Giving the kids something to talk about in therapy.
Dear friends and family,
Season's Greetings and a joyous New Year to all of you! I hope this last year has been one that holds wonderful memories and many things to be thankful for that you will bring into the new year. I know ours has. (Read More...)
I think mythical creatures are a part of every kid’s childhood. The tooth fairy, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, mischievous leprechauns…. I remember waking up on Christmas morning, astounded by all Santa had been able to fit into his sleigh. My dad would always wait to light the fire, and us kids would ooh and aah over the boot print left in the ashes. Santa would always leave us a personal letter addressed to each of us, telling us how we’d been such good kids, and giving us pointers on how we could help our parents more. He’d always thank us for the Cob feed and carrots we left for the reindeer, and could never quite finish the eggnog we left him, complete with crumbs in the bottom of the glass. One year he left us a piece of the sleigh – a red piece of felt with bells sewed on. We believed with all our hearts. (Read More....)
“We had to take away the Xbox again last night,” a friend lamented to me. She had caught her son in the wee hours of the morning, plugged in with his headset on, chatting with friends across the country as he maimed opponents in his latest game. It wasn’t the first time, and she was aware that it wouldn’t be the last. And short of taking the game system and throwing it in the Russian River, she wasn’t sure what to do. (Read more...)
This is the last weekend of the holidays – enjoy it! This weekend is when the Sebastopol Ballet performs their version of The Nutcracker, and when homes up the ante in their light displays. If you find time in between shopping for that last minute gift or finishing up your wrapping, grab the munchkins and head out for some local weekend fun! (Read More...)
As a parent, I am very concerned with making sure that our home is based on the well-being of our family. I strive to make sure that we all eat the right foods and limit the foods that don’t promote good health. I have kept cable television out of my house so that we aren’t stuck in front of the TV in the evening for hours on end. I have a strict 9 o’clock bedtime for the two of them so that they get a proper 10 hours of sleep a night. But sometimes, even with my best intentions, life gets in the way of keeping to the simple guidelines I have laid out. (Read more....)
Years ago I was in a serious relationship. To be more exact, I was in the first real relationship since my marriage. It was with a recently divorced man with a 4 year old son. The first several months were honeymooned bliss, complete with fantasies about our future together when we made things more permanent. We waited a few months before introducing the kids, going out for pizza as a way to take the pressure off of the real reason for going out to dinner. The kids took to him well, and my son and his son, being the same age, easily hit it off.
The next several months were great. We’d go hang out at his place and utilize his pool. And then we’d have BBQ’s in the evening. Everyone was happy.
Sounds perfect, right? At first, yes. But reality has a funny way of creeping in. (Read more...)
A story by the fire at an inviting hotel, breakfast with Santa, hoping Eeyore finds his tail..... This weekend is filled with lots of fun activities for you to enjoy with your children!
A single dad emailed me earlier today and had the age old question about how to meet single women when they seem so scarce and unavailable. I answered him to the best of my abilities, but I am hoping that YOU, the reader, will have some suggestions on how to meet singles in the area.... Continue Reading →
Do you have a holiday list that is larger than your budget? The holidays are not a reason to go into debt, or a time of dread. Here are a few tips on keeping your bank account intact, and still enjoying what is supposed to be a wonderful time of the year.
1. Use your words You don't need to buy every aunt, uncle, cousin, or friend a gift. Write them a heartfelt card letting them know how much you care for them. The sweetest words letting the recipient know how much they mean to you can have more value than a $10 trinket you picked up at the store. One of my friends writes a letter to all of her friends with words of wisdom from the lessons she has learned throughout the year. I tell you, I look forward to this letter every year, and it is one of my favorite gifts. If you feel that some sort of monetary gift should be attached, donate a feasible sum to a charity and include this deed in the card.(Read more...)
You know what I love about the holidays? It seems like everyone is in the holiday spirit as they decorate their homes and businesses, and the reasons to get together and celebrate multiply. As the weather turns a bit crisper, breath comes out in puffs of fog against the chilly air, and cheeks are a bit rosier behind wool scarves and hats, the smiles are contagious as each town celebrates this festive time of year. Do you know what you're doing this weekend?
Wine Country Mom 