did it because he is a leader. He did it because he is a dreamer. He did it because it is what is best for our family. He now works [...]

something is stirring

When May arrives, we eat popsicles – every day. The heat settles over the grass and lingers. The pavement is scorching to our bare toes. Our cheeks are rosy. Our lips are chapped. The local news station tweeted that we may reach 100 degrees on Friday. This is the time of year when we always [...]

Things I Am Working On

Listening. R-E-A-L-L-Y listening when she talks. Asking her questions (and then listening). About her preferences and perceptions. About who her best friends are and why. About if she minds having me post about her on this blog. NOT saying “Maybe later…” when my 3-year-old wants to do something totally awesome…like make cookies for the mail [...]

Fairy STEPHmother

For a long time, I have been afraid of sharing my dreams. Afraid of the potent and deadly arrows of sarcasm (the truth disguised in merciless laughter). Afraid that someone might steal my great idea or beat me to the finish line (but that’s silly…there is room enough for everyone). Afraid that someone might say, [...]