Raising Cain: Thoughts on Motherhood

Child Helps Mom Discover She is Embarrassing

This mom thought she was cool until her 7-year-old informed her otherwise.

The week was packed with activities. We were getting down to the end of the school year and it was looking like we would not be slowing down to stop and smell the roses during the summer. As usual, worried the boys would not have enough to do to keep them busy while school was out, I had completely over-scheduled. I had allowed swim lessons four days a week, two vacations, vacation bible school, and doctor’s visits to fill up the calendar for the next three months. This was what was on my mind as I shuttled the kids to the first of two roller skating birthday parties during the weekend. My mind was still reeling from the school parties and functions we had attended and I was trying to come to grips that we still had more to come and that I…

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Moms Talk: Taking Some Time Off

This weeks edition of Moms Talk develes into what moms (and dads) do to get to take a break.

Parenting, I've been told, is a full-time job. I only have a dog and taking care of him wears me out. I can't imagine what it's like raising kids. All the work of clothing, feeding and molding the child—or children—has to take a lot out of parents.  That brings us to our question this week for Moms Talk (and dads, feel free to chime in as well): What's your favorite thing to do unwind and get away from it all? When things get too high stressed, what do you like to do to cool off and relax? Is it even possible? Let us know in the comments. 

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Holly Hunt

11:10 am on Sunday, April 17, 2011

When I'm at the end of my rope, the last thing I want to do is socialize. If the kids are at school, I like to catch a movie at the theater- it's practically empty during the weekdays. If the husband is in town and I need a break, I'll head out for a run or take the dog for a long walk. Sometimes I don't want to GO anywhere or DO anything- I just want to snuggle on the couch in my sweats and …   more ›

Moms Talk

Moms Talk: Getting Out in the Nice Weather

With spring right around the corner, what's something family-friendly to do in the nice weather?

Spring is slowly but surely on its way to St. Peters. Temperatures are on the rise. Kids, trapped inside all winter, can finally get back outside and out of the house.  The spring provides a nice chance for a family outing. A good chance to stretch the legs and spend some time together as a family.  That brings us to this week's question: What's your favorite springtime activity to do with your kids? Do you like going to the park? The zoo? Is it harder to do things as a family as your kids get older? Let us know what you think.

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Patti Baratta

9:07 am on Sunday, March 6, 2011

Between jobs, sports, homework and friends, it seems like it is a bit harder to go out and hang with our teenagers. That said, certain things are much easier the older they get, because there is less prep work and planning involved with an outing. We can basically say, "Let's go for a bike ride!" and 15 minutes later, they are dressed, have their own water bottles, have applied sunscreen and are …   more ›

Great Escape

Great Escape: A Trip to The Powder Room

The Powder Room is great place to relax and rejuvenate whether you have 20 minutes or the whole afternoon.

The screaming didn’t stop for the entire 15 minutes I was in the Fed Ex store. It’s not that I didn’t feel for the young father who was going to get his copies regardless of the wailing toddler on his hip, but I was on my own. My children were, thankfully, in school after numerous snow days and I needed my kid-free time. I wondered where the mother was. Was she at work or enjoying a childless afternoon, too? No doubt if she wanted to relax, she would do it at a place like The Powder Room. From the outside it resembles a cottage from a fairy tale. Once you walk up the stone path, through the trellis, and open the pink front door, you can be confidant that you will be able to escape from reality for a little while. The Powder Room provides …

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Patti Baratta

12:45 pm on Friday, February 18, 2011

My toes are in need of a little TLC. I may just have to check it out!   more ›

Raising Cain: Thoughts on Motherhood

Wildlife Books Reveal More Than Expected

This mother's tale of bringing home a little something extra from Grandma's house.

 Every time we visit MJ’s parents in West Virginia we always return home with more than what we arrived with. My mother-in-law uses our visits as an opportunity to de-clutter. We head home with boxes of MJ’s artwork and trophies from high school, old GI Joes and Transformers, and once, an artist’s pencil sketch of MJ in his cross-country uniform. On a recent trip, we returned with a box of Ranger Rick books for the boys. The wilting cardboard was filled to the brim with the books which covered a wide variety of animals and the kids were excited to get them out. We drug the box to the loft and left them to rummage through it. Soon it was quiet and we began to unpack in peace. That is until we heard E. shout:  “Oh my Gosh! What is this?!” I …

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Patti Baratta

11:08 am on Monday, January 31, 2011

That is too funny! I will never forget the time I was sitting at my in-laws with my then 5-year-old son, flipping through a "coffee table book." Out fell some newspaper clippings about treatment for something that affects "performance" of older men. My son was a pretty good reader at that point, but fortunately didn't understand why I couldn't stop giggling!   more ›