Alexa Bigwarfe
Blueberry Picking Patches Around Columbia
Personally, I think there's nothing better than fresh fruit and veggies straight off the farm. Since I am completely inept at growing my own produce, it's a relief to know there are farms locally...
7 Tips for Creating Your Own At-Home Summer Camp
We are saving up for a big trip, so I opted out of sending my three children (ages 8, 5, and 3) to any summer camps or programs this year. And then I started...
How to Honor Our Veterans, Today and Everyday
I have started and erased so many paragraphs in this post. I thought it would be easy to write, being a veteran myself. But in fact, it's one of the hardest posts I've written....
10 Tips to Help a Friend Survive the First Year After Pregnancy or Infant...
When a friend loses a baby or pregnancy, it's really hard to know what to do and say. And often, the mother cannot really express what she needs.
The first year after pregnancy or infant...
Independence Day :: A Veteran’s Perspective
July 4th.
We celebrate it loudly with firecrackers, parades, parties, and backyard barbeques.
Flags flap crisply in the breeze and we are all proud to be American.
July 4th evokes thoughts of hot weather, potato salad, hot...
Easy Treats and Activities for St. Patrick’s Day
How familiar are you with the origins of St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, is not only the impetus behind the Christian movement in Ireland but is also known for driving...
DIY No Sew St. Patrick’s Day T-shirt (or Onesie)
I am by no means a "crafty" person, so if I could pull this St. Patrick's Day shirt off, I am quite certain just about anyone can! It's really very easy, and you need...
Independence Day :: A Veteran {Mom’s} Perspective
July 4th.
We celebrate it loudly with firecrackers and barbeques.
Flags flap crisply in the breeze and we are all proud to be American.
July 4th evokes thoughts of hot weather, potato salad, hot dogs and hamburgers,...
Don’t Try to Fix Her, Try Listening Instead
The worst day of my life was December 12, 2011, when I held my 2-day-old daughter as her last breath left her body.
While the doctor prepared us at her anatomy scan at 20-weeks gestation...
Honoring Veterans
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of the year, global leaders came together to officially end World War 1. The war to end all wars, leaving more than...
How to Survive an Election Year and Keep Your Friends and Family
Facebook is tough these days.
It only takes a quick scroll to get my fears heightened to a level that has literally caused my blood pressure to rise over the last year. Three minutes on...
“No” Is a Complete Sentence
For many people, the new year comes with all kinds of expectations of starting over, starting fresh, maybe even second chances.
For some, it means choosing a word of the year. This word is supposed...
Because “Your Child Has Cancer” Are Words No Parent Should Have to Hear…
I have a drawer full of baby teeth. Probably lots of moms do. But unlikely for the same reason I have them. I'm not keeping them for sentimental reasons. I was worried I might...
From the Teacher’s Desk :: Preparing for Kindergarten
The summer has passed by more quickly than you thought, and now you may be panicking because you are sending a child to kindergarten. Are they ready? Are you ready? Kindergarten is one of...