Back to School Tip: Cookies and Razors Do Not Mix

In “celebration” of school starting back up for many of you, here’s a little throw back for ya. Not one of my best moments as a mom, but it sure makes for a great story. Just don’t make this mistake. (This post was originally published February 27, 2012 and updated In August 2022.) The school […]

Running on Empty

Much to my husband’s dismay, I rarely put gas in my car until there is nothing short of a prayer left in the tank. I consider it efficient time management as I prioritize the tasks on my list. Getting gas becomes the top “to-do” when the warning light comes on. Until then, I have baseball […]

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 […]

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 […]

A Black Eye From What?

I was hustling around the kitchen one night and not really listening to the steady stream of words my son was hurling my way. It’s not that I was trying to ignore him. Actually, it was quite the opposite. As a finalist for Mother of the Year, I do try to actively participate in these […]

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, […]

Who Am I?

I had just climbed bleachers to watch my daughter’s volleyball practice when I experienced an identity crisis. As crises go it was mild, but as far as questioning the purpose of one’s existence it was intense. First of all, if you’re a mom and your kids plays sports or participate in any other extra-curricular activities, […]