Liz Johnson
Liz is mom to second grader Jonah, preschooler Gwendolyn, and toddler Theo. She and Troy married and bought a Beaverdale home in 2010. A teacher on maternal hiatus, Liz prefers reading to housekeeping and uses West Wing reruns to settle her mind. She believes any problem can be solved with fiction but loves to explore her reality in Des Moines.
Why I See a Mental Health Professional
I regularly see a mental health professional.
And I love it.
I started about three weeks after our daughter was born. She was our second so I was confident we had all the parenting bases covered.
Then...
Our Love Story: Before We Were Parents
I love relationship origin stories, but ours tops them all. Because it’s ours. Because it reminds me of how we got to where we are. Of who we were before the 10 years of...
Holiday Conversation Topics to Avoid
Does anyone else struggle to find appropriate holiday conversation topics?
The table is set and all of your loved ones gather round. You haven’t seen many of these friends and family members since this...
Birthday Parties Stress Me Out
We just hosted our third baby’s first birthday party. It was everything a birthday party should be, with doting grandparents, enthusiastic cousins, and plenty of sugar. There was a theme, corresponding decor, food, and...
Do You Take Your Kids to Church?
“I’m ready!”
The 6-year-old triumphantly displays his stained athletic shorts, a left and right shoe from different pairs, laughable bedhead, and a syrup-streaked face.
The 3-year-old stands next to him in an outgrown dress that barely...
Summer Mom Cycle: How June Mom fades into August Mom
Summer is a wonderful season. As a summer mom, it’s a chance to forget routines, slow down schedules, and embrace the possibilities.
Until it’s not.
As the golden hue of June shimmers into July’s humid haze...
The Family Road Trip’s Toughest Job: The Passenger Seat
There is a place, found on interstates everywhere in the summer months, sure to test the patience of saints and the grace of angels.
It’s the front passenger seat of the vacationing family’s car....
The Art of Arguing as Parents
My husband and I recently celebrated nine years of marriage. Our anniversary is always a good time to reflect on the many ways our marriage has evolved. This is especially true in the past...
“Because I Said So” and Other Reasons Why
Somewhere in my parenting journey, I came across the idea that when using the word “No” with children, no matter what age, I should always follow it with my reasons why. This would turn...
Solo Parenting: When Dad Travels
Solo parenting is not for the faint of heart. The first time I was home alone with our three children - then aged two months, two, and five - for three days this winter,...