Chris took some of the kids camping in Wisconsin over Labor Day weekend. They canoed for 10 miles, camped on a sandbar, weathered a middle-of-the-night thunderstorm, then returned home exhausted but exhilarated. I would have loved to join them, but a trek like that with 4 year old twins just isn’t my idea of a […]

Every week, for the past 40 weeks, Ben has asked to make pumpkin bread. Last year we bought the mix from Trader Joe’s and it was the perfect activity for him – easy to make, easy to mix and perfectly tasty. It is a seasonal item, and sweet Ben has waited oh-so patiently for our local […]

I was recently asked by a local kids cooking school what my definition of “The Kids Table” is. It took me just a few moments of reflection to come up with my answer: time together. Kids should feel welcome in the kitchen at any time. It is the heart of every home, the place where […]

We are still enjoying excellent October weather. We’ve had some stressful weeks as a family, so the warm temperatures and sunny skies are a wonderful distraction. The impact Mother Nature has on our well being – emotional and physical – should not be ignored. I believe she gifted us this fine fall so we could […]

Chicago has enjoyed a spectacular September.  Refreshingly cool mornings, sunny afternoons and sneaky 80 degree days scattered throughout.  As someone who laments the end of summer, this slow entry into autumn makes me very happy. Last weekend we decided to take full advantage of the delightful fall weather and spend a morning at the idyllic […]

At the start of the fall season my mom gave my sisters and I each a lovely pumpkin cast iron pot.  We had been admiring the one she puts on display every year, so her thoughtful gesture really means a lot. Every time I look at my new pot I think of my mom and […]

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 […]

We took a family trip to County Line Orchard in northwestern Indiana last weekend.  It was such a nice way to spend our Sunday.  Even though the orchard was a bit crowded, we managed to carve out our own pocket of space in the vast property, and for a long while it felt like we […]

Every morning for the past several weeks, Mack has been waking up earlier and earlier.  He used to greet the morning around 7:30 – today we reached a new low with his 5:50 wake up call. Buddy, its still dark out!!  And, since he shares a room with Evelyn, they both were ready to start […]

We’re starting to go a little stir-crazy. Now that its the end of February I am officially, 100%, unequivocally DONE with winter. There is plenty to do in this city to keep Evelyn and me busy most mornings before her afternoon nap, but last week was kinda quiet for us. So, what are two girls […]