I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, with one dear brother and two amazing parents. Jackie and Jimmy were a team, a duo, a pair, and what made them so outstanding was not anything tangible. Yet, their lives were lived with such authenticity and integrity, that my now grown children aspire to be like them. I have one daughter and three sons, and if you know me, you know them. The first act of my life was motherhood, and regardless of how many acts that have or will follow, the first one will always be my favorite.

My parents are now gone and my children are now grown, and I learned a lot from them all. I have other interests, but children and family remain my love and what I gained from many years with my parents and children has shaped my career path. I love writing and have been fortunate enough to have my work published in Style Weekly. I’m also a Certified Parent Coach in the John Rosemond Leadership Parenting Institute and a speaker on family and childrearing, but mostly I am a mom who just wants other moms and dads to be encouraged in their roles.

My oldest son asked me recently what PaPa (my dad) would have thought of blogging and Twitter and the like. I laughed and told him that he would have shaken his head and gone outside to cut the grass. I must admit that I am not much different. I am not technically savvy, nor do I really aspire to be. But with a little IT help from my kids, I am on Twitter and Facebook and I write this blog, and it is my sincere hope that Our Childish Ways sparks a conversation in your home or brings a smile to your face. Either way, thank you so much for reading.

Profile photographed by the talented Will Renton.