When you face ongoing challenges, it can be hard to imagine life being any different. If that was ever true, it feels even more so now in the midst of a global pandemic. Here in my part of the United States, we are two weeks into shutdowns of schools and non-essential businesses, with people shifting…
Parenting
Books Currently Inspiring My Bucket List
Have you ever felt like you’re out of words, that you don’t have anything to say or anything new to add to the conversation? Have you ever felt emptied out and ready to just rest from going after your dreams and goals? Like you want to sit on the sidelines and watch for a little…
Being Present in Transition
We’re a family in transition. We have been for a few months now. My husband started a new job in early May. Our eldest graduated from high school a few weeks later and then left the state for a summer job. Our sixteen-year-old took her first job a month after that. It has been exciting…
The Roller Coaster Ride of Raising Children: When Your Child Turns 18
In many ways, raising children is a roller coaster ride. We hop on (at pregnancy or adoption) in anticipation of the thrills, fastening our restraints and holding our breath for what’s to come. And then the dips and loop-de-loops of late night feeding, tantrum calming, homework helping and all the rest of what it takes to raise…
Why I Didn’t Create an Over-the-Top Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day yesterday was low key at my house. My husband cooked an amazing meal for me on Sunday. I gave him chocolate and each of my girls a little Valentine’s candy on the 14th. Compared to the heart-themed-breakfast, love-notes-in-lunch-boxes fusses many of my fellow moms made, it doesn’t sound much like a bucket list…
How Do You Spell Success as a Parent?
I nearly blew it again. My youngest daughter turned thirteen this past weekend and I almost didn’t have a card for her. As a rule, I don’t buy cards. I’m a crafter and I know I can make a card that I like much better than anything I’d find in the store. And I enjoy…
September 2016 Bucket List Life Dare: Pass It On
What is something you do well? Have you ever thought of passing along your expertise to someone else? I have been sewing since I was 16 years old. After making a skirt in Home Ec class in high school, I was hooked. Sewing is not for the faint of heart. For one thing, there are…
Daddy/Daughter Trip to the Olympics
David Williams and his wife Sarah are longtime friends of mine. One of the things I have always admired about David is his desire to see the world. In his 20s, David made it his goal to travel to every continent (so far he’s made it to 6 continents and 80 countries). But he didn’t…
Back to School Tips & Helps
It’s back to school time and the parenting magazines have plenty of good tips, information and inspiration for parents this month. I’ve rounded up some of my contributions to August issues that I think will make back to school better for you and your family. If you’re looking for ways to improve your child’s academic…
Little Free Libraries, Bucket List Cooking & More
Before July is over, I wanted to share with you some of my articles from this month’s parenting magazines (plus highlight a bucket list-related interview I did). Have the mailbox-type buildings with books in them been popping up around your town? They’re called Little Free Libraries and we built one to share our love of…