Magazine Articles

WRITTEN BY GRACE THEISEN He is someone I look up to, who at times is VERY embarrassing, but who loves me and would do anything for me. I’m talking about my amazing dad. As a boy, my dad lost one of the most important people in his life: his mother. Because of this, he understood from a young age the importance of working together as a family. Every day, he teaches my four brothers and me lessons that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. In high school, Dad was involved in sports; he was the …

As I write this, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy” plays in my head. I love summer! The Theisen household welcomes the sweet, slowed-down pace of summer with arms wide open. June is for graduations and weddings, and we get to celebrate both. Our eldest, Joe, graduated from college—we are beaming with pride and it’s a joy to watch him go! We’re also ecstatic to see our sister move into a new and exciting season as she marries her best friend. It may be summer, but the livin’ isn’t always easy for everyone. Yet, Angela Meyer would never let you …

WRITTEN BY GRACE THEISEN Since Mother’s Day is right around the corner, I have been thinking about how much I appreciate my mom. I want to take the time to thank her and do some bragging about her. I come from a large family; I have four brothers and two dogs. Admittedly, we can be a lot to handle. Let me just say that things get a little crazy around our house. There is always a kid who is supposed to be somewhere, or a school project to work on, or a dog running away, and somebody under the mistaken …

When we think of spring, our thoughts are usually filled with chirping birds, melting snow, digging in the dirt, warmer temperatures, rejuvenation, and HOPE. We hope all that happens, and we hope it happens soon! I am looking forward to opening my windows and getting some fresh air into my house. If you are not a winter person (what are you doing in Wisconsin?), then you have spent a lot of time indoors this winter. Do you ever look around your house and think, “You’re really getting on my nerves. I need a change; but don’t worry, it’s me, not …

As I sit at my kitchen counter collecting my thoughts, I try to focus on positive things to distract myself from worries. But the heaviness in my chest and the hollowness in my gut overwhelm me. I want my son home—in Milwaukee with his wife and dog. This is his last deployment (at least this is what we are led to believe). I tire of self-challenges, immersing myself in new exercise routines or keeping busy to prevent myself from getting too anxious about my son’s deployments. Most days I do really well, but today is different; today I feel like …

Spring is a time of rejuvenation. The grass, tree leaves, and plants (along with my attitude) all stretch toward that warm yellow orb in the sky. This time of year is exciting for a foodie as fresh local ingredients always provide the means for the best food creations. You’ll find that especially true with this tasty fish and risotto dish—fresh mushrooms, herbs, and asparagus bring it to life! Please share your favorite spring eats on our Facebook page. Bon Appetite! Lanette How to make Peppercorn Butter Wahoo over Mushroom Risotto and Asparagus  

WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH Edie McDonald is a busy woman. As co-owner of McDonald Company, she manages Goldsmith Coffee Bar and Five Star Catering, using both to give students hands-on business experience. She is also a wife and a mother. In all of her endeavors, Edie understands the importance of a strong value system. And she juggles her multiple responsibilities maintaining focus on her family and her faith. Faith Edie’s grandparents played formative roles in making faith an important part of her life from a young age. “When I was young, I looked forward to going to church in the …

This issue is dedicated to my amazing, strong, beautiful mom. If not for her, I would not be the woman I am today. There were not many days Mom got to relax and take time for herself, so cheers to you Mom along with all the other mothers out there! Happy Mother’s Day and happy spring. Wow! Spring has sprung. There is so much to be excited about as we move into this new season. Only in Wisconsin can you find kids walking around in shorts in 45-degree weather. We’re pulling out our grills, hitting the trails like ants coming …

If Shakespeare had been a woman, she would not have written, “To be or not to be, that is the question,” but rather, “To cut or not to cut, that is always the question.” It’s a question compounded by the profusion of hairstyles. Short, medium, and long hair all abound. You can wear it up or down or twisted around in a bun. Today, intentionally tousled and tightly trimmed are both considered professional. So, what’s the best ‘do for you? Before anyone puts steel to your hair, it’s best to have a revealing talk. Denise Mackey-Natz, owner of Urban Style …

For many people, dogs are family members. Whether small, large, old, or young, these dogs are like children—holding a special place in our hearts. Fortunately, many loving homes exist in our area with people willing to adopt dogs and get them to their forever homes. Three dogs hold the hearts of Brittany Bergeman and her fiancé, Matt Murphy, of Eau Claire. Diesel and Dante are Miniature Pinschers, and Dre is a Doberman. Both Dante and Dre were adopted from unpleasant situations. “I love adopting dogs in need because I feel they deserve their happily-ever-after with a loving family who will …