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It’s an American Girl Birthday!

Every year I let my kids choose a theme for their parties. This year my daughter wanted an American Girl birthday. Last year, Olivia had a mermaid party and Jacob wanted a sports theme. Now, it’s all about the American Girl.

"Hoppy" Easter

What's an Easter basket without a chocolate bunny? I came across this cute idea from designer Matthew Mead. You can make those plain rabbits "hop out" with edible glitter, powders and icing.

Breaking the Law…at 6?

When you think of someone breaking the law, all kinds of crimes come to mind. But, what kind of crime could a little six year old commit?

The Lost Ring

Stress, tears, relief… three feelings moms experience often, maybe even daily. Being a mom is the BEST job ever, but let’s face it, it can get complicated... especially when you lose your wedding ring!

I Believe

‘Tis the season for a timeless parenting question. How old should your kids be when you have the “Santa Claus” talk? What? What are you talking about? I know… it’s hard for me to even ask that question. But, as a mom, I feel like other people ruin the magic too soon.

More than Football

As parents, we do our best to try and shield our kids from troubling topics. And here we were faced with a story about a former Penn State coach who sexually abused children…children about the same age as my son.

We're Off to See the Wizard

Follow the yellow brick road… the Vanderfords we’re off to see the wizard for Halloween this year!

A Crazy Morning

OK... I just had to share. Moms and Dads, you know how crazy mornings can be. Well, here's what happened at the Vanderford household today.

The Effects of 9/11

Where were you on September 11th 2001? During this month, we've been remembering that fateful day ten years ago. It had an impact on how I viewed the world, and on what was most important to me.

Starting School, Then and Now

Last week, our TV station asked for pictures of us starting school. It’s so fun to look back at these “old” pictures. I now think about my two kids starting school. Sure, the anticipation and mix of emotions are still the same, but the settings have changed a bit.

She's an American Girl

She’s All-American and will cost you $100. It’s the American Girl and the company's motto is about celebrating girls and all that they can be. Granted these dolls are adorable, but as parents you have to be prepared to shell out the cash for happy little girls.

Overheard Going to Vacation Bible School

Recently my kids attended the Vacation Bible School put on at our babysitter’s church called "PandaMania"! Sure, the kids LOVED the theme, but Jon and I loved the “kidmania” that we experienced on our morning drive to the church.

The Lost Tooth

When you’re six years old, a little piece of enamel is a big deal. And when you lose that little piece of enamel before you can give it to the Tooth Fairy, well that’s a major problem in a child’s world.

Play Ball! It's A Home Run Birthday

Every year, my kids pick a theme for their parties. In April, Olivia chose a mermaid theme. And last year, you may have remembered Jacob's platypus party?! What can I say, he was into bizarre Australian animals! Well, this was Jacob's year for going all out with sports.

An Old-Fashioned Family Vacation

Summer 2011…time for another Vanderford vacation. Where to this year? Well, in a world filled with Wii games, iPads and frenzy-filled amusement parks, our family opted for a breath of fresh air, literally.

It’s Going Too Fast, May 27, 2011

Where has the year gone? You could say I’m one of those emotional moms. I cry on the first day of school, the last day of school and at those little moments in between. It’s hard to believe that my baby is now a 1st grader!!

Manners Matter, May 18

“Remember to say please and thank you!” These are the last words my kids usually hear from me as they shut the car door and trot off to school. It’s my friendly little “manners” reminder.

From Oh No to OK! May 6

It’s only a few days until Mother’s Day, and here I am scurrying around working on Mother’s Day cards. My kids were filling out their cards for grandmas when a mistake happened. This little problem became a learning moment for me this Mother's Day.

Talking to Kids About Osama bin Laden's Death, May 4

As a parent, you want to shield your kids from bad news. And the death of Osama bin Laden is high on that list of troubling news. But, my kids overheard us talking about bin Laden, and they were confused and scared. I plan to sit down with my kids and tell them what happened at a level that is appropriate for their age.

It’s a Mermaid Party! April 27

Life is the bubbles when you go “under the sea” for a party! Recently, we made a splash with a 6-year-old birthday bash! My daughter Olivia turned six on April 16th. Every year my kids pick a theme for their birthday parties. This year, Olivia chose a Mermaid Party!

Happy 90th Birthday, Grammy! April 15

What do you get someone who’s experienced 90 wonderful years of life? That’s the question I pondered a few weeks ago as I thought about what to get my grandma for this special birthday.

Spring Break 2011, April 4

When you think of Spring Break, the beach, wild parties and drinking alcohol may come to mind. Well, for the Vanderford family, the words synonymous with Spring Break 2011 are: the mountains, swimming in a hotel pool and sipping Jamba Juice smoothies. The end of March, we packed up our little red SUV and drove west to Colorado.

Birthday Wishes, March 22

March 16th was my birthday. I turned _______. We’ll leave that blank for now. It’s funny how as we get older birthdays start to creep up on us. My kids can’t wait for their birthdays and their themed-parties. They count down the days. I think adult birthdays can be fun, too, if we try to make that day SPECIAL.

Get in the Game, March 10

It’s March Madness! And that means it’s time for hoops! From the state level to the national stage, basketball teams are competing for trophies and bragging rights. This past weekend, we had the chance to be fans for my high school girls basketball team.

Answering the Tough Questions, Feb. 24

“Why do people have to die?” my little five year old asked. When a little blond-haired girl with teary eyes looks up at you with a simple, yet poignant question, what do you do?