‘The Pursuit of Happiness’ Archives
Out of The Box, The Closet, or The Clubhouse?
Some topical conversations, and most everything else on a majority of Yahoo!-based and other on- and offline homeschool communities, seem to express a concern for or addresses the Moms who are homeschooling but wholly leaves out the Dads - or even complains about them. (more...)
Roller Coasters
Roller coasters. You think of them and a smile comes to your face. Even if they make you sick, there’s something exhilarating about them. Even if you can only watch while others take their ride, it’s a metaphor for life that everyone has to ride. Roller coasters make you feel so alive. Right now, we’re watching David & Susan, sitting [...]
To Be a Knight, Ask a Mason
I am a Knight of Columbus. A Mason made me do it. For years David Cooper (Union Dave, Cole’s Daddy) had been telling me about the Masons, and I was familiar with them enough because of the long history on my father’s side of the family back East. David had honored me many times by telling me I would make a great Mason and I should join. It [...]
Manna For Heaven
I sit here waiting to go to a funeral. Jean Manna, a longtime friend of ours, passed away on Monday. I did not know about it until this morning at breakfast with Kevin, and Beth was making a side dish for a funeral at St. Mary’s, though she did not know who the deceased was. (more...)
Helter Spelled Her
Background: My Mother-In-Law is very dear to me, closer than any other woman except my wife and sister. She is very smart, loves everyone, and cares about people to a fault. She is a teacher by training, now retired. She loves all 12 of her grandchildren (born in the last 8 years!) and her three daughters, three sons-in-law, and one son. She is [...]
Bread Lines
We’re sitting at the dinner table, enjoying some of Mama’s fine spaghetti (no sauce for the Heir Apparent, but complete noodles instead of cut up this time – with butter). A question comes to my mind that has bothered me since I was Kristofer’s age. It was inspired by the six slices of white bread that had been buttered and garlic [...]
And The Band Played On…
“Daddy?” “Yes, son?” We were on our way to the Donut Shop. I hadn’t expected much conversation since Kristofer had his latest Happy Meal toy with him that he’d specifically asked to bring with us today. I figured today would just be a quick visit. That doesn’t mean things can’t happen… “When we get to Shipley’s, my Power [...]
Donut Wholes
“Daddy, why do you call Gran your Mom?” These questions used to make me uncomfortable, though I knew they would always come, even before I had children. “Well, Kristofer, I call her Mom and Papa ‘Dad’ because they treat me like their son.” “But what about your mom?” This has gotten easier as he has grown older and the [...]
