Child Care

Our Advent Wreath

The holiday season is moving full speed ahead in our house. We set out Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving, and our GIANT Christmas tree is cheerfully sprinkling pine needles all over the floor. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. One new tradition I started this year is a family Advent […]


Let Them Be Boys!

I recently read a news story about a 6 year old boy suspended from school for three days for shooting an imaginary bow and arrow at recess. Despite an outcry from parents and the community, the principal made no apologies for coming down so hard: “I have no tolerance for any real, pretend, or imitated violence. […]


Día de los Muertos

In the past couple of years our family has lost my grandma and Chris’s grandfather. The kids ask about them all the time, and we love when they do!  We recall how Grandma always sent them holiday and birthday cards. We remember Boompa’s devotion to his family’s health and happiness. They were two spectacular people who […]


The Kids’ Table (+ Cinnamon Apple Cake)

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 […]


NINE

Chris and celebrated our nine year anniversary this week. It doesn’t seem possible that we are fast approaching a decade of married life, but when I reflect on all that has happened in the past nine years I feel proud. Four kids, four moves, new jobs and business endeavors, travel. We’ve done a lot with […]


A Nice Summer Night

Today was hot. And humid. And it is the tail end of summer so I am fresh outta ideas to keep the kids busy. After a dreadful trip to the park in the morning, I was in no mood to entertain the kids all afternoon. I was short with them. When Chris called at 4:30 […]


Summer Service Project

Summer is racing by, and we are slowly ticking off all the things on our Summer Bucket List. We have yet to hold a lemonade stand, but we have been to several city beaches and water parks. Last week, we completed perhaps our most impactful task: a summer service project. The kids are still a […]


For Jen & Rose – 100 Years Later

This weekend marks the 100th anniversary of the SS Eastland disaster. On July 24, 1915 the passenger ship with 2,572 day tourists rolled over into the Chicago River, taking 844 souls with her as she sank 20 feet to the muddy bottom. All on-board were families of Western Electric employees, gathered for a leisurely cruise […]


Why We’re Still Breastfeeding – At 16 Months.

Ever since Ben turned 1 nearly four months ago, I am asked – daily – if I am still breastfeeding him. The question doesn’t really bother me – people are curious, after all – but I am tired of having to explain myself. Because, inevitably, when anyone finds out that I am still nursing my […]


Fancy Nancy in the Windy City

Sweet Vivian. My little #3 is 3 years old, and like many third children she has to go with the flow. A lot. Her two older siblings are very busy with activities and friends. And her little brother is still little enough to require most of my attention. Fortunately for me, Vivian is a happy […]


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