2-Mile Fun Run at ESPN Sports Complex
This morning, I woke up at 2:20am (Arizona time!) and participated in a 2-Mile Fun Run at the ESPN Sports Complex with over 40 bloggers from around the USA. We ran through the humid air - around the empty Champion Stadium and the sports fields, watching the sun rise. A dynamite way to start the day. * The 2-Mile Fun Run was an exclusive experience for attendees of the 2013 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, an invitation-only event at Walt Disney World Resort. I am not required to write about any of my time at the conference. All opinions are my own. … [Read More...]
4.09 miles for Boston
The clock said 4:09 when the explosives went off. This afternoon, in solidarity with other runners from around the country, I laced up my shoes and ran 4.09 miles. I ran for Martin, an 8-year-old boy who wanted people to stop hurting each other, who dreamed of world peace. I ran for Krystle, a 29-year-old restaurant manager who was there to take photographs. I ran for the Boston University graduate student from China. Though unnamed, she is not forgotten. Toward the end, I struggled for air. But I would not give up. I pressed through - thinking of all of the families that would have to press through in the days to come, recuperating from physical and emotional … [Read More...]
Dear Liv, 4 years old
Four somehow snuck up on us. It's unbelievable, really. You're so grown-up now. Jumping high. Standing tall. Running fast. Being so perfectly, astoundingly, radiantly YOU. My solitary child. You love to play with dolls and read books all on your own. Of course, you also adore your sisters and cousins and grandparents. There's no doubt about that. But you appreciate one-on-one time. You crave attention and touch. You're still my most ready snuggler. At storytime, you like to be on my lap every time. You are an artistic person. People have actually stopped me at random public places to comment on how detailed your artwork is, how precisely you color between the lines. For the … [Read More...]
The Picture Book Curriculum
Now that we are homeschooling, people ask us what curriculum we are using. The true answer is: picture books. Oh, the history, the science, the mathematics, and the vocabulary we learn from picture books! With poetry and illustrious illustrations, we learn about Albert Einstein and Wilma Rudloph, the Holocaust and homesteading, leukemia and loneliness, phonics and France. The girls say "Ciao!" for hello. They point out fungi on a family hike. They ask if they can put out their shoes on St. Nick's Day. They use words like "ridiculous" and "impressive" and "fortunately." All from picture books. Never underestimate the power of children's books to teach the basic necessities of … [Read More...]
People I Met at Bloggy Boot Camp Phoenix
I spent last weekend at Bloggy Boot Camp - Business Edition in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event was well worth the $99 I spent - helpful sessions, an intimate atmosphere, and perfect weather. As always, the BEST part of the conference was the people I met. It was truly a pleasure to re-connect with Sara Wellensiek of Mom Endeavors and Disney Mentor Moms. A fellow Arizona blogger with three little ones ages 6 and under (she has three boys and I have three girls), we have lots to talk about. Bonus: We are both attending the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration next month! Karen Mitts Heffren of Desert Chica Ramblings is a fellow Tucsonan, but it took Bloggy Boot Camp to bring us … [Read More...]
Recent Posts
People I Met at Bloggy Boot Camp Phoenix
I spent last weekend at Bloggy Boot Camp - Business Edition in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event was well worth the $99 I spent - helpful sessions, an intimate atmosphere, and perfect weather. As always, the BEST part of the conference was the people I met. It was truly a pleasure to … [Read More...]
4.09 miles for Boston
The clock said 4:09 when the explosives went off. This afternoon, in solidarity with other runners from around the country, I laced up my shoes and ran 4.09 miles. I ran for Martin, an 8-year-old boy who wanted people to stop hurting each other, who dreamed of world peace. I … [Read More...]
Dear Liv, 4 years old
Four somehow snuck up on us. It's unbelievable, really. You're so grown-up now. Jumping high. Standing tall. Running fast. Being so perfectly, astoundingly, radiantly YOU. My solitary child. You love to play with dolls and read books all on your own. Of course, you also adore … [Read More...]
Dear Audrey, 9 months old
9 months ago, you arrived in the world with pink cheeks and a voice. No one needed to give your bottom a gentle slap to get you to cry. Your lungs knew exactly what to do. Even with that kind of entrance, you've been the happiest of babies from day one. It's true that you know what you … [Read More...]
eleven years ago today
I walked down that aisle with no hesitation, no quivering of soul or lips. When the pastor presented us as Mr. and Mrs., I was overwhelmed with a deep-seated enduring joy. Not superficial happiness, mind you, but a serious sort of happiness in knowing that I was right where I should be. … [Read More...]
