Parenting has a humbling effect

Written by Malinda Just Tuesday, 19 April 2011 18:51

As an old Chinese proverb says, “Arrogance invites ruin, humility receives benefits.” And there’s nothing like parenthood to deal out humility in large doses.

Just when I think I deserve a big pat on the back for a job well-done, another misadventure—most often in the shape of one (or both) of my daughters—hits like a rock. And knocks me back a peg or two in the process.

For instance, say I’m walking through a store, making my way through a lengthy list. My daughters are happily riding in the cart. And then, a couple aisles away, I hear a child let loose. “Thank goodness MY kids are being quiet,” I think, and I quickly return to the business at hand.

Then, as we are in the checkout line, my youngest starts in with a...

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Life is better when it’s gift-wrapped

Written by Malinda Just Tuesday, 15 March 2011 14:46

By nature—and maybe birth order—it goes against part of my soul to fly by the seat of my pants.

It’s great when life comes gift wrapped and tied with the proverbial pink, polka-dot bow. I like neat and tidy. And I like gift-wrapped boxes that come pre-adorned.

But life with kids is to beautiful gifts as a tornado is to a trailer park. Inevitably, something gets unwrapped.

Take for instance, this column. I like my writing to have a beginning, middle and end. And I prefer all the words to thematically connect. Every word and thought should be strategic and in order.

Over the weekend, I was brainstorming those very thoughts as I was attempting to write in my head while I had a few minutes alone. (Every day, I thank PBS for those...

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Bugs represent dark side of winter

Written by Malinda Just Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:42

It’s been a long winter, and I’m not referring to the weather. In fact, I rather enjoy all kinds of weather, including the beauty of a fresh snowfall—even 15-plus inches.

I know I’m in the minority with that statement—I’m sure most of you are cringing. But deep down, all you winter-haters have to admit there’s something glorious about stepping out into a crisp, white world.

And now that I’m living in the country, I get to enjoy the marshmallow world in all its unspoiled glory—at least for a couple days until the roads are plowed.

If winter were only full of snowmen, sledding, snowdrifts, hot cocoa and even cold temperatures, I’d be in good shape. But alas, there’s a dark side to winter.

In January, I traveled to...

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May new year be better organized

Written by Malinda Just Tuesday, 18 January 2011 15:59

I tend to start each new year with high expectations. I want all the resolution-type things—although I rarely go so far as to actually write down my resolutions. I just think about them. A lot.

For this year, I want my household to be more organized—as in, finding specific places for all the new Christmas gifts our family received. It can be a bit overwhelming when we head to a gathering with unopened gifts in tow for other family members, only to find our load has grown three-fold (or more) by the time we return home. And we still have two Christmas gatherings to go.

I want to develop a chore schedule and actually stick to it. I have great intentions for this one. With a mental image of a happy, safe and clean home for my family...

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