Wow! It's been a while since I've been back here on a regular basis but I'm excited to return!! I'm juggling work and three kids so there's never a dull moment.

The good news is that we survived the summer.  We're slowly getting into our normal groove.  Things are busier than ever between school and sports and piano and cub scouts...not to mention work! The kids are growing with each passing month and they continue to amaze me with all they say and do now.  Now if only those leaves would start changing!;

Hope everyone out there had a wonderful, happy and restful summer.  I look forward to reading and writing more in the weeks ahead!  I know the kids have a few new toys that I will undoubtedly want to review! 

Wishing you all a safe, happy and fabulous fall season,
Stlmom

I'm a busy mom of three. I'm always looking for new tips, tricks, websites, shopping venues and fun stuff to read. Here are some of my current favorites:

• The YMCA for all their great sports programs. We've taken swim lessons, soccer, basketball and even t-ball at the Y and we just love it. The prices are reasonable and the people are great!
• Facebook: I know!! I thought I was too darn old for Facebook but I'm finding that it's a fun new outlet.
• Unicef (www.unicef.org) emergency relief efforts right now- truly inspiring
• Chateau on the Lake in Branson, MO: I never even went to BRanson before last year. We took the kids there and had a blast. Would definitely recommend it for a car-ride destination for midwestern folks.
• Once Upon a Child and other local second-had shops- If you haven't checked them out lately, you should!  There are some great deals and very unique things out there! 

Without sounding like Meryl at the Academy Awards, I really want to take this opportunity to thank so many of the community members at Epinions for all of their kind words, support and encouragement  since I've been here.  I think we all know we're uber-dorks for spending as much time here as we do, but it really is a lot of fun.  There are so many people who keep this place interesting.  I love it all!

 

• Girls, Inc. - national, not-for-profit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold
• The Montessori Foundation - I can't say enough good things about the power of a true full-emersion Montessori-based education.  I love it and so have my kids.  Questions about it?  Interest in it?  Contact me!
• National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS)
• Parents As Teachers