Category: Parenting
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Why DO I Homeschool?
When I was first introduced to the idea of homeschooling, I truly thought it was the most ridiculous concept in the world. It was so countercultural that I found myself struggling to wrap my head around it. It was laughable, really. Because how could I, a single individual, be an expert in all things and…
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My Dad
You watched countless soccer games. You organized backyard baseball. You attended recitals. You let me pretend to shave with you in the wee hours of morning. You took me ice skating. You let me pick out my favorite ice cream flavor at the Friendly’s take-out window. You took me to father-daughter square dances. You…
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Rising to the Call
People often tell me… You’re an amazing mom. I don’t know how you do it. You must have the patience of a saint. Bless your heart. And if you know anything about that last one (a notoriously southern phrase) it can be interpreted in a myriad of ways. 😉
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How I Recharge
I think because I presently spend an obscene amount of time at home, escaping from the house is the very best way for me to recharge an extremely dead battery. During the week I’m running on a hamster wheel, furiously motoring toward a destination I will never reach. You know what I’m talking about moms-…
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A Couple’s Weekend
When our children were younger and we needed some ‘us’ time… we would simply wear them out, feed them an early dinner, and scoot them off to bed. We affectionately called this ‘Flex Time’ and it was oh so rejuvenating for us and our relationship. As our children have grown and multiplied in number… bedtimes…
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Bless This House Day
One day, quite a number of years ago, my dear friend Julie opened my eyes to a truth which I had lived out for forever but never plainly understood. Chaos drains my energy. Cluttered rooms, fingerprint-covered windows, piles of dirty laundry, Legos strewn across the floor, a sink filled with dirty dishes, sticky messes, crushed…
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Homading
I guess it all started with piles. Lots and lots of piles. Piles of laundry. Piles of paperwork. Piles of responsibilities. Piles growing exponentially before my eyes with no end in sight. My middle name was fast becoming ‘Overwhelmed’. I never had a chunk of time coming my way… to organize, plan, create, or…
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Cuzipalooza 2013- These are the Days
The O’Melia family bus arrived in Connecticut after a beautifully uneventful ride of only 90 minutes. I relished it. This is when I do my best rejuvenating…in a quiet car. If a hot caffeinated beverage happens to be in my cup holder…even better. Silent car rides are probably one of the number one reasons…
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“Cheese” and Spicy Chicken
So tonight we went to Portrait Innovations for a family photo shoot. It had been almost 3 years since our last attempt at capturing the entire crew. Let me tell you, it is no small feat getting 7 little people dressed, groomed, and transported to the picture place, all the while keeping one’s hair neatly placed,…
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Gabrielle Faith O’Melia
I collapsed onto my side of the master bed, exhaustion and nausea had taken their toll. It was early evening and the kids had all been scooted off to bed. I leaned against the soft pillows at my back wondering if he would eventually notice the changes, and guess the cause. I studied his face…
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Unglued
Isn’t it so cool how God works?? I find He often waits until I’ve reached that critical juncture. Where the pain has become great enough that I’m super motivated to seek change. When my guard slips down in surrender, and I’m prepared to throw out the old and accept the new. This time was no…
