betsy

I used to be a mean girl. If you don’t believe me, just ask my sister, who found the perfect opportunity to share some examples at my recent birthday celebration. Unfortunately, growing up, she experienced the brunt of my bossy attitude more than anyone else, and somehow (fortunately),  it went under my parents’ radar. Some

It was a trip we had been excited about for months – our first cruise.  The preparation included a long, painful visit to the Passport Office, where my kids got bored within the first five minutes and numerous visits to the store to pick up last-minute items. Nevertheless, the excitement pushed us through, and finally

We had an inconvenience today…one that required my husband to serve as the family chauffeur. A few weeks ago, while reversing my car into the garage, it scraped against an old bicycle we had laying against the wall. Unbeknownst to me, a part of the car paneling was being pulled apart as I scraped against

It was dark, cold, and wet, but the soccer game was still on.  I had hoped they would cancel it, but regardless, I was out there with my coat and gloves to support my daughter under the glare of the massive field lights. She was fierce on the field, running fast and blocking passes. The

 She had 2.5 years of time alone with Daddy and Mommy. Toys, bed, kitchen, living room…it all belonged to my daughter. Until one day, her brother came along, and in what seemed like moments, the spotlight was gone. A few years later, another brother entered the picture and took over her space, monopolizing everything, and

“Father, when I feel alone, let me hear your voice calming me, help me feel your presence enveloping me, open my eyes to see your arms holding me, give my heart a peace that calms me, and remind me I am never alone.” God is with you through the fire as spoken through the eloquent

To all those who faithfully manicure on schedule, please forgive my ignorance for what is likely a known fact. Yesterday,  I painfully found out what nail polish containing acetone actually does. A few weeks ago, I had the rare privilege of getting my nails done at a local salon, and I decided to do gel

My son is fascinated with trains. Fortunately for him, there is a passenger train track in front of his school, so he gets the experience of watching it pass several times a day. It’s not enough that the train passes, though. He also closely monitors the railroad crossing sign as it slowly pulls up and

I became an author in second grade. In fact, I wrote a series of books… in pencil and bound by staples. The main character was a girl who was bullied, and the series, containing about 5 or 6 books, discussed the various challenges she overcame at school. I have always loved writing, and for a

I was at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office last week….for 7 hours. Six and a half of those hours were spent waiting….and waiting… with about 500 of my closest friends. We all tightly clutched our tickets, with the same tired expression, hoping our number would pop up on the screen. Hour #1: I