Some call him an old soul because of his wise eyes and affinity for classic rock. Others, namely Grandparents, call him "brilliant, advanced, perfect." His sisters just call him silly. My 6-year-old is definitely something special (says every mom ever), and while I agree with some of the above ... » Learn More about I Think My Kindergartener Was a Stoner in a Former Life
DIY
I Wanna Feel Done
July 2014 marked 8 years of wedded bliss for me and the husband. Every July 29, I force him to pose for The Anniversary Picture that proves we still like each other: In years past, we've held a sign that reads how many years we've been married (thank you, Pinterest), but 2014 worked ... » Learn More about I Wanna Feel Done
10 Signs That My Frat Party Days Are Over
Winter is long--so long--'round these parts, and as kids do, parents tend to come down with a case of cabin fever, too. In an effort to combat the elements and serve Mother Nature the junk punch she deserves, a bunch of us 30-somethings intent on reliving our glory days took to a friend's house to ... » Learn More about 10 Signs That My Frat Party Days Are Over
Don’t Let Your Kid Become An Arrogant A-hole
I like to break a mental sweat every now and then (--White Goodman, Dodgeball), so when I read that my gal Stephanie Sprenger over at Mommy, For Real, along with Jessica of School of Smock, Sarah of Left Brain Buddha, Deb of Urban Moo Cow, and Lauren of Omnimom were doing this Around the World in ... » Learn More about Don’t Let Your Kid Become An Arrogant A-hole
Thinking About Teaching Online? Read This First!
When I started talking about the decision to leave the traditional classroom and teach online, so many ears perked up, and the questions came pouring in. That makes me think: There are more people like me who want to work in their sweatpants, and to that I say AMEN. Are we finally figuring out ... » Learn More about Thinking About Teaching Online? Read This First!
Spring Is In the Air! And I Hate It.
Before you throw me beneath that mountain of snow you've repeatedly been shoveling from your walk to your yard, hear me out. With spring comes baseball season, and while I love me some baseball, and look forward to following our beloved Pittsburgh Pirates with the crazy obsessed baseball fans I call ... » Learn More about Spring Is In the Air! And I Hate It.
We’re a Cartoon!
Since they could speak, I've been keeping track of the funny things that come spilling out of my kids' mouths. Whether it's on my Facebook page or here on the blog, I've done my best to document the hilarity. When writer and cartoonist Adrienne Hedger reached out and asked to turn my Conversations ... » Learn More about We’re a Cartoon!
Pittsburgh’s Inaugural Listen To Your Mother Cast!
Most of the writers I know pour over their words like a surgeon about to open up a heart; our writing means that much to us. Which is why it's not always easy to press publish or, scarier yet, share our word babies with three strange ladies who are staring at you, probably swiping at the tears ... » Learn More about Pittsburgh’s Inaugural Listen To Your Mother Cast!
Helpful Tips to Live on Less
When I traded my traditional classroom for a virtual one, I was soooo excited! I was trendy--for the first time in my life--working from home! Oh, I was also excited to be home with the kids. Blah blah... Mostly, though, I was all what's up hipsters on your laptops at Starbucks?! Except that ... » Learn More about Helpful Tips to Live on Less
Catholics, Let’s Be Bucket Fillers
You may remember I had some beef with my priest a while back. Beef is putting it mildly. Shortly after that episode, I wanted to go to a different church, which was sad because that's the church we had been married in, had our children baptized in, and generally felt welcome in. But I tend to hold ... » Learn More about Catholics, Let’s Be Bucket Fillers