We expect our children to have good manners, and we also try to emphasize gratitude. It can be absolutely exhausting. But I believe it takes a village, so I asked for advice from the masses on Facebook.

I love fall – sweater weather, fires, chili, the leaves changing, what’s not to love? What a beautiful time to improve your children’s language skills while enjoying fall activities and creating memories.

Wisconsin winters are long and brutal. It’s really hard to get motivated to go for a run when your entire street is covered with ice, or the wind chill is 25 below.

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and the ache hits close to home as I hold my newborn. I haven’t forgotten, nor will I ever forget, the babes that I did not get to hold this side of heaven.

Instead of having to remember exact moments and carefully fill them into the defined spaces of a baby book, I wanted to give my son something that he will appreciate and enjoy looking back on. I decided that for every event that I deem important and want to remember, I will write him a card.

If your kids are anything like mine, they are going to bring home waaaay more trick-or-treating candy than they could eat. (Or, more accurately, than I will ever allow them to eat.)

Some books just stick with you after you finish reading them. You remember the characters, the storyline, and the message long after you put it down.  Wonder is one of those books. 

January has always been a hard month for Lily, and we can’t really figure out why. Yes, it has been when the temp usually drops and the snow REALLY starts to fly—but one would think that spring—in all its cold and wet glory—would be worse for those with arthritis.

I lamented over the fact that her little girl days were numbered. Well, you guys, it’s happening. She’s growing up.

There is so much to be grateful for if your kids are hot messes at the end of the day! It’s all about perspective, even when our patience as parents is wearing thin and we’re ready for the peace and quiet once their adorable, whiny heads hit the pillows.