Woman's World

After Losing Her Husband, She Changed Hundreds of Moms’ Lives

Carissa Mosness — Sun, 17 May 2026 19:00:28 +0000

Katie Bunnell stood in her new Lehi, Utah, home cradling her baby girl, Kali. Everything’s going so well, she thought. But that night, her husband Byron had a stroke and tragically passed in his sleep.

For months, Katie lived in a fog of grief. With no life insurance and a baby to care for, she had to sell her house and move. To keep the lights on, Katie turned her living room into a beauty salon, and with the money she earned and help from her family, she managed to barely stay afloat.

Then one day, her mother-in-law, DeeAnn, offered an idea. “Have you thought about going to college?”

Katie laughed. “College is for smart people,” she scoffed.

“You are smart,” DeeAnn insisted. “I’ll enroll with you!”

As Katie tucked Kali in bed that night, she realized, I have to try—for her.

Katie and DeeAnn enrolled in the same general education classes and studied together. “Maybe Mommy is smart,” she cooed to her little girl.

DeeAnn went into nursing, while Katie studied business. After two and a half years, she graduated with a 3.8 GPA.

Along the way, Katie met many other single moms striving for better futures. Once she found her footing, she decided it was time to give back.

Remembering a grant she’d received from a widow’s scholarship, Katie created the Live Your Dream Foundation (LiveYourDreamFoundation.org), and held 5Ks, water rafting races and a golf tournament to raise money to help single moms with tuition.

One recipient was Erica Hammon, a single mom studying special education. “I’m not just helping you—I’m helping all the kids you will help in the future,” Katie told her.

Another young mom, Eva Calvillo, dreamed of becoming a social worker. With two Live Your Dream Foundation scholarships, she earned her degree and now works in hospitals and schools. Her salary has doubled, and she’s preparing to build a home.

“I owe Katie so much,” she says. “She helped show my kids dreams can come true.”

Over the past 16 years, Katie has helped hundreds of moms—from widows to women rebuilding after abuse.

“You got this,” reads the bracelet she gives each recipient. Many break down in tears, moved that someone finally believes in them.

Each Mother’s Day, Katie and scholarship recipients assemble over 400 gift baskets for moms in the program.

“They deserve it,” says Katie. “They are building better lives for themselves and their families!”

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This article originally appeared in the May 11, 2026 print issue of Woman’s World.

She Started Helping Teen Moms From Her Car—Now Look What She Built

Carissa Mosness — Fri, 15 May 2026 22:00:16 +0000

What are they going to do? Ellen Kogstad thought as she looked around the OB ward at a Chicago hospital. In the early 1980s, Ellen served as a 20-something volunteer outreach worker through her church every Monday. She helped new mothers who had delivered babies over the weekend.

She often witnessed young, single teenagers becoming mothers, and her heart always went out to them.

They all seem so frightened, she thought, knowing the stress and insecurity they would face with a new baby and scarce resources. I have to do something to help these vulnerable young ladies.

A mission takes shape

With an under-resourced social work department at the hospital, Ellen started following up with discharged young moms and visiting their homes, focusing on those under 21. She would visit their houses with essential supplies like blankets, diapers and baby formula, all packed into the trunk of her car.

Word spread about Ellen’s work, and people and businesses in her community began donating diapers and other supplies. Ellen’s church even offered some space for her operation, which she quickly outgrew.

The project kept growing, and in 1983, Ellen founded the nonprofit New Moms, and she began serving even more mothers in need up to age 24 in the Chicago area.

When Ellen visited the homes of young new moms, she saw many sad and often shocking situations. She remembers one mom who had triplets at 20 years old. The babies’ father wasn’t involved, and she had no nearby family.

New Moms Chiacgo

“There’s amazing work happening in the lives of these women!”

She met some moms living in basement apartments with dirt floors, and one young woman even had no plumbing. Ellen also met teen moms who faced being thrown out of their parents’ houses with no support.

But despite all the hardship, Ellen knew she was making a difference and that New Moms was saving lives.

“Thank you, I don’t have anyone to talk to,” one mom told Ellen. “I’d have to give up my baby if it weren’t for you!”

Wow, I have to keep this going, Ellen thought, feeling more motivated than ever to continue her mission. There has to be more we can do!

Soon after, Ellen launched Bright Endeavors—a store run by New Moms that creates handmade candles. I can employ moms at the store to give them job opportunities and learn new skills!

