Natalie and I were inseparable. As 9-year-olds do, we shared secrets, sleepovers, and sesame seed sized insects in our hair. You know, LICE. I was there on that hot July afternoon when Natalie's mom discovered lice in her daughter's shoulder length strawberry blonde hair. A quick look at my ... » Learn More about Itchy Itchy, Scratchy Scratchy
DIY
To the woman who refused to pierce my daughter’s ears
Over a month of pleading and well-timed compliments of my "sparkly ear jewelry," and our four-year-old daughter had sent a clear message: she wanted her ears pierced. I mused about it on Facebook, hoping for tips and reputable places, though the surprising backlash by some gave me pause...and ... » Learn More about To the woman who refused to pierce my daughter’s ears
A Lesson in Gender Fluidity or Tolerance?
When I began my teaching career, I had the benefit of working alongside one of the most brilliant, forward-thinking minds to ever grace a classroom. My mentor and pal, Beth, lives to challenge her students to think, and from her passion transpired an opportunity to move them beyond reading and ... » Learn More about A Lesson in Gender Fluidity or Tolerance?
Daddy Eye Candy
Before I was betrothed to Zach, I used to look for a certain "something" in potential suitors: a nice smile, kind eyes, and I've always loved a man in a watch. What? It's my fantasy, lay off. If you had told me 10 years ago that a man rocking a wedding band, totting two kids down the cereal ... » Learn More about Daddy Eye Candy
To Thine Own Self Be Shoe.
While chasing our toddlers from the onslaught of crashing waves, my husband casually remarked how footprints in the sand are here one minute and gone the next, erased forever by the gritty salt water. He wondered, naturally, if any of his footprints would stand the test of time. His musings had ... » Learn More about To Thine Own Self Be Shoe.
Reading Saves Lives
I've been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. I would pretend I could read long before I knew how to string letters together to create those magical words. One of my parents' favorite pictures is of a potty-training me sitting atop my plastic throne perusing a book I clutched upside down ... » Learn More about Reading Saves Lives
You Stink. Let Me Help! (A friendly giveaway)
Back to School is here, yo! Where did summer go? I think I rhyme when I'm nervous. It's no secret my main man is starting Kindergarten this fall, and I may be spiking my coffee with Kahlua for a little liquid courage to keep it together while waving at the departing bus. With our ... » Learn More about You Stink. Let Me Help! (A friendly giveaway)
Kiss and Go
At my son's Kindergarten orientation, the principal put a name to the thing I've reluctantly been doing for the past three years: in order for my kid to be successful in independent endeavors, I've had no choice but to kiss and go. I don't like the quick embrace and the quicker release; I would love ... » Learn More about Kiss and Go
When Your Kid Drops An F-Bomb
He danced in the fresh air, arms stretched upward to the spring sunshine, elated to be outdoors with his favorite person: me. My four-year-old relished our one-on-one time; when his younger sister napped, he got Mom all to himself. And on this day, he requested we head outside for a game of ... » Learn More about When Your Kid Drops An F-Bomb
Get Your Read On! FOR FREE!
Hey, want a bunch of new books on someone else's dime? Free stuff! Now I've got your attention, huh? I've teamed up with a bunch of my blogging buddies and asked the question: what book would you recommend for a last-blast at summer reading? What book would you love to share with others? Every ... » Learn More about Get Your Read On! FOR FREE!