It’s school time again. I find that among the moms I talk to there are two sharply contrasting reactions to the start of the school year: glee and sadness. And frankly I think many moms, whether they’re anticipating sending the kids off to school or dreading it, feel a mixture of both. If you’re sad…
bucket lists
The Bucket List Life Manifesto
You are an adventurer. You know that, right? If you are a parent, then you signed up for a life of thrills and chills, unexpected turns of events, situations that test your wit and courage, and unparalleled moments of joy. Don’t miss the adventure of life with kids. Because every day is an opportunity to…
Guest Post: The Secret to Dreams Come True
Today I have invited Marci Nault of 101DreamsComeTrue to share her thoughts about the power of writing down your dreams. In only 5 years, Marci has accomplished 90 out of her list of 101 dreams for her life (including seeing her first novel, The Lake House, published by Simon & Schuster this year). Pretty impressive,…
What if You Could Succeed More By Changing Your Attitude?
As a child I admired those with talent. Nadia Comaneci was my hero for her amazing abilities as a gymnast. Marie Curie’s story stuck with me for her example of what one woman could do for science. Young violin and piano prodigies captivated me with their skill. At first these gifted people inspired me. I…
The Secret to Fewer Regrets
Parenting requires so many decisions, it can sometimes become mind-numbing. How to respond to discipline issues, what to do about kids’ friendship struggles, which sports to encourage them toward and what other activities to enroll them in. We have so much information and so many opportunities at our fingertips, it can be hard to sort…
Now Available: Family Bucket Lists e-book
Today marks the official launch of the Family Bucket Lists e-book. I plan to celebrate all week long with some fun online events – including offering a free printable download of family night/dinnertime questions for brainstorming your family’s bucket list when you purchase the e-book. Here’s where you can find me and Family Bucket Lists…
The Best Question to Ask Your Mom This Mother’s Day
What would make Mom’s day? If you’re in the midst of shopping and preparing for Mother’s Day, that question is probably on your mind. And maybe you’ve even asked the mom in your life that question directly (or had it asked of you). But asking that question doesn’t always make the celebration any easier. Often…
Family Bucket Lists: Forming a lively family identity (Reason #4 to Make Yours)
“All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”…
Family Bucket Lists: Reason 1 to Make Yours
Can I let you in on a secret? Someday I would like to take a pie in the face. A fluffy, gooey cream pie (whipped cream, chocolate cream, vanilla cream, doesn’t matter, just so long as it’s cream), right on the nose. It’s goofy, but I do. The wackiness of it is probably what appeals…
3 Strategies For Planning Family Adventures
Outside it’s a winter wonderland of frost-gilded trees and snow-blanketed yards. But while my kids are making plans for sledding after school, I’m making plans for spring break. I’m ready for some family adventures and I want to map an outline of them before that week arrives. Often we spend our break at home, with…