Music by Women for Women: Celebrating International Women’s Day 2019
As I celebrate International Women’s Day this year, I’m keeping my dial locked into 89.9. I’m celebrating my own contributions to the world. And the biggest and perhaps most important contribution I will make is raising my daughter. In years to come we’ll chat about gender-balance, feminism and why there is even a need for International Women’s Day. Today, we’re keeping it simple by singing and dancing to the sounds of women’s voices! Join us and may I make a suggestion for your soundtrack with these 16 songs.
Talking Sex with My Daughter Even Before She Could Say the Word “Sex”
I never imagined talking about sex with my daughter before she could even talk herself. Yet that is when it started. I, along my husband, decided early on that we would not provide “pet names” for Addy’s body parts, especially her female parts. Her labia was her labia. Her clitoris was her clitoris. Her nipples were her nipples. She does however refer to those as her “nibbles”. Early on that is the pronunciation she heard. I simply smile when she is adamant that that is the correct term for those pink, fleshy, projections on her chest. It is important to me that Addy have the words she needs to describe…
My Decision to Stay At Home & Why I Reserve The Right to Change My Mind
Before Addy was born or even a twinkle in my eye, I put in a lot of hours at work. I saw my job as more than a career. It was my identity and almost a lifestyle. I was a youth director and a really great one! I wouldn’t consider it the kind of career that requires ladder climbing. But it did demand time and a depth of commitment that only the job of mom has rivaled. I was in the process of transitioning out of youth ministry when I discovered I was pregnant. I knew that I wanted to raise a family, and I questioned whether I could do…
Parenting Lessons from Parents Who Cheat, Lie, Fail Their Kids (And Play Aunt Becky on Full House)
Let me disclose my prejudice right away: I was always jealous of Aunt Becky! Gorgeous and funny husband. All the benefits of great "parenting" and returning them to their dad at the end of the day. And her figure still in tact because she didn't actually have to carry those adorable kiddos in her own body. As their "Aunt", she was influential in the success of D.J., Stephanie and Michelle.
Meet Kris: Let’s Talk About Sex (Baby)
Do you follow any blogs or podcasts? Yes, they’re ministry related and quilting. Oprah’s podcast “super soul”. What is your working definition of motherhood? It’s nurturing tiny humans into adulthood and releasing them to the wild. You have two daughters, right? How old are they? Julia, 22. Emily, 20. Right now, I’m just trying to keep up. Don’t fuck up, right? Can you describe each of them a bit? Julia is tactile. This is how she learns. She’s empathetic, somewhat dramatic. She loves reality shows and other people’s drama. [She] Loves animals. Her character is a protector of others. I received a call from her elementary school principal. She had…
Meet Karen Ray: My First Mommy Role Model
I chose to interview my friend and first mommy role model, Karen Ray, because it was a weekend at her home and with her kids that stretched my imagination. My ex-husband and I were asked to home sit with her kids in it. From making meals to playing in the backyard, it was like playing an adult version of “house”. Until that weekend, I never once considered having children of my own. More than that I had made the choice to not be a parent. There are a lot of other circumstances that changed in my life and brought me to this day, a day when being a mom is…
Getting My Daughter Outside Everyday & 10 Kid-Friendly Outdoor Activities
I certainly don’t want to imply that I’m perfect at getting my daughter outside every day. But I am indeed a practitioner and am committed to practicing more days than not. But I am convinced of the benefits from time spent outside, especially in natural settings like forests and here in Minnesota, lakes! If you’d like to know a bit more about the benefits like a child learning to socialize and building resilience by taking risks, check out Getting Addy Outside: Why This Mom is Waging the Battle for Outdoor Play Every Day. If you’re like me, already committed to getting your children outside every day, but a bit short on…
Getting Your Children Outside Everyday: 5 Rainy Day Activities
Here in Minnesota, the snowy February has made way for a rainy March! This mom, who doesn’t usually complain about the weather, is pulling out her hair! I have found a silver lining. It smells like Spring! That gives me hope that this [cloudy, wet, cold weather] too shall pass. Last fall, Aaron and Addy traded their muck boots for swimsuits. Rainy days don’t have to keep your kids inside. It’s an opportunity to do something out of the ordinary. Last fall, Aaron and Addy traded their muck boots for swimsuits. On a particularly rainy day, our street was flooding as leaves clogged up the sewer drains. While Aaron cleaned…
Winter is No Exception to Getting Addy Outside Everyday: 10 Winter Outdoor Activities to Leave You Inspired
We live in Minnesota so the winters can be frigid. Going outside, January through March, can be challenging. When I say artic air, I’m not exaggerating! March is usually the snowiest month. When the plain’s states are starting to see signs of spring, we are still digging ourselves out. This winter, February’s snow falls hit record levels. We have had a lot of snow. Snow is motivating for my daughter and I. Activities are easier to come by if we have a foot or two of snow. Sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, downhill or cross-country skiing happen in abundance. If we are homebound, there are the classics like building a snowman…
Meet Katie Bell: Working Mom & My Cousin
Thanks so much for agreeing to do this! I am honored, simply honored. Wish we could be doing this interview over cocktails on a beach in Mexico (or anywhere sunny and warm). One of the first major parenting issues I faced was the decision to stay at home full time or go back to work or some combination of the two. I wanted to talk to you about your choice to pursue a full-time career where you have found a lot of success and longevity. Do you follow any blogs? No. Because I travel and have a decent commute, I listen to podcasts. This blog would be a great podcast.…
