The Misery of Resolutions

I'm sure I'm not alone in my dread of making resolutions. We all have the best intentions, and this is the time of year where we really let them shine. But there is something about New Year's resolutions that I find to be disconcerting.

The Joy of Bedtime

Oh, yes! I want to convince you to think about bedtime in a positive light if you don't already. Something that can seem akin to a nightmare can actually be one of the best parts of your family's day.

Thankful Parenting

I know it's cliché, but this is a great time of year to step back and consciously sum up what you are thankful for. Everyone has something, regardless of your situation. You just have to find it.

Thankfulness is also an important lesson to instill in your children, as it is not a skill that comes naturally. In fact, we know that young children are naturally egocentric until about age seven, which is about as far off from thankfulness as you can get.

Winter Gear

I am pleased to share my second article featured on Wisconsin Parent. In it, you will find  helpful tips on choosing the right winter gear for your children to keep them safe during outdoor activities this season. Fitting that this story was published on the first real snowy day this year!

The Misery of E-mail

Now, before I get deep into the message of this post, I want to make it clear that I depend on e-mail just as much as the next guy. With a mostly introverted personality, e-mail has been a saving grace in many personal and business encounters. I'd much rather communicate an issue or conflict through e-mail, if appropriate, than have to deal with someone face to face.

But my intent with the mindfulness sections of this blog ("The Joy of ___" and "The Misery of ___") is to reflect on the things I can change to make my life more mindful and meaningful. I think a great place to start is e-mail.

The Play's the Thing (Act I)

I took a bit of a detour from my writing career after college when I branched off to teach  preschool. And I wouldn't take it back for a second! Working with children and the people who work with them for the past 12 years has added unspeakable value to my life and my awareness as a mom and a person.

The Joy of Leaf Raking

This past weekend we saw most the leaves come off our trees in one fell swoop. On Monday, after sending the kids off to school, every time I looked out the window I would consider going out to rake. But it was windy, and I just couldn't get myself motivated.

The Joy of the Street Sweeper

This morning I stopped to watch the street sweeper come down our street and I was instantly transported back to childhood. One of my favorite memories was when the street sweeper would be near...(you can always hear it before you see it) and I would instantly run to the living room window to stand still and watch while it slowly sauntered by.

Miley Cyrus Parenting

A few weekends ago, I was watching SNL. Miley Cyrus was hosting. I spent much of the show shaking my head in dismay and having an internal "mom"ologue that went from "What on Earth is she wearing?" to "Thank goodness I have boys!"

The Joy of Dishwashing

Here it is--the one place where I spend A LOT of my time during the day, especially after dinner. But, before you feel all sorry for me and tell me I should make my husband do the dishes more often, let me tell you two things.

Wisconsin Parent

I am excited to announce that I have officially been re-published! That may be how you arrived at this blog in the first place but, if it isn't, please see my "Home Made Gifts Made From Wisconsin" post on Wisconsin Parent.

Thanks for reading!

Working Toward Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a topic I find myself more and more interested in, especially how it can carry over into my parenting. I think it can be a very useful tool for parents to have in their "belt," especially during those moments where you feel like either: a) screaming at the top of your lungs or b) walking away...far, far away. (And I do advocate walking away in the heat of a moment at home with your kids, but not far, far away and definitely not when walking away might compromise their safety--i.e. the public domain).

My New Journey

I am embarking on a new journey today...blogging! For many out there, this is an "old" journey and I am finally coming into the 21st century, almost fourteen years later. After going through a series of "to blog or not to blog" posts, I decided to just do it.

It's going to be simple...I'm hoping it will be a good way to keep myself consistently writing and maybe occasionally you'll find something useful, too!

I'll keep you "posted"...