Middle school was rough for me. Between break-outs and boys and the exhilarating yet terrifying release out from under the protective wing of elementary school, it was quite the transition period. Topping my Seventh Grade List o' Worries? A black kid liked me and while I didn't think anything of it, ... » Learn More about The Sister God Forgot to Give Me
DIY
A Day in the Life of a Work At Home Mom
Since I’m rarely seen leaving my house, people often ask what it is I do all day. You see, I suffer from the Throwback to the 1950s Syndrome where my contributions are constantly called into question because, like my maternal predecessors, I hold down the fort (and the toilet seat) behind closed ... » Learn More about A Day in the Life of a Work At Home Mom
Oversharing: Ikea, Disposables, and Vaginas: Motherhood is Not for Wusses
Happy Oversharing Day, you crazy kids! Today's glutton for punishment is Ms. Shannon Lell. If the name sounds familiar it's because Shannon is kind of a big deal over at Mamapedia, at least that's what I tell people when she willingly publishes my stuff. Right then, on to her story. I used to ... » Learn More about Oversharing: Ikea, Disposables, and Vaginas: Motherhood is Not for Wusses
The Best of Both Worlds
My career as a high school English teacher began long before I attended college; I vividly remember lining up my stuffed animals (and my little brother) along the wall of my bedroom, instructing them on the finer points of writing. Courtesy of my little chalkboard and fancy colored chalk, I talked ... » Learn More about The Best of Both Worlds
“Mommy, I Can Help!”
I don't know what it is about my toddler, but she loves to help, as long as helping is making a bigger mess and extending a ten minute task to a full half hour. But if the satisfied smile on her chubby little face isn't worth it, then I'm not addicted to chocolate and sarcasm. And I am both. ... » Learn More about “Mommy, I Can Help!”
Asking Saves Kids
I used to play at a friend's house where her father's gun cabinet was the first thing we saw when we ran downstairs to her game room. Long rifles with thick straps were right there, at the base of the steps, staring at us. I remember feeling intimidated because my parents didn't own guns, ... » Learn More about Asking Saves Kids
Inside the Blogger’s Studio
That's where I am today--inside the studio. If studio means a living room strewn with crayons and Connect Four pieces, that is. The lovely Danielle of Martinis and Minivans invited me; little did she know I would bring such a friggin' mess. She doesn't seem to mind the incessant whining of my 2.5 ... » Learn More about Inside the Blogger’s Studio
17 Has Turned 35
This here is a sponsored post, but I am in love with the product and you could win a free somethin' somethin'. We all win. My handsome husband recently turned 35. I also celebrated the 12th anniversary of my 21st birthday, but let's focus on how my husband is almost 40. Apparently, ... » Learn More about 17 Has Turned 35
The Mother of All Meltdowns
You may have heard about this new book, The Mother of All Meltdowns. If you haven't, allow me: Some of the sweetest bloggers evah contributed stories of their meltdowns. Not their kids', but their own. And it is fan-frickin'-tastic. I can say that because I didn't experience having my breast milk ... » Learn More about The Mother of All Meltdowns
Oversharing: Leaving My Mark
One million years ago, I went to college. While there, I met some really rockin' people, and today's Oversharer just happens to be one of them! By the power invested in me, also known as Facebook, we reunited and have oooh'ed and awww'ed over photos of one another's children and kept in touch via ... » Learn More about Oversharing: Leaving My Mark