Author Archives: MaryHolloman

Made in His Image

I tilted the bag upside down and watched as the potting soil tumbled into the large plastic container. As the mound of dirt grew higher, my children’s eyes grew wider. My 14-month-old gasped in delight and my three-year-old began a dance not unlike the I’ve-really-gotta-go dance. Back and forth, left foot, right foot. The kindContinueContinue reading “Made in His Image”

A Desk, Dignity, and Dark Chocolate

Just a Desk He looked like a deer in the headlights. A drill in one hand, a level in the other. I couldn’t blame him. I’d probably respond the same way if he’d gone from laughter to legit tears in 2.5 seconds. Like I’d just done. We’d spent the last few hours putting together aContinueContinue reading “A Desk, Dignity, and Dark Chocolate”

You Know You’re a Parent When…

I had such a fun time touching base with other moms this week and asking them, “What are some of the weirdest things you’ve said or done as a parent that you never would have done before kids?” The answers are hysterical, because I know they’re all 100% true! Check out these 20 “You knowContinueContinue reading “You Know You’re a Parent When…”

When I Grow Up to be a Daddy

“I got you flowers, Mommy!” He spun in three circles and then did a forward roll off the couch. Some people express their excitement in mere words. Others need their whole bodies plus a three-foot radius. My son falls into the latter category. “Look at the flowers! I got them for you! Me and DaddyContinueContinue reading “When I Grow Up to be a Daddy”

The Loneliest Job: Hope for Every Mother

The bloodcurdling scream pierced the tranquility of countless shoppers. I swallowed hard and began the painstaking trek towards the automatic doors, which seemed miles away. It mightn’t have taken me so long had I not had 32 pounds of boneless deadweight to pull behind me while also holding 20 pounds of oblivious enthusiasm in myContinueContinue reading “The Loneliest Job: Hope for Every Mother”

Christmas Service Calendar (for your little narcissists)

Well, this is the year. The year my almost three-year-old has finally gotten wise to the fact that Christmas = presents. For the first time, he’s started actually asking for things. This conversation happened the other day: B: Mommy, what do you want for Christmas? Me: Aww, well, I’d like a– B: I think youContinueContinue reading “Christmas Service Calendar (for your little narcissists)”

Slippery Thighs & Sunday Lies

I had the opportunity to write once again for Just 18 Summers this past week. Check out an excerpt below and consider exploring Just18Summers.com and the great parenting resources you’ll find there! Slathering vegetable oil onto my two-year-old’s leg while he screamed in perfect unison with my three-month-old wasn’t exactly how I’d envisioned the startContinueContinue reading “Slippery Thighs & Sunday Lies”

How to Stop Toddler Tantrums: a foolproof guide that always works some of the time

If you’ve never been on the receiving end of a toddler tantrum, imagine that a small drunken person is screaming at you about illogical things like the injustice of having to drink out of a blue cup instead of a red one, or having to wear clothes when leaving the house or not being allowedContinueContinue reading “How to Stop Toddler Tantrums: a foolproof guide that always works some of the time”