Tangled Thoughts

Lessons from a Broom

Christina

February 5, 2026

A few weeks ago we stumbled upon a kids sized broom and mop set at the second hand store. The item instantly became a “need” to a certain two year old, and since I really had no reason to say no (I mean, I had PLENTY of reasons just none that were justifiable), we are now the proud owners of a mini broom and mop set. These things normally run around $40 and since it was only $4, I decided to say yes for once, with the strict instructions that if the broom or mop hit anyone, they would be returned to the store.

Actual photo of said broom the day it came to live with us, joining us for a birthday lunch outing.
AKA: Broom in the wild.

My Dear Hans – Year One

Christina

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January 24, 2026

My Dear Hans,

Everyone talks about how special the first-born child is, yet there isn’t a whole lot on how special the second one is. I get it, the newness of a first-born is pretty special. When we left the hospital with your brother, we were terrified. We half joked that the nurses really should be coming with us. But with you? We were ready to get home. Not because we had any idea what we were doing, but because we knew that somehow, we’d be ok. We were ready to jump in and learn. Sure, we were still terrified, but somehow just a little more certain in our terror.

Happy Fall!

Christina

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October 31, 2025

The other week I drug all my boys through the pumpkin patch then out to a corn field with a “Pinterest perfect moment” in mind. It only took the promise of a sucker and feeding the cows to get the oldest one to cooperate (after a chat with daddy behind some bushes). The sun certainly wasn’t in my favor and my camera is almost twenty years old (!!) but I don’t think we did too bad! Sorry boys, it won’t be the last time I drag you out to get pictures!

Happy Met You Day

Christina

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June 20, 2025

Six years ago I did something way out of my character and something that everyone tells you not to do. To be fair, I never intended to do it and never would have even dreamed I would have done it, but six years ago, there I was. Doing the very thing: Meeting an internet stranger.

Let me back up.

My Dear Elias (Year 2),

Christina

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March 10, 2025

My little buddy,

This is certainly not how I had expected to ring in your new year. I had a whole day planned for us; balloons on your bedroom floor, waffles for breakfast, your friends were going to be back for the first time in over a month! We’d make cupcakes and of course have chili, your favorite, for supper. I wanted to take a selfie with you as your last night of being one and another in the morning -your first day of being two!!

But little brother got admitted to the hospital and you are spending the night (and next few days) with TT while I am at the hospital with brother. You are living your best life, getting showered with mouse presents and all the TV a little boy could dream of. You won’t be disappointed, because well, you don’t know to expect anything else. After all, you are only two. You are well cared for, spoiled even, and living the life. It’s mama’s heart that is having the hard time tonight.