I've been learning a lot about my kids since moving, and I've also been learning about myself. Here are my top five ways to make your children happy in the midst of a new routine.

1) If you get a flat tire on the way to school, DON'T cry in the car.

2) DO tell them it's not their fault, take them back home, and let them watch Madagascar whilst Daddy fixes the problem.

3) If Daddy can't fix the problem, DON'T make your children walk to school in sub-freezing temps, especially if the girl has a bad cold, is wearing tights and rockin' black motorcycle boots.

4) DO take them to a coffee shop that is conveniently located halfway between home and school when you realize you are all crying at the bus stop and not a one of you will make it to school alive.

5) DO fill them up with hot chocolate and whipped cream, let the barista lavish them with marshmallows, ring a friend to collect you, and watch your newly revived and warm children chase their shadows in the sun.

By 10:30am, they'll be happy at school, you'll be home in bed, and you all can try again tomorrow. Join me next week as I continue to share valuable lessons from my crash-course in risk management and childhood limits.

E says: "This hot chocolate totally makes up for you making us walk to school. 

Sorry we never made it, but yum! marshmallows!"

J says: "I forgive you for crying, mom."

Ever reached the point of no return, unable to turn back?

A good cry with God

Sunday night as we were leaving church, we stepped outside to the smell of the spring rain. More specifically, the smell of a Kansas spring rain. And I cried.

Which leads me to my short little list for the day. Every so often (not too often as not to get permanently drenched in one's own tears) I like to have a little cry with God. I have a soundtrack - not all to be played at once, mind you, probably best to start one at a time and used sparingly - that helps me give the big and little things up to Him. Listen at your own discretion.

Sufjan Stevens : Holy, Holy, Holy

Nichole Nordeman : Every Season

U2 : Yahweh

Sara Groves : Less Like Scars, When it was Over, Maybe There's a Loving God (take your pick, really)

Waterdeep : He Will Come

Jars of Clay : Water Under the Bridge

Rich Mullins : My Deliverer

Jennifer Knapp : Martyrs and Thieves

 

The end.