I needed to step away from it. The hectic schedule: karate at 9, tutoring at 4, gymnastics at 6. Reading, writing and feeding kids in-between.
Nothing all on the same day. Well, most of the time.
It took packing two suitcases, two pillows, a cooler, a portable crib, the music machine and a stuffed elephant.
It meant kids begging to pick out just “one” more toy and “one” movie.
When the car was stuffed, snacks were within a child’s reach and toothbrushes were tossed in a backpack at the last minute, the GPS system …

I sat around the table with the women from my Bible study this week and someone asked us moms, “What are the kids doing this summer?”
“Well,” I started, “Swim team practice begins at 7 a.m.”
It’s almost here: Less than 30 school days until summer beings. Since I started working part-time last summer, I have to admit, planning summer activities for my big kids (9 and 7) is a little more difficult. Before, it was just: You’re going to camp Monday through Friday and swim team after. I had to keep …

We don’t have a set “family game night.” But now and then, one of the kids brings up the idea to play a game (we have a bunch) and it comes to fruition.
Last night was one of those nights. It just happened that daddy got home at a decent time, too.
Trouble was the kids game of choice. But at 8 p.m. – just a few minutes before bedtime – it’s a tough one because it can be long (trust me… my kids LOVE to send their parents’ pieces back to …

We at the Reese household kept with our traditions this Easter weekend: attending church services Saturday, rising and finding gifts Sunday morning, eating brunch out and then gathering at the grands for a (plastic) egg hunt and dinner.
But none of these traditions included the Easter Bunny.
Now that there’s a baby (OK, she’s almost 2) in the house again, my older kids asked if we’re going to tell her about that character.
I grew up with the Easter bunny bringing baskets and (real) dyed eggs on Sunday morning. But with our kids, …

I wrote my first post for this blog 5 years ago today – about potty training. From discipline to crazy mornings to nighttime issues to teeth falling out (ICK!), tales of my kids – and my parenting – have covered the gamut.
Being the education reporter at the Tribune, I’ve tried to include that, too.
But I admit, I’m still struggling to find my voice here.
Some days, I enjoy sharing stories of quiet, fun times with the kids. Others, life is crazy at the Reese house.
Please tell me I’m not the only …

With three active kids, a working mom and an overly worked dad in our house, let’s just say our nights don’t always go as smoothly as I probably would like – or even portray.
Each night is different, with sports, tutoring, a school board meeting or two that jump on the calendar here and there. My kids grandparents are an amazing help. I can’t thank them enough.
But even with the best planning, some nights go like this one:
I arrived at grandparents to find out one nearly 2-year-old had decided to throw herself off her …

Green? Maybe I won’t paint. Maybe I’ll just move a piece of furniture over and cover this up!

In 2008 – good grief was it THAT long ago? – my hubby and I decided to redo the floors in our home, add come crown moulding and put tile in the bathrooms. It was a complete home-makeover (without the knocking out of walls). We had to shuffle furniture and appliances around a bit, but after two years we did it. Every scrap of carpet in the house was gone.
Now I want to …

If you’re looking for some fun spring snacks and goodies, look no further than Around My Family Table. She has a cute idea for Cadbury Egg cupcakes and a “sweet and salty” snack mix using pastel M&Ms.
I love it when I can feature some of our bloggers from EV Mom Bloggers Connect. If you want to join our circle, please let me know!

I pulled the picnic blanket – an old bed cover – from its storage spot (aka my daughter’s floor – don’t ask), and carried it out under “my” tree on Saturday.
That’s where I spent a good six hours this weekend with the kids.
We played at the park, kicked a ball around, even tried to fly a kite (which should have worked with the wind Sunday, but the kite was defective).
We grew together, played together, laughed together. Two baskets of laundry still need to be put away – and the sink …

How did this happen? The calendar is really almost ready to turn APRIL?
It’s abundantly clear if you’re trying to register for summer camp. Schedules are already out (you can find out what field trips are available). Discounts are being offered through the end of this month for some camps and through April for others. Check out your local school districts’ schedules. So hop to it before the Easter Bunny gets here if you even think you’re going to use a week or two (or nine) this summer.