As much as I lament my kids getting older, especially around the holiday season, I’ll admit that I do see many benefits to saying goodbye to the tender years of youth.  Let’s take a moment to remind ourselves that each phase of life has its own set of positives.  For example, I love the fact that I don’t get periodically startled awake in the middle of the night by a stubborn little one who doesn’t want to sleep on their own.  I’m also not sad that I can go to the bathroom in peace any time I choose without having to worry about screaming toddlers hunting me down, (unless of cou ..read more

Children get older.  I’m getting older.  (I seem to be channeling my inner Stevie Nicks.) And I’m not gonna lie, it’s so easy for me to get stuck in the past, reminiscing about the days when the kids were little and my biggest responsibility was to keep them safe and well-nourished, while making sure they learned to pee on the potty and go to sleep by themselves.  But, focusing on the past won’t bring those days back and if I stay there too long, I might just miss all the amazingness that’s happening NOW! Our kids are becoming independent.  It’s as certain as the sun rising ..read more

It’s the end of September, my oldest has been at school now for a little over a month.  He’s settling in to his new environment and at home, we’re all adjusting to a family life that looks a little different.  The house is just a bit quieter.  Andrew, the middle child has shifted to oldest brother status, and AJ (the youngest) is loving the fact that he has more attention from me and his dad.  Believe it or not, that’s not sarcastic, AJ is, in fact, thrilled to have more attention from his parents, because he loves being the center of attention.  My husband is continui ..read more

 “When my child was born it was like part of my heart was suddenly living outside of my body”.  How many times have we heard or said this as moms? You spend approximately 9 long months growing them inside your body, feeding them, feeling them move, nurturing them, and loving them unconditionally even though you’ve never actually met them.  Then suddenly this tiny, helpless human being comes into the world and you realize you can no longer keep them fully safe 100% of the time. Yet, you do your best.  At first this means late night feedings, monitors so you can hear or see t ..read more

It was Memorial Day Weekend, the all-important 3 days that signify not only respect for and remembrance of fallen heroes and loved ones, but also the beginning of all things summer.  It’s a celebration, especially when you live in New England and can’t wait to shake off the cold remnants of winter.  In years past, Memorial Weekend would have us spending time at family barbeques or taking the kids to the pool so they could wade around in the kiddie area and play with their water toys.  I remember being utterly exhausted at the end of those days with a slightly sore back from bend ..read more

It’s said that we never truly get over grief.  We just learn how to go through it.  Next month it will be 6 years since we lost my mother-in-law, and I know this to be true.  No matter how much time goes by, you never really get over the loss of someone you love.  Grief, being the unrelenting little fellow that it is, enjoys rearing its ugly head at the most inopportune times.  Very often it sneaks up on you like a thief in the night, out of the blue, when you least expect it.  For example, I’ve been completely consumed with my oldest son’s high school graduation ..read more

They say it takes a village… To raise your kids. It’s true. I’m here to tell you it also takes a village to care for an elderly loved one.  Case in point.  My husband’s grandmother, Mimi, moved to Massachusetts 5 years ago to be close to us.  She’ll be 99 next month.  She is blind.  And, we’re her primary care takers.  Mimi has been under our care for 5 years.  My husband’s mother was an only child, and Ken (my husband) is an only child. So, when Ken’s mother passed away from cancer 5 years ago, we became Mimi’s custodians.    Now, my husban ..read more

“Your health can handle the truth.  It cannot handle lies.”  says Tracy Anderson often.  Similarly, I would add, friendship can handle the truth.  It cannot handle lies. I am so blessed to have a best friend who’s been by my side through the escapades of adult life.  Dr. Lynne and I met in grad school and we’ve been best friends since.  Most of you know we’re now running a business together.  The past year and a half have been an adventure to say the least, complete with many peaks and valleys.  Thankfully, the high points far outweigh the valleys.  ..read more

It was a long sleepy flight home from Cancun with a plane full of exhausted high school seniors who had lived their best celebratory life over the last three days.  Our plane touched down around 10 pm and I was tired, but glad to be home safely, as I always am after traveling.  We moved swiftly through the airport dragging our luggage awkwardly behind us, and with each stride, I found myself perking up with more energy than was usual after a few days of travel.  You could almost say I was buzzing.  My mind was still reeling and processing all the events of the last few days ..read more

What is it about this phase of life that causes so many of us anxiety and worry? We’re getting older and our kids are growing up, and you’d think as women and mother’s we’d be experienced enough, wise enough, and old enough to finally quit worrying about the future. But, if we’re being honest with ourselves, no matter what age we are and no matter how old our kids get, we’ll always worry, at least a little bit. It seems the worry doesn’t go away. Instead, the things we worry about change as life circumstances change. As a certified grade A, prime time worrier who’s prone to anxiety, imagine my ..read more