Mommyhood
How Empty Nesters Can Find Their Purpose
If you’re in my age bracket (the over-45 crowd), you see the writing on the wall. Your kids are getting older and you know it’s only a matter of time before the kids leave the house. This is an exciting time because you’re not as tied to home as you used to be and often…
Read MoreHow to Raise Kids With Values
Raising kids is a full-time job. Often there are tears (both yours and your children’s). It’s expensive, stressful and sometimes thankless. But it’s also the most rewarding and important job in the world. And also one of the most difficult. Let’s get through this together! I have a friend whose child has been making poor…
Read MoreYes, you CAN take time away from your business
At the end of December, my family and I headed out across the pond to visit the UK, France and Spain for 10 days. It was an epic trip that we were thrilled to take (and had saved long and hard for). But because of the planning that was involved, and more importantly the family…
Read MoreI’m a Crazy Dog Lady
We welcomed a fifth child into our home this year. She was wanted, by me, but Jeff was more or less pressured into it. The result? Chaos in the home and I’ve turned into Crazy Dog Lady. Yes, Ivy made her way into our home and (most of our) hearts this year, and I might…
Read MoreYear of Lasts: College Application Time
The 2018-2019 school year is a big year of “lasts” for the Ratterman household. This is the last year all six of us will be under the same roof. And while it’s a little bittersweet, I’m both soaking up all the memories and preparing myself for the excitement of what’s to come. Jack is a…
Read MoreOur Big Puppy Update
It’s been a while since my last update on our puppy, Ivy, and since it’s never a dull moment I figured I should let her check in! First of all, I did not know I was signing up to have a crazy, four-legged toddler in the house. We love her dearly (and Jeff tolerates her)…
Read MoreHow to handle 4 kids in 4 different schools
By now, kids across the country are back to school. My kids have been back for several weeks now, and it’s been interesting having four kids in four different schools. Of course, this was really my doing. When you spread out having kids across nine years, you really get what you get. No complaints here!…
Read MoreMeal Prepping for Back to School Success
The kids are going back to school, which means sports and clubs are back in session too. And that makes for some really crazy school days! Meal prepping is my recipe to success when I know I’m going to have a busy week. If you plan ahead, it’s easy to execute a menu of healthy…
Read MorePuppy Update: Training the Trainers
Our puppy Ivy just celebrated her 6-month “bark”day, standing proud with yet another sock in her mouth. While we’re still feeling our way around dog ownership, I think it’s safe to say she’s ours for good and we’re doing…okay…with it. I knew getting a puppy would be a lot of work, but I didn’t quite…
Read MoreHealthy Summer Snacks (without the stress)
Kids are ALWAYS hungry, aren’t they? I feel like there’s always someone in the kitchen munching on something–morning, noon and night. I don’t have the time or the desire to be tethered to the kitchen, trying to make sure that my kids are choosing healthy options when they (incessantly) snack. It’s all about being stocked…
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