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It’s the final countdown to summer! You can smell the campfires in the air, the laughter of neighbor kids playing until darkness sets in, and relaxation right around the corner! So what are you doing to celebrate the start of summer vacation? I’m throwing my kids a party!

Lately, I’ve started thinking that there is no such thing as work/life balance.  Whoever made up this term was (like the rest of us) striving for it and believed that it was an attainable goal.

Let’s face it, Moms, we all need a night out! Being a mom is an exhausting, self-sacrificing, and, most of the time, thankless job (even though it is worth the work). So sometimes we need to get out of all of the serving and just have a little fun. So gather up some friends and try these ideas and places for your next Mom's Night Out!

 I have this thing for succulents right now, but I don’t have any in my home. So that is where it all started! I also wanted a cement planter, and I had found ways to make them, but they weren’t super easy and seemed to have lots of room for error, which, with my luck, is never a good idea!

I am all for anything that will save time or make my life easier these days. It’s amazing how many things I *think* I will accomplish until all of the mundane day-to-day household and family responsibilities get in the way. Don’t get me wrong, I would much rather read stories and build towers with my kids than do dishes and laundry, but we do need clean dishes and clothes too. When I find a mom hack that works for us, I run with it.

I believe that most people would love to serve those in need in our community. But where to start? How do you know that it would be a right fit for you? How can you help out with your busy schedule? Can you bring your family?

Like a hard slap in the face, it occurs to me that my phone not only distracts me from relishing in my fondest memories, but it also prevents me from making new ones. Ironically, the very device that stores and organizes much of my life simultaneously robs me of enjoying and being fully present in it.

I did not grow up in a hunting family, and frankly, venison was an acquired taste. After 16 years of experimentation, I’ve learned to “hide” the flavor. To celebrate the kick off of rifle season, here’s my open face venison steak & onion sandwiches.

I will let you in on a little secret.  I am the chaotic mom in this story.  Between work, school, baseball, golf lessons, swimming lessons and a traveling husband, life is chaotic.  As strange as it may sound, Costco understands my chaos and helps make life easier.</p>

You are my best friend! I will gladly share with you all of my problems and worries. They seem to melt away when I hold you close. We have so many wonderful memories that we share! You were with me after my children were born.