One Less Teenager

Today my second-born child, York, turns 20. I am down to having only two teenagers again. York has been getting his butt kicked down in Brazil (metaphorically speaking!) and learning piles of humility and patience. Hoo boy, has he needed that! Of course, York is still York and he told… Read More

April 11, 2016April 12, 2016

Ada’s Birth Story or Why Natural Childbirth is Awful

Before you start reading, let me just tell you that I have given birth seven times. Seven times. Twice pain-med free. So get off your high horse right now because that’s a lot of babies that I’ve pushed out of my body. One was a still-born so I know all… Read More

January 9, 2016January 9, 2016

The Best 50th Birthday Gift

Mister turned 50 last month. He’s quite a few years older than I am, which seemed very sophisticated when we met when I was a baby of 19 and he was 25. As you know the fiftieth birthday is fraught with emotion (mostly depressed and negative) and expectations. There was… Read More

April 7, 2014

Adelaide-y Bug

Does any parent ever get used to their child growing up? When I think of this sullen little girl who rarely smiled (but also rarely cried) . . . . . . it’s hard for me to imagine that that solemn little baby is now a spunky, laughing,… Read More

June 19, 2013

The Weekend That Broke The Camel’s Back

You guys! Last weekend was one of those times when everything stacks up and crushes me near to death. It’s all I could do to keep breathing til last night. First of all, it was my anniversary. Nice, pretty mellow. But still it’s a whole evening when I had lots… Read More

May 17, 2013

S’More Trouble in the Kitchen

Arabella loves to read my cookbooks and pick out things for me to make. My kids are all sugar addicts like their mother so her recipes are usually in the dessert category. A couple of weeks ago she picked out this beauty from my Cooks Country magazine that she wanted… Read More

May 16, 2013

Arabella, The Birthday Princess

Today child #4 (otherwise known as Arabella Claire) turns twelve. She is such a delight. She, of course, has those lovely teenage years ahead of her but today she is just a pleasure to have around. Well, 98% of the time. The other 2% she is fighting with Ada. So… Read More

April 16, 2013

Baptism Girl

Adelaide Amelia Clementine turned eight last week. Turning eight is not just any birthday if you’re Mormon. That’s when we get baptized. Mormons believe that babies and children automatically go to Heaven if they die, so baptism isn’t a requirement until kids are old enough to really understand the difference… Read More

January 31, 2013

Super Sixteen

Is it still called Sweet Sixteen when it’s for a boy? Doubtful. So let’s say that my oldest boy York just had his Super Sixteenth birthday. It ended up being on a Sunday and that is not a fun day for Mormons to have a birthday. We are strict Sabbath… Read More

May 30, 2012

How to Make Tissue Paper Pom Pom Flowers

Tissue paper poms are my absolute favorite party decoration. They are cheap and big and make a lot of impact. Unlike helium balloons, these can be made weeks ahead of time. I thought everyone knew how to make tissue paper poms but I’ve had person after person ask me how… Read More

May 5, 2012

Party Time, Excellent

May and June will be bringing us our last two birthdays of the Season (“the Season” spans from December-June with a birthday every month). As bad luck and poor planning will have it, both children are due for a birthday party. Arabella (turning 11) hasn’t had one for three years… Read More