JAK CHAT

And the minute countdown So it's about 11:15pm on Thursday, December 30th. T minus 45 minutes to get the correct date stamp on this email newsletter and I've got a way to go. My mind both full and empty as to how to fill up this commentary space.  So why not talk about resolutions? 'Tis the season afterall! I've got my personal New Year's resolution, pretty much the same as last year...loose some weight.  This year my weight loss goal is bigger than last year's.  Go figure, I am heavier this year than I was last year at this time.  I started out great creating a Facebook page called "Fat Girl in a Skinny World" .  It was a place where myself as well as others documented our daily successes and challenges of weight loss.  I had two previous successes with Weight Watchers, so I plugged into an old points program.  This time, I thought I could do it on my own (without the weekly meetings).  I was holding myself publicly accountable with the

Yes Victoria, There is a Santa Clause One would think that with having two teenage girls who have worked through the ranks of the "tween" years, that I'd be exceptionally prepared for just about anything my 8 year old daughter might throw my way.  Yah, right! I just finished the gihugic project of sorting through the clothes of all four of my kids. Discard.  Carry over.  Donate.  Those were the 3 major stacks that consumed my life for way too long.  I'd be embarrassed to share with you how long this process took. There's about a six year gap between daughter #2 of 3 and daughter #3 of 3.  So all of those cute bib overalls....bye bye.  (I finally got rid of my own beloved bib overalls last year.  Love 'em!  Waiting for that comeback!) Among one of the few things I am storing for my 8 year old's future use is all of the training bras we have. As I start loading the 11/12 year old stuff into a rubber storage tote, darling 8 year old grabs them.

Take Center Stage For those of you who have subscribed to JAK Happenings for a while, you know that this space is typically dedicated to sharing my family life experiences and observations as a Racine mom, who is married, with four school-aged children. I know some of the commentary here has started great conversations, stirred up some emotions, and perhaps initiated a little bit of controversy. We've had fun, now we're movin' on... Read more. Just Add Kids ' focus is to deliver the most complete and up-to-date kid-oriented, family-friendly event and activity resource mostly with the Happenings Calendar of Events and this weekly email. JAK strives to serve all families with children 0-18 in Southeastern Wisconsin, with an emphasis on Racine and Kenosha counties. With that in mind, Just Add Kids would like to know what happens in the ordinary day of other families living here in the greater Racine and Kenosha area.  Experiencing any life challenges or other

Insurance Hikes Maybe the holidays, coupled with two of my childrens' December birthdays is making me a bit more melancholy these days.  Depression really hasn't set in (I am quite happy, thank you!), just reflecting on the gift of ordinary days in the life of this aging parent.  So yeah, if you read last week's JAK Happenings , I shared with you my thoughts on my "baby" turning seven.  This weekend we'll celebrate child #2's fourteenth birthday. Happy Birthday to my gorgeous, talented, brainiac daughter. Another milestone we're experiencing in our household is Read more. our oldest daughter's new adventure in learning how to drive a car. Yup, she's got her temps.  It seems like just yesterday I was pushing her around in the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe .  Now, she is grabbing at the car keys and every opportunity to hop into the driver's seat.  Though she lacks in experience, she is quite skilled.  Still, my feet make it up to the

He's Eight!  Ain't it Great!? Well, one would think so.  But, he's my baby, and I can't seem to accept it.  See?  I still refer to him as "my baby".  What is wrong with me?  Is it my refusal to accept the fact that I am getting old?  Or is it because I know, just like with my older two kids, there lingers around the corner that unpinpointable day when his body will no longer be of the small snuggable variety, or he just doesn't want to be physically coddled (at least in public). So we'll celebrate and have a great time.  I'll post pictures of him through the years on my Facebook to honor this milestone.  I'll smile in the process. And I'll cry.  Read more. As days, weeks, and years continue to come and go faster and faster, this birthday reminds me of how special each and every minute is with him. I'll appreciate those spontaneous "I love mom"('s) that flow so naturally from his mouth or is drawn out thoughtful