Author Archives: Julie Cole
Have We Met? I’m the Perfect Puppy Mom!
Julie Cole in Just Between Us - 4 comments - posted on May 10th, 2013You know how everyone is the perfect parent—before they have kids? They always know EXACTLY how they would parent saying, “When I have kids, I’ll NEVER cut the crusts off their sandwiches,” and, “My kids will know how to read before starting kindergarten.” Well, I’ve become that mom —except with my puppy. Our latest little blessing arrives in four weeks, and of these facts I am sure: He will be perfectly crate trained. I’m still learning exactly what that means, but I’m convinced it will hold true for my dog. My kids will do as they promised. They said they … Continue reading
Boston – Talking About What I Don’t Want to Talk About
Julie Cole in For the love of parenting, Just Between Us - 1 comment - posted on Apr 24th, 2013With the tragic event that took place in Boston this week, a number of people have asked me why I didn’t blog, tweet, or post my reaction to Facebook. While I understand it was a high priority news item —and remaining silent about it may have seemed odd—it was the right way for me to handle this situation. My instincts were telling me that whoever was responsible for creating this devastation was getting enough airtime. It disgusted me to think of the attacker at home watching the news or poring over social media—delighting in their sick success. I didn’t want to add to the … Continue reading
So Victoria Secret released a new line that appears to be targeted at young teens. I don’t think I’m the only parent who has run from the mall screaming, “Why, why can’t there be something stylish AND age-appropriate for my 12-year-old?” It seems once our daughters outgrow the adorable children’s stores, we are confronted with a shift in marketing, and a plethora of clothing and undergarments that sexualize young girls. The PINK line is said to be targeted at older girls, but there are many outraged parents who believe marketers have a younger crowd in mind. Imagine purchasing a pair … Continue reading
Several months ago, I posted that my children were lobbying for a dog. I got great feedback, tips and opinions from dog lovers and haters alike. Many, many months have passed and much thought has been put into the topic, and all the while my children have campaigned. What did this campaign look like? Well, there were many different projects and presentations involved. First off, they did a lot of research. They found the perfect breed for a family of our size and one that could handle the activity and chaos. I was quite concerned that our home life would … Continue reading
Ten years ago, the four Mabel partners sat in my sister’s kitchen drinking champagne and stuffing envelopes to send to our friends. The letters inside announced our new business, Mabel’s Labels. We may have come close to begging them to order from our fancy new website. That fancy new website had just been created by a couple of buddies from university who did it in exchange for a foosball table. Our budget for that evening of envelope stuffing was enough to cover about 100 stamps. Those letters were mailed out to our friends and families, the very people who have … Continue reading
Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby
Julie Cole in For the love of parenting, Just Between Us - 2 comments - posted on Feb 27th, 2013Are kids learning about sex from porn? This question came up on a Raising America segment I was on. I certainly hope they are not, but parents spend a fair amount of time dodging situations and conversations that might cause their kids to ask questions about – gasp – sex. For unknown reasons, my kids can ask me any question and I never feel awkward or embarrassed. I also have this knack of being completely honest while framing the answer in age-appropriate terms. I don’t get thrown off my game. It’s quite a handy skill when you have six inquisitive children. I always thought it would be better … Continue reading
The Communal Family Holiday – Survival Tips
Julie Cole in For the love of parenting, Just Between Us - 2 comments - posted on Feb 13th, 2013We just survived a holiday with my in-laws, and when I say in-laws I don’t just mean Daddy-o’s parents – I mean ALL of the in-laws. At the top of the family pecking order is the grand matriarch, Oma. She has five grown kids, one of whom is Daddy-o. The total headcount for this communal holiday was: 1 Oma, 10 adults, and 17 grandchildren under the age of 13 years old. Recipe for disaster? One might think so considering how many people spent almost two full weeks together. While we certainly had our moments, overall it was a raging success. … Continue reading
Do You Have a Man-Boy?
Julie Cole in For the love of parenting, Just Between Us - 3 comments - posted on Jan 30th, 2013Thirteen years ago, I had my first child. He arrived into this world all tiny and delicious after a fairly unpleasant delivery. Our eyes met and I fell in love. He’s always been my baby boy. Until recently. I am now the proud mother of a “Man-Boy”. The Man-Boy is an interesting species – they have the appearance and personality of grown men one minute, and then revert back to a more familiar childlike state the next. No one can predict which personality the Man-Boy will show at any given time. If you have one living among you, you know … Continue reading