Like every fan of gymnastics, I’ve followed the rise of Simone Biles for many years. I was in awe of her during the 2016 Olympics. Her floor routine was especially captivating. Her confidence unwavering. Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson, who provided commentary during the last Olympics, even said that Simone winked at her duringContinue reading “Putting mental health before medals”
Author Archives: Gina Parsons
Tips for adding a dog to your family
When we met our American Eskimo dog Nimitz, he’d been surrendered earlier in the day to a breed rescue. He was only 15 months at the time and still so puppy-like. I reached down to pet him and he flopped over for a tummy rub. Thirteen years later, he still does that. Before we metContinue reading “Tips for adding a dog to your family”
Friends…the one where I make up where I think they are now
I watched the “Friends” TV show when it originally aired, but I really started to love it after its finale when rerun episodes seemed to be on TV all the time. I was thrilled when it came on Netflix, and about three years ago my daughter got into the show too. I was able toContinue reading “Friends…the one where I make up where I think they are now”
Ranking the Little House homesites
I’ve loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House” books since I was in third grade and read “Little House in the Big Woods.” From the moment I read about Laura playing with her sister Mary up in their attic, which was filled with food from their garden, I was hooked. So several years ago whenContinue reading “Ranking the Little House homesites”
Tips for parents of gymnasts
Doing gymnastics helps kids develop self confidence, physical fitness, and self discipline, so if your kiddo wants to do gymnastics, you’re likely to say yes if possible. But you may wonder how to begin in the sport. My daughter competed in gymnastics for four years, and I’d like to share my top tips for parentsContinue reading “Tips for parents of gymnasts”
Fondly looking back at American Girl doll years
About six years ago my now 14-year-old daughter couldn’t get enough of American Girl dolls. She spent countless hours playing with her dolls, and making crafts for them. I loved reading the books to her, and I loved finding and buying dolls and accessories. But those days are long over. They’ve been replaced by longContinue reading “Fondly looking back at American Girl doll years”
The Little House Christmas stories – ranked
Ranking the Little House Christmas stories I’ve always felt like the Christmas stories in the Little House books epitomize why the books are so beloved by generation after generation. Perhaps because people had so little, they appreciated every little thing. The stories are simple and pure, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. In the weeksContinue reading “The Little House Christmas stories – ranked”
The best and the worst, Southern California trip
Since we can’t go anywhere this year, I find myself reflecting on my trips of yesteryear. What I loved about them, and what I would have changed. The trip I took in August 2019 with my daughter is still fresh in my mind. It was a wonderful trip, that I had planned exhaustively before weContinue reading “The best and the worst, Southern California trip”
Best and worst, American Girl doll-inspired trip
Since we can’t go anywhere this year, I find myself reflecting on my trips of yesteryear. What I loved about them, and what I would have changed. In 2015, Lindsay’s love of all things American Girl was at its peak. We visited our store in St. Louis every couple of months (which is now closed,Continue reading “Best and worst, American Girl doll-inspired trip”
The best and worst of our Little House, big trip
Since we can’t go anywhere this year, I find myself reflecting on my trips of yesteryear. What I loved about them, and what I would have changed. In my reflections, I’ll begin with the trip my daughter and I took in 2014. I love all things Laura Ingalls Wilder, and in 2014 my now-14-year-old daughterContinue reading “The best and worst of our Little House, big trip”
Gina Parsons - Writer 