Hey there, Buster, I’m going to be honest: this is brand-new territory for me. It’s no secret that I was never very athletic as a kid or, frankly, ever… unless we’re playing catch, and then I can catch just about anything you throw near me. To top it off, your sister’s sports are ones I’m familiar with: softball and gymnastics. But soccer? And a travel team no less? Like I said: Brand. … [Read more...]
Reflections on 2022: Where I’ve Been and Where I’m Going
Let me start this by saying: this blog isn't going anywhere. I may be sharing my reflections on 2022, but I also recognize that it's been a loooong time since I've posted to my Oops & Daisies blog. A whole lot has changed since I last wrote and shared a post on here, nearly a year and a half ago. But I think just about everyone can agree that, over the last few years, little has gone as … [Read more...]
8 Tips for Taking a Road Trip with Kids
My family and I recently got back from a two-week vacation up in northern Michigan - my happy place! It’s a trip we make often since my family owns a rental home there. While we always have a wonderful time, it’s not a quick road trip by any means: we’re looking at a minimum of 4.5 hours, and that’s if there’s no traffic… or tantrums from the kids along the way. Over the years, I've … [Read more...]
How to Change Your Child’s Mindset in Just a Few Minutes a Day
This article first appeared on Self-Sufficient Kids in December 2018. Affirmations for kids are a powerful way to help children develop a mindset of positivity and success. Here’s how to get started: My daughter and I were sitting on the floor putting a puzzle together. We’d done this puzzle of mermaids swimming with fish countless times before, but the detailed section could get … [Read more...]
Why Self Care Is Important; How to Make Yourself a Priority Even When You’re Busy
“You need to take care of yourself, too.” When I heard those words -- when my oldest was just four months old -- I felt myself rebel against them. My priority is my daughter and taking care of her, I had thought; her needs come before mine, and in many ways, nearly five years later, that’s still true. But I’ve come to learn something important: I’m the best mom and wife and sister and … [Read more...]




