Katie Vondera
Katie is a St. Louis native, coffee lover, and difference maker. She has a passion for teaching at-risk high schoolers how to find joy in reading and writing. She is a divorced mother of two incredibly strong girls who can be found watching The Voice, eating ice cream, and staying up late reading. Katie and her girls love exploring St. Louis-hiking and playing at local parks, getting away to Pere Marquette, breakfasting at Strange Donuts or The Barn, and learning at all of the museums.
The Bedtime Routine: This Mama’s Free For All
When my kids were little and I read all of the books that told me Very Important Things about Getting Children to Sleep, I tried to implement the recommended “Bath-Brush Teeth-Books-Bed” routine. After all,...
Dyeing To Be Bold: Why I Let My Kids Color Their Hair
Did you know that people are still doing that mom-shaming thing? Just the other day my dear, sweet, friend Jessica Simpson was blasted on Instagram for one of her mom choices. No, it wasn’t...
Squeezing in Relaxation Where You Can
I couldn't believe it. My body was relaxing. I was tense the whole drive there as my schedule of kids' activities raced through my head and my actual kids talked incessantly in the back...
On the Edge: Momming Through Depression
Let’s get real here. Being human is hard. Being a mom or a dad is hard. And we all face a variety of challenges on top of the general work/life balance game. Chronic illness,...
This Is Why We Can’t Go To Nice Restaurants
You would think I’m about to complain about how whiny my kids are in public. Or how they are so picky we can only go to Pasta House. Or how they don’t know the...
Let’s Go to the Cabin | Pere Marquette State Park
"Mommy, when are we going to the cabin?" These words are music to my ears as they evoke memories of a slower time in our lives that we carve out each year.
No, we do...
In Defense of Teenagers, and In Praise of Their Parents
Teenagers these days! Am I right?
If ever there was a more timeless phrase, I have yet to hear it.
All they want to do is learn dances from Fortnite and post on Twitterbook and use...
Tangled Tresses: How to Handle Your Daughter’s Messy Mane
I will never understand how Rapunzel’s hair was always so easy to brush. It was 70 feet long and always smooth and luxurious. Have you seen how easily the brush glides through all 70...
Christmastime Quiz: Hallmark Movie Edition
The most wonderful time of the year officially starts when Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas begins. If you're like me and you have a borderline unhealthy obsession with these flicks, then this quiz is for you. Grab...
The Call You’re Worried About Making
You know those sweet friends you run into and say “Hey! Let’s catch up soon!” But then you don’t catch up soon because there is just not enough time in the day? Or the...