You’re Not Helping (Slurp!)

I don't worry so much about junk food.  If you eat right most of the time, you can treat yourself to dessert, a bag of chips or something deliciously fried every now and then.  You know what you're getting and you work it in.  What makes me crazy is sneaky junk food.  The ad campaigns and companies that try to disguise not-so-good stuff as…

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Our Diaversary

December 2, 2006 is the day we got the phone call that changed everything. "You need to go to the hospital," said our pediatrician on a sunny Saturday morning.  Benny hadn't been feeling well for weeks.  Our funny, curious toddler had become thirsty, cranky and tired.  I do remember that morning, though, he was in…

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Trick or Treat

I live in one of those neighborhoods that's just perfect for Halloween.  Loads of kids, easy to navigate sidewalks and neighbors who go all out decorating and treating. This is when I usually start getting the questions, though. Will Benny trick or treat? (Yes). Is it okay to give him candy? (You betcha). Should we provide sugar-free…

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Operation School Bell

In 1958, a teacher in California noticed children from one large family never came to school all at once.  She never saw all of them together.  It turns out the children were taking turns wearing the few pieces of clothing the family had. The teacher, Ruth Ann Montgomery, decided she couldn't let a lack of clothing keep her students…

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