I've always been a bit of a romantic; a sentimental, dreaming idealist.  When the sun lights atop my children's blonde hair my heart takes flight; when my husband sings I melt; when I read a book of valor and courage I'm inspired to raise my young men to be mighty, bold, good, and kind. 

When I was in high school my romantic tendencies came alive with the help of King Art...

Brody is many marvelous things... creative, deeply feeling and expressive, joyful, quick witted, and tender.  But while all these things may be true of him one moment, the next minute the tide shifts and he becomes emotionally distraught and explosive.  Thankfully I've come to know my son, as I've studied him for nearly 6 years now, and I can practically predict when the pendulum will swing from one extreme...

To My Mother

a poem by Wendell Berry

I was your rebellious son,

do you remember?  Sometimes 

I wonder if you do remember,

so complete has your forgiveness been.

...

A Teacher's Prayer

by James J. Metcalf

I want to teach my students how

To live this life on earth

To face its struggles and its strife

I remember playing Tetris so much one Summer in HIgh School that every time I closed my eyes I saw the gameboy screen with little shapes falling into place, as the theme song beat away at my brain. When I began facebooking it was similar; every cute thing my children said became a possible status update, every foiled plan a snide remark that would most assuredly bring a long line of witty comments in return.  

Now my mind jumps on possible blog ideas all day every day. ...

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:11)

Our first born miracle is about to enter second grade in one month's time.  He is strong, confident, bright, and energized by being around others.  School is wonderful for a boy like mine.  However, he also struggles to listen, obey, and ho...