Dawn
Dawn lives life to play! Wife to Bryan and mother of four (ages 17, 14, 12, and 8,) she finds what she most enjoys and does it. Bryan tells people she hates a blank calendar; Dawn says she loves a colorful one. With a BA in Theatre and a certificate in Performing Arts Entrepreneurship from the University of Iowa, Dawn has successfully run two business and volunteered on numerous community theatre Boards of Directors. She currently colors in her calendar with Youngevity confidence consultation appointments, Chamber Singers of Iowa City board meetings, strength training and kickboxing at NLXF-NL, managing the office at BerganKDV, and setting as many dates with friends as she can. Dawn is passionate about respect and intentional choices. She loves coffee with cream, a good wheat beer, seeing someone discover something for the first time, and listening to audio books while driving.
Better Manage Your Time After School/Work in 4 Simple Steps
What is it about that time between the end of the school- and work-day and bedtime that brings out all the crazy feelings and moods? Do you ever feel like you can't get anything...
Processing Grief and Death: Saying Goodbye to Our Family Pet
One year ago, our family pet–our cat, Tommy–died. He got really sick, really quickly, and it was completely unexpected. We had adopted him from the shelter when he was a kitten and our children...
Which child care option is right for your family?
Finding the right childcare is an important part of being a working parent. The choices include family, babysitters, nannies, au pairs, in-home providers, child care centers...how do you know which one to choose? I...
Parenting Through Childhood Anxiety
I have seen many posts lately on anxiety–in moms, especially, but also in people in general. I have been hyper-aware of these articles and questions, because I suffer from anxiety. But it is not...
Period Talk: Stories from Our Community
When it comes to your period, have you ever felt, "Am I the only one who ____?" Or do you have a story about your period that is hilarious or horrific that you only...
Sleep Secrets: What I’ve Learned From 25 Years of Caring for Babies
I have been working with infants for 25 years. I love babies! With four of my own, let me tell you–none of them have been the same. Not a single baby has been exactly...
My Greatest Parenting Wish
My husband and I were sitting in the living room the other night, talking about our day, when our oldest came in and sat down nearby. She was listening at first, but then she...
Where to Get a Christmas Tree in the Iowa City Area
There is something so festive about bringing in a Christmas tree to decorate and liven up the living space. Dating all the way back to 16th century Germany, this tradition reminds us of the...
15 Things We Have Learned in Our First 15 Years of Marriage
Earlier this month, my husband and I celebrated 15 years of marriage. Some would say that is quite the accomplishment! It feels like it has always been, so I wanted to focus my thoughts...
School Year, New Year: How to Stay Connected
Back to school time means new planners, new backpacks, new shoes, new clothes. It also means new routines, new classes, new teachers, new expectations, new personalities, new activities. New can be really exciting. It...