Bittersweet Miracles of 2011

JK Rowling once said, “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” As the year 2011 is coming to a close, I find myself spending a lot of time reflecting on the year’s events. It is amazing to me how much a life can change in such a short amount of time. The year 2011 was a hard one for us. It was the year our lives turned upside down during a painful divorce. It was a year of change. We moved back in with my parents, I changed my major and went back to school, … Continue reading

Dyson Dreams Dashed

Another Mother’s Day has come and gone… and I still don’t have a Dyson. My dream of owning the expensive vacuum has become a running joke in my family, though there’s one person who’s not laughing-—my daughter. Whereas I would love to add the bagless upright with Ball and Root Cyclone Technology to my cleaning collection, I am content with my current Hoover and the knowledge that it didn’t suck out our entire savings to purchase. Still, my sensitive kindergartner often gets misty whenever a Mommy gift-getting occasion passes and I crack a joke about my Dyson dreams being dashed. … Continue reading

Birthparents from the show 16 and Pregnant Have Bittersweet Moments But No Regrets

The same People magazine issue (October 5, 2009) that told Katherine Heigl’s joyous adoption story also featured an update on the adoption featured on MTV’s reality show, 16 and Pregnant. Four months after Catelynn Lowell and her boyfriend Tyler Baltierra placed their daughter with adoptive parents in North Carolina, they are starting their senior year of high school in Michigan–and coping with bittersweet moments haunted by memories of the baby who Catelynn says looks like both of them. The couple are at peace with their decision, however. They decided to make an adoption plan for their baby soon after they … Continue reading

Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

In “Sweet Home Alabama,” Melanie Carmichael (Reese Witherspoon) is living the life every girl dreams of. A fashion designer, she’s just launched her line with her own show and the critics are raving. To top that off, she’s dating the mayor’s son, Andrew (Patrick Dempsey) and he’s madly in love with her. So in love that he proposes in Tiffany’s and lets her pick any ring she wants. She, of course, says yes. There’s just something she has to take care of first, and she heads off to get it done. She flies back to Alabama, where she’s from, and … Continue reading

Sweet Dreams (of My Special Child)

Sweet dreams ‘till sunbeams find you Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you But in your dreams whatever they be Dream a little dream of me (Dream a Little Dream of Me – Kahn, Schwandt, Andre) Have you ever dreamed (or daydreamed) that your child’s disability had disappeared, or never existed at all? Or maybe your child told you he dreamed he didn’t need his wheelchair, or she dreamed she wasn’t sick anymore? Why do dreams sometimes give us a new perspective, and other times cause us pain? Is it just a longing we have to repair what can’t … Continue reading

Anne’s House of Dreams – L.M. Montgomery

After many years of medical school, Gilbert Blythe is a doctor, and he has found a practice away from Avonlea. Taking his new bride, Anne Shirley Blythe, he moves and settles down in a new house, which Anne immediately sets about making their very own. She loves being a doctor’s wife, but more importantly, she loves being Gilbert’s wife, and they quickly adapt to their new life together. While out taking a walk one night, Anne spies a beautiful young woman out driving her geese, and becomes curious who she is. She finds out that the woman is Leslie Moore, … Continue reading

The Truth About Your Diet During Pregnancy

One of the assumptions I made about pregnancy prior to becoming pregnant is I’d have a diet-related Get out of Jail Free card.  I knew that there are certain foods it’s best to avoid, but I thought at least I’d have a free pass to eat, well, not quite as much as I wanted, but to feel a bit more guilt-free about evening ice cream binges. That turned out not to be the case at all.  First off, the whole “eating for two” thing isn’t true.  At most, you should eat for one and a quarter.  In addition to that, … Continue reading

Affordable DIY Grad Day Decorations

Pinching pennies is no fun; however, finding ways to create memorable graduation day decorations without breaking the bank is sure to bring a smile to your face. Instead of getting despondent about not being able to afford expensive embellishments for your graduate’s party, consider buying budget items and jazzing them up at home.  For example, rather than splurging on pricey banners from the store, make your own at home using your laptop and printer.  You can personalize the look by choosing a fun font and some festive images that will enhance the commencement theme. Another way to save on party … Continue reading

Picture-Perfect Mother’s Day

What are you asking for this Mother’s Day? A clean basement? Not if your husband’s idea of “cleaning” is tossing out all of your stuff. An expensive vacuum? Not if you have to use it more to justify the price. Breakfast in bed? Not if it means doing damage control in the kitchen until dinner. What about a peaceful day surrounded by the people whose existence affords you membership in the sweetest sorority on earth? This Mother’s Day consider cuddling up with your kiddos and enjoying a quiet moment with these picture-perfect holiday reads: The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our … Continue reading

Save on Spa Fun

Mother’s Day is right around the corner; time to start shopping. The day set aside to honor the most priceless person in the world can put a major dent in your wallet, especially if you plan to shower mom with expensive presents.   However, if you are working on a tight budget, there are still plenty of wonderful ways you can show your mom how much she means to you. Rather than send mom to a pricey spa, treat her to a relaxing morning at a home version.  The following affordable ideas will allow you to pamper mom without putting your … Continue reading