Tag Archives: sledding

Scenes from Saturday + Tubing & Table Talk

I spent the last week going over the edited manuscript for the new book. It might be the part of the process of writing that I enjoy the most. It dovetails nicely with my “fix-it” brain. See a problem, evalaute a problem, fix a problem. It’s a lot easier than the actual writing. Very few writers like that actual writing. They like having written.

But this fix-it mentality is a double-edged sword. Writing, or parenting, or life in general comes with expectations. Trouble can start when the expectations don’t match up with reality.

That stress between how we thought something would go and how it actual plays out can either make us or break us.

There is certainly possibility in that friction especially when you are trying to be creative but if you are parenting hanging on to those expectations will often lead to frustration.

I am trying very hard these days not to be quite so inflexible about those visions in my head and rather to pay attention to what’s in front of me and the possibilities of what I can do with it.

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Scenes from Saturday + Sledding & Sushi

One of the more memorable pieces I’ve read this year was about the fossilized footprints found at White Sands National Park. A set of large footprints and then every so often a set of smaller footprints alongside. What was going on? We have no idea, but then again, of course we do. If you are a parent you’ve done this same walk a hundred times. No matter how weird and dangerous things became this year, it’s oddly reassuring that this has all been happening for a long time. As parents. As humans. We’re all in this together.

It works just as well in the present, too. I get the same relief and reassurance when I start to Google ‘is glitter in the ear canal harmful’ and it autocompletes before I finish. Thank god some other parent has been here before… Continue Reading

Scenes from Saturday + Donuts!

It’s becoming clear as we work our way through fourth grade that while in many ways Cecilia is very similar to me (mostly reserved, easily embarrassed, great hair), she definitely does not learn like me.

This realization, simple as it may seem, has led to more peaceful parenting when she gets home after school. It’s up to me to adapt and let her know that one, her way is legit and acceptable and two, that no matter what, I’m on team Ce and will be there to help her even if it means new math, taking the long way around, or listening to endless facts about Canada.

My #1 job is not to force a certain way or take delight only in accomplishments but to value and love her for the nutty young woman she is becoming, no strings attached. 

Neither of us is perfect, but starting from a place of compassion and support and not right versus wrong will hopefully have an impact on us long past fourth grade. Continue Reading