Navigating life as a (second)wife, (step)mom, and (frazzled)bear with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight.
Each February, we take a family vacation smack in the middle of the school year. Hanover County Public Schools love us. Each year, we’re told that ‘next year, the kids will get dinged for this.’ Evidently cruises don’t count as excused absences, despite educational visits to Mayan Ruins, explorations of caves, tours of retired military … Continue reading Emm Eye See
I had another one of my favorite lunches last week with one of my favorite people - the one who always encourages me in parenting, marriage-ing, people-ling and writing. Her wisdom is always strong and I am a smarter being because of her. This day, though, she was definitely off, having lost a close friend … Continue reading Rigid, no. Intentional.
I wasn’t aware Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions were also relevant to a teen’s incoming hormones, but, after this weekend, I will always pay attention. It’s not just spring that’s coming early this year - it’s my child’s attitude. There will not be six more weeks of sweet, snuggly boy-ness at the Barlow house. Instead we will … Continue reading In Like a Lion
I probably need to say no more to the women in my audience (of 33, popularity is on the rise!). You all already know where this is going, having just rolled yours eyes and said, 'oh, right.' I didn’t even know mom vision was a real thing until I became one and was immediately able … Continue reading Mom Vision
If you've followed along at all this year, you've either deduced or read or read directly between the lines that there has been some strife at the Barlow house. It is an ongoing issue focused primarily around our 17 year old, with a little trickling in from her 14 year old brother in a show … Continue reading Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word. To Understand.
Poop-ocolypse 2019
Well, it happened. After months (like...lots of months...) of pulling teeth, pointing in this direction or that, passing out task lists, creating ignored spreadsheets, giving up, stepping back in, and taking a comfy seat on the sidelines, we got our first acceptance letter to college. Well, yes, 'we' didn't get it - Zoe got it. … Continue reading Just a few things before you go
"Oh, so you're their stepmom." "So they aren't your real kids..." And my favorite, "But you're not their real mom." I feel such a jolt when I hear these things - a combination of a stab in the heart (and a little in the back), anger, injustice and offense. And I often wonder if these … Continue reading But I am real.
Interim report cards came home on Friday and, between two kids, we had success in 13 out of 14 classes. The 14th class? Record breaking in the wrong direction. We've never scene a percentage that low. Like, low enough for the number to be unable to see the lower end of an F no matter … Continue reading Participation Awards
I have very different relationships with each of my kids. With one, it is as close to a mother-child relationship as can be. With the other, it is solidly camped out on the step-mother side and, according to that child, an evil one at that. I always wonder if that's actually normal - if all … Continue reading A tale of two kids. But mostly one.