It’s an unofficial house rule: my toddler is not allowed to touch the indoor plants. Several live on high enough surfaces to avoid curious hands. But the ficus tree in the family room continually tempts her to grip the edge of the pot, stir the dirt with one sticky finger. One afternoon, I peered over [...]
This granola is it for me. The Faux Martha's version called "The Last Granola Recipe" kept me baking pan after pan. I've since made a few tweaks to both the ingredients and the method, scaling down and simplifying for ease. It keeps beautifully in the freezer, so if you have the space or people to [...]
For months, Amelia would not nap longer than 45 minutes. I did my part: I watched the clock, studied her tired eyes and her number of yawns, darkened the room, established the routine, turned on the white noise. Still, most naps were short. I'm embarrassed by how much this irked me. I begged for the [...]
Last week, I sat in the dentist's chair to repair a chipped tooth. For the second time. Or maybe the third, I can't remember. Too many times for a tooth.It is truly one of the most humbling positions, sitting in the dentist's chair. Reclined at what feels like 45° with accoutrements of napkins, cotton balls, and [...]
Fall carries some grief with her when she comes.That surprises me every year. Like an accidental tradition, I become a bit melancholic when I realize that the glorious window of leaves ablaze and brisk-not-cold temperatures is closing. And similar to other seasonal transitions, I tend to look back and wonder whether we chose wisely and maximized our opportunities.Was [...]
Dear Amelia, Happy first birthday, sweet love! It’s been a precious, soul-filling, challenging, emotional, reflective, and joyful year with you. Your dad and I prayed for you for a long time. There’s a reason we tell you that you’re a joy, a delight, and a dream come true. One day you’ll hear more about that. I’ve thought [...]
We're keeping it brief this month. Before sending this letter, I looked over your names and thought about your current seasons of life. Some of you are planning for or adjusting to marriages and babies and new degree programs and other huge changes. Some of you are doing the same deal you've been doing for a while. Some [...]
Luke 18:35-41As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted [...]
It is approximately 4pm.With Amelia on my hip, I rifle through the pantry to get a jump on dinner. The measuring spoon occupying her curious hands drops to the floor for the fifth time in three minutes. Breathe. I bend low and return it to her tiny palm.And while it seems so trivial, another part of me feels the significance of that decision to [...]
After a few days of concentrated time at home–After I confessed my own flippancy from the prior weeks–After I began to accept that my paid work would be completed (or not) around Amelia's day–After I realized that grocery runs needed to be strategic– I noticed the conflict. – It feels strange to taste and see the apparent goodness of [...]
Mallory R. Manning 