Dog Man was the first graphic novel our kids brought home, many years ago. Our then-first-grader devoured it, as did many of his classmates.
I was not a fan.
The book’s premise (the main character is surgically created to be half...
It's almost Pancake Day! I did not know the history behind this day until recently. Follow along as I talk about what it is and share some recipes my family is making on Shrove Tuesday.
What is Pancake Day?
Pancake Day...
No one can prepare you for the day your child is diagnosed with an incurable disease. No one can prepare for life as you know it to change forever. Not a single person.
Our almost 9-year-old daughter, Kai, has type...
I am a white mom, living in a predominately white city, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't care about Black History Month.
February is Black History Month (also known as African American History Month). It is an annual celebration of...
It’s January. It’s cold. It’s dreary. It’s the dead of winter in Iowa. Perhaps a beach vacation is sounding pretty good right about now … but you have little kids.
If the idea of a beach vacation with littles sounds...
The days are getting shorter, the air is colder, and your kids might start to get more restless without the outdoors as a place for them to expound some energy.
Whether it’s too cold to go outside, or you’re just...
“Am I doing enough to prepare my child for kindergarten?”
“How will I know if my child is socially and emotionally ready for school?”
“Should my child wait a year to start kindergarten?”
Have you asked yourself these questions?
If you’re a parent...
She was a lovely gray, indistinguishable from the many other metal-colored Sienna vans on the road. Her name was Misty Stephenson III, a title decided by our children somewhere in Colorado during a family road trip.
She was a member...
Each year our family does acts of kindness in our community. This year I decided to make it more visual as we focus on others during this holiday season. So, I created a Holiday Acts of Kindness Tree. Our...
Adoptions vary widely, ranging from foster care adoptions to private domestic, international, step-parent, and even adult adoptions. This is a general overview of adoption in Iowa. For more specific information on the different types of adoption and the adoption...
In + Around Des Moines
15 Best Brunch Spots in Des Moines
Brunch in Des Moines is the best! Not only does it combine the best of breakfast and lunch, it's a social event best enjoyed...
