With our undulating work schedules, we had the ability add a new activity for our daughter two half-days a week: The Child's Element, a completely outdoor "forest school" for 3-6 year old children. The classes are held in one of Salt Lake City's local canyons, a reasonable drive from …
Enjoying Simple Pleasures… Again
It's berry season, and I 'm reminded of a post I wrote back in the fall of 2014. I was struggling to feel "myself" and remember gratitude as I dealt with infertility. It is a favorite piece of mine that didn't get a lot of reads, so I'm resharing it today. The idea of noticing simple pleasures for …
Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend?
Dear Daughter, It’s coming up on 25 years since I first went on a date with your dad, and it's been 21 years since he gave me a diamond engagement ring. I still have it, but I don’t wear it all the time, now that my knuckles swell past its size. And that’s the thing: it’s just a symbol, something …
My Money Makeover
Like the "before and after" pictures in a glossy magazine, the way I view money has recently undergone a makeover. Growing up, my family spent money on experiences such as eating out, music concerts, and vacations, but we also loved shopping for stuff. It was an expression of love, success, and …
November Gratitude: Friendships Of All Kinds
Do you have a best friend? Of all your "Facebook Friends", neighbors, colleagues, acquaintances and even family members, how many of them are you truly close with? How about yourself - do you treat yourself the way a true friend would? I think about these things from time to time, especially around …
Building My Emotional Bank Account
On a recent busy morning, I was packing lunches and gear to spend a half-day at the climbing gym on the other side of town, all while getting myself dressed, scrolling through my email, eating an avocado and drinking coffee. Suddenly she became fussy and restless, signaling that we need to get …