It's been a rough few weeks around here. I'm not saying having a teenager is the hardest thing in the world because obviously there are people who deal with far greater challenges. But, I am going to say it's just really hard. And honestly, some days I just want to give up. I feel so inadequate for this task. There are so many things I'm not ... patient and gentle being at the top of the list lately. I have felt like we are in constant battle and I am so tired. As my friend Stacey would say, ... [Read More]
Parenting Is Hard …
4 Great Books for Girl Moms
We leave for cheer camp today ... the girl is equal parts excited, exhausted, and edgy. I can't wait for lemonade at Toomer's this evening! {Did I mention the two moms I'm sharing a hotel room with this week are both Alabama fans ... and we'll be in Auburn?? And tomorrow I get to see Aubie?? If you've never seen the campus of Auburn University, it is gorgeous! And the "loveliest village on the plains" is also a beautiful place to be.} Anyway, this post isn't really about my affection for ... [Read More]
14 Things I Want My 14-Year-Old Daughter to Know {Part 1}
Just over two weeks ago my daughter turned fourteen. I just can't believe it! I feel like the clock is ticking faster and faster. This month she'll be trying out for JV cheerleader. Soon we'll be planning her class schedule for high school ... and I know once that first day of high school comes on August 7 I'll barely blink and we'll be looking at class rings and then prom dresses and planning for college. Like many moms I spend a fair amount of time wondering how many ways I've failed and ... [Read More]
When You Want to Guide Your Girl toward God
I'm good at some "mom" things. I can fix my girl's hair pretty much any way she wants it. I'm learning how to create some pretty amazing nail art. I don't loathe watching all the cheesy Disney movies. And I know how to make a mean tie-dye waffle. But one area I'm realizing I haven't been as diligent in is the one area that really matters most: guiding my girl's heart toward God. I know, I could get asked to quit writing for Mothers of Daughters and maybe even Hope for the Weary Mom ... [Read More]
Dear Weary Mom, Invite Someone into Your Mess
It's Thursday, which is rapidly becoming my favorite day of the week around here. I love being able to pour out my heart about all the ways this mom gig can drain me dry. And I love the way you all leave the sweetest comments to remind me I'm not alone and there is hope!! This week, I'm sharing about hitting rock bottom as a mom over at the Hope for the Weary Mom blog. It's got all the makings of a good story — teenage hormones, 40-something hormones, door slamming, soul searching, sin ... [Read More]
Dear Weary Mom, You Are Chosen!
"I wish she was my mom. She's so much fun." It's the death blow on a mom's heart. I'd love to laugh it off and say every child feels that way at some point. That may well be true. But even if it is, it doesn't take the sting out of knowing my child feels that way. I want to be her first choice. I want to be the mom she would choose if she could. I want to be the fun mom, the wise mom, the caring mom, the always-amazing mom. But I'm really not. I'm the mom who regrets something from ... [Read More]
