The best days were when you were a newborn. I just held you and snuggled you and breathed you in. You slept and you cuddled and you nestled in my arms and all we needed was each other. The best days were when you were a baby, and I could watch you discover the world — emotions, fingers, colors, toys, feet, people, sounds, smells, characters, textures. Everything was a wonder to you, and you were every bit of amazing…
Can kindness be taught? I’m not sure, but I’m sure trying to find out. “Use your manners!” I call out with a sing-songy voice, checking the box on doing the right thing to raise my kids to be good human beings. But is that enough? I don’t think so. Sometimes, no matter how great a role model I try to be – remembering my own “please” and “thank you,” my kids can be downright rude to each other, and…
Pumpkin spice latte, warm scarves, harvest-themed decorations, scented candles, mums, yada yada all the stuff we go crazy about during fall. As excited as I was about my new fall themed throw pillows, though, my kids didn’t seem to care. How dare they! Oh yeah — the kids. They want some fun this fall, too, and not just in picking out a Halloween costume (and then changing their minds 14 times between October 10 and October 30). So, aside from…
Everyone is talking about back-to-school right now . . . and you know what happens at the same time, right? PUMPKIN. SPICE. EVERYTHING. It’s fall, and it’s time for fall family fun! It creeps up on me every year (yes, I know .. . it comes the same time every year, I get it . . . ) — suddenly weekends need to be filled with fall fests and cider and pumpkins and cute boots and fall scarves and kids’…
OK, it’s August. I get it – school where we live starts later this month. But this year, as I’m bombarded with constant reminders of the impending first day of school (TV ads, in-store displays, radio ads, social media, and kids saying it’s not fair it starts so soon), I find myself wondering . . . do we really need to do any shopping? Sure, part of the rationale for not wanting to do it is because it’s summer! …
Another summer, another family vacation. We head to Cape Cod every year and stay at the same place, with the same friends. It’s tradition. And I love it. The kids have been there enough times now that they feel comfortable and confident walking around the resort, and they get so excited at the thought of a beach and an outdoor pool and an indoor pool and a hot tub and mini golf and go-karts and arcade and ice cream. And…
I live for lists. And I love ideas. And sometimes summer survival is rough. So here are ten lists of ten things — your MUST-HAVE reference guide for this summer. And that’s it. One of the simplest blog posts ever. Enjoy! 10 Simple Summer Snacks So. Many. Snack. Requests. Fruit salad (make your own or buy some) Popcorn (air-popped, microwaved, or bagged) Ice cream (because, summer) Cheese and crackers (so many options) Sliced peppers w/ Ranch dressing, or…
I’m not one to complain a lot. But when my husband calls me from a kids’ hockey tournament and tells me about the competing team’s parents taunting my kid’s team (these are 8-10-year old players, by the way), shouting profanity, and being downright horrible role models, my blood boils. So, here’s my uncharacteristic rant. I’m hoping some perspective from good old ME can help change this dynamic, though I’m guessing those of you who read this and agree are already in…
It’s OK to watch them breathe. To just sit there, watching their tiny chests move up and down. To feel their breath on your hand. To ask them repeatedly to say the words, “I’m OK, Mommy,” just so you can be sure. That’s what I did on the way to the hospital tonight. See, my littlest love has nut allergies. He has an anaphylactic reaction to almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts. To be safe, I keep him away from all nuts. …
This article originally appeared on Her View From Home with the title “You May Be Growing and Changing, but You’ll Always Be My Baby.” You know how people change, but deep down, really, they don’t? This is my eldest son when he was 4 years old . . . and now. Those curls! He’s still got them. They’re just a little shorter now. Those blue eyes! Still there. Full of sneaky schemes with a sparkle of sweetness. That smile! It still lights…