| Category: Lifestyle |
Red, Green and Yellowing
Pretty (reused) paper, pretty (reused) ribbons of blue...
By Christina Deanne
When I was in sixth grade, my mom decided that we should recycle Christmas wrapping. Before you say what a great environmentalist she was, my mother recycled wrapping paper only because she didn't want to buy any. I had to hand wash aluminum foil until...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
'Tis the Season
To receive the title, families must win the holiday trifecta.
By Kelly Miller
The children are so proud of themselves. We all stand around, enjoying this holiday moment. They have worked so hard, and are proud and pleased at what they have accomplished. We look on in awe; the lights are wrapped in a festive ring, not too tight,...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
The IP Bookshelf
Ox, House, Stick: The History of the Alphabet written by Don Robb; illustrated by Anne Smith
Ox, House, Stick: The History of Our Alphabet
Written by Don Robb; illustrated by Anne Smith
Charlesbridge Publishing; $16.95
48 pp.; ISBN-13: 978-1570916090
Review by Amy Brozio-Andrews
The alphabet is one of the most important things kids learn...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Exploding Rats
KABOOM!
By Felice Prager
Two days ago, my seventeen-year-old son, who lives in a state of bedroom chaos and confusion, decided, on his own, without prodding from me, to clean his room. Jeff started by taking the doors off his sliding-door closet so he could move more freely around...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Hey! It's Dinner AND a Show!
Entertainment in the dining room.
By Angie Weatherly
The husband and I don't get out much. Who in their right mind would volunteer to watch four kids? And God knows we're too cheap to hire a sitter. We've pretty much surmised we'll not have another grown-up outing until we're wearing Depends. At least it's...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
TP Proclamation
The transition period starts tomorrow.
By Karen Batka
Dear Family,
Do not be alarmed if you are sitting on the toilet and have found this post-it note in place of the usual roll of toilet paper. The reason for this change of procedure is the result of great strides in my therapy. It is imperative for me...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
TP Proclamation
The transition period starts tomorrow.
By Karen Batka
Dear Family,
Do not be alarmed if you are sitting on the toilet and have found this post-it note in place of the usual roll of toilet paper. The reason for this change of procedure is the result of great strides in my therapy. It is imperative for me...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
What's for Dinner?
There's a balance somewhere between well-seasoned filet mignon and frozen TV dinners.
By Nicole Jacques
“Hey little guy, what’s for dinner?”
My eight-year-old son is ensconced inside a fence of couch cushions on the living room floor. Miniature monsters are ascending the cotton-stuffed barriers and then skydiving into the fortress. My...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Going Domestic
I need a chef and a maid.
By Karen B. Schwartz
"I'm working on spreadsheets; you just have to wash some pots."
This from my husband, Ryan, after I asked him why he no longer did his share of the chores around the house. What set us off was my request, put ever so gently, to please wash...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Going Domestic
I need a chef and a maid.
By Karen B. Schwartz
"I'm working on spreadsheets; you just have to wash some pots."
This from my husband, Ryan, after I asked him why he no longer did his share of the chores around the house. What set us off was my request, put ever so gently, to please wash...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Going Domestic
I need a chef and a maid.
By Karen B. Schwartz
"I'm working on spreadsheets; you just have to wash some pots."
This from my husband, Ryan, after I asked him why he no longer did his share of the chores around the house. What set us off was my request, put ever so gently, to please wash...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Tales of Addiction
Do NOT mess with Mom until she's had her fix.
By Amy Hood
It started innocently enough. One half-cup of coffee on Sunday mornings, mixed with hot milk. A once-a-week treat, since I was still nursing. I had gone caffeine free while I tried to get pregnant (seven months), throughout the pregnancy, and for a good...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Mommy Slings Drinks
What can I get you?
By Hope Gatto
I am a mom who slings booze the color of apple juice, topping drinks off with multi-colored straws. I haul cases of Coors Lite on each hip in much the same manner that I carried my kids when they were toddlers. I wash the sippy cups of grown-ups and scold...read more |
| Category: Columnists |
Imperfections
Damn the excuses.
By Jessica Carlson
Damn the excuses, this past Thanksgiving holiday weekend I was determined to get a project done that I had been putting off for years. With the gift giving season rapidly approaching, it was time to organize the mess in the basement which once held promise...read more |
| Category: Columnists |
Imperfections
Damn the excuses.
By Jessica Carlson
Damn the excuses, this past Thanksgiving holiday weekend I was determined to get a project done that I had been putting off for years. With the gift giving season rapidly approaching, it was time to organize the mess in the basement which once held promise...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Where Oh Where Can It Be?
Where oh where has that permission slip gone?
By Rita Fiorentino
I spend 30% of my time searching for some irreplaceable, invaluable piece of paper. I haven't timed it, but it seems about right. Permission slips. Book tracking slips. Camp forms. Directions to doctor's offices. Invitations to birthday parties. Sunday...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Constant Vigilance!
One mom’s struggle to keep a clean house.
By Slon Nelson-Bentley
"Constant Vigilance!" is a phrase uttered over and over again by Mad-Eye Moody in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Of course he was crazy, and not quite what he seemed to be, but lately, his catch phrase has become my personal mantra. My...read more |
