Month: February 2025

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Eats

Family-Friendly Pizza Places in Phoenix: Where the Whole Crew Can Eat and Have Fun

Okay, moms—let’s talk pizza. It’s one of those meals that’s basically a guaranteed win for the entire family. I mean, whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a gang of bottomless pits, pizza is the savior. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ordered a pizza when I’m too tired to cook, and it’s like everyone’s in a better mood just by the smell of melted cheese. And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to grab and go when you’re in a rush (hello, busy mom life!).

Barro's pizza on a wood cutting board.

So, if you’re in Phoenix and on the hunt for a family-friendly pizza place that has great food and the kind of atmosphere where you can let your kids be kids, I’ve got you covered. These spots are perfect for when you need to get out of the house and treat yourself (and the fam) to some pizza.

First up on my list has to be Barro’s Pizza. This one’s a local favorite. It’s one of those places where the pizza is always fresh, and they’ve got a solid selection of options. The best part? The kids’ menu. I swear, my three—Jenny, Lincoln, and Molly—never get bored here. Whether it’s the classic cheese pizza, something a little more adventurous, or even the garlic breadsticks, it’s hard to go wrong. Plus, they’re always so welcoming to families. The vibe is laid-back, which, as a mom, I appreciate. I’m not worried about my little ones spilling their drinks or being too loud because everyone is just there for a good time. It’s the kind of place where you can let the kids run around a bit (without feeling like the entire restaurant is judging you).

Then there’s Peter Piper Pizza—it’s like the ultimate pizza playdate spot. I don’t know what magic they put in their dough, but I’m pretty sure it’s made for kids. The pizza is cheesy and delicious (trust me, Jenny would live on just the pepperoni pizza if she could), and their arcade? It’s basically a mom’s secret weapon. I mean, Molly and Lincoln can spend HOURS playing games while I grab a slice and pretend to have a peaceful moment. And can we talk about their salad bar? I feel like I’m kind of making good choices by loading up on veggies before devouring that slice of pepperoni pizza. We all know it’s not a “mom win” unless you sneak in a few extra veggies, right?

I won’t lie, when we’re in a pizza mood, we’re typically there for the food, but that extra dose of fun from the arcade at Peter Piper makes it that much better. The kids stay entertained, which means less whining about being hungry (they’re busy playing) and more time for me to enjoy my meal. This is key when you’re trying to make a pizza night feel like a treat for you too, and not just a survival tactic for the kids.

Honestly, whether you’re in the mood for a cozy sit-down experience or you just need a quick pick-up pizza for the family, both Barro’s and Peter Piper deliver in the most delicious way possible. I’m all for a place that knows how to keep both parents and kids happy. So, next time you’re craving pizza, give these places a go—you won’t regret it, and neither will your kids.

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Phoenix

Rainy Day Activities in Phoenix: When the Desert Decides to Be Moody

Living in Phoenix, you get used to endless sun and dry weather. But then, out of nowhere, the desert gets moody, and suddenly you’re stuck with a rainy day. It’s like Mother Nature’s way of throwing in a surprise party, but without the cake. As a mom, those rainy days can feel like an unexpected challenge—especially when you’re trying to keep your kids entertained. So, here are some go-to rainy day activities to survive Phoenix’s occasional fits of bad weather.

Monsoon in Phoenix, AZ. Lightning and clouds.

First off, let me just say that when the rain hits, it’s like every kid in the house suddenly remembers they have an endless supply of energy. I mean, Jenny, Lincoln, and Molly act like they’re all cooped up for days, even if it’s only been a few hours. The first few minutes of rain are kind of fun—everyone’s fascinated by the puddles, the thunder, the smell of wet pavement. But then? Chaos. So, let’s talk about how I try to keep things from totally spiraling.

If you’re like me and your kids are constantly on the go, it can be tough to keep everyone happy when you can’t go outside. But lucky for us, Phoenix is full of places that are perfect for rainy days. Here are a few of my favorites.

The first one on my list? Children’s Museum of Phoenix. I swear, this place is like a kid magnet. It’s indoors, it’s huge, and it’s packed with all sorts of activities that will tire them out—bonus points if you’re looking for somewhere to sit and sip on your coffee while they go wild. Lincoln loves the building area, where he can create everything from houses to castles, and Molly’s all about the art stations. They’ve got everything to keep them busy for hours. Plus, I get to feel like a semi-responsible parent while they burn off all that energy.

Now, if you’re in the mood to stay a little closer to home (because, you know, it’s that rainy), I have a trick up my sleeve. How about a DIY movie marathon? All it takes is a cozy blanket fort, a stash of popcorn, and letting the kids pick a movie or two (or ten). Jenny’s into those Marvel movies (don’t even get me started on how many times she’s watched Spider-Man), while Lincoln and Molly are more into animated adventures. It’s a no-fail recipe for an afternoon of chill, and the best part? It buys me a few moments of peace.

But sometimes, all that screen time isn’t the answer. If you’re looking for a bit of education wrapped in fun, I love visiting The Arizona Science Center. Yes, it’s hands-on, and yes, the kids are all over the place in there, but it’s a great way to let them explore and learn while still keeping them inside. They’ve got everything from space exhibits to robotics, and I’ve caught myself (on more than one occasion) getting lost in the exhibits alongside my kids. That’s the beauty of these places—they’re not just for them, but for us moms, too.

