BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA, ARIZONA – Having the “boys” home presents some unique and unexpected situations. I woke up this morning with my usual winter headache. I attributed it to carbon monoxide poisoning. Not enough fresh, clean air! The heater is on too much. My throat is dry. I get up and, after a …

BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA ARIZONA – A friend told me recently that she feels like she is always in wait mode. Waiting for others to do what they are supposed to do so she can do what she wants to do. I have often felt like that myself. This last year, I decided to …

BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA ARIZONA – I guess my wrestling days are over. Ben slammed dunked me and when my head hit the amplifier Chris heard it upstairs in the kitchen! I don’t think I have ever been a patient in Urgent Care before. Interesting experience. I am not sure why, but I could …

BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA ARIZONA — For Thanksgiving, Wistie came home. YAY!! Of course, this means spending quality time together … shopping. Now this really is a sacrifice for both of us. Shopping is not our first choice in providing entertainment, but it was an excellent excuse to spend some alone time with each …

BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA, ARIZONA — Growing up in an Italian family, holidays, birthdays, weddings, week-ends, sometimes Tuesdays meant family and food and noise and music. That is what I remember. I also remember drying dishes, a lot of dishes. There were many dish towels that became too wet to dry with, but perfect …

BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA ARIZONA — At the end of the day, a loving family should find everything forgivable.
 — Mark V. Olsen and Will Sheffer Tonight Ciera was teaching us the importance of self-mastery. I believe it took all of her self-mastery not to clock us in the head! The poor girl. She …

Traditions! I imagine we will always have "Pumpkin Night." I have two Peter Pans and Tinkerbell living in my house. Some take this carving thing way too seriously! Others don’t take it serious at all, until someone else takes it seriously. Then we have, "Girls just want to have fun!” Tell me true. Whose pumpkin …

BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN – MESA ARIZONA — Yesterday, Ciera overslept. I am one of those “weird” Moms. I expect my kids to get themselves to bed at a reasonable hour and to get themselves up and ready for their day. So at seven, I noticed she was not up yet. Around 7:30, I remembered …

BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN – MESA, ARIZONA – My daughter is away at school. Today was her first day of classes. I felt I could call tonight and not seem completely overbearing. We had a delightful conversation. She emailed me her blog address. I checked it out and felt pride not as a mother, but …

BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN – MESA, ARIZONA – Having a child, raising a child allows human beings to know what unconditional love really is. One of the most challenging aspects of parenthood I have encountered so far has been watching my children grow into adults and choose a companion. I am unable to see into …