family – coatsquotes

TOO

On Christmas Day (but really before that because we couldn’t wait so we just did the whole shebang two days early), we brought home a baby Labrador Retriever and named her Penny. I’m a new labmom, and I want to offer you some ways to know if you are ready to be a labmom too. I’mContinue reading “TOO”

STORM

I grew up in a really, really small town in rural Indiana. Really small. So small, that when my family moved away in 1998, the population dropped a full percentage point. Our ‘community days’ festival consisted of between 4-6 venders down Main Street, which, when blocked, made absolutely zero difference in the traffic. During saidContinue reading “STORM”

BECOME

I remember being in the concrete driveway of your old house. You had effortlessly set up an entire play land of activities with hula hoops, giant homemade bubble wands, a crazy sprinkler, and a little kiddy pool. You were quietly keeping order while sun bathing, and eventually you stood up, picked up a hula hoop,Continue reading “BECOME”

KIM

When I was 13, the most amazing thing that could happen to an awkward rising eighth-grader, happened. My beautiful, fashion forward, has-her-license, Sunflowers perfume-wearing, 16 year-old cousin, moved in with us. She and her guinea pig, Kiefer, came to live with us her junior year of high school in our small Indiana town. And whenContinue reading “KIM”

#OPERATIONTOGETHER

Our vacation was so epic, it was named and hash-tagged, #operationtogether. I thought it only fitting to follow-up on my post ANTICIPATION. Was it everything I dreamed it would be? Did my family align with my predictions? Well, read on. (Update in red print). When I was little, I would get so excited about ChristmasContinue reading “#OPERATIONTOGETHER”

ANTICIPATION

When I was little, I would get so excited about Christmas I would puke. No kidding. I would get a sick headache, as a child, and just throw up. For me, there is as much excitement in the anticipation of an event as the event itself. It’s exactly the same for me now, as aContinue reading “ANTICIPATION”

STILL

It’s still in my home right now. Not a creature is stirring, not even my dog. 2 of my kids are sleeping, because I suggested it and they complied immediately, obviously relieved to give into their exhaustion. My husband and oldest are on their ‘special day’, which has been in the works this entire summer.Continue reading “STILL”

KELLY

33 years ago today my world got a little bit better. I had to endure the first 16 days of my life without my cousin, Kelly. But then she was born. Our moms are sisters and so we were destined to be together in family. It just so happens that we are also the mostContinue reading “KELLY”

MAGICAL

40 days ago, Michael told our kids that we were going to Legoland and Disney World: He read the boys a letter of appreciation for their sacrifice while he was in seminary. And to honor that, we wanted to do something really special. They were beyond excited. So after a rigorous count down (like everyContinue reading “MAGICAL”

BOYS

My dad always said girls were made of sugar and spice and everything nice, and that boys were made of snakes and snails and puppy dog tails. He was right. Boys love gross things. Last night, Zachary tooted, laughed and said, “my fart is refreshing.” There is a smell coming from Nolan’s bookbag that IContinue reading “BOYS”