MothersRest

The two things I know about Jesus

“Mommy, why did Jesus have to die? I wish he was still alive.” And so it begins… You know what? Jesus wants us to love other people and to be kind. If you do those two things, it’s like Jesus...

How to survive 6 hours in the car with your baby

Yes, it’s possible. Without losing your sanity. Having a buddy along is definitely preferable, but I’ve had the pleasure of attempting this a couple times by myself to visit the Mimi and Poppa, and I’m still here to talk about...

You might be a #BoyMom if

Let’s embrace the age of androgyny in which we live. And expand the definition of boy. Because my dad is old school and doesn’t think little guys should have GIRL HAIR. You might be a #BoyMom if… Little man likes...

4 bizarre things the kiddos (probably don’t) need

There are things your kiddos DO need. Like broccoli, the occasional bath and 12 hugs a day. Then there’s all the junk you can buy for them online. Take my hand. (Think of it as a virtual hug. Because mommas...

How to raise generous children (and stock the shelves at the local food bank)

Early in my career I was the marketing director of a beloved shopping center. That sounds weird, I know. How can you love a shopping center? But it’s true. This mall has been around since 1957 and it’s the place...

Here’s to the joy of sweet, little destructive boys

“You failed to tell me how destructive small boys can be. Especially to Christmas ornaments.” That was the message of distress dear Sarah sent me, as she shewed away her male youngins from the holiday decor. (By the way, spell...

Need an excuse for a girly wine date?

It’s that most wonderful time of the year. But shouldn’t EVERY DAY be the most wonderful time of the year? And shouldn’t we view life as the most wonderful present we get to open EVERY DAY? Especially if that present...

My kid-friendly, rainy day, dance party playlist

Saturday was rainy and cabin-fever-inducing. You know, one of those days where Pinterest can save you with its 50 million ideas for how to entertain the kiddos. But I’m not really crafty. In high school, I was in Acteens. This...

Can we just stop with the book bans already?

Books are windows to peer into another person’s life and understand them better. Banning books that reflect the experiences of people different from ourselves harms all children - and hides the truth.

Here’s why I’m delaying kindergarten for my kiddo

At 18 months, my son was dribbling basketballs. It was a sight to behold. This kid is athletically inclined. Or so we thought. Fast forward to this spring when, at age 4.5, we stuck him in tennis lessons and on...

10 tips for car-tripping with toddlers

I’m getting ready to stab out both my eyes. From the thought of spending ad infinitum hours in the car with two small children. Yes, I want to go to the beach. No, I don’t want to travel to the...

Feeling like Mommy Dearest: why you need REM sleep

As a first time mom, I experienced a high level of anxiety. Then I wandered into a dark world. Suddenly, I found myself in a place of rage. Too strong a word? Perhaps. How quickly lack of sleep took its...

I remember the school shooter drills

I don't teach anymore, but I remember the drills. I remember the nervous chatter of middle schoolers as we huddled in the farthest corner, the door locked, the room dark, objects in hand ready to throw at an assailant.

5 signs your breastfed baby’s getting enough milk

5 signs your baby’s GOT MILK. Including: your boobs feel great! And baby’s got wet-noodle arms.