It’s time to get your mom joy back. I sat in a café literally created just for moms. There was a colorful playground inside, an exercise room for mommy and me classes, and small round coffee tables for moms to chat. I struck up a conversation with another mom while my kids went down the slide. They were probably one and three at the time, and I was craving adult conversation. I asked her about her hobbies, and she immediately lit up. Her passion was playing in a volleyball league. “When do... Read more ..read more

Although spring is in the air, it's not always easy to get your home all shipshape, and here's why it doesn't have to be. I recently read some comments on a Facebook thread where a woman asked for tips to make her home look unlived in. I must admit I was a little shocked, I personally want my home to look lived in (and it seriously does!). I hope it reflects my family’s life and personalities. In fact, when visitors come to my home I want them to feel welcome and the warmth of my family. I... Read more ..read more

If you’re new to homeschooling and just wish you could peek inside an older homeschool mom’s schoolroom for a day, this one's for you! When I started homeschooling, I often thought it would be so helpful to sit in on a seasoned homeschool mom’s school day to see how she handled things. Many aspects of homeschooling were kind of hard to figure out, especially as my background wasn’t in teaching before I became a stay-at-home mom. How long should the kids do their schoolwork before taking... Read more ..read more

With just a few more months to go, school is beginning to drag out, and keeping children inspired is even harder. This time of year can get a little frustrating. The longer and sunnier days make it harder to focus on school and getting everyone out the door in the morning can become increasingly difficult. However, don’t give up! There are only a few months to go until summer vacation. (And that’s when, after a week or two, parents will be longing for school to return!) Here are some... Read more ..read more

Kids are so funny, and the things they do sometimes make us scratch our heads. What has your child done that made you laugh?? My son decided he wanted to catch a bumble bee. He laid out a trail of dandelions so the bees would follow them and come to him ..read more

What are some things you say as a parent, that you never thought you would say? For me tonight, it was “why did you pee on your brother ..read more

What are some big giveaways that you are a parent? Or things that only happen when you are a parent? You know you are a parent when…. You answer your coworker by saying “yes honey/sweetie/pumpkin ..read more

I have had some sort of virus for a couple weeks now. I think I have hit the peak of it now. Yesterday I lost my voice while teaching. That was an adventure- trying to teach 27 first graders while being unable to speak above a whisper! I came home just feeling awful and my husband told me to go to bed because he could handle things. I knew it wasn't that simple, but I went to bed anyway. A few minutes later, all 3 children were in my room taking off with things and climbing on me... Read more ..read more

My wife had twins when I met her in 2020, those twins are now 18. Her son lives with his grandparents in NY but her daughter lives with us in CA. One thing I picked up on early on is the lack of boundaries between them. Since the age gap is so narrow between her and her kids, their dynamic has been different than most parents. The main thing is the kids have always been allowed in her room and her bed, probably sleeping in her bed 60% of the time. I've currently been sleeping in another room... Read more ..read more

I originally posted this on Facebook, and then I decided to bring it here too. While preparing myself a very nice lunch of squash soup and garlic toast, I had a memory come back to me. I have no idea what triggered it, but I would like to discuss something philosophically. I am merely being philosophical, so please understand that telling me not to dwell on it and not to overthink will not be helpful. When you grow up in a family that isn't very stable and doesn't have much money... Read more ..read more