Evie and I reached a new milestone in our relationship yesterday. She lied to me. For the first time. It all started innocently enough.  I made a batch of cupcakes to serve for dessert, and after she repeatedly picked at them while they cooled on the counter I moved them to an out-of-reach spot on […]

One of my biggest sources of stress right now stems from my biggest sources of joy: Evie and Mack.  In the past few months they have decided that playing against each other is better (or more fun?) than playing together.  It seems like one of them is always yelling or crying in response to something […]

The other day the kids and I were walking home from a late afternoon playdate when we approached a group of twenty something men who appeared to be tourists.  As the men waited at a street corner, a cab driver beeped his horn several times at another motorist.  The (white) tourists got quite angry at […]

Little Evelyn has been very interested in money lately.  I’m not exactly sure what sparked this interest – perhaps its because her Dad works so hard and she sees me doing so much work from my home office.  I explain to her that we work so we can earn money to provide for her and […]

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 […]

One of the best things about living in a big city is encountering diversity on a daily basis.  People from all walks of life and all corners of the globe call Chicago home, and I consider their presence in my hometown to be a true asset and gift. Aren’t I lucky to have the world […]

With the announcement yesterday that reality TV family the Duggars are now expecting their 20th child, it seems like the Internet is ready to erupt: how could they be so irresponsible?, so many kids is a drag on the planet!, the oldest children are raising the little ones!, how can Michelle’s body endure yet another […]

As I write this, Evie and Mack are dressed in their pajamas, fresh out of the bath and quieting down for the evening.  At this point in the day, the three of us are usually snuggled in my big bed to read books and sing our ritual nighttime songs.  But, tonight is special because “Its […]

Today was International Kindness Project Day, a day to honor and remember special people who passed away much too soon. This special event was sponsored by the MISS Foundation, an international organization that provides support to families grieving the loss of a child.   I became acquainted with MISS when my friend and fellow Homemade […]

My sister Meghan and I were chatting on the phone today (as we tend to do several times every day), and she mentioned that she wants to get a baby doll for her adorable son Trey. He is almost two years old and growing into an inquisitive and thoughtful little fellow.  Just the right time […]