What do you want to be when you grow up?I have asked my kids this over the years and their answers have stayed pretty consistent.We have a future park ranger in our little animal lover and a chemist in the little one. We have tried to explain that the desirable result for experiments is not…
My mirror lies, or at least it used to — until I caught it in the act and forced a reflection that is entirely more accurate.I spent several weeks dismayed at what I was seeing in the full-length mirror in my bedroom.How is this even possible?How does one become so disproportionate overnight?What the heck am…
The New Year is upon us, my friends, finally.There is no guarantee 2021 will be any better, but with any luck, our current troubles will fade to memories and we can go forward on a road that is a little less bumpy.I don’t generally make resolutions but this year I decided to make just one.Get…
Toilet paper … Never in my life did I think that 95% of my thoughts would be consumed with commentary on toilet paper. But here I am, focused on toilet paper like it’s the center of the universe. I should make a disclaimer before you continue reading. After a childhood wrought with hard times, I…
As I thought about what to write this week, I decided giving everyone a glimpse into Christmas Day at the Woods’ home would be fun. Every year I think, “this will be the Christmas that my children let me sleep in a little.” Every year at the crack of dawn I am awakened to…
Think of this like a little public service announcement for all significant others that have found themselves forced into prep for a holiday party they want no part of. Follow a simple rule — and at the end of the party — you will find yourself in the embrace of the person you love, and…
There is no way to avoid her. She comes for you whenever you make that “selfish” choice and you put your needs first — “The Mom Guilt Monster.” That inner she-devil whispers to you: “Wow, your poor children have a mother that would do this. How could you?” I had what I hoped to be…
I have been putting off going to the dentist for an embarrassingly long time. I’m sure most moms can relate to the constant demand on our hours. We just don’t have an extra day lying around to go to an appointment, or at least that’s what we tell ourselves. But, is that really the case?…
I suppose this little adventure should start with a proper introduction. My name is Natasha Woods. I have been happily — actually happily, not just “happily because that’s what you’re supposed to say” — married to an Idyllwild native for 10 years. Despite the fact I swore I would never live in Idyllwild, here I…
