The hills are alive

At different points in motherhood it’s necessary to admit that the idea of what your family would be like–the one you’ve had stored up in your head since you were ten years old–will not be happening. One particular fantasy of mine came crashing down on Sunday.  Our family was asked… Read More

Our Christmas Miracle

Yes, we’ve had our own little Christmas Miracle.  Only it’s not so little.  It’s a very big deal. Jasper has been pooping in the toilet for a whole week. I didn’t want to say anything and jinx it, but after potty-training that boy for four entire months it appears that… Read More

The ultimate gift

It was Mister’s birthday last week. The poor guy is just dying because he is in his forties. I know! It’s super old (just kidding. I’m only a year and a half from the big four-oh myself). I wanted to make his birthday really special so I gave him the best… Read More

Gingerbread land

I can’t quite seem to get the Christmas decorations out, but I don’t want to deprive my children of their holiday fun, so we broke out the gingerbread house kits over the weekend. I have too many children to decorate a single house without a war ensuing, so we usually… Read More

Fun with Pioneer Woman

(Melinda, Me, Jeannie, Cheryl, Chelon and Sara) Pioneer Woman came rolling into Austin last night and we had a rip-roaring good time at her book signing (since you read my blog, you are most likely a female and, well, you just seem like the type who would like Pioneer Woman.… Read More

I like palm trees

Where has Jennie been, you may be wondering. Or not. We went to Phoenix to visit the in-laws. It went pretty well, considering there were 14 people with various codependent/bossy/dysfunctional/passive aggressive personality traits under one roof.  The weather was lovely, the pool was warm and the food was plentiful and… Read More

Happy Pilgrim Day

Here is a picture of me dressed for Thanksgiving dinner, gathering greens for the table decorations. (hey, I am decended from five Mayflower passengers!) Actually, I’m still in pajamas, taking a break after making Pecas Honeypots (like the best parts of a Pecan Pie, but a million times better), Texas… Read More

Toddler Passion

I got together yesterday with my old high school friend Kim.  Jasper and her daughter got along very well.  As in “madly in love”.  It’s so cool when your kids get to meet your friends’ kids–and they get along!  Sorry the pictures are blurry.  I was laughing so hard I… Read More