I don’t recall praying to practice patience
It’s funny how kids wreck your idea of how things should be. Two of my children this weekend impressed me with their sudden grown-up like behavior. Another is still young enough to be considered In-Training Mode. And the last one, old enough to know what is expected? Disrespectful. Disobedient. My reaction? Anger. Frustration. Embarrassment. And [...]
December 8, 2008
В· 
Monica Brand В· 
12 Comments
Tags: boys, girls, mothering, patience В· Posted in: Thinking, True confessions
What I’m reading: Monique and the Mango Rains by Kris Holloway
Monique and the Mango Rains (Two Years with a Midwife in Mali) is a memoir of Holloways’ experience as a Peace Corp volunteer in Mali, where she befriended midwife Monique Dembele. From the backcover: Monique Dembele saved lives and dispensed hope in a place where childbirth is a life-and-death matter. This book tells of her [...]
October 2, 2008
В· Monica Brand В· No Comments
Tags: Africa, books, childbirth, memoir, mothering, women В· Posted in: Reading, Women's issues
Lady of the flies: post at New Jersey Moms Blog
Two black flies occupy my house right now. My children brought them home, inviting them to stay with a wide open front door. “Shut the door!” my constant call of the summer. I’ve tried hunting down the flies like I’m on an African bug safari, but these insects are of superior intelligence. And fast. This [...]
August 18, 2008
В· Monica Brand В· No Comments
Tags: mothering, New Jersey Moms Blog В· Posted in: New Jersey Moms Blog, True confessions
Writing Motherhood by Lisa Garrigues: a story of a beloved bear
Pink Teddy, as he’s come to be called, is Lucy’s favorite toy, her lovey. Most of the time – like right now as I write this – Teddy lays on the floor among the other toys, the plastic doll house pieces, My Little Ponies and Legos. But when Lucy wants to sit in my lap [...]
June 16, 2008
В· Monica Brand В· 13 Comments
Tags: books, mothering, New Jersey Moms Blog, Reading, Writing В· Posted in: Living, New Jersey Moms Blog, Reading, Writing
Convention
I woke up Saturday wondering how soon I needed to leave the house to make it to the Raritan Center by 10 am. The 9 am opening lecture not important to me this year; I wasn’t thrilled with the speaker. In previous years, I flew down to Edison not wanting to miss anything, but Saturday [...]
June 2, 2008
В· Monica Brand В· 2 Comments
Tags: home schooling, mothering В· Posted in: Home schooling, Learning, Living, Reading
Be afraid
Behold! The five-year-old captured digitally for our amusement. I’m so going to use this one later in his life when he’s the parent. I know we’re not supposed to seek revenge, but this kid has a lot of comeuppance comin’ his way.
May 28, 2008
В· Monica Brand В· 3 Comments
Tags: mothering, wordless wednesday В· Posted in: My Boys
