As I mentioned on Friday, my stepdaughter is now officially a freshman in college. This weekend we moved her down to her school, California State University, Long Beach, and helped her get settled into her dorm. To be totally honest, it was way more emotional than I thought it was going to be. And… Continue reading College Bound Part II- Saying Goodbye
Category: Relationships
Becoming an empty nester | Stepdaughter goes to college
I am super blessed to have two amazing stepkids. Aidan is 20 and starting his third year at Chico State, and Maura is 18 and starting her freshman year at Long Beach State. My husband and I got together over 13 years ago, when the kids were just 5 and 7. They have always been… Continue reading Becoming an empty nester | Stepdaughter goes to college
What I’ve Learned From My Sister
My little (and only) sister turns 30 today. That is so crazy to me. She’s Colleen, my little sister, how can she be 30?? Well as Aaliyah sang, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number, and my sister embodies that truth. She may have entered adulthood long ago and must take care of the responsibilities that… Continue reading What I’ve Learned From My Sister
Date Nights (or Days!)
I’m a firm believer in date nights. I feel like so many couples discount the importance of blocking out a few times a month- yes a month- to go on a date. And I get it- lots of couples with young kids can’t image going out just the two of them to have some fun.… Continue reading Date Nights (or Days!)
What I Learned from My Grandma
Today is my Grandma’s birthday. She would have been 93. She passed away less than a year ago on August 23rd, after a long battle with dementia. I have so many wonderful memories of my Grandma. And how could I not? I hit the Grandma Jackpot. She was a stay at home mom… Continue reading What I Learned from My Grandma
When we were wrong, promptly admitted it
Over the past 4+ years of being sober, I have learned countless life lessons and many simple (and not so simple) ways to make my life better. The one that stands out the most today is Step 10, in the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous which states: Continued to take personal inventory, and when we… Continue reading When we were wrong, promptly admitted it
About My Reilly
In my mind, there is nothing like owning a dog. No matter what is going on in life, a dog is always happy to see you. They follow you around with their tails wagging and remind you about some of the fundamentals of a life lived well: Show the people you love how much you… Continue reading About My Reilly
Making Father’s Day Special
I think the #1 rule in gift giving is to get the person something they want, not something you want them to have. It seems like I’m stating the obvious, but I think a lot of people are guilty of this despite their best intentions. When buying a gift, people can easily (and subconsciously) get… Continue reading Making Father’s Day Special
The Joys of Being a Stepmom (I’m not being sarcastic)
My stepdaughter graduated from high school last week. It’s surreal that the little five year old I met when my husband and I started dating is now 18, out of high school, and heading to college in fall. I’m so proud of all that she has accomplished. She worked hard in school, pushing… Continue reading The Joys of Being a Stepmom (I’m not being sarcastic)
Little Love Hacks
My husband and I have been married for 11 years. Of course there have been ups and downs along the way, but overall I must say I am ridiculously happy, and I believe he feels the same. We look forward to time after work that we have together and love our weekends. I feel… Continue reading Little Love Hacks