Christmas: Prepare for a Party
As we prepare for Christmas, we prepare for a party, to celebrate. For many years, I’ve thought about Christmas as a time to “prepare room” for Jesus. I’ve usually thought…
AJB Recommends: All the Fascinating Ideas
I have so many fascinating ideas to share for you to consider! I took the whole week of Thanksgiving off. I shut down my laptop and didn’t reply to email…
The Power of Saying “I’m Sorry”
Is there power in saying, "I'm sorry"? The nurse at Penny’s school called me to tell me that Penny had a sore throat and a stomach ache and I needed…
Rest Beside This Weary Road
When the kids were little, we got in the habit of singing “Christmas church songs” before bed. We no longer sing these songs all year round, but in December, we…
Pointe Shoes and Developing Perseverance
Penny got new pointe shoes last week. For a long time, I thought pointe—which requires strength in both the feet and ankles that I didn’t believe Penny would ever have—would…
My High Schooler’s Independence
I was recently reminded of my high schooler's independence. Last week I left the girls home alone together while I went to the grocery store. Before I went, I suggested…
Amy Coney Barrett, Down Syndrome, and Abortion
I have a new essay about Amy Coney Barrett, Down syndrome, and abortion (really light topics with no controversy!) up at the Religion News Service site today. I’ve been thinking…
Bloom Where You’re Planted
I used to think that the only way for me to participate in social healing was to move. I live in a predominantly white, affluent, highly educated neighborhood. How could…
Dreaming and Planning With Our Teenager With Down Syndrome
We had a planning meeting last February for our teenage daughter, Penny, who has Down syndrome. Penny invited friends, family, and teachers to join her for this conversation. Dreaming and…
Big Feelings and Growing Up with Marilee
What do you do with a child with big feelings? Especially if you are a parent who has never had similarly big feelings? Yes, I am the parent with feelings…
