life beyond the bleachers

Over the years I have become happily superstitious about my plants.  We had a peace lilly from my mom's memorial service that always see...

This year I really planned time for myself to focus on shifting years - reflecting on what was 2013, and starting 2014 with intention. More ...

I was riding home with my sister, and set my water in the cup holder. "Is... Is that a rubber toilet?" I asked.  "Yeah,"...

On the way to school my youngest was complaining about a teacher who said they were too old and too busy for holiday parties. I said, "...

When the kids were little they made string bracelets, and sometimes I felt like I was living in a bracelet factory . Then it went away and I...

As I was getting ready to go into work this morning I realized that I had a great cup of coffee, a rocking travel mug that actually keeps it...

Last night I went to say good night to the youngest and this is what I found...

The youngest made me these awesome mini leg warmers to go with my new boots and skinny jeans. They are so warm and snuggly! And it's way...

I am so grateful to have my kids home for the long weekend. We did a Thanksgiving Day run together, watched the Macy's parade, and e...

On Thursdays, school starts half an hour later than the rest of the week to allow for staff meeting time. This busy week I was especially ...

We had a parent meeting for the start of the basketball season. The youngest has worked so hard on the off-season, and we are excited to se...

This week the author of the Junie B. Jones series, Barbara Park, passed away. I am thankful for authors like Barbara who bought reading and ...

Target had different holiday flavored milk in the seasonal case, and I thought the youngest would like them as a change from chocolate mil...

I am thankful we did not have the severe weather that other parts of the Midwest did today. I  know the potential for storms was here be...

Saturday Night Live has become something that connects me with my girls. We don't stop our lives for it, but when I do catch an episode,...

The best part of attending a work conference is having time to take off work after! Turns out my youngest was off school today too, so we go...

Today there was a security incident at work. It ended safely. Since then I have received communication from every single level of management...

When we moved into our house we had a beautiful, formal dining room set that we never used because we didn't want to damage it with art ...

Dinner was provided tonight for the conference I am attending. When I registered, I was happy to see both a vegetarian and a gluten free opt...

It was an early morning on the road heading to a conference for work. I'm sure that if I had to travel more than a few times a year, it ...

Veterans Day. Is there anything to be more thankful for than our freedom and those who protect it?

We spent the day celebrating the wedding of a family friend's granddaughter. I am so thankful to have great friends that we have shared ...

Today I traded my blond hair for dark. Hair has never been something that I spend too much time on, so it surprises me that going back to my...

I called the youngest to come sit at the table with us to eat. Her (in fake whiny voice): Mah-ahm, you're ruining my li-ife. Me (in ...

The youngest was reminiscing about her childhood toys, and brought out her bucket of Barbies-for-tomboys... We were laughing about ho...

A month ago I joined a gym, and last week started going to some of the classes. Every time I go, I meet someone new and learn a little more ...

Today I am so thankful for coffee, because last night I was thankful to be at the Florida Georgia Line concert!

It is Homecoming weekend at the college where our oldest two go to school. We drove the hour to watch the parade and have lunch with them at...

One of my friends started off the month by posting something she was thankful for on Facebook. I can't promise I will make it every day,...

When I was a kid I hated Brussels sprouts - and my mom was a real butter and lots of salt kind of cook - so I'm pretty sure they were pr...

Earlier tonight the doorbell rang and we were greeted by a group of adults in costume, doing a scavenger hunt. They asked for a q-tip, and ...

Just when I am missing my kids, they come home for the weekend and take over the family room with forts, movies, and junk food. Ahhh.

My sister is planning a party for her teen and 20 friends. My youngest overheard me telling her to put out just a few of each snack so that ...

..to me! It has been a long time. Grab a cup of coffee and I'll fill you in (the short version). This year, I finished a term as an el...