Sleepaway for Mama: Leaving My Daughters Overnight for the First Time
by Mari Walker on
In more than seven and a half years of parenting, I had never left my children overnight until recently. Other than her recent trip to pony camp, the only time I was away from my older daughter was when my younger daughter was born. I stayed in the h... Read full article
A Love Letter to Baton Rouge: All the Things We Miss
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As my family begins its seventh week of isolation, home-centeredness, physical distancing, lockdown or whatever you want to call it, we’re all feeling itchy, missing the things we love most. Beyond missing physically seeing our family and friends, of... Read full article
Into The Fire: Social Media at Eight?!
by Mari Walker on
I never thought I'd see the day when I'd let my eight year old have access to any form of social media. But I never thought I'd see a global pandemic that keeps us away from our normal lives, so my parenting priorities have understandably shifted. I'... Read full article
Overscheduled: Otherwise What’s a SAHM For?!
by Mari Walker on
When Miss Seven started Kindergarten, her dad and I decided to limit after school activities to two: one sport or otherwise something physical and one more arts focused activity. My, how times have changed. Right now, we have four extracurricular act... Read full article
My Heart Walks Around Without Me: A Girl Scout Camp Experience
by Mari Walker on
Parenting through the elementary years seems to be a gradual release, letting go of the demands (and some of the rewards) of mothering small children. Part of me welcomes the release, and I want nothing more for my daughters than to soar into fulfill... Read full article
Into the Unknown: Finding Inspiration in Frozen 2
by Mari Walker on
My birthday almost always falls during Thanksgiving break, and this year, my girls and I went to see Frozen 2 as a celebration (and then I ate a bunch of queso!). I didn’t think I would like the movie as much as I did. In the week since seeing it, I’... Read full article
I’m 38. What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up?
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The only call I’ve ever felt certain of was the call to be a mother, and it’s specifically the call to be the mother of my two daughters, ages seven and three. But my professional call, what I’m supposed to be “when I grow up,” has been much murkier.... Read full article
Does Anyone Else Feel Extremely Not OK?
by Mari Walker on
I haven’t been able to write a post for this blog in more than a month. I could blame being busy–I have taken on a temporarily bigger volunteer role with my church (ask me about video editing or live streaming!)–but that’s not it, or at least not ent... Read full article
Pandemic Perfect on Paper But a Mess in Real Life
by Mari Walker on
“Does your house always look like this? Like, so messy?” My daughter’s friend asked innocently enough. I’ve pondered this question in the months since it was asked during that one-and-only sleepover we hosted. I was knee-jerk offended in the moment,... Read full article
Mardi Gras Grinch
by Mari Walker on
Can you imagine living in south Louisiana and not being enamored by Mardi Gras? The parades! The floats! The throws! The bands! The galas! The king cake! ... Read full article