Pajamas for everyone?

Throw out your button pants

Reentry

My husband just did his favorite thing - even more of his favorite because it involved my usual post vacation funk. And by funk, I mean, after months and months of planning vacations, I tend to come home and have a meltdown. I pretend I'm not going to. I try not to. I tell myself … Continue reading Reentry →

Kay Eee Why

Vacation part deux...and I'm going to go a bit rogue (one) on the order of events. Our last day was actually spent at Animal Kingdom and, I have to say, it was amazing. I had no idea. I really thought the gang would pooh-pooh it and we'd end up back at Port Orleans three seconds … Continue reading Kay Eee Why →

Emm Eye See

Each February, we take a family vacation smack in the middle of the school year. Hanover County Public Schools love us. Each year, we’re told that ‘next year, the kids will get dinged for this.’ Evidently cruises don’t count as excused absences, despite educational visits to Mayan Ruins, explorations of caves, tours of retired military … Continue reading Emm Eye See →

Had I known (I’d do it all again)

Don't worry, next week I'll be at Disney...so should be lighter fare. In the meantime... I started another Step-momming book a few weeks ago and, I've got to say, one chapter in and I felt like I could have written it. Several lines jumped off the page at me - but one particularly - a … Continue reading Had I known (I’d do it all again) →

Rigid, no. Intentional.

I had another one of my favorite lunches last week with one of my favorite people - the one who always encourages me in parenting, marriage-ing, people-ling and writing. Her wisdom is always strong and I am a smarter being because of her. This day, though, she was definitely off, having lost a close friend … Continue reading Rigid, no. Intentional. →

In Like a Lion

I wasn’t aware Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions were also relevant to a teen’s incoming hormones, but, after this weekend, I will always pay attention. It’s not just spring that’s coming early this year - it’s my child’s attitude. There will not be six more weeks of sweet, snuggly boy-ness at the Barlow house. Instead we will … Continue reading In Like a Lion →

Mom Vision

I probably need to say no more to the women in my audience (of 33, popularity is on the rise!). You all already know where this is going, having just rolled yours eyes and said, 'oh, right.' I didn’t even know mom vision was a real thing until I became one and was immediately able … Continue reading Mom Vision →

Pink versus Blue

I’ve never really confirmed whether the word ‘stubborn’ is interchangeable with ‘independent,’ self-sufficient,’ or ‘who the heckle needs you?,’ but I feel like it should be. I see myself as super self-sufficient. Totally independent. Well, more so seven years ago before I became a better half. Back then it was, ‘Men? Why? I can literally … Continue reading Pink versus Blue →

The Grace Period

Oh, hey, how about that, 2020...how'd you get here? I wrapped up 2009 with a tour of the Baltic Sea region - fluttering around from Stockholm to Moscow to Estonia to Oslo to London with a few other stops sprinkled in. I had no idea that would be my last jaunt abroad as I had … Continue reading The Grace Period →