November 2010

Dad sleeping on the couch. Mom working in the kitchen. This was the Thanksgiving of my childhood. So when my mom worked up the nerve to announce that she thought we should go out for dinner, I applauded her. After decades of spiraling out of control while preparing for holidays, the…

During your child's hospital stay, asking questions and advocating for your child is critical. Jennifer Jones, a young, healthy attorney, had no reason to suspect she would have anything other than a perfectly normal pregnancy. It was her first, however, and she did not realize that her weight gain and…

Every parent has imagined it. Her meticulously groomed and beautifully clad offspring gratefully accepting holiday gifts amidst glowing decorations, offering an unprompted and heart-felt thank you to swooning grandparents or friends while she stands nearby, nearly collapsing from pride. Reality check time. Though this scenario probably has played out for…

During your child's hospital stay, asking questions and advocating for your child is critical. Jennifer Jones, a young, healthy attorney, had no reason to suspect she would have anything other than a perfectly normal pregnancy. It was her first, however, and she did not realize that her weight gain and…

In my house, fall means the much-anticipated football season is upon us. Like many families, our weekends from September into the New Year are largely dictated by football schedules. This is a fond tradition my husband and I enjoyed as a couple and introduced to our children from birth. I…

She’s sniffing. And pacing. And pawing the corner where the carpet meets the wall. C’mon now, girl, what’s the matter? Uh-oh. I think I know. The dog always figures it out first. There’s trouble brewing within these walls, a crisis-in-the-making big enough to trump everything else inside our humble home.…

Every parent has imagined it. Her meticulously groomed and beautifully clad offspring gratefully accepting holiday gifts amidst glowing decorations, offering an unprompted and heart-felt thank you to swooning grandparents or friends while she stands nearby, nearly collapsing from pride. Reality check time. Though this scenario probably has played out for…

  It was a case of mistaken pedal identity. The age-old accelerator versus brake puzzle. That’s what the nice lady said as she clambered from the mid-sized SUV that had crashed through the fence moments before and was now kissing our maple tree. The woman had been a guest at our…

We’re in the thick of autumn here in beautiful Richmond, Virginia, and the crazed, way-too-busy holiday season is breathing down our necks. But before we get to that, I have a small request for a little of your time (I know, what time?!). We at RFM have been putting together…

Christi and David Hancock lovingly celebrated each day of their daughter Ella’s life because they knew it could also be her last. Diagnosed in utero with a chromosomal disorder, baby Ella wasn’t expected to survive her birth, much less come home from the hospital. However, Ella was a fighter and…

The fun starts with a nature walk to gather supplies. Then move the creativity inside, where kids create classic autumn artwork.   What you need: Crayons Lightweight paper – thin works best School glue, glue stick or tape Leaves – fresh are best Pinecones, acorns, and twigs Stiff card stock…

1. Perfect Mashed Potatoes Place 2 lbs unpeeled, Yukon gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer until tender (about 20 minutes).Drain and let cool slightly. Peel and mash potatoes.Place back in pot and cook over medium…

Q: My ninth-grade daughter has suddenly started locking her bedroom door almost all the time.Should I ask why? Tell her to stop? Please help. A: It sounds as though your teen is going through the normal developmental process of separation and individuation. As our children move into their teens they come…