Building a support system

As the organization continued growing, Ellen stood in awe of all the ways it was able to help women in need.

New Moms helped Philena Price, a 24-year-old single mother of two young children, get a job with Bright Endeavors and earn an online degree program for cybersecurity.

“It’s been helpful to make a better life for me and my kids,” Philena says.

Another, Eliza Melendez, had run away from home at age 16. At age 18, Eliza had a baby and was facing eviction when she saw a flyer for New Moms at a laundromat. The nonprofit soon set her up in an apartment with another young mom, and they helped her learn to budget, grocery shop and plan meals.

Eliza quickly gained a sense of determination and has since earned a Ph.D. in psychology. Later, she reconnected with Ellen and now serves as a New Moms board member.

“That’s the beauty of this program. It gives women who don’t have other means to have a place to call home,” Eliza says. “I took the life lessons that I learned and catapulted my life in the other direction.”

New Moms Chicago

Today, more than four decades later, New Moms has served thousands of moms in need with housing, beneficial job training and other support services. Last year alone, New Moms helped 383 moms and 452 children!

As for Ellen, she looks back on her 43 years of helping young moms and is grateful for all the people who have stepped up and volunteered to help other women in need.

“I have always been interested in women’s issues and children. It became rooted in me,” says Ellen. “There’s amazing work happening in the lives of these women. So many of them just go off and soar!”

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This article originally appeared in the May 11, 2026 print issue of Woman’s World.

Can Triplets Be Identical? See How One Texarkana Family Beat One-in-a-Million Odds

Ryan Brennan — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:37:59 +0000

Mary Studebaker and Shane Perkins were already parents to a 10-year-old daughter. They wanted to grow their family by one more — and ended up growing it by three.

“Let’s just try for one more,” Studebaker said in an interview with KTEN. “And then all of a sudden, triplets.”

The Texarkana couple, who live in the ArkLaTex region where Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas meet, welcomed three baby boys on Thursday, April 23, at Willis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport, Louisiana. The newborns — Thomas Ray, Shane Austin and Beaux Bentley — arrived within one minute of each other, starting at 7:52 a.m..

Can triplets be identical?

Can triplets be identical naturally? Yes — but it almost never happens. According to KTEN, the odds of conceiving triplets without fertility treatments are about 1 in 10,000. The odds of conceiving identical triplets naturally are closer to 1 in 1,000,000.

“This is a rare occurrence,” Dr. Christian Briery of Willis Knighton told KTEN of conceiving triplets without the help of IVF. “It happens in around one in 8,000 to 10,000 pregnancies spontaneously.”

The boys were delivered at 31 weeks gestation, making them premature, with each weighing between 2 and 3 pounds. They are expected to stay in the NICU for several more weeks to grow and gain strength.

For Perkins, watching three babies arrive one after another in the delivery room was overwhelming.

“I was scared to death,” Perkins told KTEN. “I was just holding her hand. Especially when you see, well, one baby comes out, and then another, and then another.”

A big sister with a plan fit for identical triplets

While their parents adjust to life with three newborns, the couple’s 10-year-old daughter has already figured out how to tell her brothers apart. She made each baby his own bracelet — color-coded so there’s no mixing them up.

“My 10-year-old actually made bracelets,” Studebaker told KTEN. “She has them color-coded — one’s green, one’s blue and one’s orange.”

Identical triplets are so rare partly because of how they form. According to the Cleveland Clinic, identical triplets come from a single fertilized egg that either splits into three, or splits into two and then one of those eggs splits again.

They almost always result in babies of the same sex — in this case, three boys.

The trend toward fewer multiple births makes the family’s story even more unusual.

A 2024 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that triplet and higher-order multiple births peaked at 194 per 100,000 in 1998, then dropped to just 74 per 100,000 by 2023.

The total number of triplet and higher-order births fell from 7,625 to 2,653 over that span.

For Dr. Briery, the sheer rarity is exactly what makes this birth so worth celebrating. “Any time this happens, we should celebrate,” he told KTEN. “It’s just a really neat phenomenon.”

Simple, Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifts for Moms Who Don’t Want Anything (That Make Her Feel Appreciated)

Lauren Jarvis-Gibson — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:07:09 +0000

Every year, the same conversation plays out. You ask your mom what she wants for Mother’s Day, and she says some version of “nothing” or “just your company.” She means it—sort of.

