I don’t mean to minimize the existence of depression. I know it is real and that people battle this affliction constantly. I remember a local teacher having to go out on disability for depression related symptoms. I so can’t relate since I’m hyperactive, nosey and curious, and have way too many plans and ideas bouncing around in my mind.

The state of the environment does depress me to some degree, especially the ubiquitous aspect of plastic everywhere. EnviroWoman... more

Usually our most difficult day is Mother’s Day, yesterday instead was as sweet as it comes.

All of my children feel the pressure by the media, Hallmark, school, and even at church to honor and celebrate Mom. I’ve tried to remove the pressure from them, to downplay the holiday as I’m not one to get all excited about manufactured feelings.

So I’d told the kids that it was fine if they made... more

Reading Nancy’s post this morning, some thoughts came to my mind. I also receive a great deal of email from despairing adoptive parents who’ve given all they have to their children who then seemingly reject it all, sometimes hatefully so, trying to hurt the only people who ever cared about them.

My pastor talked about Jesus bumper stickers or crosses, doves and fish symbols on our cars, people who wear crosses so the world will know... more

Kids with religious parents are better behaved and adjusted than other children, according to a new study that is the first to look at the effects of religion on young child development.

An excellent article, a positive one that makes me feel good about something in this uphill battle I usually seem to be facing each day.

I cannot imagine even getting up tomorrow, much less facing the task of raising 39 tough children. I have always brought... more

Enabling allows a person to avoid the consequences of their actions. I would venture to say that in the world of adult adopted children, this one is a minefield, as we parents struggle to walk the line between helping and enabling.

We want to help our grown kids become mature, responsible adults but we know that our adult children did not always have a decent childhood. If a child does not get adopted until age 13, they may have to relearn every developmental milestone properly within the context... more

Eleven years ago tonight, around midnight, my one sister died. In her thirties, happily married and the mother of a seven years old daughter, she’d battled breast cancer for years. She’d looked into international adoption at one time, but then had to spend all her energy on maintaining her health.

She was both my biggest supporter and my biggest critic; I suppose everyone needs one of them in their life. I’ve missed her ever since,... more

Blogging in two arenas, with a 52 year old memory that has been diluted by my 39 children, I’m paranoid about repeating myself and sounding as senile as I sometimes feel. My 33 year old daughter remarked, “Well you get new readers all the time,” which will now become my mantra and my excuse for repeating myself. Often mothers find what they need at the time, and then later I encourage other mothers.

I believe I mentioned my 100 month theory on another post. Today marks that 100th month we’d been looking forward to celebrating. 100 months... more

These three handsome fellas are my husband Gary and our grandsons Devin and Kristian (our oldest daughter's two sons).

It is such a blessing to have supportive men in our lives. We took this picture last Easter, while we were visiting family. This year we are blessed to have our daughter's family living near us and we are looking forward to Easter again. This time we will have a third grandson here with us.

We are so blessed to hear these little ones call us "Grammy and PaPa". The noise of their laughter fills... more

Well it is the time of year when puppy love is in the air. all the kids are writing out Valentines Day Cards and sending them off to their favorite sweeties in school.

Teachers are giving parties and handing out candy kisses. Even mom and dad are getting all mushy and going out to dinner or exchanges hearts and flowers.

Awwwwe the wonderful feeling of love is in the air. Everyone passing on the street whispers Happy Valentines Day to neighbors and friends.

It is just a good feeling to do something nice for someone... more

In real life I’m sometimes hard to take, super intense and usually in motion, I’m finding it difficult here to keep under the word limit, dividing it into parts would strain my own hyperactive mind, so I’m attempting a more concise approach, but with 39 kids and their issues and eventual progress, I seem to overflow with words and thoughts.

In everything I say and do, my kids, and their needs, are foremost in my mind. People ask me often, “Do you ever get away from all that?”

And the answer is no, if I had the need to get away, I’d have to say I’d would... more