When I was 8 years old my mom’s brother married a woman from Bangladesh.  Feryall was outgoing and chatty and so friendly – she dove right in to our big family and fit in seamlessly.  Growing up, I remember that she never spoke down to the kids in the family – she made a real [...]

I don’t watch a lot of movies.  My husband could watch one every night of the week, but we only have one TV so we have to compromise on just about everything we watch.  When I do watch a movie I usually like something light-hearted that won’t stress me out or scare me.  And, sometimes [...]

Tuesday mornings are special time for Mack and me. Evie is in school, so my boy and I have a few hours together just the two of us.  I am amazed by how much calmer his personality is when he’s not fighting with Evie for attention – or toys. He sheds some of his boyish [...]

I am such a sucker for the Christmas season.  I often say that I wish this holiday fell later in winter just so I could have something to look forward to during these dreary and chilly months.  The house feels so much warmer with the Christmas decorations up, and the kids love the change in [...]

With the Thanksgiving weekend coming to a close, now seems like a good time to post about some feelings of gratitude I feel year ’round.  Although its nice to have nice things, I believe that the best gifts in life are people and experiences. As I write about often, I am exceedingly grateful for my [...]

Lately, Evie has been asking a lot of questions about where we live and our planet.  I’m often fielding inquiries from her such as “Is Chicago our city?” “Do we take an airplane to Mexico?” “Is this the way to Granmary’s house??“  She loves looking at maps, whether it be the one at the bus [...]

  I can say with near certainty that March 24, 2004 was perhaps the best day of my life. Its the day when my husband came home from Iraq. After nearly a year fighting a war on the other side of the globe, Chris returned home healthy and in good spirits (and much thinner!).  Although [...]

My sister Colleen got married on Friday.  I can’t believe how fast the day came and went. She was such a beautiful bride, and I know she and her husband will have a happy life together. As a fun fall favor for guests to take home after the reception, my mom, sisters and I made [...]

My 18 month old son is officially no longer a baby. He had his first haircut the other day. Sniff, sniff. Prior to the cut, he had long, wispy, baby curls circling the base of his head. In the sun, his hair – so blond its practically white – glowed like a holy halo. The [...]

Like much of the country, Chicago has enjoyed several days of unseasonably warm weather.  We flirted with the 80s all weekend and for much of this week, and I couldn’t be happier about it.  After a rainy and chilly September, this mid-fall respite reminds me that spring will indeed come again. My husband works six [...]