But the right gift, especially one built around an experience rather than a shopping cart, can turn that polite deflection into genuine delight. The trick is skipping the usual store-bought route and focusing on something personal, thoughtful and a little unexpected.

Mother’s day creative classes: cooking and pottery experiences she’ll adore

When it comes to Mother’s Day experience gifts, hands-on classes are some of the most memorable options you can choose. Most moms rarely carve out time for something purely fun, which is exactly what makes a creative class such a thoughtful surprise. Whether she’s always wanted to try wheel-throwing or lights up talking about Italian food, these are the kinds of gifts she’d never book for herself—but will absolutely love.

Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide: 30+ Easy Ideas for New Moms and the Woman Who Has Everything (Plus Discount Codes!)

A cooking class turns the day into a shared adventure—no hosting, no cleanup, just learning something new together. Whether it’s pasta-making, baking or a global cuisine she loves, go with her and make it a memory instead of just something she unwraps. A pottery class works similar magic. It’s relaxing, a little messy in a fun way and gives her something tangible to take home. More importantly, it’s time set aside just for her to unwind and try something new.

Mother’s day outings: plan a day trip or surprise her with tickets

Sometimes the best Mother’s Day gift is getting your mom out the door without her having to plan a single detail. For the mom who insists she doesn’t want anything, a fully planned outing is one of the most thoughtful gestures you can offer. It shows you know her well enough to choose what she’d enjoy—and that you cared enough to handle every last detail yourself so she can simply relax.

Pick the destination, map out the stops, make reservations and manage all the logistics. Whether it’s a scenic drive, a cute small town or a relaxing nature escape, the real gift is the effort—and the chance for her to fully unwind. Tickets to a concert, theater show or even a local festival are another wonderful option that turns Mother’s Day into an experience lasting well beyond the day itself. Choose something that fits her interests, and it instantly feels more personal than anything wrapped in a box.

Heartfelt mother’s day gifts: photo books and gardening

Some of the most meaningful Mother’s Day gifts don’t come from a store—they come from the heart. A custom photo book, or an afternoon spent planting together can mean more than any department store purchase. These DIY gifts show real thought and effort, and they let you create something together rather than simply handing over something wrapped in a bow.

A custom photo book is a sentimental favorite. Curate photos from different years, add simple captions or dates and keep the design clean and modern. It’s something she can flip through anytime, making it far more lasting than a single card. For the mom who loves being outdoors, gardening together is a beautiful option.

Emily Williams with Better Homes & Gardens says: “Celebrate with this cute Mother’s Day idea and gift mom a custom seed pack! Wrap store-bought seed packets for your mom’s favorite blooms in easy-stitch burlap bags, and seal the bags with a plant marker. If you want to spice up the bag, pin a vintage picture of the flower on top for an added touch.” Pairing a homemade seed kit with time spent planting turns a simple gift into real quality time.

Mother’s day video messages and why paying attention is the real gift

Of all the Mother’s Day experience gifts on this list, a heartfelt video message might be the most powerful—and it doesn’t cost a cent. It lets you tell your mom exactly what she means to you in a way she can revisit again and again. For moms who treasure sentimental gestures, this is the kind of gift that catches her off guard in the best possible way.

Erica Sandberg with US News says: “All this gift will cost is your energy – and perhaps lowering your inhibitions. Stand before your camera and create a special video for your mom. You may want to share some of your fondest memories or what you learned from her or explain what you most love about her. It can be silly, sentimental or serious. You may even want to have other family members appear in your production.”

She can rewatch it whenever she wants—and she will. None of these eight gifts require a big budget. What they do require is attention—knowing what your mom actually enjoys and building something around that. The moms who say they don’t want anything usually mean they don’t want you to spend money or stress over a present. An experience, a memory or a gesture that shows you were paying attention is almost always the thing that lands.

Artemis II Crew Share Group Hug After Naming Moon Crater After Crewmate’s Late Wife

Ryan Brennan — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:10:25 +0000

April 6 marked a landmark day for the Artemis II mission on multiple fronts.

The four-person crew surpassed the record distance from Earth of 248,655 miles—a mark that had stood since the Apollo 13 mission set it in 1970.

That same day, the crew discovered two unnamed, relatively fresh craters on the lunar surface during their historic flyby.

The Artemis II crew—Commander Reid Wiseman, Mission Pilot Victor Glover, Crew Specialist Christina Hammock Koch and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen—proposed names for both newly identified craters, though the designations are not yet official.

Proposals must be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the governing body for naming celestial bodies and their surface features, after the mission concludes.

