My name is MJ Wieland and I welcome you to turnitupmom. Two years ago, I turned in my gradebook, closed a chapter in my life entitled English teacher (at least for now), and embraced the most admirable teaching job on earth, that of a mom. After surviving the first few months of motherhood, I acknowledged my itch to write; I have always wanted to be a “real” writer, in print, on a newsstand.
In March 2009, I entered the blogosphere, somewhat embarrassed. I didn’t want to be another one of those “mom bloggers.” But you know, I’m not. I’m me, the mom who believes in the importance of getting your groove on with the kids despite heaps of laundry and dirty dishes.
As a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, (and recovering perfectionist), I am passionate about being fully present to the people who matter most in my life, including myself. I’d like to think that I have a mindful, back-to-basics approach to parenting. Go outside to play. Make forts from cardboard boxes. Turn up the music and dance.
While this blog contains resources and tips for the practical side of parenting, it is primarily a compilation of thoughts, dreams, wonderings, and lessons learned as I fumble my way through motherhood.
I am passionate about writing as a means to connect us and to celebrate our humanness. Here, I hope to say something that makes you linger, laugh, contemplate, and question, that resonates or inspires and, of course, keeps you coming back for more.
I invite you to turn up the music and journey with me. I don’t know where this will lead, but it’s a start.
And one more thing. A special thanks to my younger sister Mir, my Editor-in-Chief, for inspiring me to dream big.
