I love Winneconne, Wisconsin. It is my adopted hometown. And although I may never be a true local, my kids will be. They will have deep roots and lifelong friends, because we made the decision to move to Winneconne to raise our family. We wanted to land someplace safe, someplace small, yet also full of… Continue reading Winneconne – We Like It Where?
Author: Jessica Van Bommel
Better Late Than Never
I arrived late to the podcast party. And, man, was I missing out. Who knew that behind that little purple “Podcast” icon on my phone lived such a wealth of information and entertainment? Answer: Almost everyone, other than me. Why were you all trying to hide this world of goodness from me? No matter what… Continue reading Better Late Than Never
Chef Ryan
I love to cook. I enjoy trying new recipes and feeding my family. But breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week is still a daunting task. Especially in summer, when two growing kids are asking for snacks or “second suppers” or dessert every time I turn around. If they aren’t sleeping, they are eating. … Continue reading Chef Ryan
This is 39.97
So this is 39.97. Listening proudly as your 6-year-old daughter breezes through a book meant for her older brother, while also making a mental note to schedule your mammogram. And feed those darn goldfish. And sign your son’s summer school permission form. And tackle the nine gazillion other family details that are constantly bouncing around your brain.… Continue reading This is 39.97
The Garden (Alternate Title: What Did I Get Myself Into?)
Back when we lived in town, my dear husband Dan and I decided to try our hand at gardening. So he built a couple of 4-foot square raised garden beds in our side yard. In that space, I produced tomatoes, peas, green beans, peppers, zucchini, broccoli, cucumber, and carrots. A regular cornucopia. It was… Continue reading The Garden (Alternate Title: What Did I Get Myself Into?)
The Family Huggle?
Whenever a member of our family declares a “family hug,” we all must stop whatever we are doing IMMEDIATELY, and we come together for a four-way hug. (It’s actually a five-way hug if you count our Goldendoodle, Pearl. Even though she isn’t a human, she is a person, so she is included. Going forward, I… Continue reading The Family Huggle?
Stop and Smell the Summer
Many years and many sunsets ago, my husband and I decided that we were going to dedicate one particular summer to the pursuit of fun. We called that summer the “Summer of Fun.” We’re super creative like that. But the Summer of Debauchery might have been a more appropriate name for it. This was pre-kids… Continue reading Stop and Smell the Summer
The Glass (Water Bottle) is Half Full
One of the last conversations my husband had with our dear friend Patrick Blessing was about a glass of water. Dan visited Pat in the hospital, and Pat told Dan that one thing he really, really wanted was to drink a glass of ice water from a real glass. Not a paper cup, not a plastic… Continue reading The Glass (Water Bottle) is Half Full
These Boots Were Made for Working
I like shoes. But pretty ones. Or at least shoes that kinda match my clothes. I’m not especially girly, but I’m not really a down-and-dirty type, either. I mean, I chose to go to law school. I love to write. I am far more apt to use my brain than my hands to get something done. So… Continue reading These Boots Were Made for Working
Have You Thanked a Teacher Today?
“Not all superheroes have capes, some have teaching degrees.” – Author Unknown Seeing as it’s Teacher Appreciation Week, it only makes sense to express my gratitude for the fantastic educators my kids have had the good fortune to learn from so far. My children have been blessed with warm and talented teachers from pre-school up… Continue reading Have You Thanked a Teacher Today?