When my KTVK Your Life Arizona morning show producers asked me to come on the show to discuss how to turn my upcoming empty nest into a fresh start, I paused for a second before responding. I haven’t truly experienced the empty nest yet, but it is coming fast now. Come late August I will […]
Empty Nest Ahead: This Is The New Year I’ve Braced For
January 4, 2020 By
As I paid the kind cashier at the restaurant today, he smiled at me and asked, “Do you have any big plans for your new year?” In previous years, I would have answered with a smile and quick reply. But today I hesitated for a moment before I answered. Although I knew the answer, his […]
What We Really Paid For Our Son’s College & 7 Ways To Save
September 8, 2019 By
Today I am smiling. We are done paying for our firstborn’s college! Wondering how much college costs today? So many anxious parents are. Read on as I’m about to share. I’m also including seven tips on how to cut the cost of the incredibly way-too-expensive college bill that many parents can’t afford. Today, on this […]
My Heartfelt Message For Parents Moving Kids To Dorm
August 1, 2019 By
Can’t believe this short and sweet…or shall I say bittersweet…video below was shot three years ago! That went by fast! For those pensive parents about to move a beloved kid out of their familiar and loving home into a new and unfamiliar dorm room, this sweet memory of mine…and some encouraging words are for you! […]
Parents Of High School Seniors…Senior Year Makes Heart Smile & Sob
July 29, 2019 By
Moms (and dads) of teens. This is written for moms, but I sure have seen my fair share of emotional papas who find senior year to be bittersweet on their hearts, too. Read this or bookmark this to read before or during your child’s senior year in high school. It just may be therapeutic for […]
Dorm Room Essentials Plus Stuff You May Not Think Of
July 28, 2019 By
Is your kid college bound? Are you ready?! Some parents feel really ready and for others the transition is tough. For me, I found it to be bittersweet. No matter how your emotions are swaying, you can’t get away from the fact that it is time to shop for the dorm room! I first put […]
Caring for the Caregiver
March 6, 2019 By
Have a caregiver in your family or a close friend who has suddenly become a caregiver for a loved one? Caring for a beloved caregiver can help that person and the person being cared for tremendously. I recently had the unexpected opportunity to do this and I was struck by the numerous ways a caregiver […]
Hello 17: My 17 Wishes For My Girl
November 4, 2018 By
In one more year, I will have two adults. I won’t be able to say that I have two children. Umm…that flew by. Hello 17 one last time. One last year of having a kid before she becomes a legal adult. Happy 17th Birthday to my girl! 17 got here fast with speedy-beyond-belief-short years…and some […]
Going Green Earth-Friendly Family Tips
September 13, 2018 By
Go green and get free stuff from some companies that have great recycling programs like MAC Cosmetics and Apple! I usually do Earth Day segments on my morning show appearances, but since I will be traveling this time, I decided to reshare this helpful article with green tips to honor Earth Day. My parents raised us […]
Super Helpful SAT & ACT Phone App Study Guides
September 4, 2018 By
Here we go again. I have a high school junior again and that means it is ACT and SAT prep time. Class of 2020 parents, the time is now. Stressful, I know. I have two super cool phone apps SAT/ACT study guides that my son found to be very helpful in 2015 when he was […]
Our Creepy & Surprisingly Simple Scorpion Sting Story!
August 13, 2018 By
Manic: Enjoying a dinner out with my husband and a phone call comes in from our teenage daughter telling us that she just got stung by a scorpion! Managed: Thankfully our response, awesome advice from my wonderful mom-in-law and how well our girl took matters into her own hands and took care of the aftermath. Read on […]
AZ To DC On A Train: Our Amtrak Family Travel Adventure!
July 29, 2018 By
Manic: Considering traveling from Tucson, Arizona all the way to Washington DC. By train. With six of us traveling together. Hubs, myself, our college guy, our teenage girl and my husband’s dear parents. Was this idea manic or managed? Managed: We did it on Amtrak and my answer, our experience and a few train travel tips are […]
Dorm-Bound Kid? My Bittersweet Memory & Encouraging Words
July 24, 2018 By
Can’t believe this short and sweet…or shall I say bittersweet…video below was shot two years ago! That went by fast! For those pensive parents about to move a beloved kid out of their familiar and loving home into a new and unfamiliar dorm room, this sweet memory of mine is for you. I made this […]
