Recently, our family dined at Altoona Family Restaurant for Saturday breakfast. My kids love the waffles, and I am an Eggs Benedict fan. It got me thinking about great breakfasts/brunches. I wish we had time for a home-cooked breakfast every morning. Most school days, I hand my kids a piece of toast on their way out the door. When we do take the time for a breakfast or brunch, it’s traditional pancakes and bacon or one of my favorite recipes below. I like to buy local when possible—like Kim Ayres for eggs and Blueberry Ridge Orchard and Appledore Woods Berry …

WRITTEN BY GRACE THEISEN It’s spring break travel time! Sadly, the Theisens are stuck at home this year. However, we still recall some memorable past road trips. There is nothing like piling seven family members into one car! Last year, we drove to Alabama—think 22 driving hours with my four brothers. The trip started out pretty well. We played car games like “How long until the next big city?” and “When will the snow cover end?” Most importantly, we didn’t argue much. Oddly, as we drove farther south, the conditions worsened—heavy snowfall and very icy roads. By Springfield, Illinois, we …

WRITTEN BY GRACE THEISEN Every summer, my family vacations at Tiger Musky Resort near Hayward. We meet up with our extended family and long-time friends. We boat, fish, and swim; and we do our best to stay off of our electronic devices. Although we do not gather on a holiday, the get-together feels like a holiday gathering.   Sometimes it gets a bit crazy. We assemble in the main lodge for karaoke. No offense, but some people in my family should not sing with a karaoke mic. (Um, Dad!) Then there is this challenge event involving the consumption of a …

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.  – Mother Teresa What the heck happened to summer? I am not sure how you ladies feel, but it seems like we got cheated. I am not ready to let go. Snow days causing a late summer start and then the polar vortex of July nearly pushed me over the edge. The Theisen crew has been running fast and furious to get in our summer activities. Shocking, I know. Memories will be made regardless, so we’re making the best of it. …

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. – Mother Teresa What the heck happened to summer? I am not sure how you ladies feel, but it seems like we got cheated. I am not ready to let go. Snow days causing a late summer start and then the polar vortex of July nearly pushed me over the edge. The Theisen crew has been running fast and furious to get in our summer activities. Shocking, I know. Memories will be made regardless, so we’re making the best of it. Our summer …

Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. – Saint Francis of Assisi Hello spring! I think we all can agree it has been a brutal Wisconsin winter. Not only am I thrilled at the idea of being able to go outside, but I look forward to cherished early morning runs without risk of hypothermia. Spring fever is in full swing. I’m sure you’ll be shocked to learn that there is, yet again, a lot going on in the Theisen household. The blessing of five kids greatly increases the likelihood that, at …