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Close encounters of the javelina (and hilarious) kind

At about 4:30pm Saturday, my husband and I decided to go for a bike ride. Nearly halfway through a 12-mile loop we like to...

MISS was there

In the days following the Jan. 8 shooting  in Tucson, the MISS Foundation mobilized a team of volunteers to provide support for the local...

Saving the mail

As I was driving to an appointment in central Phoenix this afternoon, I listened to an NPR interview with Los Angeles Times columnist Meghan...

New tools, old tactics

We’ve been putting on an annual Camp Fair for seven years—this year’s event, on Feb. 26 (my birthday), will be our eighth. It’s an incredible...

Project S.O.S.

It started out simply (as most great ideas do). My friend Melinda was on Facebook one evening and began chatting with her "near-nephew" (son...

LIZ AND JAMES ZORN: A commitment to marriage, medicine and parenting

Every year in late June, a photo composite of new residents appears on the wall at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. That’s where James Zorn, R.N.,...

They always come back

I got an email from Stage Mom blogger and longtime magazine contributor Lynn Trimble today. She asked me a question about something she was...

Writing letters of recommendation

Three young women are counting on me right now. They have various new directions looming in their lives. People out there who don't know...

The power of suggestion: drugs, cigarettes, and teens

Mass media messages are strong and effective, no matter what the source. But knowledge is power. Talk to your kids about substance abuse -- early and often.

Small world stories – weekend edition

On Friday night, I went to the movies with my cousin's daughter Andrea, a junior at ASU. We went to see "No Strings Attached"...

What's on my nightstand

I used to be very linear when it came to reading. I would never start a new book until I'd finished the one I...

The fine art of vinyl

After hearing a music legend talk about rock 'n' roll records as his only childhood experience with "arts and culture," Lynn Trimble explores the offerings of a local record shop where vinyl is still king.

Finding the border pieces

This is how it feels to me, this process of writing a book. Four nearly two years, I've been collecting pieces. Now I have thrown...

A day that was anything but terrible

Generations of parents have used Judith Viorst's wonderful children's book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, to help their children understand that...

A daily reminder to adjust my attitude

Every afternoon about 3pm or so I get a reminder to get over myself. That's about the time that parents and caregivers are coming down...

BODY WORLDS…and the brain

As I entered the exhibit I had that same reverent feeling I get when I enter a place of worship. At first it is...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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