Maggie VanDuyn
Hi, I’m Maggie. I have two spunky, hilarious and active children. Zoey was born in 2008 and she is currently in first grade. Emmet was born in 2011 and has a combination of childcare providers. I’m digging this parenting adventure and cross my fingers each day that I’m not screwing my kids up too much. I’ve invested in a good health care plan so I’m prepared to offer counseling to them as they grow. I love cooking. I hate cleaning. And I wonder if I’ll ever feel like a “real” grownup! (I secretly hope not). In 2015, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer. This has made a huge impact on my life, my family and my priorities. It's also made looking on the bright side the focus of my life. Follow more of my musings on my personal blog maggiesbrightside.com!
“Santa Is Watching” and other empty threats
Sugar Season started. You know, sugar season?
It kicks off with Halloween where you send your kids around to other homes begging for food and...
I Have Breast Cancer
My body betrayed me last week when I found out that I have cancer.
Breast cancer. What?
But it doesn’t run in my family,...
Mornings by Mom
Mornings are hard now. School is back in session and I am back to work full-time. The easy breezy days of summer are long...
Teacher, Meet My Son
My son, Emmet has recently started a new preschool program.
On the first day as I walked him in, I found myself telling the...
Foodie 411: Richmond Eats
Some days it’s too hot to eat in the summer.
Cooking is torturous. Sometimes it seems that the food you eat immediately curdles in your...
May Love and Peace Find You: For Lara and Brendon
I’ve been waking up at 5:30 AM no matter what time I go to bed. I find myself unable to go back to sleep...
The 40th Annual Family Reunion: 10 tips for survival for your next family get...
A few weeks ago we drove home from a Family Reunion weekend at Lake Honeoye in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. I...
My Capsule Wardrobe Experience: Video Blog
A while back I discovered this blog called Un-Fancy. It’s all about having a minimalist wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe. Here’s the concept: you have...
5-6-7-8: A Guide For Aspiring Dance Moms
So your kids have decided they just love dance.
They are in multiple classes throughout the week ranging from ballet to tap to hip hop....
Summer Rules!
It's that time of year. School is winding down and temps are heating up.
Suns out, guns out and parents from all walks of life...
A Book Club For Everyone
What are you reading in your Book Club?
My Book Club isn't reading an actual book. I know, I know. Why a Book Club with...
Finding A Place Called Home: Permanency and Foster Care
This is the third and final part of a 3 part series about Foster Care. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and it's...
Foster Parenting 101: Being the Village
This is part 2 of a 3 part series about Foster Care. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and it's followed in May by...
Your Kids, My Kids, Our Kids
This is the first of a 3 part series about Foster Care. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and it's followed in May...