How Do We Prosper all of Our Interests?
Prosperity can mean material wealth as well as non-material benefits. When all of my interests prosper, life is expansive, balanced, and satisfying. What does it mean to prosper? The year…
A Reminder to My Immigrant Parents – You Belong!
A few months ago, I was invited to a gala event for a local organization. I had the privilege of inviting my husband and mom, something I don't typically get…
My Daughter Is Getting Married and This Girl Mom Is Getting a Son
The milestones of being a girl mom and raising daughters is priceless. Parenting comes with surprises every turn. Imagine my new delight at the engagement of my daughter. A feeling…
How to Have a Clean House: A Mom’s Guide to Peace With Your Home
I feel like a maid. I spend my day just cleaning up after everyone and I feel lost in the to-do list. I'm on Pinterest yet again trying to get…
To the Village-less Mom – I see you. I am you.
To the mom parenting without a village, I see you. I want you to know, I long for that close circle of support too. My husband and I are raising…
Overcome Family Guilt and Shame: 7 Ways to Stop Saying Sorry
Guilt says you made a mistake. Shames says you are the mistake. Guilt motivates. Shame annihilates. -Susie Garlick Do members of your family bring instant guilt and shame? Specific members…
5 Fun and Simple Road Trip Games to Play with Your Kids
With summer comes lots of travel for some, and often by car. I am sharing with you today 5 fun and simple road trip games to play with your kids.…
Life-Long Lessons From Camping and Our Three Month Trek (Recipes Included)
When I was young, my mother would take us camping just for a quick overnight in the mountains that surrounded my childhood home. She would load up the tents and…
A Love Letter To A Graduating Senior: Signed, a 30-Year Post Graduate
Dear Graduating Senior, I write to you as one who is now a 30-year post-high-school graduate. One thing I can say is: hold on---oh, what adventure and joy lay ahead…
Living Out Her Legacy: Five Life Lessons My Grandma Taught Me
I’m cuddled up under one of my grandma’s blankets. A Mendoza painting of hers is now hanging in my entryway, a statement piece I’d overlooked countless times when it hung…
Grief: A Delicate State of Being of the Mind and Heart
Hello there and greetings to all who read this article. I hope and pray that everyone is doing well. That is indeed my hope for you. This article was going…
The Unexpected Sadness When Our Dog Died: 3 Things to Help your Kids with the Loss
Our dog died and I had no idea I’d feel so sad. I knew my kids would be sad to lose our pet, but I really didn’t expect to be.…
Photo Credit: U Shine Photography- Jill Skoglund
The Universe Gifted Me a Special Needs Son
The universe gifted me a special needs son. He has a presence about him and is a bright light on my darkest days. The days I have lost all hope,…
My First Christmas in the U.S. – Holding On To Special Memories
My family and I arrived to the United States from Mexico in 1997, with just the clothes on our back and a handful of personal belongings. As a family, we…
Change: Transitioning Well Through the Different Seasons of Life
As she entered this world, she needed me to physically care for her every need. It was essential that she have me hold, change, feed, bathe, clothe, and nurture her. Then,…
A Pandemic, Natural Disasters, and Politics, Oh My! 10 Things Keeping Me Sane Right Now…
The past 6 months have been unquestionably the strangest time in my life. It has been an unprecedented, unpredictable, and challenging time for the entire world. Not only have we…
The Gift of a Sister: The Journey of Togetherness
A giggle escaped from across the backseat of the crowded Ford Super Cab pick-up truck. An exasperated groan escaped my lips as, yet again, my little sister crossed the boundary…
That Glamping Life: Trading in My Tent for a Different Kind of Adventure
I am a “glamper.” I have officially traded in my tent for the glamping life. There. I said it. My backwoods, backpacking, teenaged self-of-old would shudder to hear those words…
Don’t Like Your Family? Five Reasons Why You Can Stop Feeling Guilty
There is nothing wrong with you because you cringe at the thought of being around your family (or someone in your family). And, if you are feeling guilty about it,…
The Magnificent Mundane: Finding Belonging From Your Line of Survivors
All the little moments that get lost when you are busy running the race to achievement. It's within these moments where belonging waits to be found.
From 30 to 40, a Decade of Transformation
For me, the time between 30 and 40 was truly a decade of transformation. Sometimes it can feel like we haven't accomplished much. Usually, though, when we take time to…
Crapper Canvases: Lessons Learned From Bathroom Art
This reflection of the impact my mother’s bathroom decor had on my life lessons got me reminiscing on other lessons I’ve taken from crapper canvases.
Just One Child? Why People’s Family Sizes Are None of Your Business
In a New Year’s quest to declutter, my husband and I decided to sell our piano that had been sitting in our house collecting dust for more than a decade.…
Tips for the Sandwich Generation: Caregiving for Ailing Parents While Raising Kids
Many of us are caring for our parents as they get to an age where their health begins to fail or they are diagnosed with a chronic illness. In addition…
Summer Fun: 3 Family Friendly Fun Summer Activities
Summer is here in full swing! Our family is at first very excited for pool days, beach trips, warm sun, lots of grilling, and deck time. The sun stays out…
Family Fitness Outside: My Five Favorite and Easy Denver Area Hikes
Admittedly, I don’t do this enough with my own kids, but I am still a huge proponent of getting out into nature and experiencing our beautiful state of Colorado! And…
Hey, I know you! New Phase…Same Family
Hello! It started innocently enough. We were two 19-year-old college freshman, and we only had eyes for each other. And, we had it badly. We could talk for hours about…