Ah, the holidays, a season of bright lights, cheery sounds, and a sense of togetherness that warms even the coldest nights. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending our local park district’s annual holiday tree lighting event with my daughter and two-year-old granddaughter. It was a magical evening filled with community, connection, and joy.

Fall has a way of wrapping us in its magic, the crisp air, vibrant colors, and cozy nights that make us slow down and savor the season. This year, my family came together for an intimate evening of fall fun, gratitude, and connection. It wasn’t just about the hayrides and bonfire; it was about appreciating the time we have with each other and giving thanks for the love that binds us together.

One of my best friends moved away three years ago, and ever since, there's been a hole in my heart. Although she’s only five hours away, the distance feels bigger, and in all that time, I’ve only made the trip twice. So, when my brother Jeff mentioned that part of his work trip happened to be near her, he offered to drive me down and pick me up three days later. Just like that, I had three whole days to spend with my friend! It felt like I had won the lotto!

This past May, my son and daughter-in-law welcomed their second child, Autumn Marae, into the world. Just like her two-year-old sister, Emery, she has already captured my heart in ways I could have never imagined. As with Emery, I committed to spending time with Autumn every Tuesday and every other Wednesday, with the goal of creating a lasting, unbreakable bond with my granddaughter.

Do you ever have those places that instantly bring you back to simpler, sweeter times? The ones that hold a special place in your heart, reserved for cherished memories? For me, that place is a quaint frozen custard shop with bright yellow and white decor, reminiscent of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. This shop, with its nostalgic charm, has been a part of my family's traditions that always made it feel like a magical place saved for special memories.

Asking for help has never come easy to me. It's a trait, unfortunately, that I seem to have passed on to my son, Andrew. Like me, he struggles to reach out when he could use an extra hand. Some of my hesitation to ask for help stems from early experiences where I was shut down after asking. Those "no’s" built a wall of self-reliance around me, making it difficult to let others in.

Though everyone on the boat was having a great time, it felt as if time had stopped, and it was just Emery and me, making unforgettable quiet, yet impactful, memories together. These moments are the ones I will treasure for a lifetime.

There comes a time in all our lives when we need to step away from the daily grind and celebrate ourselves. Recently, I had the pleasure of doing just that with a night away at a charming inn, nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Como. This serene retreat not only rejuvenated my spirit but also reminded me of the importance of self-care and self-celebration.

Life is about the relationships we build and the love we share. Don’t wait for tomorrow to spend time with your loved ones. Take action today.

If you know me well, you might suspect, or even know, that I don’t really like surprises, especially those that put me at the center of attention. Birthdays, in particular, have never been my favorite focus. However, my children recently threw me a surprise birthday party that completely knocked my socks off.

After a fun-filled evening at the rehearsal dinner, where stories were shared and laughter was abundant, we retreated to my mom's cozy sitting room. The air was filled with excitement and a sense of reunion, as it was the first time in years that we were all together under one roof. The warmth of my mom's sitting room wrapped around us, setting the perfect stage for an evening of heartfelt connection.

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of an unexpected adventure? Recently, during an on and off stormy day, my daughter, a friend and I were attending a tented outdoor music concert. But when the tornado sirens blared, our plans took an unexpected turn. Instead of seeking shelter in a mundane location, we were led into an underground speakeasy, a hidden gem my daughter and I wanted to explore but the timing never worked out.

The last time I witnessed the Northern Lights was during a memorable trip to Iceland. For seven nights, my friends and I chased the elusive lights, and it wasn’t until the final night that we were rewarded with a breathtaking show. I thought that might be my last dance with the auroras, yet here they were again, unexpectedly gracing my view.

In high-stress scenarios, people typically react in one of four ways: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. My daughter fought through the adversity, immediately working to replace the tire. I found myself frozen, unsure and frightened by the speeding traffic and danger. Meanwhile, over the phone, my son, Andrew, took on a protective role from afar, his urgent shouts over the noise, ensuring we remained as safe as possible under the circumstances.

From her earliest days, I aimed to strike a delicate balance as a parent, providing enough guidance to keep her safe while granting her the freedom to explore life's joys. Like many mother-daughter duos, we had our share of tumultuous times. There were moments she felt constrained, comparing her freedoms to those of her friends, while I stood firm, governed by a fierce desire to protect and nurture.

In a world that often demands we hustle through our days, finding moments of pure joy can seem like a quest for a hidden treasure. Yet, sometimes, this treasure lies not in grand achievements or milestones but in the simple delights that life offers. For me, this joy is captured perfectly in bubbles.

As the winter wind whispers through the trees and the world dons its snowy blanket, there’s something about the crisp, cold air that beckons the outdoors, inviting us to relive the joyous, unbridled fun of the past. Recently, a simple family gathering turned into an evening brimming with laughter, playful competition, and the kind of pure joy that you typically only see in children. It was a reminder that sometimes, all it takes to reconnect with our youthful spirit is a snowy hill, sleds, a snowboard, and the company of loved ones.

Ah, holidays! A time for joy, laughter, and ... potato peeling? Yes, you read that right. In our family, the Christmas holiday isn't complete without the legendary Potato Peel-Off, a tradition upheld by me, and my brothers Jeff and Greg for years, until my nephew Chase was added to the mix. And most recently, one that has now blossomed into a full-fledged family affair.