While talking with Stacey, Sam demanded that I staple a handful of pages he was pushing at me. I tried to quiet him. He was having none of it. "Momma, this needs stapled!" I covered the phone and said, "I'm on the phone with Stacey right now, go find Dad." "I know you're working on… Continue reading First Book EVER! (Ruth’s SOLS 15/31)

Two years ago our daughters came home. We celebrate today in honor of the remarkable way families are made. I'm reminded how family isn't about blood and genetics and giving birth. Family is about love and support and time together. Sometimes I forget we don't share the same genes. There are times when they are… Continue reading Got’Cha Day (Ruth’s SOLS 14/31)

After my husband read today's slice, he said, "It reminds me of my favorite quote when I used to play sports:" Winning isn't everything. It is the only thing. --- Vince Lombardi After school Stephanie and I holed up in the studio for a little while. She was working on making a card for her… Continue reading An Athlete’s Mindset (Ruth’s SOLS 12/31)

When I'm writing and the words are coming, I'm in a zone. Do you know what I'm talking about? That zone where you feel you can work forever, because things are clicking along. Hours pass in a single breath and nothing interferes with your concentration. It feels good to concentrate like that. Sometimes it doesn't… Continue reading Writing (Ruth’s SOLS 11/31)

All five of us went for a bike ride tonight. Five bikes; four people. The little guy rides on a seat on the back of my bike. This will be his third summer riding on the back of my bike. I love having him close. Sometimes we chat. He tells me what he's thinking. He… Continue reading A Bike Ride (Ruth’s SOLS 10/31)

Two weeks ago one of my best friends moved and now lives two hours away. She was in town yesterday and today presenting at my school. We were able to chat a little, but not enough. She was sharing with me how her new house doesn't feel like home. Which made me begin to consider:… Continue reading What makes a home? (Ruth’s SOLS 9/10)

All three of the kids were together as we were talking about the day's plans. "So tonight I won't be home. I have a hair appointment, then I'm going out to dinner with some friends." They all nodded. "That means you'll be hanging out with Dad all night." They all burst into cheers. Serious cheers… Continue reading Yipee! (Ruth’s SOLS 8/31)

Despite a cold that caused him to miss church this morning, my husband surprised me when I got home from service. "Do you want to go to the hockey game this afternoon?" I cut my eyes to him, thinking about the laundry and the cleaning and the writing that needed done. "I didn't think you felt well."… Continue reading A Surprise (Ruth’s SOLS 7/31)

Sam: Momma, tell me something about electricity. Me: Electricity is interesting, isn't it? What do you know? Sam: I know it comes in through wires and goes to the breaker box. Then when we turn on the light switch it makes the lights go on. Me: Do you know anything else about electricity? Sam: Yes.… Continue reading Electricity (Ruth’s SOLS 6/31)

"Want to go for a walk tonight?" I said into the answering machine, "Call me back and let me know, I can go anytime." The phone rang two minutes later, "Hey, I was taking pizzas out of the oven. Yes, I'd love to walk tonight. Do you mind if we go after dark?" "No problem… Continue reading A Walk (Ruth’s SOLS 5/31)

"Why do I have to do dishes," the red-headed six-year-old says. "Because we're part of a family and families do chores together," the eight-year-old responds, putting the last of the clean dishes away. With her hands on her hips and her chin out, the six-year-old frowns, "I won't do them. I don't like to do… Continue reading Chores (Ruth’s SOLS 4/31)

My heart is happy. Although there are many things left undone for the day, there are many more things fulfilled. Sometimes I ruin a happy heart by racing to get everything undone complete. I'm coming to realize there will always be things undone at the end of the evening. My life is too full right… Continue reading Happy Heart (Ruth’s SOLS 3/31)