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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.

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.