In 2013 my dad had a series of events that led to him having vascular dementia. The nine years that followed were bittersweet. He was no longer the dad we knew – but he was better in so many ways! My dad was… My dad always had a strong sense …
Back then… When I was little my mother was a master at Halloween costumes. She this was before the days of Spirit Halloween stores. One year, I was a table set like a fancy dinner and I had an apple in my mouth, like a roast pig. Other years my …
How to Plan Halloween Fun – Beyond Trick or Treating Read more »
Planning time A few times each year, I take specific time to plan as we shift from one season to another. Typically this is at New Years, end of school/beginning of summer, end of summer/beginning of school, and birthdays. Taking time to touch base with my kids during these seasons …
It’s time to plan the next season…AND connect with your kids Read more »
The Late-Summer Crazy The kids are arguing…again. The dishes aren’t put away and the floors need attention. Don’t even ask about the status of the bathroom. The sheen of summer break has grown dull and now we’re in the countdown to school. I know many moms are about crazy from …
Kids driving you crazy? Here are 5 sanity savers Read more »
A Bad Day Bad days happen, right? Examples of a bad day may include waking up in pain (hip pain and headaches tend to be my wake-up friends lately). Maybe a bad day is when you’re clumsy and nothing seems to go the way you want it to – you …
Siblings and rivalry go together like peanut butter and jelly. It doesn’t have to be that way, though (but please don’t take away my PB&J – I love it!). While rivalry happens year-round, it can peak during the summer when kids have more time on their hands. Are you tired …
Introduction When we learn to ask clarifying questions we can decrease misunderstandings. Clarifying questions are those that confirm your understanding. When we say something like, “did you mean to say that I’m bad at keeping house?” we are letting the other person know what we heard. When we ask clarifying …
Why You Need to Ask Clarifying Questions in Conversations Read more »
The origins of family traditions For generations, women in my family have gathered on Christmas Eve to prepare a seven-course meal to celebrate the coming Savior. The meal is said to include foods from all geographic systems – fish from the sea, rice and barley from the fields, mushrooms from …
After School I’m sure you’ve lived this reality…your child gets in the car and pulls out his/her phone. You rush to ask about his day. “It was fine.,” he replies. You try to dig deeper. “Did anything fun happen?” “Nope.” Maybe you shoot for practical – “Do you have any …
Marriages over time My husband and I were married four years when I first felt it. I woke up, looked at him, and thought, “this is as good as it gets?” Don’t get me wrong, our marriage was fine. But I wanted more than fine. I wanted dazzling. and exciting. …