Carroll Crater: A bright spot on the moon

The first crater sits between the craters Orientale and Ohm on the far side of the moon. The crew proposed naming it Integrity, after their spacecraft.

The second crater carries a more personal significance. Located near the boundary of the far side of the moon, it was proposed to be named Carroll in honor of Carroll Wiseman, the late wife of Reid Wiseman.

The Carroll crater is visible from Earth during certain times of the lunar cycle—a detail that became central to the emotional moment aboard the spacecraft.

“If you want to find this one, you look at Glushko, and it’s just to the northwest of that, at the same latitude as Ohm, and it’s a bright spot on the Moon. And we would like to call it Carroll,” Hansen said in the announcement.

Artemis II crew share group hug aboard the spacecraft

Hansen, who was visibly emotional over the radio, announced the Carroll crater naming on April 6.

In his remarks, Hansen provided specific coordinates relative to well-known lunar features, offering fellow observers a way to locate the crater:

“A number of years ago, we started this journey in our close-knit astronaut family and we lost a loved one. And there is a feature in a really neat place on the Moon, and it is on the nearside/farside boundary,” he said of the crater.

“In fact, it’s just on the nearside of that boundary, and so at certain times of the Moon’s transit around Earth, we will be able to see this from Earth,” he added.

Wiseman wiped tears as Hansen spoke, then placed his hand on Hansen’s shoulder. All four crew members shared a group hug shortly after. The moment was captured in a video posted to NASA’s Instagram account.

Carroll Wiseman was a NICU and pediatric nurse

Carroll Taylor Wiseman was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University as a pediatric nurse practitioner.

She dedicated her career to working as a newborn intensive care unit (NICU) registered nurse, serving at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia.

She also worked as a school nurse in Patuxent River, Maryland and Friendswood, Texas, near NASA.

Carroll Wiseman died on May 17, 2020, at age 46 after a five-year battle with cancer, according to her obituary.

She was survived by husband Reid, daughters Katey and Ellie, her parents, a brother, a sister and seven nieces and nephews.

Reid Wiseman dedicates lunar flyby to his two daughters

Reid Wiseman was 44 years old when he lost his wife. He has been a single father to his two daughters since Carroll’s passing—something he describes as his “greatest challenge and most rewarding phase of life.”

Just before the mission launched, he shared a selfie on Instagram with his now-teenage daughters and the spacecraft, writing “I’m boarding that rocket a very proud father.”

He also revealed that he spoke to his daughters about death in case things go wrong during the mission.

“I told them, ‘Here’s where the will is, here’s where the trust documents are, and if anything happens to me, here’s what’s going to happen to you,” Wiseman said, per Daily Mail.

“I actually wish more people in everyday life talked to their families in that way because you never know what the next day is going to bring,” he added.

Meet the Superstar Sisters Who Completed 100 Home Depot Kids Workshops

lmaxbauer — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 20:30:14 +0000

You know that feeling of accomplishment that floods your system after you complete a home improvement project? There’s an easy way to share that confidence with a child in your life through the free monthly Home Depot Kids Workshops. No one knows that feeling better than 12-year-old sisters Finley and Quinn Marzonie, who may just be the world’s most famous workshop warriors. They recently became Home Depot legends by completing their 100th DIY projects, a remarkable journey that spanned an entire decade. And their heartwarming tradition is free and available to families everywhere. Learn how they did it and how you can tap into this powerful activity for your own family.

How the sisters discovered Home Depot Kids Workshops

It all started with an idea from the twins’ dad, Gabriel Marzonie, back in 2014 when the girls were toddlers. He needed to get the kids out of the house and was looking for an activity one October weekend. That’s when he stumbled upon a Home Depot Kids Workshop.

The dad remembers that first workshop vividly. “Our twin girls were immediately captivated by the hands-on pine-wood craft and the experience began a weekend tradition that has enriched our lives ever since.”

The sisters proudly show off one of their DIY projects at Home Depot.
Courtesy Gabriel Marzonie

Why the girls kept coming back month after month

What followed became monthly “daddy-daughter Home Depot days.” And since their mom, Amy, is an engineer, they knew from day one that girls could do and build anything.

What started as a fun habit became a remarkable visual timeline through pictures over the years, says Gabriel. “You can literally watch them grow up across the workbench, from toddlers barely able to hold a hammer to young girls confidently leading their own projects.”

