Denise Mersmann
Family Vacations with Adult Children
Vacations have always been a priority for our family. From the time our kids were very young, we tried to regularly schedule time away...
Using Correct Pronouns Matters
They. Them.
Those familiar pronouns have been part of my vocabulary for many years. And for almost all those years, these words have been plural...
Sporting KC: A Truly Great Kansas City Sports Experience
Our family loves sports. Our kids have played multiple sports over the years — baseball, softball, football, soccer, rugby, tennis — you name it,...
KC Royals Opening Day: A Family Tradition
It’s that time of year. Our family—along with most of Kansas City—is hyped and ready for the first cry of “Play ball!” as our...
Galentine’s Day, A Celebration of Friendship
It’s time to celebrate! Nope, not the Chiefs, not a significant other, not even the birth of some old presidents. It’s time to go...
Leaning into a Hygge Lifestyle
Sorry moms, but Groundhog Day isn’t just a day in February this year. That’s right — we’re doing this again.
After months of staying home,...
Dear 2020: You Didn’t Win…
Dear 2020,
Wow! You are about to head out of here, no longer the year, but a piece of the past that I will likely never...
Creating Holiday Traditions That Last
I feel a little cheated by the Elf on the Shelf.
This tiny North Pole transplant came around when my kids were too old to...
My Mother’s Diagnosis: Baby Girl Bows Become Breast Cancer Ribbons
There is never a good time for someone you love to say, “I have to have a biopsy.”
No matter how many times you...
Earth Day: Time To Do My Part
This year for Lent, I gave up plastic bags. Cold turkey. If I went to the store without my bag, I either purchased new...
How to Host the Best Chiefs Watch Party
Good things come to those who wait. Yes, they do. After waiting 50 years, we're starring in the Big Game Sunday!
As the city has...
All Ages, All Things Fall at Johnson Farms
“Mums” the word at Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins! At least that was what I believed for several years. But as it turns out,...
This is the Best Stage Ever in Our Family
Our family vacation this year was amazing! Just the four of us. My husband Doug and I, our daughter Kate, and our son Ryan...
Family Values: Finding Your ‘Why’ Together
Family values. We all have them, even if we can't articulate them.
Assuming that we do have family values, what exactly are we doing with...
Keep Kids Talking: How to Have Open Conversations
Those adorable first baby sounds, the coos and babbles that we try so hard to make sound like real words are the beginning of...





















