I was first introduced to the Yankee Swap at our family Christmas party, although I don't remember exactly how long ago. I can't remember a family Christmas party without a Yankee Swap, so it's obviously been a tradition for a long time. Although everyone just called it the "Grab Bag," which seemed appropriate for the … Continue reading Yankee Swap
Author: gretchenmulroy
Potluck
I grew up thinking potluck dinners were the only way to feed a large gathering of people. My Dad grew up in a large family, and I have more cousins than I could name when I was little. We would gather several times a year- my Gram's birthday, Christmas Eve, spring clean-ups. My aunts would … Continue reading Potluck
Random Holiday Observations
This is for you all to read in between your fourth and fifth trip to the grocery store this week, in between your third and fourth cup of coffee for the day, and perhaps for when you stop to take a breath between all those "last minute shopping trips" that seem to go on for … Continue reading Random Holiday Observations
Who Are You?
A friend once said, "The Facebook comments are where common sense and decency go to die." And yet, I still read them and sometimes I even respond. It's akin to a train wreck; I can't look away. Recently I got caught up in a thread where a man made a disparaging comment about teachers, insinuating … Continue reading Who Are You?
Skill Set
I can think of dozens of things I've learned to do as a mom. Things I never pictured myself doing before I became a mom. Things I didn't even know were "a thing." Like running a "cake walk," for instance. That's a thing. It's like musical chairs meets a raffle, except no one loses a … Continue reading Skill Set
Halloween Through the Years: My Life in Headlines
If someone thought my life was interesting enough to write about, and they decided that Halloween would be the perfect lens, they might write something like the following. But obviously, no one does, so I'll have to write it myself, on the off-chance that it might make someone (besides me) laugh. Disturbance Investigated in Quiet … Continue reading Halloween Through the Years: My Life in Headlines
Been There, Done That
I've just produced photographic evidence that Youngest Son wore the same shirt- the exact same turquoise Under Armor polo shirt- for three consecutive school pictures. (Since our elementary school has a spring photo session as a fundraiser, he wore it for one spring, one fall, and then the following spring.) Damn picture day always catches … Continue reading Been There, Done That
Get a Clue
I will probably never win another game of "Clue" again. I'm not a very logical thinker when it comes to board games. I'm not very good at developing strategies. I make random guesses, and "hope for the best." Which … Continue reading Get a Clue
The House on Villa Street
I grew up in a house that wasn't on an actual street, that didn't used to be an actual house. My grandmother was my closest neighbor, and two families of aunts, uncles, and cousins lived down the hill on adjacent properties. I grew up hearing the trains … Continue reading The House on Villa Street
All Wrapped Up
I've learned a lot about being a parent in the almost 17 years I've been one. I've learned to fill a cup only half full for anyone under the age of six because they're most likely going to spill it. And not to let anyone of same … Continue reading All Wrapped Up
Gretchen L. Mulroy 