Our house is finally done enough to share some before-and-after photos. Last month I shared our living room. Today, I want to share some photos of the kitchen. This is what we started with. It was pretty dated, with dark oak cabinets and grouted tile (which is a nightmare to clean. Why was that ever in vogue for kitchens?)  We also had a giant fireplace that closed the kitchen in, so that if you were cooking, you couldn't really interact with the rest of the house. It felt cramped . . .

This post was sponsored by Clorox I have tried my best to be an egalitarian mother, and to raise my children without rigid gender roles or stereotypical expectations based on gender. I want them to understand that boys can be nurturing, that girls can be bosses, and that they are free to follow their dreams and passions, unencumbered by cultural expectations. THAT BEING SAID, Wow. Raising boys is different than raising girls. I grew up in an all-girl household. I didn't have brothers. . . .

This post was sponsored by BJ's Wholesale As a mom of four kids who are very closely spaced in age, I am at a sweet spot in the parenting gig. We have rounded the corner of the stage of complete and total chaos, and now life feels same again. Everyone can use the bathroom independently, everyone can make their own lunch, and temper tantrums are at a minimum. Life is so much easier today than it was when they were younger. With one exception . . . Grocery shopping. Yes, Karis. I feel the . . .

He's conservative. I'm liberal. And we are trying to have a civil discussion about the election. My friend Paul Martin and I continue our series with a recap of the first presidential debate . . . just a couple drinks in. . . .