Red Stick Mom

Teacher’s Christmas Gift Ideas for All Budgets The unsung heroes of our children's lives: teachers and support staff! They put up with our tiny humans' antics, teach them actual useful things, and somehow still manage to smile at the end of the day. So, when it comes to Christmas gifts, we want to show our appreciation in a big way! But, let's be real, the best gifts are the ones made with love by our kiddos. Here are some gift options for teachers and support staff that range from inexpensive and handmade to expensive and store-bought: Handmade and Heartfelt: 1. Handprint ornaments made by the kids (priceless!) 2. Personalized picture frames with a special message (around $5) 3. Handmade coupon book with promises to help...

Wicked :: Embracing Individuality and Redefining Villainy with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo There’s a kind of magic that only a story like Wicked can conjure—a tale that flips the script, challenges what we think we know, and leaves us deeply inspired. The musical adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s novel gave us a reimagined Wizard of Oz, one where the Wicked Witch of the West transforms from a feared villain into a misunderstood and fiercely independent woman. But when the highly anticipated film adaptation cast Wicked into the spotlight once again, it brought two incredible performers to the forefront: Ariana Grande as Glinda and the incomparable Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. These two powerhouses brought new life to an already iconic story, and...

Surviving the Holidays After the Loss of a Matriarch The holidays are often described as the most beautiful time of the year, but for those grieving the loss of a loved one, they can also be the most challenging. This is especially true when that loved one was the family's matriarch, who orchestrated the magic, held the traditions, and united everyone under one roof. For me, that loss came in December 2018 when my mother-in-law passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack. She was the heart of the family, and losing her left an immeasurable void that we all still feel today. The Year Everything Changed 2018 was a whirlwind of emotion. My son Colston had just spent his first year...

Raising An Affectionate Teenager :: A Reflection Being the mom of a teenager is no easy task. Every stage of parenting has its challenges and this stage, by far, is my toughest battle. There are so many outside forces influencing your kid and your relationship with your kid. Sometimes it’s hard to think that they were once small enough to fit in your arms, especially when they start to tower over you! My relationship with my teen is one I pride myself on. Sure, I’m proud to be a mama to the littles, but the littles will love you unconditionally. The older they get, there are more opportunities for your relationship to be strained. I consider myself lucky to have such a...

The Day Social Services Knocked On My Door Having a baby can be an overwhelming experience; it doesn't matter if it's your first time or your fifth - something unexpected is bound to happen. One such unexpected experience may be a visit from the hospital Social Worker. I had a visit from Social Services after I had both of my kids, so let's clear the air and talk about why she knocked on my door (and may knock on yours). What is a Social Worker? First, let's dispel a few misconceptions. Social Workers do A LOT more than child welfare. In general, they are everywhere, they're in nursing homes and schools, they work for governments at the state and federal levels, hospitals...