Breaker

Fireworks!

Its time for fireworks and BBQs and treats! Be with your friends. Be with your family. Go to the BBQ. Eat the burger. Let the kids eat that sticky popsicle. It’s ok to be a mess. They can take a bath. Unplug from work and let yourself relax with those around you. Sit and laugh. Watch the smiles on your kids faces as the colors light up the sky. Embrace the cheesy music that runs with the fireworks show. And watch the sky light up …

Breaker

10 Interesting Facts You May Not Have Known About Independence Day!

It’s almost here – the 4th of July! I love traditions, and home town celebrations. Last year we were in Orlando for my daughter’s dance competition over the 4th of July, and while we had a great time, I’m glad that this year we are back to continue our traditions at home. On July 3rd we head to a cookout with college friends and attend their local fireworks. It’s five families and the gathering has really grown over the years as we’ve all added kids …

Breaker

Celebrating the Greatest Generation

“In America, young men were enlisting in the military by the hundreds of thousands. Farm kids from the great plains who never expected to see the ocean in their lifetimes signed up for the Navy; brothers followed brothers into the Marines; young daredevils who were fascinated by the new frontiers of flight volunteered for pilot training.” Tom Brokaw; The Greatest Generation If you haven’t read this book, it is a fascinating look at the World War II generation. Young men and women born and raised …

Breaker

I Have Two Words for My Son’s Stepmom

For the last five years, we have followed a court-ordered visitation schedule for my 17 year old son Oscar. Every other weekend and alternating holidays, Oscar spends with his biological father, his stepmom, and his two (soon to be three) half brothers. Oscar’s biological father and I don’t get along. I send him texts or emails when he needs to be informed of things but if I need a response, I communicate directly with his wife. I don’t remember exactly how it happened, but it’s …

Breaker

Mother-In-Love

I’ve been writing and rewriting this blog because this does not do justice to how influential and blessed I was to have Kristine as my mother-in-law.  So here it goes … Daughter-In-Love You were like a daughter coming into my life When my son married you and you became his wife.   Your gift of love to me makes me think of you always As my daughter-in-love to cherish and to praise. But poetry can’t convey affection deep and real; Some things there are in …

Breaker

Brunching like a Mother

When C and I bought our first house five years ago one of the things we were most looking forward to was hosting holidays.  We love to entertain and the idea of filling our home with delicious food and the people we loved seemed exactly what home ownership should be.  Over the years we’ve added a few holidays, but the first big event we’d hosted in our new home was Mother’s Day Brunch.   I am a sucker for brunch.  Sweet, savory, gooey, crunchy, fruit, …

Breaker

Happy Easter!

The bunny has come, mass attended, the golden egg has been found, brunch was success, now the ham is in the oven for dinner and friends are here to make prank calls (it is April fools day).  My brother and his beautiful family were here today, and it was perfect! Today it was so nice to slow down to reflect and spend quiet time with family.  It’s amazing how we grow old and take on so many different roles of being a wife, mom, friend, …

Easter Grass
Breaker

First Day of Spring

Today is the official first day of spring and it’s my Momma’s birthday! I know she is dancing today in Heaven! I love living in the midwest and the changing of the seasons. It is true what they say, you want what you don’t have and growing up, I didn’t have seasons. Most of my life was spent in Arizona until the age of 14 when I moved to Minnesota. I loved Minnesota! I loved it for many reasons, but the seasons were definitely a …