If you can’t have what you want for dinner on Independence Day, when can you?

Just 10 years ago I was sitting at my own shower, opening gifts for our son who was waiting for us in China.

My sons and I have been staycationing this week, and I don’t know how we can ever fit this week into only 7 Quick Takes. Sit back, buckle up, and let’s go!

I don’t remember when we first heard about the Utz factory tour, but was have been wanting to go for years.

You don’t know me, and I don’t know you. But I can’t wait for us to get to know each other a little bit every day.

The butterfly bush that was my Mother’s Day gift has started to bloom! I’m looking forward to seeing the butterflies come from far and wide to visit.

I’m not a mother who thinks my children need to have everything they want when they want it, but when our 11-year-old asked for a tuxedo, I couldn’t help myself.

I find flying to be completely exhilarating and also terrifying. I do love to fly. But I also believe that we will probably crash. I’m always astounded when we land safely at the other end.

As the first blossoms of spring transition into the vibrant greens of early summer, may we be open to the opportunities that lie ahead, recognizing that each of us can contribute to our family, our community, and our world in different ways at different moments.

During our visit to my in-laws on Maryland’s Eastern Shore last weekend, I took our boys on a trip to the store. As we were driving, I saw something move out of the corner of my eye and my younger son yelled, “STOP!”