Tag: christmas cookies

Herding Cows

We were working together as a family in the pre-dawn hours. The task was illuminated with reflections of headlights and intermittent emergency flashers.  Like my family, I was dressed in my Sunday best. Essentially- I was moving a thousand-pound animal back to where it… Continue Reading “Herding Cows”

Racing Ducks

Throughout the years, I would often head out for a run… just to think… One warm fall afternoon, I set out for a quick run along the easement road next to the irrigation canal near our home. As I relaxed into a cadence and… Continue Reading “Racing Ducks”

The Tiara

In sixth grade, Jessie came home from school one day wearing a tiara. She sat on a kitchen bar stool eating a peanut butter and pretzel snack like nothing was out of the ordinary… even though she was wearing a tiara. Bryson walked in… Continue Reading “The Tiara”

The Happiest Person

Bryson was known for his outgoing cheerful countenance. He claims he learned to be happy by playing sports in high school. He now stands tall- at over 6‘3“. But when Bryson entered high school he was a slight 5‘1“. His greatest love of sports… Continue Reading “The Happiest Person”

Lost Puppy Shirt

As the boys got older and entered middle school, the stakes felt higher in our home for teaching our children.  We knew they would hear and see things contrary to the morals and standards we were trying to teach them at home. It was… Continue Reading “Lost Puppy Shirt”

747th Place

As a mother of three children, I felt like I was in a decent rhythm with my family and finally felt like I had some free time. I had just been blessed with a new neighbor who encouraged me to train with her for… Continue Reading “747th Place”

Retrieving a Sippy Cup

After moving back to Washington state, our family welcomed a baby girl. Whit often had foreign work assignments and would travel for weeks at a time. I became fiercely independent determined to “succeed” at parenting even when I was attempting it alone… One night, when… Continue Reading “Retrieving a Sippy Cup”

Girls Camp Boot

Our church group had an organized Girls Camp every summer. The emphasis was to have some new experiences, expand friendships, feel the blessings of service, enjoy nature and grow in appreciation for God‘s incredibly beautiful world. However… I hated it. I knew I was… Continue Reading “Girls Camp Boot”

The Girl Who Didn’t Fit In

My parents seemed to love going to church. I myself enjoyed the children’s and youth classes, but when the last bell sounded I was ready to go home. My parents, however… not so much. Between their responsibilities to teach and minister and their love… Continue Reading “The Girl Who Didn’t Fit In”

Red Tennis Shoes

When I was in sixth grade I was much smaller than my classmates. However, my feet began to grow at an alarming rate. Our family didn’t have a lot of extra money. My grandma from California would go to K-mart at the end of… Continue Reading “Red Tennis Shoes”