Amber Harder
Amber has lived in Minnesota her whole life, with a 4-year stint in Iowa for college (Go Norse!). She and her husband met while both trying to kayak for the first time. The kayaking didn’t go well, but their relationship did! They’ve been married for over 10 years and have four incredible children. Amber describes herself as a recovering perfectionist, unashamed introvert, and extremely empathetic. Her favorite moments are those rare ones during the day when time stands still and she can see with fresh eyes the amazing little people who call her mom.
Gear up for Rain!
One of the best things that has happened to our family over the last year is that we are spending more time outdoors. As I learn about what’s helpful for our crew to thrive...
Saying Goodbye to Great
I’ve heard people say that you can’t just keep adding things to your life; sometimes you have to “Say goodbye to something good to make room for something great.”
That statement resonates with me and...
The Importance of Kindness in an Explosive World
So, here we are. 2021. It’s hard to know exactly how to pinpoint all the stress we are carrying from the events of this past year. Which is the heaviest burden? Is it the...
Getting Your Kids Outside: Winter Activity Ideas for the Tired Mom
Whelp, it's still winter in Minnesota. I don't know about you, but it seems lately that my house is closing in on me. I long for the spring and summer days when the kids...
You Need to Know About Diastasis Recti
Have you heard of diastasis recti? I birthed three kids before I knew about it!
Diastasis recti is abdominal separation - when your abdominal muscles do not fully come back together (over time) after giving...
Making the Mornings Easier
Sleep hasn’t come easy in our house. Through the years we’ve dealt with the kid who gave up naps at 2, the kid who napped only in 45 minute increments (sometimes just 20), the...
The Diet Dilemma
One of my favorite things about being pregnant and nursing was that I could eat whatever I wanted and not gain excess weight. I piled on the portions over the years with no negative...
Sit by the Campfire
The first cold snap, reminding me the seasons are about to change.
A plea from the oldest, "Can we have a campfire tonight?"
A chorus to follow from the others, "Yes, please? Can we? And s'mores?!?"
A...
For When My Brain Is Full
Recently a friend asked how I was doing, and as I contemplated my answer I realized that all areas of my life feel like they are at max volume right now. My brain feels...
Keep Planting
Every year I’m inclined to plant a vegetable garden. I begin with hopefulness and resolution. I plan what I want to grow, and dream indulgently about the armloads of produce I’ll collect by the...
The Boogeymonster is Afraid of Boogers
One thing I could always count on as a kid was knowing that when I had a bad dream, I would yell “Moooooooooom!” and she’d be there for me. Every. Single. Time. Her presence...
The “New Normal” Makes Me Want to Cover My Eyes
I tend to prefer the view of my neighborhood these days. Walking block to block I notice the flowers blooming, the tree branches stretching to the heavens, the puffy white clouds against the clear...
Why Do We Call Each Other “Mama”?
I don’t know when this phenomenon started, but I’m sure you’ve heard it – other women with kids referring to each other as “Mama.” I feel like this term has been on the rise...
So…Your Kids Are Learning at Home Now
I’ll bet you didn’t see this coming when you put your kids on the bus in the fall! Our regular school routines have been upended and we find ourselves adjusting to the new normal...