Kristen Blog

My boy turned 12 this week.  Can you believe it?!  I can, because...I...have a lot of kids.  My friend said to me last week, "I just don't know how people with multiple kids do it."  I forgot to mention to her that she happened to have one very easy-going kid, so that makes a WHOLE lot of difference.  My first kid came out with eyes wide open (and actively searching the room) for two whole hours.  (I should have known then.). We were NOT going to get away with having just one kid...unless we devoted our entire lives to her entertainment.  I'm not (completely) cut out for that. Besides, even after our second was born, I just knew in my heart I was not done.   At a recent conference, the leader asked us, "What did you ALWAYS want to be...ever since you were a kid?"  Fortunately, I have had enough awkward experiences over the years to realize that my answers are most often atypical and, generally speaking, unwanted.  Too many times, I have seen "that look&

I am in a sticky predicament.   I do NOT want to seem like a total lame-oh.  And I'm the only female in the group, so I kind of have to work a little harder to keep the kick-a$$ image I am 100% assured they ALL have of me. But...I happen to be a law abiding citizen...sometimes to what may appear to others as a fault.  George Washington and the cherry tree story had a big impact on me in my elementary years.  It took me a LONG time to learn that the definition of "telling a lie" is not exactly black and white, and while I've come a long way, I still maintain very high standards. So when my friend started to suggest we hop a fence to play some baseball in a locked field...my inner panic ensued.  I mean...I do NOT want to look like a sissy ninny.  What's the big deal?!  His reasonings were very convincing.  However, beside the fact that I do NOT like breaking the law (I told you...I am kick-a$$.  I did NOT say bad-a$$...they are two totally different categories of be

Maybe it's just situational depression...we had a mini vacay this weekend - the wrap up is ALWAYS a little rough...but I have been dwelling on feeling stuck today.   I was stuck in traffic, behind all kinds of annoying (I can say that, since I don't know them) people.  We turned it into entertainment, as I carefully allowed other select drivers into our lane and watched their obvious frustration at the left-lane camper cruiser blocking us all up with his constipation.  What fun!!  (As it turns out, many of us - including Mr. Camper -  reunited at the first gas station in miles.  We didn't speak.  I chose not to break the silence.  I find myself slipping into the casual observer more and more.  So not like me!) But, anyway.  Usually, I am NOT so pleasant when I am struck in traffic.  I am angry.  I am bitter.  I am downright cursing mean.  And, many times, I come home with aching hands from white knuckling the whole thing. I'm sorry to disappoint if I seem nice to you in

How was your fourth?  Mine is still a work in progress.  Of course, health care workers and dog owners do NOT get a vacation.  And don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise, because I was alone all day with all of my responsibilities.  And, holiday or not, I paid my dues at the dog park. Good news is that I got to see my nephew off for his National Guard duty this summer.  (sob!). Bad news is I had to drive to Trenton with all the kids (minus the eldest) in tow, alone.  (I assured my DPF's - that's Dog Park Friends - that I was definitely NOT leaving for New Jersey and I would, for sure, be back by tomorrow for our daily fellowship.  I reiterate the statement: "Regulars are everywhere.  I just never thought I would BE one.”  What's next?  Fan?  Groupie?  Dear God, please no.  I prefer NOT to follow, and I root for the underdog - even when others consider it "no competition", because that's me. 😉).   Anyway, after a wonderful, though difficult on sever