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I realize that our country is large and diverse. I know that what affects me here in Maine may not be the same for those in Kansas (my home state), for example. But if you seem to be experiencing some hard decisions and rough circumstances due to the current state of the economy, then here […]
Fall here in Maine means that the nights get down to near freezing and the trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The air is crisp and so are the apples picked right off the tree at nearby orchards. I have always loved those first few times of putting on a cozy sweater […]
While sitting at my child’s first soccer practice, it occurred to me as a determined multitasker that this could be a fantastic opportunity to catch up on a few things between the cheers, the snacks, and the goals. Call your mom – Catching up with Mom and fill her in on the play-by-play action of […]
Sunday, September 7, is Grandparent’s Day! Though I suspect it is the latest attempt of our consumer-driven society to commercialize on the respect and love owed to grandparents, it IS nice to get a great, big reminder of how much our grandparents mean to us. If you haven’t run out to buy something nice for […]
This is a hard one. It is like asking a mother who her favorite child is. These are the pages that I print most frequently, tote around with me in my binder, or hang on my refrigerator. If you have never made some of these and would like some help with them, please feel free […]
Every family is different and each family has their own set of priorities. Some families may find a game of kickball is what they need directly after school. Some families may find themselves shuttling one child to karate, another to soccer, and yet another to piano lessons all in the same afternoon. Some families cook […]
Some nights, it is nice to take a break from cooking. This would be a good time to provide your family with a healthy meal that can be assembled in a few minutes, has little cleanup, and teaches even the little ones that they, too, can help feed the family. Here is a list of […]
by Guest Blogger, Erin Kokoszka Sixteen.16. Seize. Dieciseis. That’s how many in-laws I have at my house right now. Yes, yes, I know that all of you ladies out there are thinking, ‘well, sister, that’s what you get for living in the paradise known as Martha’s Vineyard.’ I hear you. But, still. They are here […]
Mama is great about being sensitive to the emotional needs and wants of her children, but in the day-to-day caring for those who need a LOT of care, the emotional needs of husbands/partners and fathers can sometimes be neglected. Here are some of the things that you should stay conscious of each and every day […]
Living in Maine means lots of company (which we LOVE) in the summertime! If you are expecting company where you live, then here are a few things that might help you prepare. Plot out meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Using your meal plan, create a careful grocery list (you do NOT want to […]
A well-stocked art/craft chest can be a consistent source of activities for your children. Not only does it provide a creative outlet for them, but also a moment of quiet for you! Here are some items you should always have on hand: coloring books ream of printer paper construction paper scissors (age-appropriate) glue (age-appropriate) washable […]
I spent the first 18 years of my life in Kansas. I was raised in a small town plopped down in the middle of wheat fields. I have almost lived as much of my life outside of Kansas as in it, but there will always be something special about the place where I grew up, […]
It is summertime and that means heat – and a chance to escape from the heat! I live near the ocean which means lots of trips to the beach, but our vacations are spent in a place where pools are the order of the day. Members to ListPlanIt will find the lists they need to […]
I knew from the time I was a child that I wanted to have a baby. I couldn’t wait to feel that tiny body growing inside me. I couldn’t wait to touch its soft skin and smell its sweet baby smell. Like everything else in my life, I fantasize about all the positives and choose […]
In order to get the best deals and to find some creative ideas for gift-giving, there are several places I got to find the best options: Main Street (lots of fun, unique things can be found in your own downtown) Garage Sales (takes a bit of work and time, but some great deals to be […]
My husband cannot remember who his teacher was for 1st grade. He’s tried, believe me, to remember, but can’t quite seem to extract that detail from his memory bank. He is not damaged because he cannot remember. But childhood is the foundation on which we build our lives and missing pieces can leave us feeling […]
I look back at a journal that I keep by my bed to record the things my kids say or do. Sometimes when I go back through it, I am surprised. Those details that I was sure that I would never forget, I’ve forgotten! You think you’ll always remember those precious details, but sadly, you’ll […]
I’ve heard a few moms say that they eat in front of the TV because everyone seems to get antsy at the dinner table when conversation starts to dry up. Dinnertime can be a great time to connect as a family. Use these questions to help get everyone talking, laughing, and getting to know more […]
If your child is planning to attend a summer camp this year or in the near future, there are a quite a few things to consider for maximum safety and ultimate fun. Members to ListPlanIt will find the lists they need to research and plan for summer camp in Student Planning. Not yet a member? Join […]
There are many good reasons to have a picnic: family outing, change of scenery, warm summer day, or out and about when it is time to eat. In order to prevent eating fast food all summer long, I pack a lunch probably 3 times a week. Here are the things that I have learned are […]
We had family in from Texas this past weekend so we were acting as tour guides to Maine (which we love doing because there is so much to see and do here). Here are the highlights: Everyone (all 9 people in my house) got ready by 8 a.m. so that we could get down to […]
Today we celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary! I can hardly believe it myself. We were just 21and had been only together for 8 months (we knew each other for longer though) when we tied the knot. I am still humbled that he picked me. 1994 – Honeymooned at Disneyworld. 1995 – Finished college. / Traveled […]
Most preschools have already started pre-enrolling for next year. If you have not yet enrolled your child in a preschool or if you are beginning to think about what is important to look for in the future, then take a look at this list and begin to call around and visit preschools in your area. […]
What’s a free hour, right? I never thought it would happen to me, but now that my kids are getting a little older, I find myself with an occasional free hour. So with this list, I will be able to keep from squandering that precious time. Read a magazine. Get a pedicure. Browse slowly through […]
If your family is anything like our family, a babysitter is an uncommon luxury. So when I get a chance to have one, I have a list of things that I want to think about before he/she arrives. Straighten the house enough so that she is not overwhelmed by a mess. Make a list of […]