This week I was thinking about a fight I had with one of my teens, then I thought of my siblings. I was this little girl and when I finally became a teen I struggled to be seen by my siblings. Read about why your teens might be fighting with you.
Read MoreDreams are beautiful, exciting fantasies that stay dreams until they become reality. An expat knows all too well that once overseas the dream ends and the adventure and the work begins.
Read MoreThis looks like a perfect image, siblings doing their homework around the table. For the most part, it was great, but then....it wasn't... eight teens at home...trust me it got ugly sometimes and when its ugly don't we ask, "Am I a bad Mom?"
Read MoreA lot of parents expats say, "I can't learn of language. I am not talented." It might be true that this isn't your thing but anyone can do it if they have to. I braved it by borrowing some courage and post it notes.
Read MoreThe saying "it takes a village" took a new meaning for me a few weeks ago. A dear childhood friend was home for her high school reunion and shared this story about my sister.
Read MoreWho hasn't goofed something up? My biggest back to school flop is such an embarrassing story. Years later I realize that forgetting something, getting it wrong, or misunderstandings are just part of back to school especially in a foreign country. Today was the big day and one thing is clear ... my son takes after me.
Read MoreOne of many...following your older siblings is not always easy. Some of my teachers called me Thatcher for years; I am not sure they even knew my name.
Read MoreI get excited about the most random things. This summer I embarrassed my kids by belting out my High School Song as their band marched by us. I will screech with joy over things that surprise many people. I think any expat will understand because we all live this.
Read MoreTake a good look at this picture; Aaron has his eyes crossed, Geoff is sticking out his tongue and Joel is very unhappy. There weren't Instagram filters in the seventies but even for the seventies this was an unusual family picture.
Read MoreHow many times have you heard of the expat bubble? If you live abroad probably often. Traveling in San Fransisco and watching the homeless a thought came to me and I thought about my own little bubble. What's your bubble?
Read MoreYes, I am a breakfast princess; a dinner one as well. With eleven kids my Mom decided it was easier to eat together and with class then to have chaos and she was right. We had a set table with placemats breakfast and dinner and this daily. Do you want to connect with your kids and just calm down...it is easy, eat together.
Read MoreWhen I asked my Dad if I could use this title he laughed, "Well I have raised kids from different woman...it's just they are adopted. Sure go for it." No my Dad isn't a polygamist but I can't tell you how many people think he is and try to convince me all Mormon's are!
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