Category Archives: Holidays

The Best Mother’s Day Present? It’s Over.

mom with son and daughter at brunch on Mother's Day

So Mother’s Day is over, and all I can say is, thank the gods. I know most moms look forward to Mother’s Day. Probably because they’re normal and well-adjusted people who are totally chill about spending a nice Sunday with family, getting an over-priced piece of jewelry designed by Jane Seymour, and maybe going out…

Happy Adoption Day — To the Dog

Today is Jasper Adoption Day. One year ago, we brought home our little 10-pound puppy. Now he’s a whopping 70+ (frankly not sure of the exact amount because I hurt my back trying to weigh him the last time). I love having a dog. And I wouldn’t exchange Jasper for any other one, even though…

The Not-So-Amazing Race: A No-Fuss Kids’ Treasure Hunt

How to make the clues for a kids' Not-So-Amazing Race

A few years ago, I made the HUGE mistake of sending the kids on a treasure hunt to lead them to their Easter presents. Yes, we’re the jerks who get Easter presents for our kids. Try not to hate me too much. A lot of this stems from the fact that my mother, who was…

How to Have a Birthday Party for the Dog

Birthday party for the Honda Pilot

Yesterday was my dog’s first birthday. We actually thought it was this coming Monday (based on our best estimates), but our friend* who got a puppy from the same litter posted her dog’s picture on Facebook and, well, oops. I’m guessing most people don’t celebrate their dogs’ birthdays. We’re a little odd**. On the one…

Destroying the House, Chinese New Year Style

Decorating for Chinese New Year

So every year for I don’t know how many years (I’d have to look it up) we’ve had a Chinese New Year party. It’s something my husband, Tenzin, and I always wanted to do before we had kids but never managed to pull together. Then we tried to do it after kids and could never…

Valentines? I Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Valentines…

Heart shaped flower petal

Just to be clear from the get-go, I like flowers. Nothing against flowers. I’ve received, grown, and bought many a flower that’s made my life a happier place. That said, I probably won’t be getting flowers on Valentine’s Day. There’s the slightest chance my husband and kids will stop off at the store on the…

Best Cookies Evah. Seriously.

Finished kolackys

So I realize I’m a little late to the party on this (big surprise), but I’m feeling compelled to share something with you guys. I hold in my hands the recipe for the world’s best cookies. Seriously. Not joking. Those who know me are well aware that I can’t cook. I regularly burn soup when I…

When You Wish Upon a Blog

Like an innocent little schoolgirl, romping ’round the playground, I’ve been smacked on the back by a bigger, stronger, faster kid and declared “It” in a brutal game of tag. Okay, that’s not entirely accurate. But bullying is just so “in” right now. My friend, Kelly DeBie over at DeBie Hive has tagged me in…

The Battle to Believe

Pitch -- Rise of the Guardians

We went to see Rise of the Guardians today. The odds were already heavily in favor of me crying because I cry at just about everything. But this had Christmas spirit, childhood dreams, and overcoming personal tragedy all wrapped up into ninety minutes, so I really didn’t stand a chance. Later I heard the kids…

Hunting for Christmas Trees in the Wild Blue Yonder

Running with Axes

So we officially got our asses kicked by a tree yesterday. At 2 p.m., my husband, Tenzin, and I sprung the kids out of school so we could head up the mountain to cut down our Christmas tree. Tenzin is working every weekend until Christmas, so we figured this was the best solution. Get up…