This past weekend, my kids, their significant others and I went to an escape room in Wisconsin Dells. It was a Christmas present from me to all of them and we wanted to do it before a couple of them went back to school. Last year, for my birthday, they treated me to an escape room adventure in Madison and we had so much fun that I knew we had to try it again. Continue reading
I can’t imagine my life without my family. They can appreciate the good and overlook the bad in me. For example, I asked for a set of kayaks for my birthday. My daughters must have thought this a good idea as they both purchased one for my husband and one for myself. But, being who I am I felt they were too small. So, being the sweet things they are they loaded them up, not without trouble, and purchased the larger ones. Not to mention the cost was more also. They weren’t surprised as they knew me too well. Continue reading
To some people, the presence of family brings stress, challenges, and dread. They don’t like to be around family because of differing opinions or hard feelings. I have difficulty relating to those people as my family is the exact opposite. I couldn’t imagine life without them. Continue reading
When I turned my key in the apartment door, I always felt the same sadness. I just wanted to go home. I wanted to be with my family.
The move to Colorado back in 2005 had seemed like a good idea. It checked all the boxes. A good job for Michael, and a great school with a hockey team for Matt’s Senior year. It felt right since they had both helped me take such good care of my mom. Now, she had passed. Still, my gut was telling me “Don’t go”. Continue reading
Our family has divided holidays between Mom, Lisa, Judy, and myself. We celebrate Christmas at Mom’s house, Judy and I alternate Easter at our homes and Lisa gets Thanksgiving. Because of this, when someone asks me how I’m celebrating the holiday – I gratefully get to say “I don’t have to host or cook – I just get to enjoy the day!” Continue reading
Having moved from a tri-level home to a larger two-story house was a bit of a challenge to get used to. You learn to live one way and then have to refigure a new environment. We had our family room on the lower level and grew to love that idea. Continue reading
I was 18 years old and sitting at Mom’s vanity doing my makeup. Mom came up behind me and put her hands on my shoulders. I looked from my face to hers and back to mine again and I started to cry a little. I said, “Oh My God… I DO look like you!” Boy, I sure know how to make someone feel like a million bucks! That’s just one way that I’m like my mom. Continue reading
What makes you feel a connection with another person? Some people make you feel cared for and seen. Others, not so much.
Let me give you a couple of examples of what I mean.
A while ago, Michelle and I were talking about our parents and we found out that we have completely different takes on a common occurrence. Continue reading
Candlelight dinner from Nathan – Valentine’s Day 2011
When trying to think about what makes me feel loved or what gives me warm fuzzies, the first thought that comes to mind is when my kids remember to thank me for something I’ve done for them. Continue reading
Hop aboard the Wine Train – We were in Napa, Ca. Mom and her sister Hyacinth were visiting from Wisconsin. They had arrived by way of the Golden Zephyr out of Milwaukee and I had picked them up at the train station in Alameda, Ca. Continue reading
