Taking Time Off

Just about anyone who knows me can tell you that I am really, really bad at taking time off for myself. I mean, I took a minimester for fun and get bored within hours of my last final. Before you make a joke, yes, I have a job. And an internship. And I volunteer at church. …

Christian Priorities

So a conversation on Twitter this morning started about whether pastors with kids should get Christmas day off, and ended with people getting huffy (as most Twitter convos sadly do — thank God for the mute button), but it really got me thinking about what comes first for us as Christians. I am proud to …

Cookie Dough

So, who has energy after a long, hectic weekend to whip up a complicated batch of comfort food? lol. Not me. So, here's the short-and-sweet version of chocolate chip cookie dough, for a breather from holiday stress. For best results, eat while wrapped in a blanket with a good book or movie. COOKIE DOUGH I …

The Difficult Child

You know the one.  That kid who just won't listen to you, no matter what you say.  The girl who screams louder than most adults can when you tell her it isn't snack time yet.  That boy who keeps hitting other kids with the toy cars no matter how many times you put him in …

Kids Say the Darnedest Things

Kids say the most amazing things, don't they? I know, we've all met that one kid who just always lets something pop out of his/her mouth at the wrong time. You know the one I'm talking about.  But at the same time, the lack of filter and innocence can be amazing... even inspiring. Once upon …

Holiday Stress Survival Guide

Frantic holidays are something it seems like everyone has in common. If there's not family, there are friends, if not friends, there are events, then there is work, then there's that distant relative and heaven forbid you forget to call ______ on Christmas, or Hannukah, or Quanza, or whatever holiday(s) you celebrate. Nick and I …

Thoughts From a Skirt, Week 1

Anyone who knew me as a child knows that I was not particularly feminine. I was more likely to be found having a mud fight with a neighbor or playing tackle football than I was to be playing a simple game of house... I never understood playing something so mundane, so part of everyday life. …