A monthly tradition that became a family legacy

The sisters made attending these workshops a priority in their busy lives, navigating vacation schedules and swim meets. Even during COVID, the tradition continued as the family picked up kits curbside and assembled them at home. “If it was the first Saturday of the month, that meant we were going. Sometimes that meant finding a Home Depot in whatever town we happened to be visiting that weekend,” shares Gabriel.

The favorite DIY projects that stood the test of time

Mailboxes, games, cars? What build-it crafts stood out over the years? “I had two favorite projects,” shares Finley. “The snow globe was special because it was the very last project I did. I liked it because it reminds me of all the Home Depot memories just inside of one small project.” Another favorite was the treasure chest. Finley adds, “I still use my treasure chest for jewelry and small trinkets.”

Quinn has her own answer. “I liked the white board. We used it in our playroom. I write little notes on it and leave it on my dresser.”

How they celebrated their amazing achievement

Finley says, “I can’t believe we finally hit 100, but I am proud we have new tricks and skills to show for it.”

How did they honor the big day? “There was a big party and we got to invite all of our friends and family to our house after we finished the project,” Quinn remembers. “Home Depot got me and Finley each a huge sheet cake with our names written in the frosting. The celebration was fun, but the build felt special knowing that would be my last time at the Kids Workshop.”

The celebration included one more special reveal. Quinn adds, “One surprise at the very end was a toolbox that our dad gave us when we finished 100 projects. Inside were all the tools we might need to do projects—pliers, screwdriver sets, bits, levels, tape measure, flashlight, knife and more.” She adds, “Eventually, I plan to take my toolbox to college to build furniture and fix stuff in my dorm and apartment.”

Home Depot also highlighted the girls’ achievement on social media, inspiring other families to start their own workshop traditions.

The surprising life lessons learned through hammers and nails

The 10-year journey became a masterclass in problem-solving. “I learned more than just building projects. I learned about being creative,” shares Finley. She quips, “I learned the difference between a flathead and Phillips.”

Quinn says, “One surprising thing I learned was patience, because sometimes a build didn’t go as planned so I had to use many skills to start over and try again. I learned how to read building instructions thoroughly.” She adds, “I feel great knowing that I can do anything if I try hard and do my best.”

Skills and memories that will last a lifetime

Reflecting on the completed 100 workshops, Gabriel says, “I am not sure they fully appreciate what those Saturdays represent yet…Hopefully they will see what I see now. Sometimes the most meaningful traditions are not the big milestones, but the small things you keep showing up for over time.”

As a visual reminder, the kids’ orange Home Depot work aprons—bedazzled with “I did it!” pins—are displayed prominently in their home, like jerseys of retired all-star athletes. Quinn says, “Our dad hung our aprons, signed by the CEO of Home Depot, in a frame.”

“If our story encourages even a few more parents to spend an hour building something with their kids and inspires a few more girls to realize they are capable of doing things for themselves, then we will feel like we helped carry forward the spirit of what this program represents,” says Gabriel.

How to join Home Depot Kids Workshops in your area

Inspired by the sisters’ journey? You can start your own family tradition today—and it won’t cost you a penny. Visit your local Home Depot the first Saturday of each month. The free drop-in workshops are typically held between 9 AM and 12 PM. The build-it kits are available until supplies run out, so it’s smart to register in advance online through the Home Depot site. Check out the 2026 lineup to build your own farm planter and keepsake box. Who knows? Ten years from now, you might be celebrating your own 100-project milestone!

Free Home Depot Kids Workshops Parents Say Are “the Best”

lmaxbauer — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:30:26 +0000

Looking for free activities for your kids or grandkids? Home Depot has you covered. Each month, stores across the country host Home Depot Kids Workshops. They’re fun and everything is completely free, from the materials to the tools and expert guidance. Tap into this awesome activity to complete crafts, use hands-on tools and learn practical skills. Here, everything you need to know about building these special family-friendly events and memory-making traditions into your schedule.

How to sign up for free Home Depot Kids Workshops

These free in-store workshops are held the first Saturday of every month, typically between 9 AM and 12 PM (though you’ll want to check your local store for specific times and details). Ready to sign up? Store staff recommend registering in advance online through the Home Depot website. The registration window opens on the Monday after each workshop. The build-it kits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so registering early is a good idea. And keep in mind that programs can vary from location to location.

The workshops are geared for kids ages 5 to 12, but there are no strict age requirements—younger siblings are welcome to join in the fun. Adult help is welcome and store staff is always on hand to answer questions or provide assistance.

