Depending upon how today's going, you're either saying "pass the tissues" or "where's the party?" I don't think there's one right reaction for a mom putting her first baby through school. It affects us all differently. However, I suspect that for you veteran mommas, you've learned a thing or two as you've ushered in many a school year. My oldest is enjoying his last year of middle school and I might, if the heavens align properly, get a dashing photo ...

Ah, you're home. The kids are wiped out, the laundry is finally done and the memories and photos are aplenty from summer camp. Time to focus on starting a new school year, right? Maybe. Because I served as a camp counselor and was a camp kid myself, here's a few small things you can do to make packing for summer camp next year a total breeze. Or, slightly less painful. 1. Hit the sales. August is notorious for lots of ...

You know what I've missed on the blog? Just talking. About life. About motherhood. Yes, I've chatted about cloth diapers, camp, women's conferences and the like. And I have loved every minute. But sometimes I just really miss talking to y'all about my current state. I really miss my late night writing sessions. Right now, they're consumed with cluster feeding Gianna (not complaining!) and I'm totally okay with that. It's just hard when two things you love fall at the ...

This year, the bigs (Will, John Paul and Anna-Laura) enjoyed a week at summer camp in Arkansas. It's always their favorite week of summer. I've blogged about choosing it, making sure all your kids do it and packing for it. I believe passionately in all three. Next Monday, I'll share how you can prepare for next year's summer camp, but until then, enjoy my camper's reflections on the greatest week of summer. And, because I'm a sucker for nostalgia, here's ...

As the mom of six, I've shocked a lot of people in my lifetime. But I have to say, when I told people I was switching to cloth with our sixth baby, there were many an audible gasp, followed by a head shake and a shoulder pat. It's okay. I'm used to being called crazy. I do it well. Several of you have left comments and emailed me about making the switch, so I thought I'd dish with an honest ...

It's National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and nothing gets me more passionate than making sure babies eat. I know that not every momma can breastfeed successfully. I also know what it's like to have a preemie in the NICU and pump GALLONS of milk and then struggle for months afterward keeping up supply, getting a baby to latch and worrying about it the entire time. Been there. Done that. Bought the t-shirt. A couple of years ago, I wrote this post ...