This poem I wrote for my friend. A friend who shared with me a most beautiful love letter. A friend who has lost so much. A friend I love. I think of my mother so much this time of year, and this is so true for her too and I thought of her too, very […]
Okay all you Mommas out there..or you lucky Stay at home daddy’s, grab a glass of wine or a bottle of Dr. Pepper..whatever it is that makes you relax and feel like a real adult and get ready. Anytime I write/say the word cheers…take a drink. Hopefully by the end you feel just a little […]
It’s a dreary rainy day outside today. So instead of being out adventuring we are inside finding things to do. It makes me anxious. It makes me miss my mom. It makes me think about all of the Mother’s Days over all of the years and wonder…do I need her more today than I did […]
Piles and piles of snow. That is what we currently have. This leads to the following question… “At what point does shoveling snow count as exercise?” So I ask you…Is there a line? For example… Does one actually have to be the one shoveling the snow? (cause that looks like a lot of work) And if […]
With Thanksgiving on the horizon I have been making a conscious effort to feel and think all of the many things that I am thankful for. There are so many things to be thankful for. I recently heard for the first time a song by Jewel that says: I am my father’s daughter, he has […]
Tomorrow is a very big day. This is the day that my first-born child will start Kindergarten. It is monumental. I am so proud of her, so excited and so utterly terrified all at the same time. Tonight I sit and think about all of the moments in life. All of the things I have […]
Today while driving Sidekick 1 asked me this question, “Why is God taking all of our people right now?” I didn’t know how to answer her. It made me feel very sad. I don’t like posting all things gloom and doom but it has been a very rough month at our house. We are currently […]
My first blog author interview. Thank you so much Mandy Eve Barnett for taking the time to talk with me. Remember this post? She’s one of the great ones! View my interview here on Mandy’s Blog! http://mandyevebarnett.com/2015/03/05/welcome-newcomer-meriann-boxall/
I should be visiting my grandparents today, but instead I am home, with my kids with a cold. Instead, I am finishing a story about my grandma, well a grandma at least but she sure seems a lot like mine. This story made me reminisce about the wonderful lady that she is. It made me […]
He sat upright in his chair. Cancer causing pain to pulse through his bones. If he just held still, he could keep it at bay. She came to him, aged beauty, and fluffed his pillow. He patted her hand. Years of care-taking, years of love. When he looked at her he saw babies, family, […]
After watching 60 minutes and many other shows on the issues now taking placing in Colorado after the legalization of Marijuana I thought about the article that my Mother once wrote about the issue. So intelligent and wise-here is a guest post from my mom. Thanks Lucy! Drug use in America continues to increase among pre-teens, […]
Cowboy Christmas ‘Twas the night before Christmas and in our small town For Christmas Eve groceries-there are none to be found All citizens are celebrating at the town hall In looking around-I’m related to them all It’s a family affair to celebrate this day But wait, an outsider who showed them the way? They came […]
Dear Much Older, Much Wiser Me: If the advice I am often given and the articles I am reading are correct, then you are looking back on our life and wishing you would have done at least a few things differently. You are wishing you would have let more things go. You would have let […]
This last weekend I participated in a relay running event here in Park City. I along with my 6 teammates (yes 6-in a world of 6 man relay teams-we run with 7) we ran just under 67 miles. This was my first relay race and was an incredible experience. There are so many things that […]
I am a self-proclaimed life long learner. Not just because I love education and believe in it, but also because I continuously make mistakes and it’s either get up and learn or lay on the floor and waste away. Sometimes literally. I fall a lot. I learned a pretty big lesson this last week though […]
When I was younger, I wasn’t afraid of very much. I often found myself on stage dancing freestyle to the intermission music in plays and Christmas programs. I wanted to dance, and was encouraged and allowed by my parents to express myself. As a mother now, I wonder if my parents ever had moments of […]
I have a few traits that seem to be pretty well-known by those in my closest circle. Sometimes I am teased and bring people into things that they may or may not have wanted to do. But sometimes…I become a part of something really, really cool. Example A: I would do almost anything for anyone, […]
It seems as if I have seen the side affects of gossip my entire life. Maybe it was the small town, maybe we are just interesting. Recently, I saw this again and I find myself compelled to speak out. I am far from perfect, and know that I too make mistakes, but hope that I […]
Each morning when I look in the mirror, my body begins singing back to me. I know I use a lot of music-but I love it. Set the mood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTqGzpnolLk&sns=em At about 50 seconds is when it really begins: “A little bit softer now, A little bit softer now.” You know the part. Usually I, […]
Many things took place within the space of two weeks. I lost my mother, Mother’s day, and her birthday (Happy Birthday Today Mom). I don’t want to mope, so instead, I thought I would share some humorous thoughts that I learned about my mom after her passing, that I really wish I could call and […]
A Day With An Angel I pick up the phone and dial your number On this special day I always remember I wish you would pick up the end of the line So I could tell you how grateful I am that you’re mine But all I have left of you now Are the memories […]
Let’s set the mood here with this one. I want you to watch this amazing video by the 2 Cellos. Think back to the “good ole’ days” and sing along if you know the words, only this time, insert the word “Awkward” every time you usually say “Thunder”. Mood set-for some of my greatest Mom […]
