This week, the temperature in Houston dipped into the 50s. Clearly Starbucks was packed, every Houstonian posted about “THIS WEATHER!” on Facebook, the dogs slept in a shivering heap, and my kids declared themselves frozen. Let’s chat about this frightful weather in some Fraudulently Asked Questions. FAQ #1: You look cold, Nate. How are you...Continue Reading
Our kids minds have been blown. Again. Last year, Nate was the one gleefully freaked out by Halloween. The year before, it was the twins, partying like bosses. And, the year before that, it was Catie running from house to house, collecting Tootsie Rolls like it was her job. This year we’re debriefing with the...Continue Reading
“It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson A couple clarifications about this picture and quote: 1. By old friends, I mean those I’ve known for more than 20 years. I’m not calling anyone here old. Even though the two in the...Continue Reading
When I was growing up in Galveston during the ’70s and ’80s, we had one shopping mall. Galvez Mall was the perfect size for our small-ish city. There were the usual ’80s staples (Limited, Corn Dog Factory, arcade, movie theater), but also a couple fancy, locally-owned department stores and more than one t-shirt shack. Really,...Continue Reading
Life has been fierce around here this week. If you’re my Facebook friend, you saw the ferocious picture I posted of the kids on Sunday morning in Galveston. We headed down to the beach for the night, but we had to leave early Sunday morning to make it back to Houston for M to catch...Continue Reading
From a party-planning perspective, the most awkward birthday has got to be August 29th. My friend is a Christmas baby, but her celebrations always fit right into the festive month of December. Another friend has a daughter whose birthday falls on the last day of school, which seems about the most appropriate day for a...Continue Reading
Have you ever had to say goodbye to someone who is, truly, not good at goodbyes? You hug your friend, tell them you’ll see them soon. You are just about to walk away, when she says, “Oh! One more thing! I forgot to tell you our big news!” So, you go back for the big...Continue Reading
Manny, our trusted Greyhound, is answering the Fraudulently Asked Questions today. We’re talking about the past eight months and how life with the Hergenraders is different than, say, life at a Greyhound racetrack. FAQ #1: Manny, less than a year ago, you were living with hundreds of other Greyhounds. How is living with the Hergenrader...Continue Reading
Pine Cove is a huge, Christian summer camp in Texas. Saying Pine Cove, wearing a t-shirt, or sticking a bumper sticker on the back of your minivan tells your neighbors you’ve lived among the enthusiastic counselors, who “Jump for Jesus” pretty much all day. You’ve studied the Bible with a dozen of your new best...Continue Reading
Dear Catie, Sam, Elisabeth, and Nate… Here’s what I know: each of you loved our family vacation. Here’s what else I know: one day, when you all are nineteen, sixteen, sixteen, and thirteen, you might not love spending two weeks with Dad and me. When that happens, and we have to bribe you with trips...Continue Reading
