One day you wake up and realize you have a middle schooler. About two seconds ago you were in a …
Lighten Up #4: Jenny Rapson
On this episode of Lighten Up podcast, I confront the thing I really need to lighten up about: the bad …
Give Your Child the World
It all started when I woke up in bed with a stranger. Late at night I felt her crawl in …
Lighten Up #3: Jamie Ivey
Hey, guys! I’m so excited because this week on Lighten Up podcast I got to talk with my favorite podcaster. Jamie …
Melanie Dale: Cheer Mom
I am the world’s worst soccer mom. I hate grass. I hate sports. I hate being outside and sweating. I …
Lighten Up #2: Logan Wolfram
Download Podcast Welcome to Lighten Up! This is episode #2, and you can either listen here or subscribe on iTunes …
Here It Is! The Book Trailer for It’s Not Fair
Last month I flew up to Zondervan and shot the book trailer for It’s Not Fair: Learning to Love the …
Lighten Up # 1: Courtney DeFeo
Download Podcast Welcome to Lighten Up! This is episode #1, and you can either listen here or subscribe on iTunes …
I Had a Little Work Done
A few months ago Alex made a statement that rocked me to the core. The CORE, I say. “Mel, I …
How to Take Communion With Your Kids
I’ve never attended a church for which Communion was a regularly-occurring thing. Or the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper. Whatever …
Happy Birthday, Women Are Scary!
Today is Women Are Scary‘s first birthday! One year ago today, I delivered a healthy baby book and became a …
I’m Breaking Up with Internet Recipes
Shake shake shake shake shake. I brushed the hair back out of my face and stared wildly into the silver …
The Shoot Hit the Fan
This is a story from last summer that I happened to run across in my archives that made me laugh. Apparently …
Coffee+Crumbs: Eating Popcorn in the Dark Because You’ve Earned This
Attention moms of littles who haven’t peed in private in two years: It will get awesome. I promise you. Let …
I Want a Box to Check When We’ve Finished Hurting
“We’re pregnant.” I hear the hesitation in her voice over the phone. She’s ecstatic but hurting because she knows she’s …
10 Ways Buffy Taught Me to Battle the Forces of Darkness
It’s no secret that I think the most brilliantly written show of all time is Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If …
When You Need a Little Distance from Your Life
GOODBYE, WORLD. Just got my edits back on It’s Not Fair and will be disappearing into a hole for two …
10 Questions to Ask When Talking About the Election With Friends
I feel like America’s mom is sending it out the door today calling after it, “Make good choices!” Make good …
New Study Finds Savoring Every Moment Makes Kids Smarter
A new study finds that savoring every moment makes kids smarter. Scientists have collected data and the results are in. …
Our Family Values…Besides Flatulance
Approximately one million years ago when we dedicated Elliott at church, they asked us to put something together about how …
How to Love Your Friends This Valentine’s Day
“I don’t want to see them,” I thought to myself guiltily. I’d scheduled a get together with a couple of …
Coffee+Crumbs: IKEA is Swedish for Hot Date
I’m over at Coffee+Crumbs talking about my most recent trip to IKEA and marriage after 16 years and three kids. …
Dance Club for Moms
Yesterday as I was driving, I had the most glorious fantasy that I just have to share with you. You …
When Your Life Is a Training Montage from Ant-Man
I love superhero movies, with their origin stories and training montages, and this year I’ve enjoyed introducing my kids to …