Big Kids

This month, my daughter turns eight years old. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was snuggling my tiny newborn baby in my arms, but now that newborn is officially entering her “big kid” years. Watching her...

As James Taylor's melody told us almost 50 years ago, the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time. (If you’re not familiar with this song, check it out.)  As parents, we’re told so many things about time. It...

Children are naturally curious and love to learn.  One of the best places to enrich your child's knowledge is in your home kitchen.  Getting kids in the kitchen also helps to create lifelong memories with your family. All children benefit...

Both of our older kids learned to ride a bike at a young age. Our daughter was four and our son was three. It has been hands down one of the most fun things they have learned. Family walks...

It’s Teacher Appreciation time and I know, as a teacher, that usually means lots of gifts from families in my classroom.  This is the time of year parents shower teachers with all the things that say: “Thank you for...

Having kids changes your relationship. It's as simple as that. For anyone who says it doesn't, I'd love to hear about how having your spouse watch you give birth didn't change how they viewed you. Or how constantly having kids...

Though they love when I plan Pinterest-worthy crafts, they are just as happy with simpler art projects. The beginning of the year is a great time to empty out your pantry. A little glue and construction paper can transform leftover pasta, rice and dried beans into beautiful artwork. Budding chefs will enjoy making “soup” with a bowlful of snow and leftover cereal and food coloring.

And then my mind lands on one of the most powerful moments from the first year. I’m sitting in my counselor’s office, eyes wet, nose runny and voice crackly as I recall that first moment, the one where I felt so uprooted just after labor and delivery. We processed through the depression and anxiety tied to that moment. Her words pointed me beyond myself – “You aren’t alone in the experience of being separated from your child…”

My 12-year-old daughter eats, sleeps, and breathes football. She has played on several flag and tackle football teams over the years and recently joined the Jr. High football team. During her free time, you can either find her at...

Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, you just aren't good enough? That you don’t measure up or make the cut? I do. Parenting is hard. And in today’s world it always feels like a competition. Little...