Make Your Own Fun: A Weekend Reminder

by Lisa O'Brien | April 8, 2016 | your yum, yum living, yumkins

I remember as a child complaining to my mother about being bored. Often the response was a directive to do a chore, read a book, or get outside. But on occasion she’d reply with more of a challenge. “Well, then. Why don’t you make your own...

How summer vacation turns me into a blathering, bawling mess

by Lisa O'Brien | July 8, 2015 | your yum

Breathe. Just breathe. WTF is that? When my head feels like it’s tingling and I’m swelled with reactions to this life? Like I could punch something so hard if I hear another minute of whining and crying and nasty? I have a beautiful life. A funny, smart, handsome...

Mal-a-tat-too, and other zen parenting tips.

by Lisa O'Brien | December 6, 2012 | yumkins

How does it all boil down to this? I have reasons to feel pretty well-footed in the mellow mothering department. Six kids later—boys and girls ranging from four-years to almost 13 years old, more than a decade working in urban elementary charter schools in cities all...

Be honest, parents: Have you been singing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year?”

by Lisa O'Brien | September 7, 2012 | yumkins

I have. Smiling from ear to ear. A spring in my step. Improved posture. What, you ask, is up? These six lovelies are all in school. Full day. I admit it. And this doesn’t make me a mean, unloving mother. And I’m not out getting manicured and eating...

Adventures in North Greenbush

by Lisa O'Brien | May 13, 2012 | yum living

It was a glorious Mother’s Day weekend, right here at home. Mostly. On the trail Daniel made for us, discovering loads of fern, moss, and honeysuckle with Owen and Blair. Worked on my inner and outer strength and present moment attention Saturday morning at...