Caitlin Lochtefeld
I’m Not Doing More. Don’t Ask.
Please don't ask me to do any more than what I'm already doing. Certainly don't try to tell me or guilt me or shame me into doing more. I'm very literally hanging on to...
Into the Unknown: B/S/T Children’s Boutiques
I saw an ad on Instagram for the cutest little dress for my toddler. I had never heard of the brand, so I clicked the ad and went to their page.
“Oh, a small boutique...
The Dentist Isn’t the Boogeyman
Teeth are a divisive topic. It seems to be that you either love going to the dentist (yes, those people do exist) or you absolutely dread going to the dentist. Regardless of how you...
Having Hope {Even During the Darkest Times}
I’m putting folded laundry away in my oldest daughter's room. I set the laundry basket down next to her door and reach up to straighten a slightly-crooked picture frame. I pause and smile, just...
The Privilege of a Small Christmas
Let me introduce you to the concept that a small Christmas is, instead of promoting minimalism, actually a privilege.
I'm sure you've heard about the concept of the "small, purposeful" Christmas: where you gift each...
Firecrackers and Wildflowers {A Younger Version of Myself}
It's so peculiar to see yourself reincarnated in someone else. I learn more about myself by watching all my traits on full display. It's almost an out-of-body ethereal experience, where I'm a spectator...
In Defense of Karen
Oh, Karen.
We know 'em and love 'em and joke about 'em.
We've all got a Karen in two in our families, in our workplace, and maybe even as friends.
You know who I'm talking about.
The...
September Dayton Dozen :: A Guide to Family-Friendly Events
Hidden Valley Orchards - Their Fall season starts August 27th and runs through the whole Fall. If you haven't checked out this Lebanon-area family-friendly farm, you definitely need to. They have an orchard,...
School’s Out For Summer… and Fall… and Winter {Tips for In-Home Childcare}
We can all agree this year is an absolute dumpster fire. Now, with the school year around the corner, but (maybe) no actual school, you've had to get creative with your childcare. For those...
Pretty, Pretty Princess
"Mommy, I a PWINCESS!"
I hear these words at least once a day. My oldest daughter is 100%, all-in, through and through, a girlie-girl.
Pink and purple.
Baby dolls.
Dresses.
And princesses. Everyone is a princess. She's a princess....
The Creamiest Mac and Cheese You’ll Ever Make
I'm going to share my secret for the creamiest macaroni and cheese you'll ever make at home. Bold statement, I know. The creamiest? Like, really, the creamiest? Are you sure?
Yep. I absolutely am. It's the...
Loved Second But Not Less
Sweet little girl, watching intently with your big blue eyes while your crazy big sister runs around, always having to do a little more to get our attention, know that we do see you,...
April Dayton Dozen {A Collection of Digital Events}
Editor’s Note: Normally, our Dayton Dozen guides are full of fun, family-friendly, local activities you can haul the kiddos to (or not-no judgment) and spend the day learning about and exploring resources in our...
I Didn’t Know What Type of Man You’d Be
When I married you, I knew what type of man you were. I knew who you'd be as a husband. I didn't know what type of man you would become. How could I? We...