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.
Don’t Ignore Me Just Because I’m New: A Plea to the PTO Moms
It’s hard to be the new mom-- maybe just as hard as it is for our kids to be the new kid.
I’ve been the new mom quite a bit in the last five years.
...
Hold Your Next Event at Mulligan’s Pub: CR Moms’ Night Out Review
Whether you're looking for a location for a night out with friends, a place to watch the big game, or just a delicious meal, Mulligan's Pub in Cedar Rapids is the place to go!
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First Day of School Traditions: How To Make Their First Day Rock
Who is excited about the first day of school? If your family is like mine, you probably have a mix of excitement, sadness, and even (especially?) anxiety.
I’ve been sending kids off to school for...
Favorite Food Trucks In and Around Cedar Rapids
Whether you're looking to try something new to eat or need something special for your next event, our guide to local food trucks in and around Cedar Rapids will help you find what you're...
I’m Over The Teacher Hate
I know it was a roller-coaster kind of a year for everyone, but teachers might have had the worst ride of all.
A year ago, teachers were overworked and underpaid, but at least we showed...
How Jen Hatmaker Inspired Me to Think About Self-Care Differently
Jen Hatmaker, speaker, mother, and life guru, stopped me in my tracks in her recent Facebook post.
She talked about how her therapist taught her that she should treat herself like she would treat a...
Instead of That, Try This: New Holiday Traditions for 2020
If I hear the phrase “Out of an abundance of caution...” one more time, I might scream!
In a year where it feels like everything has been canceled, many of us are trying to figure...
#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...