I recently discovered this medium called “Twitter”. I know, I am way behind the times, but I always told myself a) I am not a Twit, and b) I don’t have that much to say. However, remember that writing conference that I recently attended? In my moments of being brave and all that I could be […]
Yesterday, I had the stomach flu. I found myself slicing bananas for sidekicks lunch, hunched over because that is the only way I felt relief and feeling like every slice of the banana was like a slice through my very soul. Over-dramatic? Yes. Real. Yes, yes, yes! Today, I think I might live. A friend […]
My daughter was born with a cleft lip. When I found out, I was terrified. It was the unknown and the concern for her happiness, not just her health that kept my heart in my throat for months. I am embarrassed to admit that I found myself asking, “Why her? Why me? Why us?” It […]
Following up on last weeks 10 Tips for a Great Resume post, here are a few more tips to helping you land the job of your dreams. 1-From Head to Toe, It all Will Show. You must look the part, from your head to your feet. This includes your hair style and your shoes. Yes, […]
I had to scrape the ice off of my own windshield yesterday. I haven’t had to do that in years. Not because I am not capable, but because I am married to a man who always does it for me. When I say always, I mean always. I have a garage now so it isn’t as […]
As a second installment to my at home ABC’s, the framework for so much in learning. I created the ABC’s and 123’s for my Children. Always be you Believe in yourself Create your own luck Dream big Everyone has good in them, but if they aren’t good for you, love them from afar Family first […]
We are in preschool mode at our house. Seeing the ABC’s as the framework for so much, I started thinking about how they can guide me too. From my Children to me, my Motherhood ABC’s. Always be my friend. I know you are my mom, but be my friend too Be there for me. No […]
As a stay at home mom, every shower must be scheduled. (It’s even worse for a working mom-as there is that time factor). A few things must take place before said shower can occur: Kids must be fed Baby cannot be crying Everything must be safe and securely in place with “no no” areas, promptly […]
I was incredibly nervous to attend my first Writing Conference. I was going to be in the presence of many amazing and accomplished authors, not to mention my competition. It was a little overwhelming for me. I decided to do it anyway. My goals: learn a lot, approach at least one person and talk about […]
This is really a guest post by my girl one, but she is a little too small to type on her own just yet. We love the Olympics at our house. After watching one evening my four year old came up with an idea. An idea of Epic Proportions. “Let’s have our own Olympics!” Yes, […]
My Dad is a pretty amazing man. He helped me to become the person I am today. The more I look at life, the more I realize that my Dad is a pretty smart man too. Here are just a few life lessons that I learned from my Dad. 10–Puddles are made to jump in. […]
I recently had a conversation with a dear friend of mine, that is really sticking with me. This amazing woman, and truly she is, just became a grandma. How great is that? It’s wonderful and fulfilling and something that she has always wanted, but something isn’t right. Her baby, and her grand-baby are thousands of […]
It has been said that women are moody, inconsistent, and certainly hard to read. I have taken classes and read many books on the differences between men and women. I have seen countless ideas and suggestions on how to better communicate and improve relationships. Much of them, I have found to be useful. Why is […]
One of my very cute cousins inspired me today. She is darling, with an infectious laugh and tons of personality. She also loves dragons-so what’s not to love about this lady. Ms. Dragoness herself recently completed this beautiful work of Art. Isn’t it Lovely! So is she, and whats so great about this painting is […]
I really don’t like PRIDE parades. I don’t think I will ever attend one with my children. I do support public and group social movements, and in standing up for ones beliefs and rights. I just don’t support flaunting. There is a difference. But don’t hate me yet, keep reading. For many who know me, […]
There are so many posts and so many articles on the use of the “handheld computers” we so love and how they make us miss out on life-that really, just make me feel crummy. I myself recently was informed, “No texting while playing Barbies.” Touche little one, this is not the proper way to train […]
In the past three years, I don’t think I have passed a fountain without being asked if I had any money we could toss in for a wish, equally, I am pretty sure not a single gumball machine hasn’t been coveted by small eyes. When possible, we stop for a wish and a bubble, often […]
The very first manuscript that I finished, I titled, 21 Steps. It needs work, and I like to think that I have come a very long way. Update: After planning to share the entire book here on the blog, I have been encouraged by a very wise woman, not to do so. She’s pretty smart, […]
My family and I recently went to the movie Frozen. As we left the movie theater my daughter ran in circles flinging her hands into the air as if she was Elsa and had the power to freeze things. She was unaware of the gawking eyes that followed her every move. I watched this angel […]
Christmas is just around the corner and my family and I are busy in preparation. I love this time of year. The smells, the lights, the smiling faces and the music! I believe in God and our savior Jesus Christ. I believe in the true meaning of Christmas and in keeping Christ present. I […]
As mothers, we will never be good enough. Historically, and I know this from my mother and grandmother, they too felt inadequate. In their time, the expectation was that they have a clean house, good food on the table and well behaved children. The way they achieved this was through time spent cleaning, cooking, sending […]