As November sat staring me down, my over-achieving brain was starting to zoom in on the upcoming holidays. It's expected - I've learned that once we pass Rich's birthday, at the end of October; and Zack's birthday, at the beginning of November - the logical list to start making is Christmas shopping. I have always … Continue reading Tis but a Flesh Wound
Written with the blessing of his mother. Three years ago, as a family, we decided to have a dedicated gym night. “As a family” may be a stretch, because getting the kids there was akin to putting a onesie on an octopus. But we did it - a regular 5:30pm session with a real live … Continue reading Max
It’s not some people. It’s my kids. And I’ll use the term I try not to use because it takes away from the role I actually play - it’s my step-kids. Having never been a biological mother, I have very little business weighing in on how green that grass is. But sometimes I look over … Continue reading Some People Claim that I’m the Woman to Blame
Excerpt #237 from Life as a Stepmom (or second wife?). Do you ever jaunt through life thinking everybody probably looks at you with total wonder and awe...only to be brought back with a slap upon hearing that one (or two) of those everybody’s is taking shots at you? Yes? Okay, then you have a good … Continue reading It’s fine. I’ll be fine.
Each February, we take a family vacation smack in the middle of the school year. Hanover County Public Schools love us. Each year, we’re told that ‘next year, the kids will get dinged for this.’ Evidently cruises don’t count as excused absences, despite educational visits to Mayan Ruins, explorations of caves, tours of retired military … Continue reading Emm Eye See
Don't worry, next week I'll be at Disney...so should be lighter fare. In the meantime... I started another Step-momming book a few weeks ago and, I've got to say, one chapter in and I felt like I could have written it. Several lines jumped off the page at me - but one particularly - a … Continue reading Had I known (I’d do it all again)
I wasn’t aware Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions were also relevant to a teen’s incoming hormones, but, after this weekend, I will always pay attention. It’s not just spring that’s coming early this year - it’s my child’s attitude. There will not be six more weeks of sweet, snuggly boy-ness at the Barlow house. Instead we will … Continue reading In Like a Lion
We crossed a small milestone last week that I should have written about at or ahead of time, but apparently thought it would be much more interesting to peck out with one hand. Zack turned 14 on Monday (November 4th) - which was also the day I had a bit of minor surgery scheduled...that actually … Continue reading 14
"Oh, so you're their stepmom." "So they aren't your real kids..." And my favorite, "But you're not their real mom." I feel such a jolt when I hear these things - a combination of a stab in the heart (and a little in the back), anger, injustice and offense. And I often wonder if these … Continue reading But I am real.
Things I never thought I'd say: "Zack, please don't do the treadmill with that boot on your foot." Followed by: "And, PLEASE, stop trying to run!" We nearly made it 14 years with all bones in tact. Sadly, Zack's 2nd metatarsal did not survive a run in with a railroad tie on Friday night. Will … Continue reading All Boy: Metatarsal Edition
