Alright Ladies,I’ve had enough, and I’m willing to bet that you have too. I’m done with the self-doubt and the perfectionism.  I’m through with the amazing women in my life taking the innocent word “should” and using it to make themselves feel inadequate. (I’m in favor of a bit of self-improvement, but y’all are taking this to a whole new place.) My gorgeous neighbor with the most luscious red lips I’ve ever seen, talks about how she should be as... Read more

The day the world went sideways! I’m channeling my inner Rosie the Riveter today — cute scarf, red lipstick, 1940s flair — I don’t know why I don’t wear scarves more often to keep the whispies in check.  I was happy with the hair (and ignoring the crow’s feet) when my computer stubbornly refused to turn the pictures the right way and keep them there. Sorry, but you’re going to have to turn your head sideways to see these! front... Read more

Day 2!  Hot rollers.  A little more volume, but not quite as “Real Housewives” as I was aiming for.  I may have to work on my technique and try this again.  Also, trying to take a picture of yourself in the mirror is really hard.  I have new respect for the teenagers on Instagram with their annoying Selfies. Read more

Here we are, day one of shaking off the cobwebs and rediscovering the fun of being a girl!  For the next 30 days (now until Valentine’s Day) I’m doing away with my go-to messy ponytail or bun and trying anything but. Day 1 – Flat ironed!!!! I love it shiny and smooth, but wish I’d put on a bit of make-up before taking this pic.  Sorry about the naked face. If you’re doing the challenge with me, and are brave... Read more

****For the next few Mondays, I’ll be talking about homeschooling and the extended family.  If you have any questions, please jump in and ask!*** I got an email last week which included the question: How do we break it to Grandma that we’re not sending the kids to school? She keeps talking to our daughter about starting school, and that’s not going to be happening.  I don’t want to upset my mom, but I know she’s not going to be... Read more

How it all began – the “sausage digit”That’s really the medical term! One year ago this morning, #4 woke up with her now famous swollen toe.  This morning marks the anniversary of the day that our Juvenile Arthritis journey began.  Last year, I was staring at that swollen and purple toe and wondering how she could have broken it in the night and not felt a thing. What followed that morning were days and months of fear, pain, and uncertainty. ... Read more

When I announced on my Resolutions post that I was ditching the ponytail for a month and asked for volunteers to join me, my daughter shook her head. “You don’t give anyone any time to prepare.  You just jump in and expect the rest of the world to have ADD and join right in.  People need warning if you want them to follow along.” Darn it.  I hate when the kid is smarter than I am. Here’s the new plan:... Read more

Anonymous wrote: My oldest just turned 5 and I am on the fence about what we’ll do in the fall. There are some very good reasons I can find to send him to Kindy, but I have this nagging dread about sending him off all day every day. But then I have so much doubt about my ability to do a good job homeschooling. And? Having some time to spend with his younger brother, and exercise, and have a “break”,... Read more

Tomorrow is Epiphany, so I’m not technically late in posting a few of my favorite Christmas pictures.  (That’s what I’m telling myself anyway.)  Here is a little glimpse of our Christmas morning.  I’m so thrilled to be able to share it with you. Waiting for Dad to get up RAWR!!!! Talking on her new phone.  That’s my baby! Jump back now, y’all! #4 and her mini-me #’s 3 and 2 with the Christmas stockings #3 and his Legos.  He loves... Read more

Here it is Jan 4th I mean 3rd (I’ve lost track of the new year already) and I’m still working on resolutions.  I love to make resolutions.  In fact, I make them several times a year, I like them so much.  There’s a hopeful optimism in resolving that from now on I’m going to be a better me, that I’m going to strive to be one step closer to the person I want to be.  Some are shallow, some are... Read more