So many moms say it was the transition from zero to one kid that threw them for the biggest loop. Not I. In July of 2009, my first, my boy, was born, and--dare I say--he was easy! As a baby, he slept well, ate well, and smiled constantly. Everyone wanted a piece of that kid. It didn't hurt that he ... » Learn More about Motherhood: I Give Up
DIY
Oversharing: Aren’t You Forgetting Something?
Today is the first day of the rest of your lives, pals. Less importantly, it's also the first Oversharing post of the 2014 calendar year. I'll wait while you applaud. I'm just as excited as you to get the ball rolling and because I've learned that short and sweet, much like my 5'1 stature, is ... » Learn More about Oversharing: Aren’t You Forgetting Something?
The Watch
When I was younger and would close my eyes to envision My superficial Perfect Man, he was always wearing a watch. Not a Timex, pleather-banded watch, but a links-in-the-band, impressive face with Roman Numerals, maybe exposed gears kind of watch. Why a watch? No idea. I don't even like numbers. ... » Learn More about The Watch
5 Easy Steps to World Peace
I am a walking cliché at the holidays. Mailboxes stuffed with Christmas cards, preferably the ones plastered with the faces of family and friends, make my heart so happy. Nothing brings me more delight than belting out a Christmas tune despite my kids' insistence that I can't sing. Cookies shaped ... » Learn More about 5 Easy Steps to World Peace
The Sister God Forgot to Give Me
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
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