This month is focused on helping those around the world! We first came across a company called KIVA (http://www.kiva.org) while seeing the founders on Oprah. Their way of helping others in their businesses through micro loans is amazing! We started giving loans right away. For birthdays or Christmas we include a KIVA gift certificate. The kids […]
A Work in Progress
Firstborn children are special. You know why? Because they are the guinea pigs of all mothers everywhere. Let’s be honest, how many of us knew what the heck we were doing when that ceremonial hospital wheelchair pushed us out into our new world, bundle in arms, like a runner coming out of the starting block? […]
Liberation in Motherhood–an Oxymoron?
I just read a very interesting article in the New York Times called “Fear (Again) of Flying” by Judith Warner. The article talks about how so many women in the 1970’s wanted OUT of traditional roles that felt restrictive. They wanted to reach higher and expand their horizons and create new possibilities for themselves and women […]
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
In our family, all of us (including me) often have a hard time accepting the basic but sad fact that you can’t always get what you want. One day, as I found myself telling the kids “I’m sorry, but we don’t always get what we want” again and again, a certain song came to mind. […]
The Broiled Zucchini Cake and Other Adventures
My Aunt Mary taught me to make the most delicious chocolate zucchini cake I have ever tasted. I could eat it for every meal…every day…for weeks. My self-control is in jeopardy when the cake and I are in the same room, so I only make it for special occasions when I am sure someone else […]
Practical Ways to Love our Families (and Ourselves) – Episode 6
We all know that love is an important ingredient in any family, but how do you show love to yourself and your family members amidst all the thousands of things there are to do each day? Here’s a podcast where we talk about ways to create a loving home. environment.
Simple Truths About Kids… and Moms!
You know that poem, “The Little Girl”? There was a little girl And she had a little curl, Right in the middle of her forehead, When she was good, She was very, very good, And when she was bad she was horrid. Well, I have three boys and the last one fits this poem to […]
If All Else Fails, Make Hair Follicles
When I was young and single, I would envision the family that I would have and the kind of mother I would be. I would create disciplinary strategies, structured schedules and be baffled (in a way only non-parents are) by mothers whose children seemed “out of control” whatsoever. I dreamt of the active, productive, creative […]
November Make a Difference Challenge: Remembering those who give so much
Remembering those who gave their lives for our freedom. In teaching our children values and doing our best to give back we can do both as we remember those who have fought for our freedom. I have provided several ideas below to assist you with helping this month to be one of remembrance and to […]
Enjoy ’em Before They’re Gone
I am a closet worrier. I try to keep my worries hidden, to act nonchalant, but in truth, I worry about everything. I come from a don’t-run-with-scissors and motorcycles-will-kill-you-early kind of home; it’s genetically ingrained in me. So worrying became Worrying when I had children. My WorryList starts with the basics: Are they eating enough? […]
Along for the Ride
It started with the usual oohing and ahhing. The hotel’s desk clerk and concierge loved my four week old baby. “Ah, so small!” “So sweet.” “How old?” “What’s her name?” Then came the question, “Is she your first?” I almost burst into hysterical laughter right there, but I composed myself and answered wryly, “Actually, no, […]
Love More
About five years ago, we decided to add two more words to our already established three word family mission statement (to be revealed at a different time). These two words: LOVE MORE are so simple to write, simple to say, often hard to put into action. When everything is going well, the weather […]