Travel comes in phases in our lives. In high school, it was that first “semi-chaperoned” spring break trip with friends (Hi, Andy’s mom!). In college, it was the semester abroad. Of course, you can’t forget the tropical honeymoon. Now, it’s the family trip out West that appears to be the next rite of passage. It’s the… Continue reading Go West, Young Fam!
Author: Jessica Van Bommel
An Open Letter to an Old Friend
Hey, there, old friend. I think it’s time we had a talk. I feel like things between us have changed, and not for the better. We used to hang out all the time. We would get together between classes in college, sometimes hang out on Sunday afternoons. We spent every night together. But, lately,… Continue reading An Open Letter to an Old Friend
Happy Dad’s Day
I know a lot of dads. You probably do, too. Funny dads, quiet dads, strict dads, indulgent dads, one dad, two dad, red dad, blue dad. Mostly, I know good dads, which is something to be grateful for. But, seeing as we are coming up on Father’s Day weekend, I want to talk to you… Continue reading Happy Dad’s Day
A Letter to Myself, Before I Was “Mom”
Hey, Jessica. Yeah, you – the one without the stretch marks and crow’s feet. You are in for one wild ride. First off, you don’t know what tired is. That’s good. You don’t need to know…yet. So sleep late and long and often and without apology. Sleep will become hard to come by soon… Continue reading A Letter to Myself, Before I Was “Mom”
Bring It On, Maycember!
Why is May trying to kill us? I keep hearing folks discussing this Maycember phenomenon, so I know it’s not just me. May is out of its mind. May is drunk and needs to go home. The field trips and end-of-the-year projects alone are enough to make your head spin. Then add in the sports… Continue reading Bring It On, Maycember!
Today’s Post is Sponsored by the Letter “F”
This week, I am grateful for two things that have allowed me to spend some quality time with my kids. Coincidentally, both of these things start with the letter “F.” (And no, I’m not talking about any swear words here, or “cursies,” as my friend Kristin calls them.) 1. fuboTV We cut the cable cord… Continue reading Today’s Post is Sponsored by the Letter “F”
Start From “Yes”
Sure, kids need limits and structure. They need to read books and wear bike helmets and eat their vegetables. I think we can all agree there. And, as a mom, it often falls to you to enforce those things. So you find yourself telling your children “no” a heck of a lot. But I’ll tell… Continue reading Start From “Yes”
Spring Break, Ya’ll
Did you know that 20 people could co-exist in one house for an entire week, 99% peacefully? Yeah, my hopes weren’t very high, either. But we did. It was a week of making memories in a beautiful house in a beautiful location with beautiful folks. Old friends, new friends, some related by blood or marriage,… Continue reading Spring Break, Ya’ll
A Recipe for Family Bonding
We love a family dinner. We don’t have one every night. Because life. Sure, we always manage to eat, but it is sometimes from a drive-through. Don’t judge. And sometimes I only have time to dine standing up, eating the kids’ leftovers as I load their plates into the dishwasher. Okay, maybe you can judge… Continue reading A Recipe for Family Bonding
4 Ways to Get By When You Just Can’t
I am woefully behind at, well, life right now. I think 2019 may be out to get us. Not in a tragic, earth-shattering way, but just with normal, everyday STUFF. Sinus infections that keep kids out of school for weeks on end. Snow. That. Won’t. Freaking. Stop. It all adds up to one big excuse… Continue reading 4 Ways to Get By When You Just Can’t