Gretchen, Senior Writer

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Gretchen has lived in Colorado since she was 12 and never wants to leave. She has a 13-year-old son who is into having a good time, especially with sports and Fortnite. Together, they are navigating the teen world of puberty and growing up. She has a wonderful husband, having been surprised and blessed with a second chance at love. Their family enjoys playing board games, watching Avengers movies, and sharing dumb jokes over good food. In her free time, she loves to read, shop for purses, play games, watch football, laugh with her family, cook delicious food, and dream of the next home improvement project.
woman sitting against a wall outside smiling

What Do I Do With Myself?

There have been a lot of big changes going on in our house in recent months.  My son got his first job. He learned to drive and got his license. He had his first girlfriend...
silhouette of teenage boy at sunset

Remember When…

Today, I was at King Soopers doing my normal weekly grocery run. I was alone; my husband was at home and my 16-year-old son at work.  Near the bakery, I saw a man with his...
mom hugging teen son

The Secret of Life is Enjoying the Passage of Time

As James Taylor's melody told us almost 50 years ago, the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time. (If you’re not familiar with this song, check it out.)  As parents, we’re told so...
depression is a liar featured image. Mom with a somber expression is sitting by a window resting her head on her hand.

Depression is a Liar

Ever since I was in high school in the mid 1990s, I’ve had depression. I didn’t know what it was back then, but looking back, I see the symptoms. In my early 20’s, I...
Collage of photos featuring Lizzo

Love Me Some Lizzo

I’m a middle-aged mom who isn’t into rap or twerking or wearing sheer clothing to basketball games. But I love Lizzo.  My Story Ever since I hit puberty in about the 5th grade, I’ve been a bigger...
Teen Girl in Driver's Seat

Teaching Your Teen to Drive

Now that they have their learner’s permit, it’s time to teach your teen to drive. They probably learned a lot in their education classes, but learning in a classroom isn’t anything like driving a...
Time to Drive Featured Image. Teen boy driving car

Time to Drive: Getting a Learner’s Permit

I know that you can’t believe it, but it’s time for your teenager to get their learner’s permit and learn to drive! Here’s what you need to do to help your student get their...
Teen boy on bridge in woods

Things My Son Has Taught Me

One of the best parts of parenthood is learning from our children. Even though they are young and lack a lot of life experience, we can learn so much from them! Here are some...
Female Friends taking a picture together at a park

Building Connections in Our Community

I find that making friends as an adult can be pretty difficult. Sure, I come across as friendly and chatty sometimes, but getting past that into the meat of a friendship is hard. To...
Hard Cider Glass Featured

Best Place to Enjoy Hard Cider in COS

There are so many breweries in Colorado. Just look at this list! Most folks will say that there’s nothing quite like a cold one after a long day... But what if you’re like my husband...