Colton is the daredevil of the family. I’m not sure where he gets it —certainly not from me—but I’m convinced daredevilism (is that a real word?) must be a part of one’s DNA. Once you have it, it’s hard to shake. As is the memory of one of Colton’s most memorable stunts. From where I stood that day, Colton was … Read More

When was the last time you freed your mind? I mean really let your thoughts go to the point you didn’t have a care in the world? For me, it was last week. After procrastinating for a year and a half, I finally made it to the float tank for an hour of rest and relaxation. The things I’m willing … Read More

Last weekend, I helped my mom make one of her signature desserts—a decadently rich and wonderful triple-layer chocolate cake. A cake so good that several family members fight for ownership, claiming that Nan (my mom) created it especially for them. My kids are among those fighting for dibs. And because of that, Mom off-handedly remarked that perhaps I should learn … Read More

Did you ever see Louie Anderson’s skit about his little brother, Tommy? Louie told Tommy he was adopted. “They were frog-faced people,” Louie told him. “I saw them drop you off.” And poor little Tommy bought the story hook, line and sinker, going so far as to tape his eyes shut every night so his eyes wouldn’t pop out of … Read More

If you’re a pet owner, you probably know housebreaking a dog is much like potty training a child. Just as some dogs are easier to housebreak than others, some children are easier to potty train. Regardless, it’s a necessary evil along the path of childhood and puppydom. Housebreaking Stryker was a breeze. Although I have no proof, I suspect one … Read More

I love getting up early. There’s something magical about operating before the rest of the world is stirring. My creativity is high, my stress is low, and the coffee pot is my best friend. Except lately I’ve been out of sorts, thanks to the biannual time change. Don’t get me wrong—I don’t mind the fall back, or the extra hour … Read More

If you spend any amount of time on social media—and especially in the world of Facebook—you’re probably familiar with all the quizzes that float around. Whether they measure your intelligence, pick your perfect color, or assess your ideal career, these tests answer the questions that have stumped the world’s greatest scholars. Or at least it’s entertaining to pretend they do. … Read More

It’s easy to overlook life’s everyday conveniences, isn’t it? We can illuminate a room with the flip of a switch, take a shower with the turn of a knob, and have face-to-face conversations with people around the world. We can also break-and-bake our way to  cookies that taste just like homemade—11 to 13 minutes in a preheated oven—and no one … Read More

“When the Man waked up he said, ‘What is Wild Dog doing here?’ And the Woman said, ‘His name is not Wild Dog any more, but the First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always and always.’” —Rudyard Kipling Through my years as a writer, people often ask how my family feels about being thrust into … Read More

Beginning with tonight’s opening ceremonies, and continuing over the course of the next sixteen days, some of the world’s best athletes will perform as the 2018 Winter Olympic Games get under way. In that short span of time, total strangers will work their way into our hearts and become household names. And in the years to come, we’ll long remember … Read More