Blog, Journalism, Parenting, Reflecting, Teaching, Writing

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2009

Over the past six months, I’ve produced some heartfelt writing and some shabby fill-ins as my blog evolved. During this time, I’ve realized that what I thought was a great post (or a fun one to write) may not have interested or inspired anyone else. Today’s post is dedicated to what my readers have deemed as the top blog posts of 2009. The results are based on my blog stats and the number of page views – not necessarily scientific but definitely an indication of what you, as my readers, chose to read. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Parenting, Reflecting

Mom, Mommy, Mum, Ma

A few days ago, I watched an episode of Family Guy and laughed so hard at the scene where Stewie consistently calls for his mom. “Lois, Mom, Mommy, Mum, Ma …” and repeat (video clip). Most parents can relate. We are in demand at all times and the beckoning sounds like a broken record. Kids are impatient, time consuming and even annoying with their demands. Some evenings, I swear I’ll scream if I hear the word “mom” one more time. But, the reality is that I am “mom” and it’s a term of endearment that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Parenting, Reflecting

Missing Mommy

There’s something both rewarding and heart wrenching about missing someone. If you’re missed, it makes you feel valued and appreciated. If you’re missing someone else, it helps you to appreciate and value that person even more. After five days away from my family last week, I’ve come to realize that missing mommy is healthy and painful at the same time. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Parenting, Reflecting

Sweet Dreams

Dreams have always fascinated me to the point that it irritates me when I can’t recall the details of my dreamy sagas. There are times when I wake up agitated knowing that something in my dreams sparked the feeling. There are times when I wake up at peace knowing that something or someone inspired me while I slept. Dreams are mysterious, though, and as much as it bothers me to not know, it’s probably best that I don’t. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Parenting, Reflecting

Just Say No

It’s no secret that I am a chronic “yes” girl. I can’t say no even when I am buried with projects, work, and family life. Another committee? Sure. Come in on my day off? Why not? Need parent volunteers? I’m your girl. There are times when I just want to say no, when I want to put the grading pen down, and when I just want to turn off my cell phone for the evening. I didn’t think I could until last night. read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Parenting, Reflecting

Smiles, Tears, and Dirty Terry

As a parent, you will do just about anything to see your child smile. We sit through endless hours of dance lessons, cub scout meetings, soccer practices, and choir concerts. We pick out kid-friendly meals, buy over-priced Hollister shirts, and drive our kids to and from friends’ houses every weekend. It’s a small price to pay for the smiles that light up our kids’ faces. I always said that I would draw the line with pets, specifically reptiles. But, I’m a sucker for smiles and so I caved – resulting in Dirty Terry. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Parenting, Reflecting

Parenting Hurts So Good

I always underestimated the challenges of parenting. I thought that the moans and groans of parents were highly exaggerated. The baby sleeps, eats, poops – end of story, right? Wrong. The baby grows up, gains independence and strength, and ultimately begins to talk, socialize, and test boundaries. Parenting is hard and even more so, parenting hurts. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Parenting, Reflecting

My Dog is a Tween

We all go through defiant phases in our lives – the terrible twos, the child/adolescent tween years, the roll-your-eyes-at-everything teen stage, and then adulthood, the stage with more categories I can name in one blog post. This week, I’ve realized that dogs go through many of these same phases and I’ve determined that my dog is officially a tween. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Reflecting

Count Me Absent for My Heart’s Sake

I’ve always hated the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” I thought that it was a manipulative, cowardly way to basically say “I need time away from you or I’m going to strangle you.” But as I get older (and hopefully wiser), I have begun to realize that the cliché may have some merit. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Reflecting, Teaching

Big Wheel Keep on Turnin’

As young children, we often live in the shadows of our siblings. We tend to tag along with the older ones, mimicking their likes and dislikes. We dote on the younger ones, trying to play mom while tending to their wants and needs. As the middle child, clearly suffering from middle child syndrome, I always felt part of the gang but clearly suffered from an identity crisis. I was Dana’s younger sister. I was Molly’s older sister. I was the middle one, the only one without red hair. In reality, though, I just wanted to be Shannon. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com