I’ve Got Friends in Low Places. Wait. No, I don’t.

I was speaking with my mom the other night and she asked me if I have made any friends yet. No, I haven't. She seemed worried (or was maybe just pausing to think what a loser she raised) - and said, "Why not?" Hmmm. So many ways to answer that. My first reply was,...

Come on, Gavin!

We spent a beautiful Portland afternoon playing out front. I love sitting there and observing my kids, and trying to figure out their personalities. They are both SO interested in what the other kids are doing, but both SO shy. They watch and kind of 'hover' - they...

Familiar Voices

I've been feeling a little homesick lately, which stinks. Lots of exciting things going on back home...all of which we're missing. And most of it involves super fun things like babies and weddings. On the positive side, I've discovered that hearing a familiar voice...

Enemy Number One: Boxes.

So. tired. of. boxes. and. stuff. You know the phrase you wouldn't wish something on your own worst enemy? I have come to the conclusion that if f I ever develop a worst enemy upon which I'd need to inflict something, this is it. Unpacking and setting up a house....

Elfin Travel Fun

Two years ago, we introduced Elf on a Shelf to our family's holiday traditions. We love it. It's a lot of fun and the kids are thrilled for the hunt for "Butchie" every morning between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. The premise is that Butchie is magic and travels...

First Thing I Did Back East

...besides sleep, of course. I baked a cake. We arrived on my mother's birthday (happy birthday, mom!) and after I was finished work / conference calls, I whipped up a cake. From scratch. My mom came home and said, "Where did you get the mix?" Me: "I made it - like...