I love reading the blogs of families who have answered the call to a radical lifestyle of service.  In part, I think that it is a reminder of what I aspire to . . . and in part because I like to live vicariously through the people who have made such decisions because, in truth, it scares the crap out of me.  I read the writings of women like Tara, Jamie, and Heather with equal parts conviction, inspiration, and fear. My friend Sarah now joins their ranks, having moved her family of . . .

I am in Nashville, getting my bliss on at Blissdom.  The kids are hanging with dad, learning important skills like how to rid yourself of a brain freeze.  I think these pictures adequately describe each of their personalities. I miss them. But man, I’m having fun. . . .

I am headed to a blog conference this weekend.  It’s called Blissdom, and by all accounts from the folks who have been before, it sounds like it lives up to the name.  I will be attending for ShePosts so it is somewhat of a working weekend, but I’m also really excited to get to hang out with some of my “blogging tribe”.  Holla! (I feel equally awkward using the terms “blogging tribe” and “holla”). I really do love getting to travel every few months.  I love my kids so much . . .

It is so hard to believe that one year ago, Kembe joined our family.   Tonight I am reminded of the hours I spent on the computer one year ago, wondering every day when Kembe would be able to leave Haiti and come home.  It is good to look back and reflect on the relief and joy we felt at his homecoming, but also to acknowledge how difficult that transition was for Kembe.  For all of us. This year has been the most challenging year our family has ever faced.  And . . .

This week in my advice column, I’m tackling how to talk to children about race.  I mentioned last week that we haven’t broached the subject of systemic racism with our kids yet.  However, we are very open in terms of talking about racial difference and prejudice, and I think it is a beneficial conversation for all parents to have with their children. I used to like the idea that kids are colorblind. I love the vision of American being this great melting pot where kids of every race . . .

I am going to be on The Today Show on Friday, spewing my violent rhetoric against the minivan.  While I’m driving one. On Tuesday, a crew came out to my house t o film a short segment.  They put cameras all over my car – three on the dashboard, a couple filming the kids, and even cameras the sides and top of the car.  The boys were sure they were spy cameras.  I am concerned they may actually be double chin cameras, but we shall see. Here I am trying to look natural and . . .

Last week, my column for the OC Register talked about boys dressing up as girls.  I actually got more questions about this topic than any other subject, and the feedback was interesting, too.  Some people couldn’t believe it was even a concern in this day and age.  Others couldn’t believe that I was suggesting it be allowed.  People certainly have strong feelings, one way or the other.  (In case you don’t link over to the article, I will give you a clue as to my own take . . .

I believe that open adoption can be very beneficial to children.  Unfortunately for Kembe, his birthparents are both deceased, so we have no connection to his birth family.  But we are so blessed to be in contact with all of the families that adopted the boys from his orphanage.  Kembe was there his whole life until he came to us . . . and these boys were his family.   We came to know all of them over the three years as we visited.  They were a little “band of . . .