For the last few years, I’ve run the local Deckers Creek Half Marathon in my hometown. It’s been a good way to get in shape and enjoy the trails in early spring. This year I was not planning on training because of health issues. When the Boston marathon was bombed, it hit very close to home. I know the euphoria you have when crossing a finish line. Runners often train for months to mentally and physically prepare for the long... Read more
As we were cleaning out the car trunk last night we discovered that, if need be, we could potentially live out of our car for few days. There’s a lot in there! We thought it would be interesting and funny to know what mom’s store in their home away from home. So we asked our readers: What’s in your car trunk? —- My minivan trunk is like a mini department store. We have 2 bike helmets, 2 scooters, 2 basketballs,... Read more
“Baba, I didn’t do anything!” Yeah right. Every teen’s famous last words. Though my 14-year-old’s occasional hormonal / behavioral fireworks often lead me to think he is the cause of all evil in our household, yesterday I learned that’s simply not true. As his father, I realize I need to get off his case more often. Back up to yesterday evening. He and I are sitting at the computer desk checking the NBA schedule and chatting. He got his fill... Read more
There are some moments when I feel like I’ve got this whole ‘motherhood’ thing down. I’m whipping up fabulous meals to ravenous children. Potty training is a snap. I’m disciplining like a rock star. I’m rocking, I’m strolling. I’m the best mom, ever! I’m so awesome, it literally hurts. And stings. Huh? And I turn over in bed to realize that there is a three-year-old ninja kicking me in the face. Where is my husband? Correctly assuming that a king... Read more
The first time I visited Masjid Al Haram, or the Grand Mosque as it is also known, in Mecca, was two years back on a Hajj trip. I was 30 years old. There was an immediate connection and sense of belonging I felt. I left there wanting my kids to experience the same feelings and connection and made du’a to be able to bring them there soon. I wanted my children to be able to go at their young and... Read more
I clench my fists and grind my teeth, but I can tell already that I won’t be able to hold in the onslaught of anger. I’m tired, so tired of refereeing games and wrestling matches; the he took my, she hid my, he hit me, she ate my…. constant bludgeoning of my senses. Sometimes I can’t tell whether the wailing screech I hear is one of pained anguish, or hysterical laughter. The noise level beats me to my knees, and... Read more
The doorbell rings. “Baba’s home!”, scream the children, as they climb all over him. Even though he just spent the last hour commuting, after a long workday, he manages to conjure up the energy to laugh and smile, plant some kisses, do a few tosses in the air, read a book, much to their delight. We tackle bedtime together, and a little while later, we sit down to enjoy some hot chocolate and hang out. That’s how evenings should go, but... Read more
GrowBaba spotlights provide a space for Muslim fathers to share their voice, reflections, and insights with our community. “Good-bye guys, I should be back around 10 pm.” Not unfamiliar words to parents of an 18 year old. This time he’s off for some solo evening fishing. You see on this particular day, the Islamic holiday Eid, we offered each of our three kids their choice of how to spend the evening since the first half of the day was spent... Read more
1. Dreading your spring cleaning? These tips will put some pep back in your step. 2. One one the best weight loss articles we’ve have read in a long time! Why? Because it actually makes sense and is easy to follow. Read it here. 3. Read here to see how one Muslim has chosen to approach parenting with an Islamic twist. 4. Spring is here and is time to get those little hands dirty. Here is a great blog on... Read more
As my ten-year wedding anniversary approaches, I’m thinking about how far my husband and I have come from those early, awkward newlywed days. One thing I’m sure my husband is glad to see behind us is my ineptitude in the kitchen. We married when we were both still undergraduates. I had been living on my own for a few years by then and my diet at the time consisted of popcorn and spaghetti with meat sauce, an easy, cheap meal... Read more
Grow Mama Grow
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In