As we enter the late-fall stretch of the year, the time when both of my kids have birthdays, I find myself thinking about the days when they were “fresh out of the oven,” in those sweet, early days of postpartum. Only now, with the benefit of the wide-angle lens of nearly 8 and 11 years, […]
I Get By With a Little Help From My Postpartum Friends Read More »
Don’t you love those times that you can do things with your kids that are just a little bit bad? Not really breaking any rules or laws and certainly not hurting anyone, but also not totally allowed? That’s how I feel about the Pumpkin Plunkin’. Conceived of at a dinner party more than 12 years
Halloween is the most favorite holiday for our household. Weird and spooky are always the preferred vibes! Christmas? Meh. Thanksgiving? Sure. Halloween?! DEFINITELY! However! Since one of my kids has a medical condition requiring math for every food consumed, the stakes can run a little high. Because if I misjudge a lollipop, the evening could
Pumpkins, Potions & Perfectly Managed Numbers Read More »
When I was in elementary school, there was one thing I wanted more than anything: an American Girl doll. Specifically, I wanted Kirsten, with her blonde hair and blue eyes just like mine. I loved reading the American Girl books, not just Kirsten’s stories, but all of the girls’ stories. Unfortunately, I never got a
A Little American Girl Nostalgia Read More »
A little friendly competition, lots of food and very little bloodshed These moments of nice outdoor weather in Vermont feel especially precious, perhaps because everyone who lives here knows they are on borrowed time. Enjoying a beautiful evening outdoors during the “good” months is one of the reasons, I think, many of us choose to
As we approach the end of the first month of the new school year, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for educators. We are so fortunate to have wonderful schools and dedicated educators in our community, and I am continually amazed by the work they do each and every day. Being
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Over the past year and a half our family had grown quite attached to what was fondly known as the “Mini Ilsley.” The Main Street cornerstone was along our daily commute to and from school and we adored the cozy games and seating in front of the large picture window. Families would wave to those
Ilsley triumphs again Read More »
In a personal mission to try and keep things lighter in life, I want to share a fun pastime to enjoy with your family. Coins. What started from a fairly age-appropriate love for a gumball machine and requesting spare change over the years has turned into a really fun quest for state quarters! We’ve filled two
There is something a little bittersweet about the end of summer. The long, unhurried days, late evenings outside, spontaneous adventures and that wonderful feeling that tomorrow can wait are beginning to give way to backpacks, lunchboxes, earlier bedtimes and school bells. It can be hard to say goodbye to summer—but there is also something comforting
