Procrastination is my middle name. It really isn’t, but it might as well be. If I have a problem come up that needs an obvious and immediate solution — I enjoy hiding under a rock. Or in my bed. » Full Story

According to scientists at the National Research Council, 85 percent of brain growth occurs in the first six years of life. » Full Story

It’s been a hot summer with a few days being downright beastly. How hot was it? It was so hot one day last week I saw two trees fighting over a dog. » Full Story

In the past week I’ve been to two parades, one of my favorite features of summer in Iowa.

Parade watching is an especially simple, pleasant way to while away a summer evening. » Full Story

I was thumbing through a magazine the other day when I noticed an article addressing brothers and sisters and it featured information on how to better connect with each other in the sibling ring. » Full Story

We often call our two dogs our furkids, because they are very nearly our third and fourth children. I am probably more guilty of babying the dogs than Larry. He insists, "They're just dogs. » Full Story

Tootsie rolls. Frooties. The suckers with the gum. When it came to candy at parades, I mastered those events. » Full Story

What’s your scariest nightmare? Being naked in public? Falling off a cliff? Being called to testify before Congress? Learning from your son that he’s dating Paris Hilton?

While lookin... » Full Story

I used to think that if Stanhope was its own country, its national holiday would be Watermelon Day. » Full Story

Family vacations were an annual event when I was growing up. We spent many summers at Okoboji in a rented cabi. » Full Story