I'm never moving again. 27 Aug 2013 | 08:26 am

I got a group text message tonight, from my 'hood. "Do you guys mind switching from the weekly Tuesday night alleyway party to tonight, to celebrate the first day of school?" I replied with an...

First Day of School 2013 26 Aug 2013 | 07:10 pm

Last day of summer vacation: First day of school: Fifth. Fourth. First. I can't believe it! They are all finally in school full time. I started this blog when Feenie was an infant an...

On the last night of our vacation, my heart exploded. 26 Aug 2013 | 07:07 am

We just returned from what was a fabulous vacation in Florida. Did I mention that I won this contest? There's so much to write about - the hotel, the family retreat, the theme parks and I promise to g...

Back to School 2013: Kid's Fashion 21 Aug 2013 | 06:55 am

It's that time of year again! Backbacks have been purchased, school supplies labeled and our September calendar is full. Totally full. Everyone is looking forward to the first day of school in our fam...

One day visiting Chicago for free 17 Aug 2013 | 10:00 am

Long before we moved to Chicago, I wrote an article on Cleveland.com titled "Be a tourist. In your own city." I puffy heart that article. The premise of the post stated that you don't need to travel f...

Sunday in the 'hood. 12 Aug 2013 | 09:10 am

"I hope that when you have kids, they will be just like you!" 11 Aug 2013 | 10:06 am

My kids were so naughty today. Our second cousin had a seven-hour layover in Chicago on her way to adopt a special needs child in Europe and my kiddos acted like spoiled brats throughout the day while...

More tales from the 'hood's alleyway. 9 Aug 2013 | 08:45 am

Since the kiddos have gotten back from camp they've "crashed" two parties in our hood. Or so I thought. Two weeks ago on a Tuesday they were playing in the alleyway, like they do every night, when...

Oh. Michigan! 6 Aug 2013 | 10:00 am

I've written before at how envious I am that my sister married into a family with such strong family values. "This is a family that values what's most important in life. Having lots of children (t...

Chicago summer is an endless summer. 31 Jul 2013 | 10:00 am

This has been my first full summer in Chicago since 1995. Last summer we were in remodel limbo and didn't have much time to enjoy our new surroundings. So after an eighteen-year hiatus I finally get t...