When our daughter was born 21 years ago, my husband and I had help from my mom for a week. This parenting thing? No problem. Then my mom left, driving 3-1/2 hours away where all our friends and relatives lived. My husband and I looked at each other, with fear and the question “Now what?” gleaming from our eyes. We …
The Stay-At-Home-Mom’s Job Hunt
Twenty-one years ago, just days before my daughter was born (she came 13 days early!), I quit my full time job to be a full-time mom. It wasn’t because we were wealthy. Far from it. We just believed our children would benefit the most from me being there full time. I briefly held a part-time job as a receptionist at …
Sightseeing in St. Paul
With over half of my family volunteering at Sonshine Music Festival (our state’s Christian music fest), I decided that now was the perfect time to cross a few more items off of my bucket lists, both summer and lifetime. My son *volunteered* to come with me. The quick mention of stopping at an iconic malt shop had nothing to do …
A Drive-In Family Experience
On Sunday night (or make that Sunday night and well into Monday morning) our family crossed one item off our Summer Bucket List. Now only 10 items to go, not counting the many things we have to do while visiting the North Shore, but I digress. Going to the Vali-Hi Drive In in Lake Elmo, Minnesota is truly a family …
Minnesota Bucket List
I must admit, I love my state. I love all the seasons, including winter. I love nature’s landscape, the rich theater scene, the wealth of music–I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Our family manages to cross a few items off of our Minnesota Bucket List every year. Over the last decade we’ve visited the Sculpture Garden, Mill City Museum, the Stone …
Some time off …
With my son graduating high school this coming Sunday, and the graduation party a week later, I’m taking a two week break from the blog. I’ll see you again on June 11! In the meantime, for all the parents out there who’ve watched their children grow up in a mere blink, here’s a reminder to cherish every moment with them. …
Summer Bucket List
Our family always charges into summer with a to-do list that’s overflowing, and this summer is no exception. We always have grand plans, some of which we’ll follow through on, others we’ll regret not having made the time for. And it wouldn’t surprise me if we added to this list. So, before summer kicks the bucket, here are some of …
Family New Year Tradition
My husband and I are blessed to have three *children* (a 20 year old, 18 yo, and almost 17 yo) who still enjoy hanging around with us, and we take full advantage of that. 🙂 One of our favorite family traditions happens on New Years Eve when we choose a movie series to watch for the day, plus we bowl …
The Grinch Game
One of my can’t-miss movies every Christmas season is Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (the cartoon version). I love the music, the characters, the story, the message. And who can’t help but sing along with “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch”? [Aside – if you want to hear a fun version of You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch, …
Elf The Musical – Fun Family Fare
Yeah I know it’s Saturday, and I usually only blog on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, but I just had to tell you about the play we saw last night: Elf The Musical on Tour at the Ordway Theater in St. Paul. I attended with my oldest son, but the entire family would have enjoyed it. In fact, families of all …