There is ALWAYS an opportunity cost involved when I cook. I know that by even stepping foot into the kitchen that is exactly the moment when chaos will erupt in my house, screaming will begin, fighting will ensue and tears will fall (only occasionally mine). Here’s what happened today when I ventured into the kitchen….. Not going to see images …
Hispanic Entertainment Greatness! Valens, Menudo, and Julio
For Hispanic Heritage Month, my thirteen year old daughter Samantha brought home a project from her Junior High Spanish class. She had been assigned to research and make a poster on Rosie Perez in order to promote and teach about Hispanic community members who have affected American entertainment and pop culture. Now don’t get me wrong, I like Rosie Perez …
Man-day Post: Charlie
This is Charlie. She is our grand niece. She was born with Down Syndrome. Her parents were aware of this before Charlie was born and chose to continue on. They are young and have their whole lives ahead of them, but against the grain of most who face this particular decision they brought her into the world and loved her. …
The GREAT Pumpkin Palooza
I have been a very good girl and waited patiently for the opportunity to start, pinning, sharing and blogging about all things Fall. I love this time of year and I really, really love pumpkin! The JENerally Informed family will be baking, crafting and whipping up pumpkin themed items like crazy and just wait until you see the masterful pumpkin …
A Legacy Of Love
Sometimes as a blogger there are stories you don’t intend to share when you sit down to write, but try as you might one story or theme can take precedence in a post, almost unintentionally. This is one of those posts. I sat down to write about my experience as a sandwich generation and share some tips for caring for …
What Is Really Important
This week the Southern Arizona community has been bracing itself for the after effects of Hurricane Odile. Community wide we saw graphics like this to make sure we did not take this situation lightly. Do you see that big green swath with the words CATASTROPHIC FLOODING? Yeah, that’s where I live…. This morning as Jensguy and I watched the news …
Breaking News! Making Dinner Is Hard And Should Now Be Someone Else’s Responsibility
Oh the mind-bending hopelessness of the family mealtime!!! This last week I read a story on Slate that attempted to relate the findings and conclusions of a study by 3 North Carolina State University Sociologists: Sarah Bowen, Sinika Elliott and Joslyn Brenton. Their team conducted in-depth interviews with 150 black, white, and Latina mothers from all walks of life. They …
Tales Of A Middle School Mom
An unavoidable truth of motherhood is that our precious little babies do not stay that way for very long. No matter how much we wish we could freeze the process and stop their aging, we can’t and they will grow up. Thirteen years ago my first Princess was born. I remember looking at the tiny preemie baby in my arms …
Reclaiming Sleep In Our House
I have to admit that I am blessed with pretty good kids who are sweet, lovely and kind. Sure they aren’t perfect, but on a whole our home is good place to be. Well, that is the case except for at night. Nighttime has become an epic battlefield where sleep deprivation seems to be the only winner. Here is the …
I Think I’m Failing, Please Help
I sit here at my computer screen exhausted and worn out, so here goes my plea out to the great internet and beyond. I think I’m failing, please help! Having raised, 3 children already past babyhood, I kind of felt like I had this whole baby thing down, it’s not easy, but one can survive it. Then my baby Anneliese …
The REAL Rules For Raising A Toddler
Last week my good friend Sarah of Ruffles and Rainboots asked me to guest post over at her blog. I love Sarah and was thrilled to do so. If you haven’t checked her blog out before now, you really should. You are all familiar with my caboose baby Miss Anneliese Claire. She is 17 months old and is beautiful, lovely …
My Forever Story
My forever story began 16 years ago. I was one month past my 21st birthday. A baby some called me, too young to be taking this step others thought. Jensguy although older than me, had just recently turned 24. We were both so young. I can still remember the morning of our wedding when he took my hand and whispered …
Kid Approved Busy Bag
A few months ago I participated in a co-op with a group of women to make “toddler” busy bags for our families. This busy bag has been amazing and has managed to entertain not only the toddler, but ALL of my children with it’s contents. I wanted to share how to make a few of the items with you today. …
Scam, Scam, Scammity Scam
This last weekend I received a call from a talent development agency wishing to “audition” my children for television and modeling parts. I laughed, I thanked them, I told them no, and then I promptly hung up. I later told my sister about the call, because my nephew has let it be known that his life’s wish is to have …
