Where Does Your Help Come From?

I’m not proud of the fact that when walking into the garage one night, I shoved my daughter into the path of an evil, demonic critter while running for my life. There’s one sure-fire way to send me into sheer terror and everyone close to me knows not to even say the word. In fact in our home, we spell […]

Mommmmmmmmmmmmmm!

My son wasn’t feeling well after school that day. He sent me a text message asking to be picked up as soon as the 3:10 pm bell rang. I knew he had basketball practice but I also knew he had been sniffling and coughing that morning. I figured he felt pretty lousy if he wanted to […]

Notes in Lunch Boxes

Another Encore Week post…. This one is my favorite because it’s one of my fondest memories of my mom and of my kids… I enjoy celebrating special occasions as much as the next person but I also enjoy making ordinary days more memorable with simple unexpected gestures. To my son that may mean the smell […]

The Sock Jail

Encore Week continues! My kids favorite post…. they think the existence of the sock jail is hilarious and somewhat embarrassing…. But hey it’s practical and I reassure them that “everyone” has one. In our house we lose socks, but not in pairs. We only lose one sock from each pair at a time. I’ve given […]

But It’s My Favorite Umbrella….

I never, ever have an umbrella when I need it. I mean EVER. I live in Florida where it rains nearly every day and I’m never prepared. I’m always fussing at myself for this lack of preparation, knowing that’s totally against my personal code of conduct. It’s an outright abomination. So, a few weeks back […]

Don’t Take No for an Answer….

When my son gets an idea in his head, you can forget changing his mind. I’ve always admired his persistence even though there are times I’m certain steam rolled from my ears as he just won’t take “No” for an answer. The goal of his insistence on one particular occasion was a book he wanted […]

A Tomato Made Me Cry

For the past six months, our home has been very different. When I accepted a severance plan from my employer in September 2011, I also accepted a different daily routine for our family. Our life slowed down and the focus was no longer on a fast or convenient solution to whatever problems the day presented but […]

The Great Green Goo is No More!

You know those times when your house is eerily quiet and you sense someone somewhere is up to no good? Well I had one of those occasions 8 years ago and I have the green goo stain in the carpet to prove it. One Sunday afternoon we were all enjoying a relaxing respite from the […]

There’s Hope in a Good Hair Day

My case of the “fat, dumb and uglies” was heading into remission but it wasn’t in any hurry to pack up and move on. I’d gone to great lengths to assist, buying new lipstick and dressing for car line pick up like I was meeting the president. But this had been a severe outbreak and […]

Blessed Easter Morn Gone Awry

Colorful center piece for table – check. Easter baskets with appropriate balance of chocolate, sour candy and non edible items – check. New clothes in festive colors for all family members – check. Delicious meal planned – check. Reminding kids of real meaning of Easter – check. Easter photo counseling session for mom – Um, […]