family – Page 5 – Jody Sparks Mugele

There’s More Than Corn in Indiana

Transitions can be unpredictable. But the process is kind of predictable, I guess. It’s like the sadness needs to come out of me in order to make way for the new fun stuff, and the WTF stuff of moving into a new house. Let’s take it in fives. Sadness: I cried five times while moving.Continue reading “There’s More Than Corn in Indiana”

Self-Deprecating Sunday (24)

In which the YA author showcases the great and awkward of being a teenager. We just took the kids to their first professional baseball game last night. The Tigers played the Oakland A’s. I’d gone to an A’s game when we lived in California. I’ve seen a Cubs game, too, but that’s the extent ofContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (24)”

Fare Thee Well

I took down my pictures of my girls at my work station. I’ve had the same photos going from office to office with me for years. I LOVE these photos of the girls because they PERFECTLY reflect their individual attitudes about life. Here’s Eleanor, Age 4 Here’s Maggie Pie, Age not-quite 2 Here’s Magnolia nowContinue reading “Fare Thee Well”

The Wanted Section

So then, just like that (*snaps*), I get a job. Of course I just blogged about the difficulty of the thing. It’s like looking for the TV remote control for five minutes and then as soon as you ask if anyone’s seen it, you’re staring at it. I am 100% excited about this new pathContinue reading “The Wanted Section”

What Proud Looks Like

Thank You, Karina Mugele, for the AMAZING photos! (If you’re viewing from a reader you may need to click through for the short slide-show.)

The House is Hungover

I always put my jammies in a certain corner of the bathroom floor. I have my coffee upstairs in the morning while I blog. Josh’s feet hang off the end of the bed, which barely fits in our bedroom, so I’ve gotten in the habit of pinching his toes as I walk around the corner.Continue reading “The House is Hungover”

Goodbye to Our Place

Dear West End Grill, Of all the places in Ann Arbor that I’ve been to over the last six years, I’ll miss you the most. I think every time Josh shared a meal here together, we fell in love a little more. From birthdays and anniversaries to the once in a lifetime moments like MedContinue reading “Goodbye to Our Place”

I Got A Wombat For Mother’s Day

Magnolia made it for me. I think it’s pretty awesome! Also I got a letter in her best cursive (why are they still teaching cursive?). It highlighted how she liked the time Josh and I threw a surprise party for her and Ella for no reason at all. It’s weird; I’d forgotten about that. ButContinue reading “I Got A Wombat For Mother’s Day”

The Goodbyes Begin

The moving date is set. June 4th. Of course, if I get a job soon, then I’ll move down ahead of the rest of the family. But having an official date makes me nostalgic. Two Sundays ago I said goodbye to my Ann Arbor critique group. We’ve been working together for I want to sayContinue reading “The Goodbyes Begin”

Mystery Reader

Sometimes the kids play on my computer and I end up finding photos that they took of themselves. This is one Magnolia took about two years ago. She is the sunshine in the family, so it was lovely to find it on the computer. I had a chance to read to her class this pastContinue reading “Mystery Reader”