This is What Autism Looks Like.

892993_10151397835148843_273795583_o

A friend of mine Alyssa, posted this today about her son Carter (who is a friend of my son Ronin) for World Autism Awareness Day today. I asked her if I could share because it is just so beautiful and I want to spread awareness and information. From Alyssa, Mom of 2: "This is what Autism looks … [Read more...]

“Slactivism” or Advocacy #MarriageEquality

429562_142100419300469_1088347613_n

Marriage equality activists are protesting outside the Supreme Court today, as the nation's highest court begins two days of hearings about two same-sex marriage laws. And on Facebook and other social media, "demonstrations" are also taking place as marriage equality supporters are sharing and … [Read more...]

A Wish for You on This Day of Balance & Renewal

20130320-112000.jpg

Today is the Spring Equinox (in the Northern Hemisphere), the date of equal day and night--a day of true balance. Its also the beginning of Spring, a time of growth and renewal. I know it may not feel like Spring in many parts of the world ... there may be snow, or hail, or wind but today the … [Read more...]

Stress Saver Tips for Traveling with Kids

GUEST POST: Elaine N. Schoch is an avid traveler who is busy exploring the world, usually with her two kids in tow. She shares her adventures, travel advice and tips on CarpeTravel.com and @elaineschoch. Traveling is stressful enough but adding kids to the mix completely adds another level of … [Read more...]

Media, Moms & Medication #MentalHealth

meds

Last Thursday I received a phone call from a producer at Anderson Live daytime TV show. "Hi Cristi. Would you be interested in being a guest on our show next Tuesday about the Parenting.com story Xanax Make Me a Better Mom." The story had gone viral and was making news. After panicking for a bit, … [Read more...]

Family Travel: What Not to Do. What to Do.

285269_10200532427570079_722322454_n

We just got back this week from a cross-country trip to Florida with the 3 and 5-year-0lds to visit my parents. I grew up there so it was a whirlwind trip of seeing family and friends in a 4-hour-radius of Central Florida. As with any trip I learned a lot. Before going I shared these tips and rookie … [Read more...]

A Few of Her Favorite Things

balloons

So Ellie's birthday was this Sunday. Sadly she came down with the croup on Wednesday night and we had to reschedule her party for next weekend. BIG bummer! But we still tried to make her time special. And even though she was a little extra grumpy on occasion, she still had fun. On Saturday we … [Read more...]

3 Years!

20130203-012052.jpg

So Ellie turns 3 today. THREE. Wow. My baby girl isn't really a baby anymore. And I'm looking back for a minute... Last night, 3 years ago OB decided I needed to be induced because Ellie's heart rate was super high and they weren't sure why. She was already past her due date and I was SO … [Read more...]

Super Simple Hello Kitty Marshmallow Pops

Marshmallow Pops

My baby girl is turning 3 this weekend and she's requested a Hello Kitty party. Alur Cakes & Sweets will be doing our gluten-free Hello Kitty cake but I also wanted to create another special themed treat for the party. And since I am NOT a baker, and we are a gluten-free family, I decided to … [Read more...]

Tips & Rookie Mistakes for Traveling with Kids

417579_3266850307011_810928752_n

Next month we're taking a LONG flight with our soon to be-3-year-old & 5-year-old. Both my husband and I live across country from where we grew up so air travel with the kiddos has happened on many occasions. Its not the most fun experience in the world but we've certainly developed a few of our … [Read more...]

Much More Than Child’s Play.

Me and John at Child's Play Auction December 6, 2012

I am so blessed to have healthy children. We've only had to briefly stay with Ronin in the hospital overnight when he had a scary bout of croup at the age of 1-1/2. So I can't even imagine what it must be like--how stressful, how scary--for so many kids and families who are dealing with childhood … [Read more...]

10 Tips for Surviving the Stress of the Holidays

DIY Holiday To-Do List Courtesy of Eighteen25

The holiday season is truly in full swing, and no matter what holidays you and your family will celebrate, this time of year brings places to go, people to see, and gifts to buy galore. And so much stress. For me, with two preschoolers and an array of family nearby and out of state, surviving … [Read more...]

What to Wear for Family Holiday Photos

family w watermark

Just ask my husband John, I tend to obsess about planning things like Halloween costumes or birthday party themes, doing tons of thinking and research. Not because I'm a perfectionist--I'm SO not--but because I think its fun, it gives me something to occupy my stay-at-home-mom mind, and I suppose I … [Read more...]

MyUbby Blanket Review & Giveaway (Ends 11/14)

007

Ellie (now 2 1/2) has never used a "lovie," unless of course you count me. ;) She's still breastfeeding and very attached, even at night. I'd really love to taper off nights at this point, but she's also such a snuggler. She likes to feel that connection, even when sleeping. A few weeks ago I … [Read more...]

For Better or Worse.

217228_1041012102447_5507_n

The day we promised for better or worse, There was no way we could have known what that would mean. But as the years have gone by, we've come to understand. It means that whether things are going smoothly or they get a little (or A LOT) out of whack... Whether I need a best friend in my … [Read more...]

I’m not a bad mom because I need my fifteen minutes first. #notabadmom

Tracie New Square

#notabadmom is back! And today I'd like to welcome Tracie to the blog. I just love this post because we can so easily feel guilty putting ourselves first as moms. But unless we speak up, get our needs met and feel our best, we can't be our best for our families. Don't you agree? :) Thank you Tracie … [Read more...]

I’m #notabadmom because I’m happy school’s back

560267_4476387944696_36668337_n

My kids aren't even in REAL school yet, but man I'm oh so happy that school is back in session. Actually this is the first time Ellie (2 1/2) has EVER gone to school and she's only in one morning a week. But I love having a couple hours of ME time! And that doesn't make me a bad mom. My oldest … [Read more...]

My Faith is an Anchor

snowpic

Today I welcome Jenna (@Frelle on Twitter) to the discussion of spirituality. I'm so glad to have her unique perspective about her strong relationship with her own faith. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us today Jenna. You can also see her previous guest post at Motherhood Unadorned I … [Read more...]

Spirituality Uncensored

photo (7)

They say you should never talk politics or religion in mixed company, right? Both are such loaded topics and particularly religion is not something I've ever discussed on this blog. But I'd like to touch on it this week. I believe that religion and spirituality are incredibly personal. To me, … [Read more...]

What Are YOU Striving For?

I truly can't believe its been almost 11 months since I started this blog inspired by and in honor of my friend who died by suicide. Since the day I began writing I've been striving for many things. But most importantly I've been striving for better mental health, for myself and for others. There … [Read more...]