Parenting

Spring cleaning…in November

If it was on the ground, it went into the heap. It was as simple as that. There was no selection process. If it didn’t belong on the floor, she took it. Then, she carted all the items out of the house and dumped them smack dab in the middle of the street.

Pull yourself together…or apart rather!

Somewhere along the line we learned that taking care of ourselves emotionally didn’t count nearly as much as our efforts to mend our physical selves and acknowledge our bodily problems.

Go live with a car battery…

Unconditional love is the culprit of all rotten behavior.

Honesty is…usually the best policy

It can’t be easy to learn that your cherished mother was once a toothless carnie or a handsomely paid exotic dancer.

You’re every bit as old as you feel!

I know, it’s just asking for embarrassment to go to a rock concert as a middle aged mother of two. But we really like Jack Johnson.

DWS (Driving while sharing)

I've given up my cell phone while driving. But not for the reason you might think.

A bird in the hand…

Do you ever just get tired? I do. Today I’m tired. I’m tired of beating around bushes, meeting people half way, putting my nose to the grindstone...

They like me, they really like me…

And now...the envelope please. Here are my award recipients. They're cutting edge, well written and just a little bit tilted, which must explain why I like them.

Preview of coming attractions…

I feel like I’m sitting at Harkin’s watching my very own preview of coming attractions. and much like I often feel at the theatre, the previews are too detailed, too graphic, and they ruin the movie by telling you exactly what’s “coming soon.”

Birthday blunder

Finally he was acting like a normal kid which gave me the opportunity to act like a normal parent. Maybe for once I could get him some stuff that would make him happy, even if it was only a fleeting happiness.

May the force be with(in) you

I am now going to officially eat crow, or my hat, or whatever it is that people eat in the name of contrition

Breaking up is hard to undo

I never in a million years would have thought that my failure to acknowledge her torrential toilet would have caused the total demise of our friendship.

Reassurance for new parents in an atmosphere of play

Marline Pena has a play date once a month at the Chavez home in Mesa. It's part of her job. She's a developmental specialist with...

The good, the bad and the ugly

I was stunned and horrified. Could this be true? Was I living in some kind of Tipper Gore world of censorship without even knowing it. I wanted to race out and watch “Seven Pounds,” or “The boy in Striped Pajamas.”

School supply shopping is now a full-contact sport

But then I decided that her husband was probably a personal injury attorney and that she’d end up suing me for like 18 million dollars because I somehow managed to puncture her breast implant while attempting to kick her in the teeth. It just...wasn’t worth it.

Can’t afford preschool?

Most parents recognize the value of a good preschool education. Preschool offers a chance for young children to learn social skills and develop building...

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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