Melissa Westemeier

Team Testosterone wrapped up in Christmas spirit My kids are grown up now and as a consequence, Christmas has lost a lot of its magic. No more concerts and programs and activities. No decorating cookies or tree together this year. No awe at beautiful light displays or joyful singing. There's less anticipation. There's less hope. On one hand, this season requires less work and feels calmer. On the other, I'm wistful and a little sad. I guess that's what we do as parents, we en

Waaaaaaay back in the olden days, I remember bringing home my bag of trick or treat candy and sorting it according to a ranking system of preferences. Circus peanuts, Mike and Ikes, anything with coconut (Mounds and Almond Joy) and licorice got relegated to the NOT TOUCHING IT. Acceptable forms of sugar included SweetTarts (what is it about those cellophane-wrapped rolls of pastel candies?), dots on strips of paper, caramels, candy corn, LifeSavers (especially wild cherry), J