When I was growing up, my parents were always very careful with money. Neither of their families had had a lot of money when they were children, and so they knew how to save. It took a long time for me to appreciate this. I remember scrunching down in the backseat of the car when…
For several years the kids and I hosted a 3-Day, afternoon movie shindig for friends and neighbors. It was a great way to break up the winter blahs as well as socialize with other families. It doesn’t cost much at all to have a good time. Invite your friends and neighbors – I made up…
Life with two babies is hard. But, it’s not a death sentence. It’s good, I promise. FishBoys, 2002, the youngest two were 19 months apart A reader asked recently, I have a one year old and am expecting #2 in August. They will be 19 months apart. Any advice for juggling 2 babies so close…
A few months ago I reviewed this great book called Queen of the Castle. I remember thinking at the time how much it resonated with me. I felt like I had found a kindred spirit of sorts. So how happy am I that Lynn Bowen Walker is guest posting today?! Today you’ll get to hear…
On Saturdays this month, I’ve been thinking aloud about the road I’m on. It’s called Motherhood. It’s a long road. And it’s one that takes some planning and forethought. I’ve mentioned determining your destination, or recognizing your mission. For me it’s this: I want to be a joyful mom who is encouraging to my children,…
Fancy Nancy and Breakfast!? These two themes were suggested by readers during FishMama’s Birthday Cake Challenge. They were chosen as the top two in a readers’ poll a week later. Both were definitely challenging. Breakfast because it was a unique thing to conceive in sugar. Have you ever heard of such a thing? And Fancy…
It all started because my siblings and I were grown, and no one wanted to hunt down twenty-something of those miniscule birthday candles. Or buy multiple packages every time we celebrated a family birthday. My oldest son was three at the time. I was expected our second child. A friend had suggested that the big…
When FishPapa and I were first married, we lived in a tiny, 250-square foot studio apartment. It was the guest house / pool house for a larger home. The landlords became good friends of ours and we enjoyed that season immensely.(Hi Ribbens Family!) Needless to say, space was a hot commodity. But, we lived in…
The conversation started here. A few months ago Libby wrote me and asked, Here is the thing: do you think that your family would have felt complete if you had only given birth to boys? I ask because I have three precious sons, hard won after years of infertility treatment. They are the center of…
Let your toddler be the keeper of the tree this year. Feed your live Christmas trees with ice cubes! I distinctly remember the day in a college course when the instructor brought up the topic of holiday traditions. I don’t remember why we were discussing it. But, I do recall that day being one of…