On seeing our {kids’} mistakes in perspective

by Lisa-Jo | Jan 23, 2012 | Faith, Family, Kids, Motherhood, Raising Boys

My first born, he’s just like me. Starts the day out with a gold ribbon ceremony for showing honor, courage, responsibility at school and all he can think about is the reprimand that ended his school day. All praise clouded out by a finger shaken in his direction. His...

Sometimes the only way to read our kids is by braille

by Lisa-Jo | Jan 18, 2012 | Callings, Inbetween, Motherhood, Raising Boys

She breathes through her nose when she’s having a strong emotion. Short, sharp exclamation points that punctuate her just ten months of life. Her brother yells, “Wa-hoo!” with accompanying right-hand fist pump when a surprise unfolds, there’s ice cream in a cone for...

When God moves into the neighborhood

by Lisa-Jo | Dec 12, 2011 | Faith, Family, Kids, Motherhood, Raising Boys

It hasn’t snowed here yet. It’s been unseasonably warm. When Zoe and I walk to pick Jackson up from Kindergarten the sun warms us in ways unexpected for December. I’ve been able to say more yes to the playground than no. But the radio sings of...

Because children are in the eye of the beholder

by Lisa-Jo | Nov 2, 2011 | Family, Kids, Motherhood, Raising Boys

He’s wearing nothing but the blue camo underroos when he comes running at me. I barely have time to brace before all that stocky, nearly-four-year-old life slams into my knees. Amazing, to be missed like this. Today he asks me to wave from the door while he...

Because parenting is an exercise in adapting to change

by Lisa-Jo | Oct 24, 2011 | Faith, Family, Motherhood, Raising Boys

The boys know our block well and, like homing pigeons, once we hit it they fly the rest of the way. I see their new khaki pants patched etched against the sky – smudges of speed and delight at the sound of their own hammering feet and hearts and breath racing...

Maybe the best way to get over yourself

by Lisa-Jo | Oct 12, 2011 | Callings, Kids, Motherhood, Raising Boys

I like sleep. I like spending hours reading books, alone, in perfect quiet, in a pool of sunlight on a late fall afternoon. I like a clean and tidy house. I like to eat food while it is still hot. I like clean clothes. I like to brush and style my hair in more than 2...