Bloomington Moms BlogBloomington Moms Blog is a collaborative blog written for local moms by local moms–providing community information and resources, parenting perspectives, and connection to a diverse group of women.
There are eight of them. Four boys and four girls. They attend a small school where the community is tight. They feel the absence when someone leaves, and they quickly know the new kid. They are multi-sport athletes, accomplished students, student leaders, community thespians, and likeable teenagers. And, every fall for the last five years, [...]
We walked out of the sporting goods store for what seemed like the 100th time this spring. I turned to my eleven year old and said, “Maybe I should just get a job here.” “Why?” “Well, I already spend enough money at this place, so if I worked here at least I’d get a discount,” [...]
There’s nothing quite like driving the 5th-grade boys’ sports carpool. What? A van load of five or six tweens doesn’t sound like a blessing? I just didn’t realize how sweet it was until I started driving the 7th-grade boys around. Teenagers. Now my vehicle smells like teen spirit (not in a good way) and I mostly drive [...]
It looked like a primeval creature with a plastic shell. Its metallic abdomen spread out into wiry, spindly legs. As I looked at the thing, now cemented into my son’s mouth, I questioned, “What have I done?” It’s only orthodonture. I mean, millions of people survive this rite of passage. My sister and I both [...]
When my first child was born my CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification was only two years out-of-date. In that class, I learned more than just chest compressions and rescue breathing for infants, children, and adults. I also learned how to respond to choking victims and how to always, always call 9-1-1. My husband had also been [...]
When I am older and the kids are grown, I want to be hospitable. I want to welcome people, effortlessly, into my home even when it isn't convenient. For instance, I won't even be in town and I'll open my home up to my kids' friends and their families who need a place to stay [...]
I was ashamed. I couldn't remember the last time I had taken my boys to the park. At ages ten and twelve they already have schedules that prevent them from enjoying unstructured play. And so, I resolved to make a change. It was a beautiful summer day ripe for a playground, frisbee, and a picnic [...]
There is a certain characteristic of motherhood that cannot be learned or even taught. It goes by various names. "Momsense," "Mother's Intuition," or "the eyes in the back of my head" as my mother called it. But, the reality is the same: it’s the knack to stay a half-step ahead of our kid and the [...]
"In sickness and in health." I used to think that vow was for old people. At my own wedding, I remember fixating on the "for richer or poorer" part. That promise felt more relevant at the time. I was in school ministry and my new husband was finishing up graduate school. I figured there would [...]
The night I came home from the hospital with my second child I stood alone in front of my bathroom mirror and wept. I remember quietly crying, "I just want things to be like they were." Like they were, when? During the boys' early years it was all about survival and meeting needs as I tried [...]
