Kristen S
Kristen grew up all over the world as an Air Force brat, with amazing parents and eight siblings. She met husband Dave at college in Chicago, and, in addition to the Windy City, they lived in San Antonio and Northern Virginia before settling in Fort Worth in 2010. Along the way they managed to have six children: Molly (98), Warren (01), Henry (02), Carrie (04), Liam (06), and Donovan (11). Most of her time is spent homeschooling her brood, but Kristen is also a lover of Notre Dame and Seahawks football, IPAs, and winter. She believes in teasing her children mercilessly to keep them well-adjusted.
20 Years Married . . . and Counting
Two decades of marriage have taught me a lot, and have also taught me that I have so much to learn. I fully expect that by my 40th anniversary, I'll look back and laugh at where I am today. In that sense, I look forward to getting older and seeing how far I've come on a path that's never predictable.
The (Grand)Father Treasure
My kids didn’t realize for years that he is actually my grandfather and not theirs, such are the continued relationships we are blessed to watch unfold. If I can be half the grandparent that he has been to me, I’ll feel like a success.
Tree Night Is Tops
Traditions are good enough in themselves; they provide a stability, framework, and anchor to childhood. But to me, Tree Night also serves to remind us where we've been, where we are, and that no matter where we're going, we're going there together. It provides context and produces gratefulness. And it's really fun.
Raising Ungrateful Children in 8 Easy Steps
Keep in mind that the cumulative effect of following these steps won't be fully evident overnight. But rest assured, one day you will wake up and realize that you have an Ungrateful Child, possibly more than one, and that the results are mostly permanent. I'd recommend that you go celebrate, but you'll most likely be busy finishing a science project for one of your kids at 2:00 a.m.
When Your Baby Becomes a Grown-Up
We're both feeling our way through this and navigating the changes. Sometimes I have to remind myself that while it can be a struggle for me, it's also tough for her. Growing pains don't stop once you're full grown.
The Social Media Monster (and Your Kid)
I know many parents who have decided not to allow any social media at all for their kids until high school, or even until they've graduated. I also know parents who put few restrictions on their children's social media lives. So, while I'm not here to tell you what's right for your family, I'll give you a glimpse into what's working for us.
Are They All Yours?
I can't grocery shop without people asking if I feed an army or run a daycare center. When we eat at a restaurant, travel, or do pretty much anything in public, people notice and sometimes make comments. And you know, it doesn't bother me at all.