holidays

honoring our friend susan, @whymommy

February 6, 2012

I remember so vividly beautiful you standing by the window in your blue dress, Susan. The one that Jess gave to you because it fit you so perfectly and you both knew it was the one. I remember how nervous you were–how excited you were–how ready you were. I remember how Curt calmed your nerves [...]

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@whymommy love fest

January 24, 2012

We have had an overwhelming response to the call for @whymommy love over the last 24 hours, and the love keeps on flowin’ in! With love, Susan, here is part one of our @whymommy love fest:     Originally created to an amazing soundtrack chosen by the amazing ladies of The DC Moms, complete with [...]

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making the most of holiday clean-up

December 31, 2011

The holidays have rushed in and rushed out over here, and despite a 7+ hour ride home from Pennsylvania and two people down over three days with the stomach bug, we had an amazing season. And now that we’re home and trying–desperately–to reclaim our home and have a little fun, rather than throwing the kids [...]

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quick trick: what to do with holiday cards

December 30, 2011

We’re huge fans of holiday cards around here. Actually, we’re huge fans of all types of cards.  We love to use them for cutting practice, arts and crafts, and even Valentines cards. But the cards that my kiddos seem to look forward to most are the cards with pictures of our friends’ and family members’ [...]

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our easy, affordable new year’s family traditions

December 29, 2011

My husband and I have never really been fans of New Year’s Eve. We’re the furthest thing from night owls, so staying up late is not easy–or that much fun for us. New Year’s means that the long-awaited holidays are over (boo) and that family has come and gone (wah) and that there’s a lot [...]

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family playing cards: take ‘em, make ‘em, then play!

December 28, 2011

A few years ago, I burned the midnight oil way too close to the finish line, in an attempt to create Family Playing Cards for Maddy, Owen, and Cora. And though I made the work harder than it needed to be, it was well worth it. The kids have used the cards steadily for the [...]

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last minute treats: fancy, festive chocolate pretzels

December 22, 2011

Last week, the kids and I celebrated our annual Cookie Baking Day–something we all look forward to in the month of December. On the morning of our Cookie Baking Day, we carry on as usual.  I drag everyone out of bed, cheerlead them through bed-making, dressing, teeth-brushing, and the relocation from bedroom to breakfast table. [...]

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teacher gifts: creative group holiday gifts

December 19, 2011

This is a guest post by my friends at Volunteer Spot, just in time for the holidays and especially for those Room Parents who are scrambling last-minute to get things together for teachers (ahem, like me. . . ).   A Tisket, A Tasket – “Teacher Gifts” in a Basket! Delivering a delightful group surprise [...]

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new for us friday: homemade scratch-off tickets (fun stocking stuffers!)

December 16, 2011

It’s been a busy few days–weeks!–with our December birthday and work and school and holiday festivities, but I’m totally over the moon excited to share something fun and completely new-for-me. And on Christmas, when Maddy, Owen, and Cora open up their stockings, they’ll find something totally new-for-them: Homemade Scratch-off tickets! These scratch-off tickets are filled [...]

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holiday time fun-fact lunchbox notes

December 13, 2011

As I said yesterday, my kids have taken to the Christmas around the World, and I am so totally over the moon about it. They’re batty over a non-fiction text! They want to read it! They talk about it–even when I’m not there! I’d be crazy if I didn’t try to do some sort of [...]

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learning during read-alouds: non-fiction that WORKS

December 12, 2011

The first few times Owen had media at school this year, he came home with the most random books. His first book was an Arthur book that we already have here at home.  Then he came home with a non-fiction book about Chihuahuas. The next week, he picked yet another book that we have here [...]

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under a shady tree
can you feel the soft cool grass?
can you feel it with your toes?
we can sit here while it grows.
laurie berkner, "under a shady tree"


i know nothing with certainty but the sight of the stars makes me dream
. . . vincent van gogh