Gabriel Marzonie

What your kids get at these free monthly workshops

Kids not only receive the free supplies to build their kits, they often earn orange Home Depot work aprons, certificates and themed project pins. The most exciting part? Fans of the workshops love earning special “I Did It!” pins for completing certain milestones such as their 1st, 10th, 50th, 75th and 100th builds.

Home Depot Kids Workshop 2026

So far this year kids have enjoyed building adorable mailboxes and clever leprechaun traps. But the fun is just getting started. Don’t miss out on future events. Here’s the exciting project lineup for the rest of 2026. Mark your calendar for…

April 2026: Farm Planter (perfect for spring)
May 2026: Keepsake Box (sweet for Mother’s Day)
June 2026: Soccer Goalie Game (get outside and play)
July 2026: Go Cart (summer fun ramps up)
August 2026: Rocket Game (blast off with learning)
September 2026: Bus Organizer (get back-to-school ready)
October 2026: Witch Candy Box (spooky Halloween holder)
November 2026: Dump Truck and Christmas Car (double workshop month!)
December 2026: Holiday Train (festive decor or gift)
Looking ahead… January 2027: Claw Machine (try your luck in the new year)

Why parents love these workshops

For years, these free build-it workshops have been creating precious family memories across the country. Just ask the parents who’ve made them a beloved tradition. New Jersey mom Katey DiStefano shares, “When my kids were little they used to go with my parents. It’s such a great grandparent activity.”

And talk about dedication! Michigan-based twins Finley and Quinn Marzonie (now 12-year-olds) hit the amazing milestone of completing 100 Home Depot workshops, attending the free kids DIY events over 10 years. Their proud dad Gabriel Marzonie cheers, “Here’s to empowering girls in the DIY space!” He adds, “It is a reminder that meaningful traditions do not have to be complicated or expensive.”

The life-changing skills kids gain from these DIY workshops

Kids learn so much more than the basics of following instructions and using tools at the drop-in events. “While the workshops cost nothing financially, the return in confidence, practical skills and independence is something that really can’t be measured,” Gabriel explains. “Finley and Quinn now approach challenges with a simple mindset. Try it. Learn from it. Try again if needed. That mindset will serve them long after the crafts are gone.”

Hammering home the inspirational message, Gabriel says, “Confidence often begins with something very small. In our case, it was a simple wooden craft on a Saturday morning.” Sounds like the blueprint for lifelong success!

Home Depot workshop facts at-a-glance

Cost: Free (yes, really—materials, tools and guidance included)
When: First Saturday of every month, typically 9 AM–12 PM
Suggested ages: 5 to 12 (but all ages welcome)
Registration: Online recommended
What to bring: Just yourselves and enthusiasm
Adult participation: Encouraged and welcomed

Best of all, it won’t cost you a penny—just a Saturday morning and the joy of watching young builders discover what they’re capable of creating. That’s time well spent!

How the von Trapps Inspired 'The Sound of Music' + Created a Must-Visit

Abbey Bender — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:30:30 +0000

The Sound of Music, which just celebrated its 61st anniversary, is one of the most beloved movie musicals of all time, and its songs have charmed multiple generations of viewers. There’s a rich history behind the 1965 blockbuster, as it was adapted from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical of the same name, which was in turn based on the 1949 memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp.

The name Maria von Trapp instantly conjures up nostalgic images of Julie Andrews frolicking in the hills, and she so fully embodied the role of the singing governess in 1938 Austria that it’s easy to forget the character was based on an actual person. The real Maria von Trapp, along with her employer turned husband, Baron Georg von Trapp (played by Christopher Plummer in the film) and his children fled Nazi Austria to immigrate to the U.S. and settled in Vermont, and the family had a surprising second act in hospitality.

Georg von Trapp had seven children with his first wife, Agathe Whitehead, who died in 1922, and he and Maria added three more children to their brood after their marriage. The musical family of 12, who toured the world as the Trapp Family Singers, needed plenty of space for their new residence, and they purchased a farm in Stowe, Vermont in 1942. Sadly, Georg died of lung cancer at 67 in 1947. In the years that followed, the family turned their property into a rustic lodge, which Maria ran until her death at 82 in 1987.

Amazingly, the lodge, now known as von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, is still entirely owned and operated by the von Trapp family, and over 80 years after they first bought it, it remains a popular destination in Vermont. Read on to learn about the story of von Trapp Lodge and see how you can visit a real-life part of The Sound of Music.

