Reading Dr Seuss before bed has become our thing. Grandpa is in charge of tickle-tests, 4-wheelers, Oreos and milk. Climbing up, we snuggle under blankets and sheets one, two, three. Eager at what we know is coming: shoulder to shoulder giggling over zany characters, tongue twisters, elephants in trees. Lights burn way past bedtime, laughter... Continue Reading →
I wanted to move. In the last 5 years I must have told my hubs a hundred times, "This looks like a beautiful place to live!" (Skirting around the subject is my strong suit.) I'm living on the same road I grew up on. I say that like it's the worst. Like I'm 14, moaning... Continue Reading →
A sweet, soft voice comes from the kitchen echoing up the stairs. My grandson is here. They traveled all day yesterday so he could stay. And we'll delight in the sound of him three whole days. We've enjoyed him before but never by his six-year-old self. Bravely admitting his nervousness, we surround him with familiarness. "Remember when…"... Continue Reading →
I’m totally distracted in church. Levi (who recently learned to walk) is out of his seat. Attempting to hold his attention and keep him from storming the stage, his Mother breaks the seal of a small shiny bag. It’s crackers. I’m jealous. I’m hungry. But not for food. I hunger to experience the world through... Continue Reading →
I was twenty-four when my knees bent to Jesus. Bringing a boatload of baggage into my born-again life. Married six years with two littles, I had a heap of bad behavior to reorganize. Cigarettes and swearing had to go. Movies, TV shows, music—all required revamping. Bible reading and morning prayer needed implanting. I had a... Continue Reading →
JoAnn Downs Alo 