Adventures of a modern mom: Food no-nos make shopping a challenge

Sometimes I go to the grocery store and feel like there is nothing suitable to buy. There are so many books and schools of thought regarding what we should and shouldn't eat.

Adventures of a modern mom: This 'most interesting man in world' to be at book fest

Josh Chetwynd

Adventures of a modern mom: This 'most interesting man in world' to be at book fest

A series of humorous commercials for Dos Equis beer features a character touted as "The Most Interesting Man in the World." The Man is shown in exotic settings easily performing feats such as freeing a bear from a trap and surfing a killer wave.

Adventures of a modern mom: Thanks for ideas about how families can help

In my last column, in late December, I wrote about our family's desire to find a consistent volunteer opportunity for the four of us. We have had difficulty finding that, and I asked readers to write in with suggestions. I would like to thank the readers who shared the following leads with me:

Opportunities to volunteer with children seem scarce

'Tis the season of giving, and volunteer opportunities abound. Preston's and Griffin's elementary school has a holiday project in which food, clothing and toys are collected for needy families at another elementary school in Tucson.

Adventures of a modern mom: Boys learn lesson despite missing school

A draft of a speech with Franklin Delano Roosevelt's edits is on display at a Pearl Harbor museum.

Adventures of a modern mom: Boys learn lesson despite missing school

A week before the Catalina Foothills School District fall break, I emailed Preston's and Griffin's teachers to let them know that the boys would be missing the three half days preceding the two-day break, and I felt guilty.

Adventures of a modern mom: Chefs, kids, teachers never fail to impress

As summer winds down, here are a few topics that have come to mind lately.

Adventures of a modern mom: Book-hungry son needs recommendations for summer

Avid reader Preston Helfand, 8, doesn't leave home without two books - his current read and a backup in case he finishes it.

Adventures of a modern mom: Book-hungry son needs recommendations for summer

Our son, Preston, who is 8, can't get enough of books. He loves to read. He won't leave home without a book in his hands. Actually, he takes two books with him wherever he goes - the one he is currently reading and a second book as a backup in case he finishes the first book.

Adventures of a modern mom: March may just be most wonderful time of year

I feel like March is giving Christmastime a run for its money as the most wonderful time of the year.

Adventures of a modern mom: Disconcerting news on the music, toy store and author front

Today I'd like to share some thoughts I've had on music, the Tucson Lifestyle "Best of the City" article and the passing of author Jeffrey Zaslow.

Adventures of a modern mom: Christmas lights have always made my holidays bright

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is enjoying the lights. I grew up in Kansas City, Mo., and a very important holiday tradition there is the Plaza lights.

Adventures of a modern mom: Giving thanks is year-round event at my home

Over the last year or so, as we sit down to dinner, our family has gotten into the habit of sharing something aloud that we are thankful for. It has been great for us to stop and reflect on the wonderful things in our life, some major, some trivial.

Adventures of a modern mom: Kids did 'grow fast'; now I'm in 'enjoy them while you can' mode

Years ago, when I was a new mom carrying my baby boy around town, complete strangers would sometimes stop me to say hello and then advise me, "Kids grow up so fast. Enjoy them while you can." Then they would tell me about their teenagers or grown children.

Adventures of a modern mom: A rich lesson from 'Millionaire' audition

On a Thursday afternoon a couple of weeks ago, I boarded a plane for Las Vegas. I traveled alone and stayed in Sin City for less than 24 hours. I didn't gamble, see a show or take in the sights. I was there to audition for the game show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire."

Adventures of a modern mom: Parents, stop beating yourselves up - you're great

I consider myself a positive, look-on-the-bright-side type of person. But for some reason when it comes to being a parent I'm pretty hard on myself. I focus a lot on what I need to do better, and on what other parents are doing that I'm not.

Adventures of a modern mom: Job hunting has changed, but my enthusiasm hasn't

The last time I searched for a job, Bill Clinton was president, eBay was in its infancy and people were dancing the "Macarena." I was in my last semester at college and eagerly looking forward to starting a career.

Adventures of a modern mom: Our family must make a doggone difficult decision

Shortly after Mother's Day, I saw our fish at the bottom of its tank, on its side. My sons, Preston, 7, and Griffin, 5, have yet to notice that the fish and its tank are no longer on our kitchen counter.