They have to feel some sense of ownership and power in what is happening, but I am still the parent in charge.  So giving them choices throughout their day is our solution.  It seems simple enough, and I know many others do this as well, but we really make a conscious effort to use them all the time.  

When I toured her daycare facility, I grilled the director, I brainstormed with her teachers, and vigorously highlighted the menu showing them exactly what she can eat. I know they are prepared for her.

Confession. On more than one occasion, I’ve been unsure if I’ve secured my daughter in her car seat properly. I’ve tightened and pulled and shrugged, all the while praying nothing bad happens as I drive from point A to point B.

She has mannequins decorating her front yard, rides a Gator ATV, can use a shotgun just as well as a sewing machine, and would rather go dancing than sit in a rocking chair.

Many successes in life are about consistency. If I am trying to lose weight, I can’t eat well only once in a while. When I am working on learning how to play an instrument, I need to practice every day. Why would I think raising children is any different?

Currently, I am on a weight loss journey with my best friend, my husband, Kevin. We have been married for 18 years and have been through many ups and downs in our marriage, including the ups and downs of our weight.

It’s Grandparents' Day, the time of year when we are thankful for the extra people in our lives or our kids’ lives.   My parents are absolutely amazing grandparents, and I don’t know what we’d do without them.

One of the scariest words anyone can hear. Cancer. It makes your heart sink a little. When I was 34 years old, I almost skipped my annual exam.

Let’s cut to the chase. Moms are BUSY. Just you reading this means your kiddos are sleeping, not with you at the moment, or you need just 2 minutes of mommy time as they are tying your shoelaces together this very moment.

Our family became complete 6 weeks ago.  Baby #4 signifies the end of a chapter: I am done having kids.  It’s bittersweet knowing I will never experience the glory and misery of pregnancy again.