Julie
Julie is a mom of five boys and one girl. She is a runner, biker, yoga instructor and socializer. That about sums it up. Believe it or not, she really does enjoy the soccer, cross country, swim team, track, dance classes, basketball, and theater her kids are involved in as long as she has another mom (or dad) to talk to during these events. Julie is starting a new adventure going back to school to get her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Edgewood College.
Slowing Down-Whether We Want to Or Not
So, how’s everyone doing?
Yeah, me too…
I am grateful that I am safe and my family is healthy. YES, I acknowledge that even though my part-time jobs are gone, my husband has a job and...
Parenting Teens | Ignore The Cautionary Tale
Have you heard the cautionary tale for parents of teens? The one which results in your kid living in your basement until they are 30? Have you heard, that, if you are not careful,...
The Upside of Social Distancing | A Group Post
Right now it seems, many of us have LOTS of free-time. Rather than focus on all that we can't do, I wanted to focus on what we CAN do. So, I asked my fellow-writers...
Social Distancing is a LOT Like Running an Ultra
I run long distances for fun. I realize that this is not everyone’s cup of tea and honestly, some days it’s not mine either. However, I’ve learned a few lessons over the years that...
No Topic is Off Limits | Talk Less, Listen More
When I was a kid there were certain things that you did not discuss (at home or in public). Don’t talk about religion, politics or how much money you make. Other rules to follow:...
Cleverly Disguised As a Good Mom
The phrase, “You’re such a good Mom,” while sincere, causes me to cringe every single time it is directed in my general direction. While I think those around me are worthy of such support,...
Teaching Gratitude is Harder Than I Thought
My family had the pleasure of spending Thanksgiving in Mexico this year (a tradition on my side of the family every three years). It is a sizable expense for a family of eight but...
I’m Not Inspirational, I’m Just Anxious
When people learn that I do long distance running for “fun,” I often get,“You’re an inspiration,” and, “You’re crazy,” and sometimes, "Why?" all with a note of respect in their voice. Whenever I have...
Always Give With Joy
This past summer our twelve year old discovered the freedom of biking around the neighborhood with his friends. He’d go to the pool, play basketball at the park, go to a friend’s house and...
Treats at School – What’s the Harm?
During registration this fall, our high school began issuing chrome books to every student for the first time. My own high schooler posted on Instagram that he couldn’t believe the school was paying for...
Making Childhood Memories-Are They My Responsibility?
Years ago, back when my brood was half of our current size, my husband and I chose to take a family trip to St. Johns VI as a way for us to celebrate his...
This is Why People Leave-Learning More About Inclusion
As I was leaving church one recent Sunday, I was stopped by a member of our congregation. This particular person has said a few questionable things to me in the past, but because I...