“I just want to pop into the Hallmark store,” I told my 11-year-old daughter. “They have those socks I like and I have a coupon.” My daughter asked to stay home. I was a bit surprised. After all, days earlier she and I had hit the mall and scored quite the haul during the after [Read More]
10 Things I Won’t Miss From My Kids’ Childhood
I saw an elaborate Valentine on Pinterest today. I sighed with relief that I wouldn’t be making any of those. Then I stopped to wonder why that was my gut reaction. I guess it’s not rocket science. I always found it tedious doing those class valentines with my kids. When they were littler, they always lost [Read More]
10 Ways Living Through the 80s Made Me Stronger
Sometimes my Tender Pumpkins ask me to get them a snack or drink of water while they lounge on the couch watching TV. Why? Because “You’re already up” or “You’re closer” they plead. At times like this, I fight the good fight. Laziness and privilege will not be rewarded. No, I stand firm and tell [Read More]
Tales from Halloween Past, Part II
A couple weeks ago, I lamented over the fact that my baby boy, once dressed as a pumpkin, has grown up and wants nothing more than to be a frightening/bloody/ghoulish mess this Halloween. Several of you were curious about my daughter Sydney’s Halloween experiences. I’m pleased to report that at the age of 5 she [Read More]
Tales from Halloween Past and Present
Once upon a time, I had a baby boy. I dressed him as a pumpkin for his first Halloween. Then I dressed him as a fluffy chicken for his second Halloween. I dressed him as a caterpillar for his third Halloween. As the years passed, my baby boy grew in wisdom and stature. He began [Read More]



