When my husband and I became parents 19 years ago, we decided that when it came to Christmas gifts, we would follow the three gift rule. As our family grew with two more kids, this tradition has continued to work for us. I can narrow my search down to a few, special gifts. There’s the occasional emphatic refusal. (No dear, you can’t get a pony.) But whenever possible, we … [Read more...]
How One Little Cat Taught Me How to Be a Mom
My husband and I rarely jump into anything blind, whether it’s buying a new car or getting a throw pillow for the sofa. Months of research and discussion go into any decision we make. So when we were three years into our marriage and felt ready to start a family, we weren’t just going to throw caution to the wind and let nature take it’s course. No, we were going to plan … [Read more...]
My Recipe for How to Enjoy Thanksgiving as a Parent Without (Completely) Losing Your Mind
Thanksgiving is a few days away. Everyone I know is putting the finishing touches on menus for the big holiday feast. Recipes for the perfect turkey, gravy, and pumpkin pie can be found in magazines and on TV talk shows and blogs. But, nowhere have I ever seen a recipe for preparing the most crucial element of a great holiday meal: Your kids. After celebrating 18 years … [Read more...]
Dear Santa: A Mom’s Christmas Wish List
Dear Santa: Hi, I hope this letter finds you and Mrs. Claus in good health. I bet you’re wondering why a middle-aged married woman with two teenagers and a tween would feel compelled to write to you. After all it’s been quite a few years since I even really believed in you. (Sorry about that by the way.) But as I’ve been looking through catalogs and searching … [Read more...]
When Dad Does Everything Better, A Mom’s Lament
I’ve been a parent for almost 19 years. For 12 I’ve been the mom of three, and I’ve never minded when my kids occasionally tell me they hate me. In fact I’ve been known to thank my little detractors whenever they utter these three words. I know it’s my job as the primary scolder-in-chief to put the kibosh on building swimming pools in the basement or using a sibling’s … [Read more...]