From a run-down farmhouse to a sprawling ski lodge

The Vermont property that would become the von Trapp’s American residence was originally a dilapidated farmhouse—not exactly tourist material—but Maria was charmed by the land’s sweeping mountain views that felt reminiscent of the Austrian homeland they’d left behind.

Once the von Trapps bought the property, they set about rebuilding it, and by 1950, they opened their upgraded family home to the public as a 27-room ski lodge known as Trapp Family Lodge. The 1965 release of The Sound of Music kicked off a new wave of interest in the von Trapps, and in 1968, the lodge was expanded with 20 new rooms.

Maria von Trapp (seated) with her children (left to right): Johannes, Eleonore, Hedwig, Martina, Maria, Rosemarie and Werner, in 1950, the year Trapp Family Lodge opened
George Konig/Keystone Features/Getty

In 1980, after 30 years in business, Trapp Family Lodge was destroyed by a fire. Tragically, one of the guests staying in the hotel at the time was killed. The von Trapp family had already overcome their share of trauma, and having their hard-won American home and business burn down was devastating. Just as they’d done in previous years, they dedicated themselves to working through their hardship and coming out stronger, so they poured much time, effort and money into building a new lodge from the ground up. As Maria said after the disaster, “You just have to find out the will of God and do it.”

Three years after the fire, the fully rebuilt and expanded lodge opened its 73 rooms to the public in 1983. The Trapp Family Lodge stayed in the family following Maria’s death in 1987, and in 2000, a new wing was added to the building.

A snowy day at von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in 2020
Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty

The von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort today: Breweries, maple syrup farms, wagon rides and more

The last living von Trapp child, Johannes, now 87, still lives in the lodge part-time and helps run it, while his daughter, Kristina, serves as the manager along with her husband. Johannes’ son, Sam, also lives and works at the lodge. Amazingly, not only has the lodge been in the von Trapp family for decades, it’s also gotten bigger and better than ever as the years have gone by.

Last year, all the public spaces and guest rooms at the lodge were fully renovated, and the name was changed from Trapp Family Lodge to von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort to better reflect the impressive variety of activities and amenities now offered at the hotel. Today, von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort offers 96 rooms along with villas and guest house chalets on 2,600 acres of land. The decor and hospitality are influenced by the family’s Austrian heritage, and their motto is “A Little of Austria . . . A Lot of Vermont!”

The beer hall at von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in 2020
Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty

In addition to all that you’d expect to find at a historical hotel, the sprawling grounds of the lodge also feature a farm (in true Vermont fashion, they make their own maple syrup), ski trails, bike trails, wagon and sleigh rides, a brewery (producing traditional Austrian-style beers, of course) and much more, and it’s considered one of the most famous places in the quiet Vermont town of Stowe.

There are plenty of fun things to do at von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, but it’s more than just a tourist attraction. Today, the lodge stands as a powerful symbol of family history and resilience. Visitors can further immerse themselves in von Trapp lore by taking history tours (which often feature Q&As with Kristina or Sam), and family memorabilia is displayed throughout the lodge. Maria and Georg von Trapp are even buried in the family cemetery located on the grounds, and their spirit can be felt throughout the beautiful space they built. Vermont is filled with vacation spots, but few of them boast a backstory quite this captivating, and the lodge remains a multigenerational source of fascination.

Skiers at von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in 2020
Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty

What Is an Angel Family? Here’s What It Really Means

Carissa Mosness — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:56:41 +0000

President Donald Trump recently invited “Angel Families” to the White House to help them honor their lost loved ones. He also signed a proclamation declaring February 22 as National Angel Family Day. But what exactly is an Angel family? And how can you help these families in your community? We look into it all below.

What are Angel Families?

In recent years, the term Angel Family has been used to describe families who have lost a loved one in an act of violence committed by an undocumented migrant. The label is often used by some politicians and advocacy groups in the context of immigration debates, and not all bereaved families embrace or use it themselves.

One of the most prominent examples of this is the Riley family, who lost their daughter Laken on February 22, 2024. She was just 22 when she was killed while on a run near the University of Georgia, where she was studying nursing.

Riley’s family attended the White House event honoring Angel Families on Monday, February 23, and was acknowledged by the government in the official proclamation making February 22 National Angel Family Day.

