For the past two weeks, I've been at my Dad’s house cleaning it out from top to bottom in order for him to sell it. When I say "cleaning from top to bottom," I literally mean every closet, drawer, and cabinet -- including his attic. He and my Mom lived in this house -- my childhood home -- for thirty years. To say that there are thirty years of memories and memorabilia stored in the house is a huge understatement!

I just returned home from a whirlwind, five-day trip to Chicago. I never have an easy time when I have to leave my family. When I am at home, I honestly do not think of myself as a control freak -- but I must be to some extent. The lists I make for everyone on what to do, how to do it, and when to do it border on obsessive. (No doubt my family throws them away as soon as I leave.) I just want to make sure that everyone is taken care of while I am away. Taken care of my way, that is. But more than that, I worry that my children will miss me and need me while I am away. I make a fuss because I want them to miss me as little as possible.

Rarely am I the type of mom that pulls the “back in the day” speech, but sometimes I just cannot resist. Now that summer is in full swing, the kids are beginning to look for activities to keep them occupied -- events that are planned, cost money, or require me driving them across town. What happened to those lazy days of summer when the neighborhood was crawling with kids from dawn ‘til dusk?

When I was growing up, not only did our parents not spend their time entertaining us, they were rather irritated when we were unable to find ways to entertain ourselves.

The other day my daughter, Gabriella, and I were in the store casually minding our own business when we came upon a sight so terrifying it caused me to stop dead in my tracks, causing the person behind me to crash into me. What could cause such a reaction in someone who is (for the most part) able to go with the flow?

Back-to-school supplies, backpacks, and lunchboxes.

Certain events happen every summer. You can practically check them off on some cosmic to-do list. This year we are marking the passage of time much as we have every other year for as long as I can remember:

Vacation? Planned and eagerly anticipated. A good time was had by all!

Sunburn? Not anticipated, but nevertheless showed up right on time.

Hearing “I'm bored” 10 times a day? This little gem of a chant is one I can do without, yet can count on happening as sure as the heat will make everyone whine.

Head cold, complete with fever and chills? Wait. What? Who gets a head cold in July? I mean really!

Apparently, I do.