This year, we’re making an effort to change some habits around here. I planned a few weeks of fast, easy meals so the hubby and I could focus on helping the girls complete their daily chores. We have a new evening schedule and an online chore chart that I am hoping finally works around here. [...]

Thank you to who?Comics for sponsoring this post and encouraging my child to read biographies in comic book form! Please click here to learn more about the app. And follow who? Comics on Twitter for updates! What happens when a bookworm marries a computer geek? Their kids don’t stand a chance. The teen is an [...]

When Indy began deteriorating, I said I was never getting another dog. It was just so hard. I still miss him. I still think I hear his click clack on the hardwood floors. I still check the back door to see if he’s ready to come back in. And, I still tear up when I [...]

A toddler shuffling in Mom’s heels. A teen donning Dad’s hat. A preschooler reading Grandpa’s crossword puzzle. Kids just can’t seem to stop themselves from emulating the grownups in their life—and there are plenty of toys designed to encourage just that. Shopping carts, tool belts, kitchen sets and, now, tablet & smartphones toys—just like Mom [...]

One of the biggest reasons for gifting a year of family fun to my girls was that I had suddenly realized we don’t do things. Part of that is budget—we just don’t have the extra money for vacations, movies and events. The other part? I kinda don’t enjoy it. It’s just not fun to deal [...]

“How was school?” “Fine.” “What did you do today?” “Nothing.” It’s a conversation happening in minivans around the world, every afternoon. If you want to really find out what your kids are doing at school all day, you’re going to have to change the questions. Or, you know, friend their teachers on Facebook. But, if [...]