“On the second anniversary of Laken Riley’s murder, we remember her kindness and the promise of her young life,” reads the White House proclamation from President Trump. “While nothing can undo the pain her family has suffered, I recommit to removing dangerous illegal alien criminals from our Nation to prevent such senseless tragedies from happening again.”

Allyson Phillips and President Donald Trump in 2026
Getty

Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, recognized this, saying in a speech, “If you’ve lived that nightmare that we have lived, you understand the importance of the job that he’s [President Trump] doing in securing our nation and fighting for our families—because this could be any family. This happened to my family. This could be anyone’s family. Lanken was the most responsible, hardworking, kind, selfless, beautiful Christian and she wasn’t someone who put herself in bad positions. She didn’t make bad choices. She was just a good girl, and she just wanted to go for a run that morning.”

Other families who lost loved ones in crimes attributed to undocumented immigrants and attended the Angel Family event included:

Steve Ronnebeck, whose 21‑year‑old son, Grant, was shot and killed in 2015
Laura Wilkerson, whose son Joshua was killed in 2010
Marie Vega, whose son Javier was killed in 2014
Jody Jones, whose brother Rocky was killed in 2018

How you can help Angel Families

Getty

To help Angel Families, consider donating or volunteering with nonprofit organizations that provide grief counseling, legal aid or financial support to crime victims’ families. You can also advocate for policies that advocate for victims of homicides by calling your representatives about expanding funding and counseling for families of those lost and ensuring faster access to mental health support and legal aid.

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‘Freedom Isn’t Free’: Memorial Day Quotes That Honor, Reflect & Inspire

Courtney Shapiro — Fri, 23 May 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Memorial Day often involves backyard barbecues, poolside gatherings and the realization that summer is right around the corner. But beyond the long weekend celebrations, it’s also a time to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military. One powerful way to honor their memory is by sharing words that express gratitude, patriotism and remembrance.

Observed on the last Monday of May (due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968), Memorial Day is a solemn occasion rooted in honoring fallen service members. It’s a moment to pause and recognize the cost of our freedoms. To help you express that sentiment, Woman’s World has curated more than 30 meaningful Memorial Day quotes that pay tribute to those who served with courage and conviction. Keep scrolling to find the words that best reflect the spirit of the holiday.

Memorial Day quotes about the holiday and the United States

“Land of the free because of the brave.” – Francis Scott Key
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis
“All gave some, some gave all.” – Billy Ray Cyrus
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices” – Harry S. Truman
“Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” – Douglas MacArthur
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”– John F. Kennedy
“As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation’s wars.”– John M. McHugh
“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one Nation, evermore!”– Oliver Wendell Holmes
“This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom.” – Tamra Bolton
“Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” – Adlai Stevenson II
“Our flag honors those who have sacrificed to protect it.”— Joe Barton

Memorial Day quotes honoring fallen soldiers and military members

Dorann Weber

“The legacy of brave men and women who have fought and died for their country is the freedom we enjoy as Americans.” – Lucien Adams
“The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” – Minot J. Savage
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown
“And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.” – Joseph Rodman Drake
“I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism.” – Bob Riley
“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay.” – Barack Obama
“We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them.” – Francis A. Walker
“May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.” – Sgt. Major Bill Paxton
“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” – John F. Kennedy
“They fell, but o’er their glorious grave / Floats free the banner of the cause they died to save.”— Francis Marion Crawford

Memorial Day quotes about military heroes

“Without a sign, his sword the brave man draws, and asks no omen, but his country’s cause. ” – Homer
“I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.” – Bob Dylan
“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” – G.K. Chesterton
“Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.” – Emily Dickinson
I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” – Nathan Hale
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”– Maya Angelou
”A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell.
“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.” – Benjamin Disraeli
Heroes never die. They live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who would follow in their footsteps.” – Emily Potter
“Heroism is not only in the man, but in the occasion.” – Calvin Coolidge
“Courage, above all things, is the first quality of a warrior.” – Carl von Clausewitz

Memorial Day quotes about freedom

“And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free and I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me.” – Lee Greenwood
“Freely we serve, because we freely love, as in our will to love or not; in this we stand or fall.” – John Milton
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”– Douglas MacArthur
“The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage.” – Carrie Jones
“May we think of freedom, not as the right to as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” – Peter Marshall
“Better to die fighting for freedom than be a prisoner all the days of your life.” – Bob Marley
“Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.” – Herbert Hoover
“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” — Thomas Paine