When your child is old enough to stay home alone for the first time, the milestone can be tough for a lot of parents to handle. Just because they may be old enough doesn't necessarily mean they're ready for the responsibility. Read More

A mom’s hands are never at rest. They’re busy folding laundry, loading the dishwasher, packing lunches and so much more. Read More

What's the perfect pet for a 7-year-old? There's not one. The better question is what pet are you willing to put your own effort into, once the new wears off? Read More

Adding to the list of things children shouldn't do, especially during the time of year when mommy is preparing for guests-a-plenty and Santa is watching... Read More

Halloween is even more fun when the kids' costumes are themed! Read More

So as the date creeps closer, I feel that feeling that I have felt only a few times since I became a mother. The feeling that life is going to change and that my little boy is growing up. Read More

I returned to work after having been off for 11 days with my favorite little people. As I ventured back to work, I felt both sad and excited to step back into the routine. Read More

I have to admit, this year’s holiday mood is becoming contagious in this house. I truly feel that my year is going to end on a great new adventure and it starts with baking cookies…… Read More

On Saturday, I found my daughter uttering those dreaded words “I am BORED”. I almost reacted with the typical response of “this house is overloaded with kid’s toys…what?” Read More

This is a great time to teach our children what really puts them on the “nice” list. Read More

There are lots of secrets and tricks to cookin' lean, but one that I am always seeking new options for is in the area of sweetening. Read More

Inspired by original recipes from Rachael Ray, this is a dish that is sure to impress without costing you too much time or money. Read More

Pizza just isn't red sauce, cheese and pepperoni these days. Restaurants, delivery chains and creative home cooks are finding ways to add excitement to the pizza pie. Read More

When I think about traditionally southern dishes, grits always come to mind. Some people love 'em, some people hate 'em. Read More

I made this recipe twice in a week! It is simple, light, fresh and delicious. For any summer cookout this year, I know the side dish I am bringing! Try it out and let me know what you think!! Read More

Seventeen years ago I said “I do” to Jon Vanderford. I started dating this curly-haired guy from Cass County, Nebraska about five years prior. You could say we played beautiful music together and marched to the same beat. We were Cornhusker Marching Band members who met on the field. Read More

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

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. Read More

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.” Read More

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