Parenting’s Second Half

Katrina Shoots a Basketball

We’re in the second half of parenting. All of our kids are double-digits, a couple of them already well into the teenage years. Next month, my youngest will be double-same-digits. (That particular term is derived from a bit of lore in our house… When Sam was turning 11, I said to him, “Aren’t you excited?! You’re […]

Marathon Hearts

Katrina After Finishing Her Marathon

I finished my first marathon two years ago. 26.2 miles is a long distance. It’s not to be taken lightly. I trained faithfully for months. I woke in the black, early-morning hours and queued my playlist. I dedicated my weekends to long runs, to having my dear, devoted husband meet me every 5-7 miles with […]

Proof I Listened To My Mother

Katrina, Carrie, and Their Mom

In case you hadn’t yet been privy to my incessant blathering about it, we had our first “Listen To Your Mother” rehearsal last night. It was an incredible experience — intimidating, inspiring, enlightening. Usually, I’m the loud one — the one who’s not shy or afraid to make an ass of myself by blurting out […]

Seventy East

Katrina with Mom and Bobby

I’ve been missing my Mom something fierce lately. It always happens around holidays. We talked on the phone for over an hour tonight. We laughed and cried… and she even cussed a little. My feelings had been hurt recently and unexpectedly, and Mama Bear had my back with a fierceness and a bit of profanity. […]