Category Archives: My Crazy Life

The Gift Of Wonder

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I was in a hurry.  My mind was set on one goal.  Get into the store and get out!  We needed paper plates and some white table cloths for an upcoming event, and that was it.  I had NO time to dilly dally and look through the aisles of “junk” in our local dollar store.

But my young daughter had other plans.  You see, when we walked into that discount store, she didn’t see cheap trinkets.  Instead, she saw aisle upon aisle of treasure.  Everything was new and exciting. Breathtaking even.

As she excitedly flitted from one chintzy item to the next, her eyes were wide with wonder.  Every once in a while, she would let out a little gasp of glee at her newest discovery.   Continue reading →

Back In The Saddle Again

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When I was a young girl I absolutely LOVED horses. Okay, it was more of an obsession.

I had pictures plastered on my walls, read numerous books, and watched countless movies about these “noble steeds.” I don’t know how many plastic Breyer models that I accumulated over the years, but it was significant.

Sometimes, in the privacy of my room, I even imagined that I WAS a horse. It’s true! I would get down on all fours, pretend to munch hay, and would kick my legs backwards into the air, neighing loudly for effect. Continue reading →

Three Ways To Help Curb Our Compulsion to Compare

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It was mid-March in Minnesota and our State was given the unusual gift of a balmy 70 degree weekend. Keep in mind that the week before we had been fighting freezing temperatures, and only a few days would pass before we would see snow flakes fly again.

But for one glorious weekend, we Northerners basked in the wonder of the moment.

The streets and sidewalks were bustling with activity, filled with runners and bikers, parents pushing strollers, and dogs taking their owners for walks. The sound of adult laughter mixing with children’s playful shouts echoed through the neighborhood.

The sunlight beckoned and it seemed like EVERYONE was outside enjoying its warm embrace. Continue reading →

A Life Well Used

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My feet began to burn as I immersed them into the swirling water churning inside the salon’s pedicure sink.  I didn’t care.  I knew it would only smart for a moment and then I could finally sit back and relax.  With three energetic kiddos, 6 years and under, relaxing is something I don’t often get to do.  At least, not for long!   I was determined to relish in this rare moment.

I glanced over at my friend who had joined me for an afternoon of uninterrupted pampering, and we shared a knowing smile.  FREEDOM! Continue reading →

Let Me Be Your Mirror

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“Why did God make me this way?” I lamented, as I looked at the make-up-free, acne-spotted reflection staring back at me.  “I am 34 years old!  Why am I still breaking out?!”

My less than perfect skin was just the tip of the iceberg of unreasonable complaints I was about to spew forth.  There was the stubborn 5 pounds that I could never seem to lose and those gray hairs that were starting to creep into my unruly red mane that is sometimes curly, and sometimes straight, but usually just frizzy, since with three little kids I often don’t have the time to style it. Continue reading →

Well That’s A First!

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This past weekend was filled with new experiences. I guess you could say it was a weekend of “firsts.”

For example, it was my first time eating at Qdoba Mexican Grill. Move over Chipotle, you were just replaced. (Cue Homer Simpson drool face.) I don’t know if it was the perfectly seasoned chicken or the three cheese queso sauce, but I’m pretty sure I had the honor of consuming one of the best burritos on the planet. Lest you think I’m exaggerating, even my oldest son, who is a notoriously picky eater and swears up and down that he doesn’t like tortillas, inhaled his chicken and cheese quesadilla and then announced that this was his new favorite restaurant. Needless to say, “We’ll be back.” Continue reading →

Ode To My Astro Mini-Van

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I drive a 1998 Chevy Astro Mini Van.  It has well-worn gray cloth upholstery, bench seats that are heavy and awkward to move, a tape deck (yes, that’s right, a tape deck), and one sliding door that rattles and squeaks.  There are no power doors or remote power locks, which means I actually have to walk up to my vehicle and insert a key into the door to unlock it.   The driver side power window rolls down without a problem, but doesn’t always come back up on the first, or second, or third attempt.  Oh, and did I mention that it is rear wheel drive? Continue reading →