Fall has certainly settled in here in Rochester and I am loving every second of it. We've enjoyed a few trips already to the Rochester Cider Mill and walked around Van Hoosen Farm for The Stonewall Pumpkin Festival. I've made a copycat version of Panera's Autumn Squash Soup as well as purchased a few mini pumpkins. Ah, the minis. They're so cute aren't they? You can just line them up on your table or put them in a basket and they're all set. No carving, no disgusting guts of pumpkins … [Read more...]
Parenting a Strong-Willed Child
September 17, 2014 by Leave a Comment
You might have a strong-willed child if:Commands are automatically disobeyed, just because it was a command.A seemingly simple task becomes difficult.A random stranger mutters in passing, “That’s a strong-willed child.”Can you relate to this sentiment?That last point literally happened to me recently as my family and I were leaving the gym. My daughter uttered some unintelligible demand and when my husband and I didn’t react how she had expected, she threw herself on the floor and screamed. She … [Read more...]
How social media gave me a second chance to be a better friend
September 10, 2014 by Leave a Comment
As a stay-at-home-mom, I often turn to social media as a means of, well, socializing. It’s a challenge to talk on the phone, even for a few minutes, so it’s easier to pick up my phone, scroll through a few photos or status updates and then I can just as easily put my phone down to see to the needs of my children. For the most part, I have enjoyed reconnecting with ‘friends’ who I had previously lost contact with. When I reflect on these people, few were, by definition, true friends from high … [Read more...]
Vacation Bible School
June 18, 2014 by 1 Comment
Doesn’t it feel like we went straight from winter right into summer? I’m not one to complain about the heat but summer does bring about it’s own challenges like bugs, sunburn and splinters. Eww! It’s great having a break from school and homework, but summer can start to drag on once the novelty wears off. Never fear! In come various churches with their vacation Bible schools to save the day. Hooray! With themes varying from weird animals, super heroes and jungles your child will definitely be … [Read more...]
A Note to Myself this Father’s Day
June 11, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Dear Self, No offense, but hush. This year, as a Father's Day gift to your husband, give the gift of being quiet. Allow him the freedom to parent in his own way without your "suggestions" confusing him and the kids. He does a lot for the kids (and you!) so show him respect and let him parent the way he does. If it’s a serious issue then speak in private. Don’t talk to him as if he is one of the kids. It won’t ever be healthy for you to reprimand the father of your children in front of them. … [Read more...]
Up or Down?
June 4, 2014 by 6 Comments
My children and I have been enjoying the sudden appearance of this Michigan summer by spending countless hours at the park. I sincerely hope you have as well! I love all the different kids running around, screaming with sheer excitement, and hearing their laughter. I also enjoy observing the different types of parents at the park. I love the 'helicopter' parent that shadows their child’s every move, regardless of age or ability. I love the 'iMom,' who just can’t be parted with her phone. What … [Read more...]
Between a Crock and a Hard Place
May 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
We sold our house in late March, forcing us to purge through items that we no longer used or needed. My husband begged me to get rid of this crummy old crock-pot. He really couldn't understand why I would keep it. It had no lid, was small, and didn't have a timer. He also claimed it was ugly. Yet, I refused to give it up. You see, this crock-pot represented my creativity and strength during one of the darkest times of my life. It represented the tough years we had experienced and the strength … [Read more...]
Why War?
May 21, 2014 by Leave a Comment
My family and I had the privilege of visiting Washington, D.C. over Easter weekend. It was really special getting to see all the different monuments and reflect on the sacrifices made for us. While it was difficult to answer our son's questions, my husband and I did the best we could. The only question we couldn't really answer was, "Why war?" It was difficult for him to wrap his mind around violence, fighting, and death. He couldn't grasp why we would honor that. I had to help his four-year-old … [Read more...]
8 Steps to Ensure Moving Madness
May 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment
My husband and I just sold our first home and have recently moved into an apartment for a few months while we build a new home. It has been difficult, to say the least. We made every mistake possible and that made the process so much more difficult on ourselves! So, if you’d like a terrible moving experience, then simply follow the eight steps below. 1. Panic. This step is highly crucial in ruining your moving experience. It reduces your ability to make good, quick decisions and can … [Read more...]
Real Mother’s Day Gifts
May 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Mother's Day is coming up in just a few short days. I hope you have great plans to honor your mother as well as the mother of your children. If you're looking for last minute ideas then this article won't help you, although I hope it inspires you to honor all mothers everywhere at any point in time. I was recently asked what my most memorable Mother's Day gift has been and I honestly didn't have an answer. I may stand alone on this (I don't think so) but for me it's the little things, the … [Read more...]
