Packing a school lunch for the first time. Should be easy, right? Thoughts rush into my head of other people actually seeing what I feed my child at home — some days are great, I am supermom — I actually made dinner that night (rare occasion). Most days are an agglomeration of what I know she likes and will eat, and me attempting to sneak in some veggies (nearly impossible).

These life lessons are ones I continue to value more and more with the passing of time.  As much as I wish they were here to teach these lessons to my kids, I need to remember they live on through me.

Many people mistakenly assume that a sexual predator looks a certain way, lives in a certain part of town, preys on the children of people we read about in the news, not the ones that we tuck into bed every night.

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.

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.

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.