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Oink, Oink, It's a Pig Party!

A pig has always been Olivia’s favorite animal. You could say it was meant to be.

Ways to Say Happy Mother's Day

On Mother's Day, you just have to send a card. But sometimes, standing in the card aisle can be overwhelming. This year I lucked out! I found exactly what I wanted to say, and in a short amount of time.

Baseball Mom Strikes Out

You could say I’m a freshman mom when it comes to select baseball. This is my 10-year-old son’s first year on the team. We’re excited, but I’m still learning how to “get in the game.”

Girls Weekend

Sometimes it’s nice to getaway. And sometimes you want to getaway with the girls. That’s just what we did last fall.

The Lost Key

You want to give your kids some responsibility. And getting the mail seems like an easy enough chore. That is, until the mail, or the mail key gets lost!

If Only Medicine Tasted Like Chicken Noodle Soup

Okay, so medicine can be a little gross; however, it’s often the difference between feeling awful and feeling awesome again. But try telling that to a kid.

Too Much Stuff!

The holidays are over, and as you scan your home, you might see STUFF. I know I do. So how can you have a tidy home for the New Year and make sure all those new toys are actually used?

Elf on the Shelf Returns

He's back! Our Elf on the Shelf returned on Saturday, December 1st to the delight of our kids. And it didn't take long for him to get into mischief!

Where is that Elf?

Where is "Elf on the Shelf"? There are some worried kids in the Vanderford home.

Count Your Blessings

You know, Thanksgiving isn't complicated. It's as simple as 1, 2, 3... faith, family, and food. It's a time to enjoy one another and count your many blessings.

Little House Kids

I introduced my elementary-aged kids to the “Little House on the Prairie” TV show a few months ago. It was definitely one of my favorite shows as a kid in the '70s and '80s. I didn’t realize that now, in 2012, this would become my daughter’s favorite program, too.

Hey, Taxi!

It’s how we got around the city. That and on foot. The taxi was my mom’s first taste of New York City.

Back to School

Where do the years go? We’ve started another school year and my kids are already in the 2nd and 5th grades. And it’s in the little things where I notice the biggest changes. Take the backpacks.

Batter Up! My son is 10!

You can hit a home run with an All-American party! We had a vintage baseball theme for my son's 10th birthday.

Car Show Question

On Father’s Day, my church hosted a car show in the church parking lot. And here's where we ran into trouble. Our pastor wanted us to be the friendliest congregation on the block. Funny how one car show enthusiast was ready to blow a gasket!

Dear Santa

I like tradition. And I like traditional favorites. Looking for chocolate behind advent calendar windows, watching holiday classics like "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer narrated by Burl Ives" and visiting Santa are holiday musts.

Mother's Day Memories

As I write this, I'm looking outside at my husband and two kids decorating a gift for me. They are so proud. And I am so thankful for these memories and the gift of being a mom.

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!

Firsts for a Family

“The corn looks like tiny little ants and the houses look like toy houses. Mom was right,” Olivia squealed. Not only were my kids up in the air, they were going to Florida where new sites and adventure awaited them. This was a time of “firsts” for our family on many levels.

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!