(…was this lousy pair of sunglasses. Actually, I like the shades quite a bit.) Over the weekend, my youngest sister Emma and her fiancé Dan got married. Here’s why it was special: Originally intended for May of 2015, this ceremony was quickly whipped into shape by dear family and friends (and family friends) so that neither chemo nor cancer could stand in the way of our Dad walking Em down the aisle. Here’s why it was cool: The small group {Read More}
Four Useless (Yet Awesome) Superpowers.
November 13, 2014 By 8 Comments
Superpowers. We all have ’em, even if you were previously unaware of your own superbness. Unfortunately, they’re not all crazy-marketable skills. In fact, some are downright useless. I’ll share a few of mine: Useless Awesome Superpower: Lip-reading. Why it’s awesome: Due to childhood hearing issues, I became quite good at reading lips across rooms. The ability to know what everyone’s saying? World domination! Why it’s useless: It really only works for folks whose speech patterns I’m already superbly familiar with. {Read More}
The Secret To Marriage. Kinda.
November 10, 2014 By 7 Comments
Friends, I think I’ve figured out the secret to a happy marriage. And yes, it only took me 6.5 years. And yes, this is a terribly materialistic story. Right before last weekend, P.J. emailed me a listing for a gargantuan estate sale. A big ol’ antique store and theatre prop wonderland was shuttering after over forty years of collecting Chicagoland treasures. And when he sent me the email, I knew it was true love- because P.J. a) prefers to not {Read More}
The Cutest Soccer Superstars You’ll Ever See.
November 7, 2014 By 7 Comments
Disclaimer: In exchange for social media love, I received complimentary soccer classes for both Nora and Susannah, courtesy of Li’l Kickers. But all thoughts, opinions, and horrifically embarrassing stories are entirely my own. Sigh. *** Remember how, just last month, I was mentioning a not-so shortish list of things at which I am simply terrible? Can we add “playing soccer” to the list? A short (‘n true) story: My very first JV soccer game, freshman year of high school, saw {Read More}
That “Hang In There, Kitten” Poster Was On To Something.
November 6, 2014 By 6 Comments
There’s this idea that mothers- and, especially, mothers to many- are (or aspire to be) multitasking, Martha Stewart-esque, model citizens. Sometimes it’s true. And sometimes, as with any job, it’s just not true. Not even a little bit. At all. Lately, I’ve been hearing from strangers a lot of (earnest? Politely conversational?) how do you DO it all? (Disclaimer: This is not a humblebrag, nor is it a self-congratulatory pat on the back at my daily successes. What’s the opposite {Read More}
In Honor Of My Sister’s Birthday…
November 5, 2014 By 4 Comments
…I will post adorable pictures of her. Today is my big sister Kate’s birthday. Happy birthday, Kate! She is slightly older than me. Making her…25. Happy 25th birthday, Kate! Here’s to my very first best friend… …co-schemer of all things awesome… …built-in partner in crime… …festive merrymaker… …and extraordinarily tolerant Keely-wrangler. (Super sorry ’bout that last one.) Happy Kate Day, everyone!
Nora’s Best-Ever Birthday a.k.a. Thanks, Wishcraft Workshop!
November 4, 2014 By 11 Comments
Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary birthday party for N.J. in exchange for a series of social media blitzes on behalf of The Wishcraft Workshop. But here’s the thing- I approached THEM with the idea, since I’m a rabid fan and pretty much in love with this place and everything they do. So obviously, all thoughts, opinions, and glue-covered children are my own. And photos are courtesy of Lucy Cummins/Lucy See Photography. Good stuff all around, guys. *** I’ve {Read More}
A Case Of The Mondays.
November 3, 2014 By 6 Comments
Due to Birthday Month, Halloween week, classroom parties galore, a snowstorm on Trick or Treat, a few minor cases of the sniffles, Daylight Savings Time, and the hotly argued arrival of the Halloween Witch*(?!) who came and took the rest of the household candy, this is the atmosphere ’round my home this fine Monday morning. Happy Monday morning, everyone. *P.J. completely made up the concept of the Halloween Witch**, who removes candy from the homes of smallish children who repeatedly {Read More}
