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.

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.

I’m now 33, which is not a big milestone by any means. It actually takes me a beat lately to remember my age. Nonetheless, it feels like I’m entering that interesting age range titled “mid-thirties.”

My husband always felt super competitive against his brother, which led to a lot of sibling rivalry as well. Because of this, my husband and I always said that we would work hard to make sure our kids are not competitive with each other!

If you are already in a rut packing lunches or are just looking for fresh ideas, here are some foods to send with your child!

Set your expectations low. They are toddlers, and their goal in life is to test their limits. Remember – Kids need almost nothing to be happy.  Leave the electronics at home, let them play in the dirt, let them dig worms and count trees, and help them foster those imaginations!

Our reasons might be varied, but the sentiment is the same – back-to-school isn’t all fun times and freedom for emotional mothers. But take heart! There are steps you can take to beat the back-to-school blues.

And even a tiny bit of Play-Doh residue left on her hands or pushed underneath a fingernail has the potential to cause a big-time reaction. It didn’t – thank God. But that lesson did show me that I live in an ignorant bubble when it comes to food sensitivities and allergies – and I will never take for granted my kids’ normal digestive systems ever again.