Valerie
I Am Okay with Being Tired
This is the season of life I am in. It is hard and exhausting, but I love it. I like being the one my kids come and wake up when they have a nightmare or a tummy ache. And yes, I am practically living out of my car, and my coffee maker is what sustains me most days.
7 Unique and Budget-Friendly Date Ideas
Just when we think we have it under control, those aisles at the grocery store and Target turn bright red and pink, and a slight panic sets in. “Oh dear Lord, what are we going to do for Valentine’s Day?” We rack our brains for a cute, fun, and unique date night idea, only to realize in this post-Christmas, pre-tax season, we should be a bit more mindful with our money.
Battling Gender Stereotypes
I grew up in a family where men worked outside and did things like building, hunting, and fixing cars. The women in my family would cook, clean, and shop. I was still told I could be anything, but there was an unspoken insinuation that there were some things girls should not do.
Merry Mommy {Keeping Christmas Merry for Mammas, Too}
Moms become coordinators of chaos and puppet-masters of their households for almost three months in pursuit of the merriest and most magical holiday season.
Books to Be Grateful For {Seven Books on Gratitude and Thankfulness}
In a time of commercial-free kids' shows and Amazon Prime, teaching gratitude to your kids is no easy task. It is more than reminding your children to say "thanks" or to write a thank-you note. It is instilling in them a mindful heart for others and an ability to recognize beauty and blessings in the day-to-day. Gratitude is also the lesson of looking at life from someone's point of view.
I’m Sorry I Forgot to Play with You
Yes, I have made mistakes -- and I am still making them -- but my recovery time from those mistakes has improved. I am more confident in my parenting decisions and also more laid back on the little stuff. And as for play, I do play -- it just looks different these days. I have been promoted from playmate to director.