Can’t you read the signs?
I’m a big believer in analysis. Life doesn’t always come at us in obvious ways; most of the time we have to be able to see messages from beyond in the subtlety of signs. It isn’t easy. When I walk two blocks from the office, why do I get lost walking back? I am able [...]
Back-to-school: The most wonderful time of the year
At my children’s school, teachers are being asked to write a profile of themselves for the PTO newsletter. I was asked to submit questions so we might get to know them better. Here are a few of my ideas: Where did you go to school? What previous experience helped you prepare for brilliant children who [...]
Theology for kids
I love it when my children ask questions which indicate something is going on upstairs other than concern over what I’m serving for dinner. I just wish they’d wait until after I get off the phone before hitting me with the really important issues. “Is God Christian?” Youngest asked. I looked around the kitchen, empty [...]
Still sick of the so-called “Mommy Wars”
Too many women justify choices in child-rearing by dumping on society, moms who choose differently, or their own children. Shut up already. At-Home Moms: Good for you. You’re dealing with less income, shitty diapers, and an aggressive steam cleaner that was supposed to make your life easier. Your kids will surely benefit from a full-time [...]
Goodbye fourth grade
This is the last week of school. For two glorious months, my twin sons will enjoy a summer break before beginning the final year of their elementary career. Fifth grade, here we come. I cannot believe I’m old enough to have children going into fifth grade. Oh who am I kidding? The other day I [...]
Purity balls: weird sex talk, disturbing pre-teen ritual, or both?
I have two little boys and love their rough and tumble ways – it suits me. No idea what I’d do with a daughter. In general, girls scare me with their Barbie dolls and princess parties. I don’t even know how to braid hair. As a teacher, female students repelled with low self-esteem and emotional [...]
If you must have children, an argument for cleansing and doing it right
When I look at my precious ten year-old sons, I marvel at their innocence and beauty. I let my finger trace clusters of freckles near their noses. I gently brush back unruly, brown hair, with enviable red highlights, and kiss the softest skin around their eyes. Then I usually thank God they are finally asleep. [...]
Ready to have kids? Don’t.
Couples all over America are considering unprotected sex tonight. Men and women, caught up in daydreams about her nose and his eyes on a brand-new, beautiful human being. They are perusing parenting books, hoping for inspiration and overpopulation statistics that are far less depressing than what they’ve found on the Internet. You know the type. [...]
Home sweet home
Back in 1996, less than a year into our marriage, my husband and I desperately needed a change. Our hometown suddenly seemed old and inadequate. We wanted to escape suburbia and live somewhere exciting. We packed up everything we owned and never looked back, saying goodbye to Tampa without a single tear. Goodbye unbearable heat! [...]
Weekend observations, plus a plug or two
I usually spend my weekends knee-deep in dirty laundry and sports-related injuries. Sometimes a bit of excitement finds its way in, like that time I emptied my son’s school supplies and screamed because a Ziploc bag, filled with the contents of an owl pellet, looks a lot like weed. Factor in at least a half-hour [...]
Catherine Durkin Robinson
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VOTE!
she’s crafty
