By Veronica She is an old woman, tiny and bent, with white hair and enormous glasses. Her name is Betty. She is the dragon of the Fellowship Hour. Every Sunday our church has a feast of potluck snacks after the worship service. We crowd into the Fellowship Hall and stand in line for our chance…
Author Archives: Veronica
When life hands you hockey pucks, pour gravy on them.
By Veronica Last week I tried to make bread. I used to bake my own bread quite often. I enjoyed the feeling of secret competence that came with kneading the dough: pressing the heel of my hand deeply into it, folding it over, pressing again, pounding out whatever frustrations I had. It was cathartic. I…
One Mother’s Letter to Santa
By Veronica Dear Santa, I know I’m not supposed to complain. This whole gift-giving thing is great, really. It teaches my children generosity and gratitude, it’s magical, spirit of Christmas, blah, blah, blah. I get it. I really do. But could I just have a moment to discuss a gift that is becoming a problem?…
The Trouble with Magnet Schools
By Veronica Today I will be standing in line with hundreds of other people in the cold, cold weather for at least two hours, but possibly five. It’s not for a concert or a Broadway show or the latest high tech gadget. We will be standing in line because we hope to get our children…
He Stays
By Veronica Last night at dinner my four-year-old began quizzing me about our family tree. This has been a theme for her lately. She chooses a random relative and asks questions about him or her. This time she piped up with “Mama, who was your daddy’s grandpa?” That was not an easy question to answer….
Not Yet Bigger Than a Breadbox
By Veronica At the baby’s check-up this week, the doctor and I were both surprised to find she was growing quite well. She is in the 81st percentile for weight, a definite first for this family of skinny babies. I could not be more pleased. I congratulated my breasts on all their hard work. In…
Feeling Clannish
By Veronica I sat in church, my four-year-old in my lap. She has a hard time sitting still, but today she was rapt, focused on the processional that wove its way through the church. Families carried plaid flags around the sanctuary before planting them into a stand on the dais. A Caledonian band marched behind…
Full to Brimming
By Veronica I took all four kids to the grocery store the other day. I realize that for many of you, such an event is business as usual. You always shop with your kids. Maybe you even have an organized system that works. I am not you. I avoid taking my children to the grocery…
Things I Have Done One-Handed Since Having a Baby
By Veronica My youngest daughter is now five weeks old and, like all babies, she wants to be held all the time. You know how it is. So I am rediscovering the skill of doing things one-handed. Deboned a chicken. Mashed potatoes. Swept the floor. Typed this post. Loaded the washing machine. And the dishwasher….
My Mother and the Cake Mix
By Veronica My mother came to visit me for the birth of my daughter, turning my home upside down for a week and then happily flying away. When my mother visits, several things are certain. First, our butter will be soft, and rather than slicing a pat from the end, she will scrape her knife…