It’s better to sacrifice my free time to get outside and engage with him doing things he loves.

Taking the dog for a four mile run gives a sense accomplishment, even if it’s really mistaking activity for achievement.

Fear and self-doubt are always just below the surface, but some days I don’t have the faith to push them back.

The bonding value (and fun) of blowing bubbles in the driveway, playing football, and baking cookies from scratch with the 3-year-old is BIG.

Being caught totally unprepared left me shooting from the hip, but with plenty of ammo.

Her book is taking an awful lot of other people’s time.

My Mouse is a romantic.

The little promises can be tougher to remember but much more important to the promisee.

When the oldest boy in the house is on his game and setting a good example, things are a lot smoother.

Add a little olive oil to the noodles, especially if they’re going to sit a few minutes before dinner.

Driving to Lansing for lunch with a good friend and business contact is worth it.

Keeping the focus on his behavior – and off the people or events that “caused” his behavior – eventually gets him to admit he was responsible…and wrong.

It’s quite a night when we’re one of only two phone exchanges affected by a cut line, then a migraine kicks in, and finally as it gets dark, we’re one of only 54 households who loses power.

We need a statue of Mary in the yard.

Next time the answer is “no” to “Can we stay and talk?” because asking the boys to hold it together for an extra 30 minutes is just too much.

Loving unconditionally when you don’t feel unconditionally loved is apparently not going as well as I thought.

Don’t attempt to cut a 3-year-old’s hair when he’s squirmy and you’re tired.

Meeting people you know in unexpected places is not a coincidence.

People can feel it and appreciate it when you are truly trying to help them; whether it’s connecting them with someone over breakfast, proposing a  solution for their business, or taking your spouse to lunch to help him get organized.

Having to walk the last mile or so of your run because of sharp pains in your lower back is bad; getting in an argument when you get home because you’re in a bad temper is worse.