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

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 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.

A '2nd city' makes for special vacations

Tucson has a lot of transplants, and before moving to the Old Pueblo, those residents spent years in other cities. We're transplants, too, and for our family Chicago is our home away from home.

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: Cleaning out house helps us ring in new year

On New Year's Day my husband and I had a morning to ourselves. Our sons would be coming back in the afternoon after a sleepover at my parents' home, so what would we do with the next five hours?

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.

Manzanita kids turn out for annual Desert Dash

Saturday at 7 a.m. sharp, students from Manzanita Elementary School started a 2-mile fun run/walk at Sabino Canyon called the Desert Dash.

Adventures of a modern mom: Long-haired boy is a standout in so many ways

When my son Preston showed up to the fields at Mehl Park in March 2010 for his first Canyon View Little League baseball practice, one boy on his new team immediately stood out. It was Fletcher Redondo.

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.

Adventures of a modern mom: The arts are gift to my family, our city

Recently, our family went to see a Blue Man Group performance at the University of Arizona's Centennial Hall.

Adventures of a modern mom: Electronic or in print, coupons are just great

When I was a child in the late 1970s and early '80s I helped my mom clip coupons from the Sunday newspaper inserts every week. She would give me a certain percentage of the coupon savings as pay for the job, and I unwittingly improved my math skills.

Adventures of a modern mom: Kids' parties are complex these days

Imagine two adults meeting for the first time. They say hello and share their names. Then instead of discussing family or weather or work, one asks the other, "How old are you?" Without hesitation, the other answers, then asks in return, "How old are you?"

Adventures of a modern mom: Parents could learn from kids' resilience

Do you remember your child's first emergency? That accident or illness that sent you racing to the emergency room or had you calling the pediatrician or dentist in a panic?

Adventures of a modern mom: Thanks, readers, for all the great book recommendations

Thanks to all the readers of my Feb. 10 column, "It's my turn to pick a book for club and … got any ideas?" who posted comments online and sent e-mails with book recommendations.

Adventures of a modern mom: It's my turn to pick a book for club and ... got any ideas?

I wonder when I'll have the time to read as much as I like. Time to sit outside on gorgeous, sunny Southern Arizona days and read for hours at a time. Will I have to wait until I retire? Maybe when my husband and I are empty-nesters, about 13 years from now?

Adventures of a modern mom: Extraordinary Tucsonans outshine 'bad guy'

After the Jan. 8 tragedy here, my husband Michael and I, just like parents all over the city, have explained the news to our children and answered their questions.

Adventures of a modern mom: Neighbors make Foothills a friendly place to live

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I've spent some time reflecting on what I'm thankful for. Life itself, good health and loving family and friends top the list.

Adventures of a modern mom: Shadow Hills a bright spot in first Foothills Halloween

I will never forget our first Halloween in the Foothills. We live in a lovely neighborhood with few young children, and most homes have long driveways. Our neighborhood was scary on Halloween night, but only because it was dark and deserted.

Adventures of a Modern Mom: Foothills abounds with good 'pickup' spots

Do you of any good pickup places in the Foothills? A nice place to meet someone, strike up a conversation, and possibly exchange phone numbers?

Adventures of a modern mom: From beer to culture, UA offers a lot

Last week, we found ourselves at Dirtbag's Bar on East Speedway, right next to the University of Arizona campus. Mike and I had taken our sons there to play the arcade game Golden Tee Golf.

Adventures of a modern mom: Reminder to live in moment is trip's touching souvenir

On a recent Sunday morning, as my 4-year-old son, Griffin, and I entered Portland International Airport, tears started rolling down his cheeks, and he pleaded, "I want to live in Portland!"