And then there’s the classic, indoor bowling. Look, you don’t need a whole lot of fancy plans for this one. Just grab your shoes, roll a few balls down the lane (and by that, I mean pray the ball doesn’t veer off course), and let the kids have some fun. Even if you’re not a bowling champion, it’s one of those low-key activities that gets the kids moving and laughing. Jenny usually has her competitive side on display, Lincoln’s just trying to avoid rolling the ball into the gutter, and Molly’s all about cheering them on like she’s their personal hype woman.

At the end of the day, rainy days in Phoenix might seem like a wild ride (especially when your kids think it’s Christmas because of the weather), but they don’t have to be a nightmare. With a little creativity, some indoor adventures, and the occasional cozy time on the couch, you’ll find that a rainy day is just another opportunity to make some fun memories with your kids—without having to fight the sun for space.

So, the next time the desert decides to show a little moodiness, just remember that a little rain doesn’t mean you’re stuck at home, twiddling your thumbs. It means it’s time to get creative, let your kids burn off that endless energy, and, who knows, maybe even enjoy a little downtime for yourself while you’re at it.

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Motherhood

What I’ve Learned From Raising Three Kids: One Surprise After Another

You ever feel like you’re living in a sitcom, but with less glamour and a lot more laundry? That’s pretty much my life. As a mom of three—Jenny, Lincoln, and Molly—I’ve learned a lot over the years, and it’s mostly come in the form of surprises. And not the fun, “here’s a puppy for your birthday” kind. I’m talking the “I can’t believe this is my life right now” kind of surprises. The kind that teach you life lessons you never signed up for, but here we are.

Kara wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans.

For starters, let me take you back to a few years ago. Things were, well, different. I was married. I thought we were doing it all right. Then came the big bombshell—divorce. Just like that, everything I thought was set in stone turned into a stack of paper to sign, meetings with lawyers, and way too many sleepless nights. I was suddenly the single mom to three kids, trying to juggle it all—working, school activities, playdates, soccer practices, and oh yeah, trying not to drown in a sea of emotions. Divorce wasn’t just hard on me; it was hard on the kids too.

But let’s be real, no one tells you how to “do” single motherhood. There’s no handbook. Sure, you’ve got your mom friends who offer advice, but honestly? It all depends on what your ex is like, too. For me, I’ve had to navigate what feels like an obstacle course of co-parenting. My ex and I have an arrangement for visitation rights, and it’s been a ride. The first time he took the kids for a weekend away? I stood in the driveway like an emotional mess. I’m talking full-on tears, hand to the forehead, the whole dramatic “who am I now?” thing. But then I got used to it. It wasn’t just that I had time to myself (bless those moments), but it was about learning how to share my kids in a way that’s healthy and works for all of us. It’s been a process.

And guess what? It’s not just about visitation rights—it’s about scheduling. Who knew that keeping track of visitation and trying to stick to some kind of routine would make me feel like I needed a second job? I swear, Google Calendar and I have a relationship now. The number of times I’ve texted my ex about “who has the kids on what day” is honestly embarrassing. You think you’ve got a plan, but then life throws a curveball, and you’re scrambling. I’ve learned that flexibility is key, but also that it’s okay to be frustrated when things don’t go as planned. That’s real life, people.

Let’s talk about the kids. Oh, my sweet, sweet kids. Jenny, Lincoln, and Molly each have their own way of coping with this new reality. Jenny, my 15-year-old, is at that age where she’s figuring out who she is and what she wants in life. Add the divorce to the mix, and it’s like the emotional rollercoaster I never signed up for. She wants independence but still needs me, and sometimes that leaves me feeling like I’m being pulled in a thousand directions. Lincoln, my 11-year-old, is constantly trying to make sure everyone is okay, which is sweet, but also kind of heartbreaking. Then there’s Molly, the 8-year-old, who just doesn’t get why the family isn’t together anymore. Watching her try to make sense of it all? That’s been one of the hardest parts of this whole thing.

One thing I never anticipated—how much me time would be so important. You might think that when you’ve got kids bouncing around the house, you barely have a second for yourself, but I’ve learned that I need those breaks. You know, the ones where I can lock myself in the bathroom for ten minutes, drink a cold cup of coffee, and pretend I’m at a spa. It’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary. I can’t be the best mom I can be if I’m not taking care of myself. And honestly, that’s something I didn’t realize before the divorce. I thought I had to be everything for everyone. I learned that it’s okay to be a little selfish sometimes.

And let’s not forget the whole “dating after divorce” thing. That’s a whole other layer of surprise, let me tell you. My first foray into dating after my divorce? Hilarious. You get to that point where you’re like, “Okay, I guess I’m putting myself out there,” and then you realize you’ve forgotten how to talk to someone who isn’t a 5-foot-tall human who needs their shoes tied. Dating again has been a learning curve, to say the least. I’ll tell you, though, the moment I started dating someone who actually respected my role as a mom—well, that was when I knew I was doing something right.

Now, don’t get me wrong, this whole “raising three kids post-divorce” thing hasn’t been easy. There are days when I feel like I’m barely keeping it together, and other days when everything feels like it’s falling apart. But here’s the thing: I’ve learned that this journey, as chaotic and unpredictable as it is, has made me stronger. I’m still figuring things out, still learning every day, and yes, still surprised by what happens next. But one thing is for sure—I’m doing it, and so are my kids. We’re in this together, and that’s all that matters.

So, to all the single moms out there, the ones navigating messy schedules, tricky co-parenting dynamics, and emotional rollercoasters—you’re not alone. We’ve got this, even if we don’t always have it all figured out. Trust me, one surprise at a time, you’ll learn more than you ever thought you would. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to keep moving forward.

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