Heading out the door in the morning is an extended process for my family this year. My three kids attend three separate schools. My 9th grader, Colton, scrambles to catch his bus at 6:43. (This is the kid, who, when given the opportunity, would sleep past noon.) My middle schooler, McKenna, sets out at 7:25. My youngest daughter, Ella, enjoys a more leisurely pick-up time of 8:30.

With a baby on the way, Ryan and I decided to rent out our townhouse on the other side of the city and made an offer on a home closer to our parents and siblings. The catch was, between the renters moving in and our close date on the new house, we would have a month of no house at all!

Every summer, I purchase a "Community Supported Agriculture" (CSA) share. Local farmers sell their "shares" (similar to a membership or subscription) to people like me who live in the city but want produce directly from the farm.

My family loves making (and eating) pizza. If I have time, I’ve been known to make my own dough and even cook them on the grill. Weeknights, when time and energy are short, I rely on pre-made flatbreads topped with whatever looks good in the fridge.

I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is the leftovers. Don’t get me wrong, I love the big "turkey with all the trimmings" dinner and I look forward to spending time with my family, but the leftovers are the best!

I love football. My son Kyle is a senior in college this year and just completed his last season playing on the football team. I can’t resist bragging just a little! Kyle played left tackle on the offensive line for Bethel University (Go Royals!). They made it to the semi-finals in the NCAA Division III Championship this fall. It was soooooo much fun!

I am a total sucker for thin-crust Barbequed Chicken Pizza on a weeknight. It takes me to a happy place where work is over and relaxation begins. And sure, you can buy the frozen stuff, but then you don't get to add your favorite extras (more mushrooms, please!) and you certainly don't feel like you can serve it to guests. But homemade pizza? Now that's what I'm talking about!