Experienced Bad Mom

Not Just a Bad Mom, But an Experienced Bad Mom

Toddler Behaviors I Would Like to Exhibit

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I volunteered in my church’s nursery this summer and was placed in the toddler room. Ah, toddlers. Those not-quite preschoolers who kicked babyhood’s butt and conquered learning to walk and feed themselves. As I worked with the toddlers–and reminisced about when my own kids were that young–I noticed several common behaviors.  I realized that these [Read More]

Parenting with Purpose

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In college I took an early childhood education class for one reason:  I knew nothing about kids. Sure, I’d been a kid. Sure, I’d seen kids. Sure, I knew some kids. But I never raised kids. And, I thought one day I might! Taking that class educated me about child development and equipped me with [Read More]

Checklist for a Midwest Halloween Costume

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I have lived in the Midwest longer than anywhere else and I’ve lived in a lot of places: California, Maryland, Arizona, North Carolina and British Columbia. Heck, I even studied abroad in Sydney, Australia. I’ve learned a lot in my years in the Midwest: I know what bratwurst is. I know that winter lasts six [Read More]

Have You Had a Laugh Today?

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Have you had a laugh today? I know I need one! It’s been a rough week, as I shared on Tuesday, because we had to say goodbye to our beloved pet of 18 years. Thankfully, Pinterest provides unending funniness. That’s right, I find more quirky jokes and pictures on there than anywhere else these days. [Read More]

When You Lose a Pet

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Our family was saddened this weekend to say goodbye to our beloved pet, Mr. Tabbers. Making the decision that it was time to let him go, and then sitting with him on my lap while he went, was the hardest thing I’ve had to do as an adult. It sucked. Our family spent much of [Read More]

Look Back in Humor

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“How’s your blog? I haven’t seen anything lately. Are you still doing it?” my stylist asked me while I was getting a trim. “Uh,” I stammered unintelligibly. “Yes, I’m still doing it.” Then my heart curled up and died a little bit. Yes. I’m definitely still doing my blog. However, once I got over the [Read More]

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

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It’s that time of year again, when summer turns to fall. As I look back with fondness on this past summer, I can say with confidence that I did it all. Camping? In a comfortable cabin of course. Biking? With the kids to Dairy Queen no less! Swimming? Lots and lots of swimming. Family vacation? [Read More]

10 Tips for Your First Disney Cruise

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Like the city of Atlantis or Amelia Earhart’s plane, some things are lost forever. Yet, some things presumed lost, such as the Titanic, ARE found. So it was when I uncovered these 10 Tips for Your First Disney Cruise in the abyss that is my work desk. Loyal readers may recall that my family and [Read More]

How 9/11 is Part of Our Story – Club Mid

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9/11 marks a somber anniversary. Like many of you, I clearly remember where I was when I heard the news. Like many of you, I was not a parent on that day, but I am now. Like many of you, I want my kids to know more about 9/11. I don’t want them to be [Read More]

Happy Now

JENerally Informed