Laura
Laura is a mom of three who works full-time from home as a Development Director for a children’s charity. Laura grew up in Maryland, spent her 20s living in Southern California and South Carolina, and has spent her 30s and now 40s in Iowa, moving to Iowa City in 2010. Laura loves dancing, reading, baking, and music. She and her husband Ryan started dating in college (gasp – over 20 years ago!) and they have been sharing life’s adventures ever since. Their biggest adventure is, of course, parenthood. With three kids, the action is non-stop - which is just the way Laura likes it.
Why is Mommy so tired?
Last month, I was on the phone with my mom and I was telling her that I didn’t know what was going on with me but I was just so, so tired. While we...
10 Things Nobody Told Me about Being a Mom
Everybody is quick to tell you that you’ll get no sleep during the first year of motherhood or that you’ll think your kids are the most amazing children in the world. But, there are some...
Meatless Meals: Our Favorite Vegetarian Family Recipes
It’s that time of year when fish sticks are starting to be everywhere at the grocery store – the start of Lent, when lots of Christians give up meat on Fridays. Even if observing...
Notes from a Food Allergy Mom
“Don’t touch that!”
“That’s not for you!”
“Not in your mouth!”
These are things that I rather frantically told my very independent and also food-allergic toddler when I brought her to a “Family Fun Night” event at...
Keeping the Spirit of Giving Going after the “Season of Giving”
Last month, I wrote about the season of giving and encouraged families to get involved with local charities. As a longtime nonprofit fundraiser, I know that once the holidays pass, for many people, the...
Getting Your Family Into the “Season of Giving”
It’s the season of giving! For kids, that can mean the season of receiving – getting lots and lots of new toys and games. And that’s wonderful! It’s fun to spoil our kids once...
10 Kitchen Tips and Tricks I Wish I Had Known Sooner
With the holiday season coming, all the big family meals, and baking yummy treats for friends and family, I figure we can all use a little help in the kitchen. I’m not a natural...
5 Myths About Work at Home Moms
I’m about 13 years into my career (boy, that makes me feel old!) and I’ve been working at home for eight of those years. At this point, I’ve worked from home longer than I...
DIY – Make a Montessori Activity for Your Kids to Do at Home
Have you been thinking about doing more educational activities with your young kids at home? Maybe you now that you’ve got a preschooler or kindergartener you want to help them practice what they’re learning...
Top 10 Best Iowa City Area Parks and Playgrounds
I’m the first to admit that I’m not an outdoorsy kind of person. But my kids? They LOVE being outside. Even the 15-month-old has learned to say, "Outside," while she pats the door hopefully...