Got the Holiday Blues?

Tonight I am sitting here with my children as they watch a Christmas movie. Personally, I am so excited to have the enjoyment of the holidays in our house amidst another stay-at-home order in place. But, I also sit here, struggling to write something upbeat and from the heart. Writing for my blog has been …

In the thick of it

Okay, how many parents feel like you are in the thick of it? Like never before. Yes, you no doubt know the feeling, and you can say first hand this stuff, the stuff we are working through, is some of the hardest! We knew technology was ever evolving. We’ve talked about how our children would …

Family Friday: When to not lose your mind

By the end of the week, who else struggles to keep it together as a parent? I know that I struggle, especially since my world has shifted to being at home with the children all the time, work or not. Today has been a particular challenge for me as our daughter is communicating only through …

Family Friday: Recommitting to Wednesday’s Goals

How is everyone doing with the parenting goals they set on Wednesday? For me, I can say it has been a bit of a challenge, but every time I raise my voice I remind myself to start again. Right then and there. Because I can do better! Yesterday, on what is typically Self-Care Thursday, the …

Family Friday: Let’s do it together mom

Have your children ever asked, begged even, to let them help you? Our oldest son has been asking for years, it seems, to help us. He has a big interest in helping with food and meal prep. He even loves cracking eggs (though I’m quite resistant to this idea). Our daughter has recently joined in …

Family Friday: Another sprinkler Friday

Yes, today we spent the evening letting the kids run through the sprinkler again. And why wouldn’t we? The weather is perfect, the family time is ideal. When things align, we go for it! In the summer the sprinkler can be one of the simplest pleasures for children. And while, as parents, we might initially …

Family Friday: Let’s talk firework safety

On this Family Friday I feel my nursing education and emergency department background shining through. As well as everything I learned from my childhood years of watching my dad as a firefighter and paramedic. Today I want to talk about the important stuff we try to ignore this time of year. Fire and firework safety …

Family Friday: Splash party

There are many forms of Family Friday, from movie night to pizza night. But the great thing about Family Friday is there are 52 each year, which allows for variations. Some may be planned, others may be spontaneous. This Family Friday I am talking about fun in the hot summer sun (even if the heat …

Family Friday: End the school year with a bang

Well, today was the last day of school for our kids here in Washington. Yes, even though we have been home for months, it was a milestone worth celebrating. And just like that, we have a first grader! J’s school had a reverse parade for all the elementary students. So we loaded up in the …

Family Friday: Make funny faces

I think some of the best memories come from making funny faces with our kids. They are so expressive! And they love to be silly. Sometimes we just need to have little moments to bring enjoyment and happiness into our lives. Moments don’t need to be grand or take a lot of planning or time. …