Sit, laugh, enjoy a good meal-together Kate

I find it interesting that when I look up families eating together, there is an actual study conducted by the University of Minnesota in 2004. This study shows that “frequent family meals are related to better nutritional intake, and a decreased risk for unhealthy weight control practices, and substance abuse.” (www.mealsmatter.org). Not only does this study show that our physical health is improved, but that the mental health is also improved.

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The Big Steps

Today is my 4 year olds last day of preschool. I have a sense of joy and of melancholy. I love seeing my kids grow up – they’re doing exactly what they’re supposed to. I love that my family has become a growing up family and no longer a growing family. But, the passage of time always makes my heart ache. The summer before Freya started preschool

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Safeway Sunday

Hmm...it is Sunday morning, 9:30am, well-lit, 100lb dog, locked doors. My 9 year old then sealed the deal by saying, “Mom, it’s time you trusted me to take care of Leah.” (deep breath) Ok, here it goes. So I told both of the kids what the expectations were: stay in your seats, do not open any windows, keep the doors locked, no throwing anything, and no opening the doors whatsoever!

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Grown Up - Sara Rolfs

I was so grown up when I was handed the keys to my first car. I felt so grown up when I dated a guy my parents didn’t like. I was so grown up when I went to college 1000s of miles away from my parents. I was really grown up when I traveled Europe in my parent’s VW camper, without them this time. I felt really grown up when I got my first job out of school. I was really grown up when

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