thanking teachers this Christmas

Teachers deserve a thank you. More than that — they deserve a standing ovation. Teachers invest all they have into our most precious gifts, often quietly and without fanfare. When I had the chance to partner again with Hallmark, I knew who I wanted to buy a Christmas gift for — my son’s teacher. Joseph is in his first […]

sister, sister

I didn’t grow up with sisters. I have one younger brother, and spent my childhood bossing him around, convincing him to play Barbies. I always wondered what it’d be like to have a sister. Could I borrow clothes from her? Would we braid each other’s hair, a la Little House on the Prairie? And let’s […]

be the 3 percent: a leadership lesson we all need

Pre-kids Kayla took on-a-whim trips all the time. Two littles later, my spontaneity has waned. But when I got an email about a ticket to the Go Blog Social writing/blogging conference in Kansas City — with just a week’s notice — I knew it was something I wanted to make happen. Because I have an awesome […]

women are scary (and another giveaway, boom!)

Women are Scary. (You may see that I capitalized Scary, because it’s just that important. All my editing experience goes out the window when emphasizing blanket statements on my blog.) So, just to reiterate: Women are Scary. I realize that this means that I, too, am scary. Everyone who lives or has lived with me (shout […]

honest co. giveaway (perfect for new mamas + expecting moms!)

I’m in that stage in life where I’m attending a lot of baby showers. Many of my sweet friends are expecting through pregnancy and adoption and I’m just so thrilled for them! New life is certainly something to celebrate. One baby care brand I love giving new mamas (whether she’s celebrating her first or fifth) is Honest Co. […]

Parenthood was an amazing TV series. Period.

On Thursday nights, I’d shuffle two little boys into their PJs, perform more than one dramatic reading of “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” and whisper goodnight prayers. Then, I’d tuck away under a blanket of my own, grabbing the remote and keeping tissues in sight. Thursdays were for “Parenthood” — the show that […]

love notes

I rocked cowlicky bangs and thick wire glasses in elementary school. I was a chronic teacher’s pet and I wrote more than one letter to our senator requesting updated technology in our computer lab. I was quite the catch. When Valentine’s Day rolled around, I put down my Babysitter’s Club books and was giddy to hand-pick valentines […]

marriage & life lessons from improv

I met my husband in a theater arts class in high school. It was a first hour class and I’d stumble into my seat in West High’s little theater just before the final warning bell rang. I secretly wished we’d be numbered off in the same group for our cavemen skits because even though he was loud and not my […]

my hilarious & awkward 7th grade new year's journal

So, New Year’s, amIright? Though I took a bit of a blogging break in December, lucky for you, I had the foresight to procure fodder for a hilarious New Year’s-themed post. I want to introduce you to a little composition notebook that I unearthed from my childhood twin bed. Before there was Many Sparrows, there […]