Christmas seems to fly by faster and faster, and this year, I'm putting my foot down. I called the Farmer's Almanac and insisted they add days to the month of December, and they were all, "Lady, that's not what we do." Whatever. Since I can't extend the season, I will make the most of every single ... » Learn More about Countdown to Christmas: 25 Fun Ways to Ring in the Season
DIY
Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
It was about 2am, and I was in the middle of one of those dreams so vivid you swear it's real life. Surround sound, bright colors, and voices so clear and articulate you wake up looking for the people who were just in your brain. The best part of that kind of dreaming is suspending reality for a ... » Learn More about Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
Here We Go Again!
I earned my superhero cape when I became a mom. So did you. Anything that requires so little sleep and so much wiping of another's stinky butt with a smile automatically drapes a gal in silky Super Girlness. If Motherhood gives us the cape, Listen To Your Mother gives us the powers. Bringing ... » Learn More about Here We Go Again!
Don’t Monday Morning Quarterback Me
There are days that feel like the big game is resting squarely on my sore shoulders. I'm the quarterback, the clock is running out, and gigantic dudes who get paid to lay me out are snarling threats inches from my face. Yet the job requires a cool head and clear thought ... » Learn More about Don’t Monday Morning Quarterback Me
Nuggets of Parenting Wisdom That Make Me Look Like I Know What I’m Doing
Brevity is not my strong suit. As I mentally search for the ONE WORD that means everything I've been trying to say for the past ten minutes, I end up blabbering my way to the point. It's usually then that my husband sweeps in, sums up my ramblings with beautiful succinctness, and ... » Learn More about Nuggets of Parenting Wisdom That Make Me Look Like I Know What I’m Doing
It’s Your Birthday, Husband!
Dear husband, I wrote this for your 36th birthday, was too lazy to write something new, but wanted the world to re-read the 36 reasons you're a rock star. I love us. In no particular order, I give you: 1. You don't get mad when I forget to refill the dog food bin and you have ... » Learn More about It’s Your Birthday, Husband!
Keep Your Car Clean…Even With the Kids Inside!
I don't know about you, but my husband and I sincerely underestimated our kids' potential for creating messes. No one told us sweet peas double as face paint, or that a small mound of dirt, when mixed with mere drips from a sippy cup, could mix up a spa-like mud bath for two-year-old. In short: kids ... » Learn More about Keep Your Car Clean…Even With the Kids Inside!
I’m Grateful, Not Sorry
I used to be one. A chronic apologizer. I hadn’t noticed how often I uttered the words I'm sorry until a friend called me on it: “Why do you always say you’re sorry?! Haven't the women who came before us apologized enough?” Huh. So I stopped. And you know what I realized? My “I’m sorry’s” were ... » Learn More about I’m Grateful, Not Sorry
If You’re Gonna Spew, Spew Into This…
There are few things worse than vomit remnants stuck precariously in carseat crevices. I once used dozens of Q-tips to thoroughly clean the various nooks and crannies of my son's 5-point harness seat after he, the Olive Garden, and a long drive home came to blows. Are you sufficiently grossed ... » Learn More about If You’re Gonna Spew, Spew Into This…
Five Years Ago
Thirty-three years ago, I was the first grandchild, the favorite. You actually called me Number One which made me wonder if you were just trying to remember the birth order of your grandkids or if I was, truly, Number One. I think we both know the answer. *wink wink* Seventeen years ago, I got ... » Learn More about Five Years Ago