Tara Altenhofen
Tara is a proud mama to three girls, ages 9, 6 and 5. She has been married to her husband, Jason, for 12 years, 10 of which he has spent serving in the Air Force. She enjoys writing, hiking, spending time with family and close friends, arranging flowers, eating tacos and drinking coffee--usually not at the same time. She claims Alaska and Kansas as "home". When she isn't folding all the laundry, or tackling a home renovation project with her husband, you can find her cuddled up with a book and her Airedale.
The Littlest Joys
Today, as my girls ran out the door headed to their school's picture day, I breathed a sigh of relief. They were leaving happy, hopping on the bus. And I was waving goodbye, secure...
Life Saving Shoes: My360Project
Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Darryl Carnley, founder of the nonprofit organization My360Project. The mission of this company is clear in its tagline: Giving Shoes, Saving Lives.
But how can a...
A Pup and a Book: The Gift of Reading as a Family
This summer, we decided to read some books as a family. We've read as a family before this, but not very intentionally. Our girls are 9, 6, and 5, and I'm 33... finding something...
Revamping Your Skincare Routine
When I was younger, a beauty routine was the furthest thing from my mind. But now that I am, ahem, not so young, I have noticed the lines getting deeper and the adult acne...
10 Things You Need to Ditch for Good in the Second Half of 2020
With more time on our hands than normal these days, it's time to declutter all the things and let go of any unnecessary distractions. Here's a list of 10 things you need to ditch...
What Did You Learn From Your Dad?
What did you learn from your dad?
This is somewhat difficult for me to write, mostly because my dad is still alive and could potentially read this. Lucky for him, I think he's pretty amazing....
An Outdoor Space Your Littles (And You!) Will Love
As we gear up for warmer months, our family is looking forward to more time outdoors. While it's fun to adventure, I have found that our little people actually prefer hanging out home a...
If Today Feels Heavy
If today feels heavy, mama, and it likely does, know that you are not alone in that feeling.
It is hard to walk through the unknown. And in the current season of Coronavirus, there...
Adenoids Out, Tubes In: Surgery for Our 6-Year-Old
Today was surgery day. The first time one of our children would be under anesthesia. The first time we could not go with her into a space when she would probably be feeling incredibly...
But Why Is Bedtime So Hard?
Bedtime sucks. Seriously.
Our oldest is 9. We should totally have this down by now. But, somewhere along the line, I failed. I read all the books. Tried all the advice. Stuck to the routine....
Ideas to Make Your Kiddos Feel Special
Mamas, (and dads!) are you looking for a way to make your kids feel extra special and loved this year, without feeling overwhelmed by the task or the cost?
Parenting is hard work and helping...
Hello, Goodbye {The Reality of Living a Transient Lifestyle as a Family}
Our family moves. A lot. A constant theme of "hello, goodbye." My husband is active duty Air Force, so it comes with the territory. We are raising three daughters, who are 4,5, and 8;...
The Day I Ran Into Another Mom’s Van
I was overwhelmed with my 3-year-old and knew I would be needing a "break" with just the newborn who was coming in January. I know, Mamas, feel free to laugh. "Just a newborn" doesn't...
Secrets from a 4-Year-Old
This past month, my in-laws came from Kansas for a quick weekend visit. We are a military family, and, while we mostly adore it, it also means far less time with loved ones. The...