Valerie Earnest
Valerie grew up Naperville, Illinois, and is a Midwestern girl at heart even though she spent 16 years in Phoenix. She moved to Marion in 2016 with her husband, daughter (14), and two sons (12 and 9). Valerie graduated from BYU with a degree in Instrumental Music Education. She is a former band director, a current substitute teacher and accompanist, and an avid reader and crafter.
#IowaStrong: Places to Donate or Volunteer for Derecho Relief
Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas are devastated by the recent derecho storm. If you're reading this, you're probably hoping you can help contribute to the recovery effort. Not sure where to start?
Here is a...
Moving Up to Middle School: Do’s and Don’ts for Parents
I was a four-eyed, brace-faced, awkward-haired band nerd, which made middle school pretty rough.
While I had good friends and great experiences, I also experienced my share of heartbreak, disappointment, and social struggles--even flat-out...
Float the River: Tubing, Canoeing and Kayaking in Eastern Iowa
Hitting the river on a hot summer’s day is a tradition here in Iowa, whether tubing, canoeing, or kayaking.
New to floating the river, or not sure where to go? This guide will help you...
Planning for a Pandemic Summer? We’ve Got You Covered
It was about two weeks ago that I started freaking out about the impending pandemic summer.
Summer break is usually what, ten weeks long? We leave school in June, excited about summer camps, pool days,...
Puberty is a Mess. Period. {Girl Edition}
Have a girl, they said. It will be so much fun dressing her up in pretty clothes and hairbows. You’ll love taking her shopping and getting your nails done together.
But they forgot to tell...
Maybe I Don’t Want Things To Go back to Normal
As we reach the end of another month in quarantine, there's a lot of talk about re-opening our state (and country), about getting things back to normal.
Maybe it's strange, but I'm not sure I...
Nobody’s Talking About The Grandparents
Nobody's talking about the grandparents.
You guys, I feel for the single mamas, the unemployed, the suddenly working from home dads who have to figure out how to do their job AT home and with...
I’m Struggling Right Now, and That’s Okay: COVID-19 and Anxiety
I'm no psychologist, but I'm pretty sure I'm suffering from some COVID-19-related anxiety.
I woke myself up coughing the other night. In my half-asleep, half-dreaming haze, I remember whispering to myself in the dark "Guess...
Potty Training Stinks: Here’s the Advice I Wish I’d Had
I thought I was a potty training guru. My oldest child, a daughter, was fully potty trained after only two weeks, and I hardly did anything. Little did I know the absolute horror that...
Cedar Rapids Area Live-Streams: Fitness, Literacy, Education and More
Stuck at home due to Covid-19? We've put together a list of local businesses offering live-streams to help keep you fit, healthy, and entertained. What a great way to support each other during these...