Rage Against The Minivan

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talk back tuesday: what’s on your tree and who put it there?

December 18, 2012

We are in the middle of moving into our new house, and I have been struggling to figure out when and where to put up the Christmas tree. I was considering abandoning it altogether since we are traveling for Christmas, but after lamenting our lack of Christmas décor Mark finally took pity on me and set it up in the new house. We aren’t completely moved in yet, but it made more since to have it there since the big goal is to be completely moved in by Christmas morning. Our schedules have been . . .

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the inconvenient truth about mental health and gun control

December 17, 2012

I’m still reeling from the tragedy that took place last week, trying to process the events and, like many people, wondering what can be done to prevent such a tragedy from befalling other families in our nation.  I’ve seen a growing conversation on the need for better access to mental health services.  As a therapist, I heartily agree that mental health needs to be available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. I want nothing more than to see our country step it up in that . . .

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that’s what SHE said: reactions to the newtown tragedy

December 16, 2012

In Which We Need Pragmatists and Prophets | Sarah Bessey another mother sits vacant and empty on the floor of a fire house, wondering dull what to do with her hands now, they have no hair to smooth, no face to wipe, no pages to turn, that will smooth, wipe, turn this, trying not think how her baby was scared and she was not the re, and I don’t know what to do for her, so I cry again, and I curse, and pray for peace that passes all understanding. We need the pragmatists with policy , we need the . . .

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five things to consider before talking to your kids about today's tragedy

December 15, 2012

I was absolutely devastated to turn on the news this morning and learn about the violent shooting at an elementary school. I was in a hotel room alone in Nashville, having flown out for a charity event last night, so I watched the coverage unfold in horror, feeling completely helpless.  I had an impulse to call my husband and have him pick up the kids early from school.  I was desperate to hug them but thousands of miles away.  I at least wanted them to be with my husband, . . .

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a night for hope with jill & kate and kelly clarkson

December 13, 2012

I am on my way to Nashville right now. Tonight I will be speaking at a benefit concert for Houses of Hope, featuring Jill and Kate and Kelly Clarkson. I had the pleasure of meeting these lovely ladies a couple years ago, and we bonded over some pizza and a mutual desire to do orphan-care right. In addition to being gorgeous and uber-talented (which you probably already know), these three gals have incredible passion for caring for orphans, and figuring out how to do that in a smart and . . .

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design dilemma: choosing our appliances

December 13, 2012

About a month ago, I wrote about my dilemma in choosing between kitchen cabinets. Several of you have asked which ones we chose, and I’ve been coy, because the truth is . . . we’ve gone back and forth on this for weeks. To the point that I bought cabinets, brought them home, and then took them all back. Let me explain. Well, first, I supposed I should disclose that I am sometimes paralyzed when making big decisions, and this one seemed to paralyze me. We were trying to decide between three . . .

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talk back tuesday: what event would you stand in line for?

December 11, 2012

A couple weeks ago, I saw footage of people camping out in front of movie theaters to see the new Twilight movie. This week, people are doing the same to see The Hobbit. This led Mark and I to talk about what movie or concert we would be willing to wait in line for. (Clearly, neither of the aforementioned movies are on our list). There aren’t many movies that would prompt me to camp out and wait in a line, especially because IT’S A MOVIE. You can always see it later. I will admit that . . .

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how to negotiate screen time with tech-obsessed kids

December 10, 2012

It seems like I’ve been writing about screen time all over the web this month, and probably for good reason: many parents are figuring out how to maintain some balance with our tech-obsessed kids. This has been an issue in my house ever since the kids have been old enough to operate the computer. My kids are huge technology fans, which is no big surprise given the fact that they have two parents whose phones are tethered to their hands 24/7. I think technology can provide some great educational . . .

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how do you define sexy? (no really. I need a definition.)

December 7, 2012

Yesterday India came home and tattled on Kembe for saying a bad word at school. I asked Kembe what he had said, and he sheepishly admitted that he had repeated, “I’m sexy and I know it” during recess. This was one of those moments where I had to mask my urge to laugh, and put on my Very Serious Face as I asked him what that word meant, and if he thought it was appropriate to be using.  Which, of course, led to all of the children asking me what the word SEXY means, because none of them know . . .

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gifts that give back: occupy christmas link-up

December 6, 2012

In the spirit of Occupy Christmas, I wanted to provide a space where we could collectively link up to some non-mainstream gift ideas.  I’m specify looking for help in highlighting etsy stores, fair-trade goods, or products that give back in some way.  If you are an artisan, run a non-profit with gift options, or just have a few favorite companies that fit that you would like to promote, please link up.  Then, share this link with friends so that hopefully, more people can be . . .

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Hi, I’m Kristen. I’m a mom of four kids via birth and adoption and a writer living in Southern California. Read More.

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Rage Against the Minivan sometimes earns revenue through sponsored posts, which are clearly labeled, and occasional affiliate links to recommended products. I only feature products that I truly like, and my opinions are always my own.

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