Family, Reflections

The Bluebird of Happiness

He would have been two tomorrow. Cayne Aaron Brown. He was a cute little stinker who ran around stealing our hearts until his stopped forever on January 29, 2026. I'm so glad we had a chance to meet him and get to know his happy little self and we will forever remember his snuggles, belly… Continue reading The Bluebird of Happiness

Family, Reflections

Before He Was My Dad

My dad was in the Coast Guard. He never really talked about it and gave pretty vague answers if we asked about his time serving, so I never thought much about it. I guess I just assumed everyoneโ€™s family was like ours โ€” dads served in the military before they had families and that was… Continue reading Before He Was My Dad

Life Lately, Rewinds

Silent Screaming at 7am

ROXIE REWINDS ๐Ÿ’™Because some stories are just too good not to tell again. Originally published: May 21, 2013 The day started out pretty rough yesterday, as most Mondays usually do. I tried to put on one of those camisoles that are squishy-tight and supposedly smooth out your fat rolls like a tube of sausage. It… Continue reading Silent Screaming at 7am

Life Lately, Rewinds

The Great Spider Incident of 2013

ROXIE REWINDS ๐Ÿ’™Because some stories are just too good not to tell again. Originally published: May 5, 2013 Let me tell you about the day I absolutely lost my mind over a spider. Iโ€™ve never really been scared of spiders. I just donโ€™t want to feel the crunch of their teeny-tiny selves getting smushed. Or… Continue reading The Great Spider Incident of 2013

Family, Parenting, Rewinds

Confessions of a Girl Scout Quitter

ROXIE REWINDS ๐Ÿ’™Because some stories are just too good not to tell again. Originally published: 10/2012 The wait is finally over โ€ฆ thatโ€™s right, people โ€ฆ itโ€™s GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SEASON! I thought it would never get here. I know I can get cookies at the storeโ€”heck, I could probably even make someโ€”but there are… Continue reading Confessions of a Girl Scout Quitter

Family, Holidays, Reflections

Rewriting the Easter Bunny Story

Easter. I think it probably brings different things to mind for everyone. I think of fluffy white bunnies, chocolate, and little kids in pastel outfits running around with baskets looking for eggs. Other people may think of church or religion. You could also think about family, big meals, and naps. But I think the resounding… Continue reading Rewriting the Easter Bunny Story

Friendship, Rewinds

The Best Little Hair-house in the Metro

ROXIE REWINDS โœจBecause some stories are just too good not to tell again. Originally published: March 16, 2013Then vs. now: Still trueโ€ฆ and Sassy is STILL a legend. Some things in life are sacred: your best friend, your therapistโ€ฆ and your hairdresser. Nothing rejuvenates me as much as a trip to see my hairdresser. Well,… Continue reading The Best Little Hair-house in the Metro

Family, Friendship, Reflections

We’re Probably in the Good Old Days

Nostalgia: a sad pleasure experienced in recalling what no longer exists.Thatโ€™s what Merriam-Webster says, anyway. The older we get, the more we feel it. At least I do. I get nostalgic about the smallest thingsโ€ฆ like the days when Trixie was pitter-pattering her little feet all over the cheap linoleum floors of the kitchen. She… Continue reading We’re Probably in the Good Old Days

Divorce, Family

The Day I Signed my Life Back

Thirteen years ago, I signed a lease on a small apartment. My daughter sat beside me. I finished signing, laid down the pen, and put my forehead on the desk. And then I cried. I felt a hand on my back. My sweet 18-year-old baby grownup, Trixie, leaned over and asked softly, "Mom? Are you… Continue reading The Day I Signed my Life Back