January 2010

The Winter Olympics are upon us and with them come the amazing feats of alpine skiers, cross-country competitors, and snowboarders. This month, capture a bit of Olympic fever and take your family skiing to experience some of the thrills and chills first-hand. Resorts in the Southeast rank high among winter…

When Aimee Boiset’s son, Spencer, came home and told her he was learning how to ride a bike at school, she was floored. Most kids learn before second grade, but her sixthgrader had skipped that particular milestone. Part of the reason is because Spencer is autistic, which in his case makes…

As the mother of two adorable boys, I have had the pleasure of planning, putting on, and attending a number of birthday parties. Many of my friends cringe when faced with planning a party for their child. In fact, most of them have given up on the ritual, choosing in-stead…

“Slow down, you move too fast...” Simon & Garfunkel sure sang a mouthful in 1966 with those lyrics. Back then, who would have imagined the frantic pace in which we would all be moving in 2010. After the frenzy of the holidays, I think January should be made the official…

Bad dad days. We all have them. Sometimes it’s just a nagging feeling: I’m not doing as good a parenting job as I could. Sometimes it’s more specific: I feel guilty because I missed Johnny’s soccer game. Or: I snapped at Janie. Or: I put electronic dog collars on the kids…

Spirits soared on a Saturday morning as single-eyed Belle was loaded into the PetSmart van. Week after week the 4-year-old lab/shepherd mix waited patiently to meet her forever family. Finally, it was happening. A family was waiting at the Short Pump pet supply store to take her home. And then…

Q: Our 16-year-old daughter has a very large chest. It’s getting in the way of her quality of life when it comes to feeling comfortable in clothes and fitting in with her peers. She’s at a healthy weight. Should we even talk about breast reduction? A: We all want our…

1. Mouthwatering Pot Roast Season a 3-lb chuck roast with salt and pepper. Heat ¼ cup vegetable oil in skillet to medium-high. Brown roast on all sides in the oil and place in slow cooker. On top of roast, layer 1 thinly sliced yellow onion, 3 bay leaves, 4 crushed beef…

A 13-year-old soccer player complains of pain in the front of her knees. Initially, she noticed it during practice, but now there is pain climbing stairs and even while sitting in school. It’s a scenario that plays out for hundreds of kids across Richmond. It’s most likely anterior knee pain, a common…