Jess Wygle
Jess is a born and raised Iowan who has lived in Vinton for the past 10 years. She has two children, 10-year-old Landon and 4-year-old Fynnlee. Jess attended Kirkwood and UNI and now operates an in-home daycare. She considers herself an independent author and has self-published a few eBooks. She enjoys attending Landon’s sporting events, spending time with her family, as well as writing and reading in her free time.
Holiday Projects: Why Do I Do This To Myself?!
I am crazy. I am crazy. I am crazy.
My advent calendar has sat unattended for a few years now. It’s one of those adorable wooden ones with the tiny drawers. I got it on...
“You Ruined My Childhood”: Having the Santa Talk
He’s 11. For 11 years he went on whole-heartedly believing in Santa.
It happened for my son out of the blue on an October day. It wasn’t even the Christmas holiday season, but for some...
My Parent’s Keeper: Reversing Roles as Their Adult Child
My parents both suffer from a number of health ailments.
My mother struggles with her balance, walks with the assistance of a cane, and cannot drive. She depends on my dad for a lot more...
Routine is Key: The Bright Side of the School Year
Even though the back to school season has been one of mixed emotions, I can say it brings me a certain amount of excitement.
You see, I thrive on routine. Now that school is back...
I’m Losing my Baby to Kindergarten
Someone asked me today how I felt about my daughter starting kindergarten.
My first response was a chuckle, a hearty chuckle. I scoffed and I said I was going to be just fine. I said...
No Central Air, No Problem: Staying Cool this Summer
My kids and I transitioned from our family home to a temporary rental for a beat. And the rental does not have central air. It was something I hadn’t had to deal with since...
Going Makeup-Free: My Daughter and Me
I am a plain-Jane mama.
I don’t usually put an excessive amount of effort into my appearance. Enough to feel good about myself, but nothing too time-consuming.
It's not because I’m a slouch. Admittedly it’s due...
I’m a White Woman, And I’m Sorry For Not Speaking Up
As a Midwestern white woman, how do I speak up?
I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know how to be proper and diplomatic right now. I don't really know my place.
As someone...
No, I’m Not Dating – And That’s Okay
I’ve been single for over two years now.
Surprisingly I get asked often if I’m dating. But it’s never an innocuous “Are you dating?” It’s always followed by "yet".
“Are you dating yet?” As if there...
The 1995 Rule – A Necessary Lesson in Humility
Let’s be honest: most all of us want better for our children than we had as kids. We’ve all thought about it. We’ve all aspired to it, or at least attempted this much. Whether...