The R Family Diaries

I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to tell my story as part of the American Cancer Society’s 100th Birthday Celebration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  My grandmother died from colon cancer when my mom was just 15. I never met her. I’ve heard she was lovely and creative. While I would have loved to have celebrated birthdays with her. And, wish my mom could have had her mom around longer, I am incredibly grateful for organizations like the American Cancer Society . Their work has led to more birthdays for so many people. They make a real difference every single day. Just look at all of their accomplishments! During the last century, the American Cancer Society has led the way in saving lives and creating more birthdays.  The American Cancer Society has contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the US since the early 1990s. That means they have helped save nearly 1.2 million lives during that time.  The American Can...

Being "Home for the Holidays" is what it's all about for me. The wonderful memories I have from my childhood- and the memories I am creating with my boy now. This video sums it up. Watch it. It's what the holidays are all about. People coming together to celebrate. And the singing? It's unreal. T-Mobile did it right. This post is sponsored by T-Mobile

Last night, my 10 year old son and his teammates experienced the magic of boyhood at its best. They won our local "World Series" for their age group. The best part? Every single player got on base. Every single player contributed. And, when that 3rd strike crossed the plate securing their victory? Magic. I am so grateful I got to be there to witness such joy and pride on the faces of 10 year old boys. To my son, who had a season which included 2 over-the-fence-home-runs, and dozens of zinger ground balls and RBIs, a great season of pitching and playing first base like a confident young man- I am so proud of you. I am even more proud of the times you hustled back after a strike out, or got right back in the game when things didn't go as planned- those are the times that shape the man you starting to become. To my husband who is the best coach I've ever seen, thanks for making those kids feel like kings and pushing them to reach their potential. Will is such a lucky ...

A few months ago, I was contacted by the folks over at Tide about trying their new Tide Stain Boosters product and sharing my results with friends both online and in my everyday life. I am already a big fan of Tide, so I jumped at the chance to be involved. We thought it would be fun to do a local event- a Mom and Kids Field Day. It was so much fun. We ate messy snacks like cupcakes with frosting. And potato wedges and ketchup {Yes, that is sushi in the background. Do I know how to throw a party or what?} And we played some games And learned about Tide Stain Release and its satin-fighting power! {BTW- I was THRILLED with the results I had on grass stains, ketchup, BBQ sauce and soy sauce, check out my video here. } A great time was had by all! Wanna try it out for yourself? You can enter to win some pretty cool prizes! Visit Tide on Facebook ! *I am a brand ambassador for Tide and have received material and/or payment incentives for my involvement.

So its here. Spring is upon a us. A sense of renewal. I know we usually make resolutions and goals are often set at the new year mark, but I think I am going to use this awakening of Spring as inspiration to wake up too. To slow things down, to savor the simple. This month in Fishful Thinking Newsletter , Dr. Reivich talks about "Savoring Spring". Taking time to watch the earth around us spring back to life. Slowing down and focusing on the positives- noticing the beauty. Not only is it a great reminder for me, but she includes a list of things to watch for with your kids. I love the idea of passing on "savoring" to my son. Creating a tradition of enjoying. It's been 4 months since my mom died. Four months of a blur. I'm using Spring to refocus on living. Living well. What about you? What does Spring hold for you?

I received an email from a friend. A good friend. A friend who knows me in and out. Up and down. When I am looking for a safe zone- she is it. When I need to feel selfish. When I need to brag. When I need to whine. She sees the worst I have to offer and loves me anyway. The words she sent, had been sent to her. Now, I am sending them to you. "May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." That friend? Just called. 30 seconds ago. While I was writing this.

I am completely in love with this chair. Apparently, it's sold at Home Goods. But not the Home Goods near me. Boo. That is all.