Liz Johnson

Liz Johnson
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Liz is mom to second grader Jonah, preschooler Gwendolyn, and toddler Theo. She and Troy married and bought a Beaverdale home in 2010. A teacher on maternal hiatus, Liz prefers reading to housekeeping and uses West Wing reruns to settle her mind. She believes any problem can be solved with fiction but loves to explore her reality in Des Moines.
kids jumping on bed. messy mom

A Defense of Messy Mom

Our kids were completing their chore list the other day, whining while they worked, and the 6-year-old called me out for my untidy side of the bedroom. How could I expect them to maintain...
woman running. exercise plan

The No-Plan Exercise Plan

I have two goals every day: Teach my kids something. Exercise. These are the only two goals I can handle right now.  Well, the exercise is, anyway. I fail in a million different ways every day. The...
cabin in the woods. Iowa travel. Des Moines Mom

Cheap and Easy Getaways in Iowa

Living in Des Moines offers some obvious family getaways: Chicago, Kansas City, Omaha. Just pick a direction. Then there are the many options for a family staycation.   But what our family has found infinitely satisfying, necessary,...
mom inspiration

Finding Momspiration in Books

There are times when Momming requires inspiration. Mom blogs are great for short bursts and immediacy but sometimes I need more. I need longer.   I need books. Nobody has time to read books. I ignore much...
fall is best

Fall is the Best Season for Parents

Fall is the best season for parents. Absolutely.  In our house, conversation about the best season of the year revolves around birthdays, and the kids’ favorites lean toward those in which their birthdays arrive. Not...
feelings

Feelings are Tough. SEL Can Help.

There have been a lot of Big Feelings around our house this year: rage, sadness, joy, and confusion, among others. The kids have been emotional, too.   More and more Iowa schools are recognizing these feelings and...
epic road trip

Are You Ready for an Epic Family Road Trip?

My husband and I are slow decision-makers. I’ve used euphemisms like “careful” and “deliberate” but we’re just slow.  The challenges of this particular year have managed to slow us down even further and our indecision...
homeschool

Our Homeschool Adventure Ends

I never thought I’d homeschool my kids.  However, this year homeschooling was the best option for our specific situation. I stand by this decision. Now that the school year is over and we look ahead to...
hobbies

Mom’s Pandemic Hobbies

So many people have used this past year to attempt and master various hobbies. The truly clever ones have even managed to monetize them. I am not one of these people.  When I reflect on how...
anticipation

The Anticipation of Parenting

Our daughter is a planner. She likes occasions. In her five years of life, she’s planned an untold number of events - real and imagined - to celebrate. The pandemic has only enhanced her planning....