Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
What did you get?
Opening a brand new toy for the first time is a sensational feeling and a one of a kind experience. Little did I fully realize this absolute, truly magical experience until I had kids. The mystery of an unknown toy and creating a collection is the same adventure I had as a child when getting a Happy Meal and not knowing what Hot Wheels or Barbie toy I was about to get, but I never made the connection.
By Ashleigh Corbin5 years ago in Families
The Pookini Incident
My husband and I took our kids to the beach at new year, despite a pending divorce. My youngest (5) asked to buy a "boo-kini" instead of her usual one piece. The story that follows is long and runny. If you vomit easily, you might want to keep scrolling. Sooooo all was okay the first night, but temps dropped ten degrees more than average before we could try out the new bathing suit at the beach. We go to the beach after having seafood lunch at a not so well advised "pirate tourist trap." The beach is pretty much what you expect if you know full well that it's at or around 49 degrees, rainy, and high winds, BUT STILL GO TO THE BEACH. Naturally, kids strip down to skivvies and hop into waves. I put jeans over my yoga pants, over my running leggings, and every long sleeve thing I brought under my sweatshirt and jacket. (I'm a Texas girl born and bred- I don't like to be cold. Seriously I've seen snow twice in my life, and I was over it pretty quick.) We attend to this fantastic Antarctic summer day. The kids are happily splashing around. "Almost ex," and I do our best not to chill the air further by talking to each other. After about a mile of strolling in this beautiful Alaskan storm, the kids are ready for a snack, and the youngest says she must use the bathroom. We begin to head back to the truck (I say truck, but it's a big Ford Excursion).
By Texas Christie5 years ago in Families
Storytime: The Day My Nigerian Mother Caught Me Sneaking Out of the House
You see those scenes you see in Hollywood movies – those scenes were a fine boy will come and throw stone at the window of the girl he likes, then the girl herself will slide open her window, sneak out with the boy and go out for the whole night - Don’t ever try it in a Nigerian household!
By Jide Okonjo5 years ago in Families
The Day My Sister Shit My Pants
Everyone torments their younger siblings. We do it because we can. We do it because it's fun. But mostly, we do it because we hate having to share everything with them, especially blame. It doesn't mean we're vicious monsters, though.
By Rachel LeCompte5 years ago in Families
Ways to Cultivate a Loving Relationship With Your Kids
Priorities change over time, especially when you add children into the mix. Before having kids, your priorities were whatever you wanted them to be; career growth, travel and an endless number of hobbies were yours to pursue at your leisure. Having kids changes things. Suddenly, your focus is on loving and raising your little ones. How you treat them and bring them up are main factors in determining who they will be and how they will impact the world. It is important you develop an intimate relationship with your kids. Read on to learn some fun ways you can connect with your children, regardless of their age.
By Mikkie Mills5 years ago in Families
The World Is Yours
"The World Is Yours" I have never shied away from hard work. I came from a working-class blue collar family and my mother and father instilled a great work ethic for us, as we saw our parents work hard to raise their children - sometimes holding down more than one job at a time.
By Thomas G Robinson5 years ago in Families
Now we are Outnumbered...
So we did it. We had the open conversation that most couples come to in their life...do we have more kids? So we had it and two months later, during a world-wide pandemic nonetheless, we found out that our family of four was growing. Trust me- we our ecstatic, but stressed. See we aren't just officially joining the "Outnumbered by Kid's Club". We are also taking a very nerve-wrecking journey into an unknown season of life.
By Ashleigh Corbin5 years ago in Families
10 Things You can Do to Make Your Loved Ones Feel Special
Simple gestures that would mean a lot to your loved ones. A popular saying states that “no man is an island”, which means that everyone needs somebody in their lives. It goes without saying that the people you would want to be part of your life are those that you love so gift them the freshest flowers bouquet. More often than not, the universe conspires to put special people in your life and showing that you care to the people who matter the most to you is a sign of gratitude to the universe for making them part of your life.
By George Swagger5 years ago in Families
Chiraq XI
Chapter 11 Big Shorty went to his room to grab enough clothes for the weekend from his closet. He placed the gear neatly into his overnight bag, then shuffled through a few c.d.'s that were on his night stand. After finding what he wanted and stowing them in his overnight bag, he went and stood next to the front door. Waiting for his grandfather to come. "The first thing I want to do is get something to eat", said his grandpa while he was digging in his pockets for his keys. "I'm starved", his grandpa declared as he put a hand on Big Shorty's back, directing him down the stairs. "We'll stop by Maxwell's to get a few polishes", he added.
By Organic Products 5 years ago in Families
Fire Fried Corn
Growing up in the late 80's early 90's was one of the best past time. Family was something to be proud of. Grandma's and Grandpa's held the family together. If there was ever a dispute, we all just came together and talked it out. Holidays were spent together with your family. We all got together and put our differences away. Food has always been a deal breaker in my family. Everyone played their role on a special holiday, or even an occasion. The past time dish that was forgotten was fried corn, every Thanksgiving. My grandma would host the occasion and someone would have to be at her house either spending the night, or early to start cooking the food. Whoever would cook, did not have the responsibilities of cleaning the dishes up afterwards. That was the worst part of Thanksgiving, was the cleaning up. Fried corn always got cooked with our meal. I honestly don't know if it was something my grandma just chose, or if it actually was passed down through generations. I can remember the way it smelt and the way it always hit the spot when I would put it on some of my mash potatoes. How I can hear the people in the back ground talking about either the football game that might have been on, or the arguing over something that might have been started over a debate. How my grandma's house was so little, but could fit so many people in it. How every time we would say grace before we ate dinner. That corn was never forgotten. My grandma had to make sure we had enough of the corn to last a year, it sure felt like. She would get her big skillet out, some butter, some salt and pepper, and melt them together. She would then pour the corn in the skillet and fry it up. It was so delicious and tasted so good. For people who don't like corn or vegetables, would be amazed and think differently.
By Teresa Hurley5 years ago in Families
