When I was a kid growing up in Dallas, we spent Thanksgivings at my granny and grampy’s house.  No one could make a pumpkin chiffon pie (cool whip in the batter) better than granny.  When I was a teenager, we spent Thanksgivings in New York City – going to the Macy’s parade and seeing Broadway shows.    And when I was married to my first husband, we spent Thanksgivings eating his signature meal of turkey, red cabbage, and apple pie. (more…)

On any given evening, I might have 5 kids, 3 kids, 2 kids, or no kids sleeping in my home.  That’s how it is to live in our blended family.  Each of these four potential arrangements has such a different energy, such a unique dynamic that it’s almost like having four separate homes in one. (more…)

Is it my imagination or is it getting darker earlier now than November of last year?  My kids are coming home in twilight.  People are driving home from work in the dark.  Somehow the end of daylight savings time still blindsides me every year (like seeing Christmas decorations in the stores on Halloween … really?). (more…)

This Friday I will address a group of high school seniors about stress management.  It’s an interesting challenge for me and one I’ve been thinking about all week. As I look back to my own senior year in high school, it stands out as one of the most stressful periods of my life. (more…)