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Dana
Giving birth to my 40s… My 30s have been good to me, but there’s something special about entering my 40s. I’m a single mother of two beautiful children, ages 13 and 7. So, I forgot what it felt like to do what I want to do a long time ago. 🙂 As a mother, educator, bible study teacher and youth leader, it’s important that while dinner is in the oven, I find the time to ride my bike, text a friend, or cry when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes I do get tired of hearing, “Mom!” over and…
What are you doing for the 4th? Going to the beach or lake? Grilling out? Hanging with friends or family? However you plan to celebrate, there will be a shopping list of goodies you’ll need before the fireworks! I know I’ll be making several late-night online purchases (shh!) before our trip. Here are some of my favorites to get you and your family ready for a red, white and blue celebration! Mama needs new sunnies and these rose gold ones caught my eye! Love! And some fun flag-themed ones for the kiddos so everyone…
My 39ish life is likely different from many of those I know; I am not the typical 39-year-old woman. I don’t have my own children and I do not yet own my own home (and I won’t until my Ph.D. is finished, that’s my reward). I am on my second marriage and I am a student working on her Ph.D. I used to wonder if I was a little out of place because my life didn’t fit the stereotypical persona. However, I don’t think I will ever fit in with a…
When Dana asked me to write a piece for this series, I was touched that she would think of me, and also slightly terrified. I would have to look at my current reality, and stop pretending time isn’t moving at warp speed. At 39, I find myself a month away from being an empty nester (the tears well up just at the thought of it). I live in Southern California, and I am the mother of two incredible daughters; Karley (22) and Sadie (18). Karley very recently moved to Boston to start her career, and Sadie will be heading…
“I wish I could live here.” This was my 10-year-old’s statement as we walked through the final exhibit before heading to the buses. I think we can say this field trip was pretty high on his favorites list! Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is already an amazing place, from the gorgeous animals and fun rides to the yummy food and awesome gift shops, but then you add their Dinos Alive exhibit, and you have some VERY happy fifth graders! My group of kiddos actually walked through Dinos Alive twice because they loved it…
When I think of summer, I think of sunshine, lemonade, vacation and sundresses! I wear a sundress almost every day during the summer because, A) it’s EASY, B) it’s sooo hot outside and sundresses let my skin breathe, and C) they can be worn wherever your day takes you. I like no-brainers when I’m entertaining four little people every day. 🙂 I’ve been looking for a few dresses to add to my summer wardrobe and I’ve fallen in love with Old Navy’s dress collection. Sweet, light, colorful, easy…
One of my parent goals is to teach my boys to be generous in giving. I know they see Jeff and me giving to charities here and there, and twice a year they clean out their toys and clothes to donate, but I’m always looking for other ways to show them ways to give. When I heard about Red Nose Day, I knew it would be a FUN way to get them involved and in the giving spirit. We bought our red noses at Walgreens and popped them on for some silly pictures to help spread the word. The…
There are so many reasons I should be celebrating. Making that last preschool payment should make me want to jump for joy! It means we have extra money each month to spend elsewhere. It means we have officially graduated from pull-ups and sippy cups. It means all my kiddos are old enough to make their own snacks, put on their own shoes and buckle themselves up in the car. Those are all good things that definitely bring a smile to my face. But, then my heart feels heavy and my eyes fill with tears. Because this also reminds me…
I’m always so excited when spring arrives! There’s something about it that wakes us all up and makes my whole house a brighter place. My boys want to be outside running around, blowing bubbles and playing with the gazillion baby lizards that have hatched. It just makes them happier! And these are some of the fun things that I’m loving (OK, obsessing about) and are making Mommy a happier girl this spring! Summer Song Dress from Cute And Comfy Boutique: A sweet college friend recently opened this online boutique, and I couldn’t…
The addiction began in mid-February. I saw a Facebook post about Animal Adventure Park live-streaming the upcoming birth of a giraffe on YouTube, and thought it would be an amazing thing to see. What a great nature lesson for my boys! So, I kept the laptop open on the dining room table and we refreshed the page throughout the day and once more on our way to bed each night. I just knew it was going to happen at any moment! Two MONTHS later, we did finally get to see the breathtaking birth, and I realized I had…