There's been so much togetherness (and zero me-time) here at my house! With three young kids, a dog who doesn't believe in personal space, and a husband whose love language is alwaysthisclose, it has been...wonderful! via GIPHY The untold hours of quality time are a gift and I'm grateful to ... » Learn More about Scenes from Solitude…Take 87
DIY
COVID’s Social Experiment
The COVID-19 pandemic is this generation's JFK assassination or 9/11. Our children will look back on these days and always remember where they were when this global crisis hit. At home. Like the rest of us. The coronavirus quarantine is also a fantastic social experiment. I've enjoyed watching ... » Learn More about COVID’s Social Experiment
Bunker Reports: Day 9. I Think.
Well. That took a turn. Before my otherwise sunny disposition was replaced with panic and claustrophobia, we sailed through our first quarantined weekend, sprinkling kindness by writing chalk messages on neighbors' driveways and sidewalks. It was a lovely little project...until it rained. With ... » Learn More about Bunker Reports: Day 9. I Think.
So You’re Moving to Distance Learning, Eh? I’d Love to Help!
I believe it was Mister Rogers' mother who advised we should look for the helpers in the midst of tough times. With current, devastating hits to the economy, education, small businesses, and our sewage systems (stop flushing your Clorox wipes, dummies), I certainly consider these times ... » Learn More about So You’re Moving to Distance Learning, Eh? I’d Love to Help!
Bunker Reports: Day 1 is in the Books!
Bunker Reports: Day 1 of COVID-19 Quarantine On Friday, March 13th (I see you, Universe), we learned schools would close across the state of Pennsylvania for the next two weeks as to control the spread of COVID-19. This means all three children and #HusbandWTF will be roaming around here as I ... » Learn More about Bunker Reports: Day 1 is in the Books!
Sergeant Stephanie Reporting for Duty…with a Smile
I'd like to please share my most recent existential (possibly PMS-related) crisis with you. Recently, I had a thought I'm willing to bet most mothers have had: all I do is nag. If it weren't for us, who would say: finish your homework make good choices eat your vegetables use the hamper ... » Learn More about Sergeant Stephanie Reporting for Duty…with a Smile
They Took My Uterus & I Feel Great!
This is the third and final post about the ongoing feud with my uterus. If you've struggled with heavy periods, horrible cramps, ablation-related issues, or the finality of a hysterectomy, read on. If you want to catch up, read these first: Part I: When You Get Your First Period at Sea World with ... » Learn More about They Took My Uterus & I Feel Great!
Dump Out
When you're the rock, it can feel like you don't matter. Your feelings, your day, your circumstance don't matter. Because they're not the worst, they're insignificant. If you express frustration, don't smile, or expect others to do the things they're capable of doing, you're unkind. When ... » Learn More about Dump Out
Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
I should be walking my dog right now. She's sitting at my feet, imploring me with those sweet brown eyes to get up! let's go! grab that leash! But I'm avoiding eye contact with her because I've got something on my mind and I can't grab that leash until I get it out of my brain, which means I've ... » Learn More about Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
I’m Sorry…You Did WHAT?!
When my now 10-year-old son was in preschool, #HusbandWTF and I had many a debate regarding when the child would start kindergarten. As a late July birthday boy, I was on team Red-shirt, but my husband wasn't so sure. So I did what any sane mama does and interviewed every parent and educator within ... » Learn More about I’m Sorry…You Did WHAT?!