Luke Dawson, also known as Lukey or Lukey-Duke turned eight Wednesday. Eight! Can we just pause and reflect on that information?My BABY is EIGHT. Yes, knowing my youngest is eight does make me freak out a little. Having an eight and eleven year old seems to catapult me into a whole different ...
Parenting
When Your Daughter Turns Eleven
When your daughter turns eleven, you look at her and squint because you're starting to lose the picture of the little girl she was and an entirely different person is coming into focus. When your daughter turns eleven, you can only shrug because you realize she is acting just like you acted at her ...
What I Really Want My Kids to Learn in School This Year
Another First Day of School is here. The kids are off, nervous and excited. They left me at home, in a house that hasn't been quiet in three months. It's bittersweet, really. I get my work days back, without the inevitable distractions that come when I try to cram my working time and momming ...
Summer Planner for Kids (Free Printable)
Summer days can be fun AND have some structure. Get your Summer Planner for kids--it's a FREE printable! Schooooools out for summer!! Here we go again. Summer is here and as a work-at-home mom who doesn't have any childcare, I have to figure out how to make our days somewhat structured, but ...
Create Your Summer Bucket List (Free Printable!)
Are you ready for summer? Use this cute, free printable to make your Summer Bucket List! Wow! I can't believe another school year has flown by. Look at these two! It seems like yesterday and I was snapping these "first day of school pics" I know, I know. Those are two of the most cliché ...
Wildflower Sensory Activity
Help your kids get outside and enjoy nature with this simple wildflower sensory activity! In our screen-addicted society, it worries me that kids are getting farther and farther away from appreciating nature. I don't remember anyone ever telling me to go play outside when I was growing up. If ...
To Luke on his 7th Birthday
Dear Luke Dawson, You are 7 today! I can hardly believe it. I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday, when you came fast and furious into this world. I want you to know how very proud of you Daddy and I are. You are different than any kid I've ever known and I just know you are ...
Meet Dingle, the Original Elf on the Shelf
Do you have an Elf on the Shelf? How do you feel about him? Does he bring stress to your house? Or joy? Both? I think it's time I introduced you to someone. Meet Dingle. This is the original Elf on the Shelf. Dingle existed long before the Elf on the Shelf commercial racket, as Charlie ...
20 Dinner Time Questions to Get Your Kids Talking
Dinnertime conversations are powerful. Use these 20 dinner time questions to get your kids talking! The research is clear that one simple thing can have profound impact on children and teens: the family dinner. Kids who eat dinner together at least five nights a week with their family are more ...
Because I Can’t Sleep with Two People at the Same Time
When you're pregnant for the first time, people tell you, "Your sleep will never be the same," and you think you know what they mean. You think that once you're given this insight, you can prepare yourself for this change in your sleep life. But the truth is, there's no way you can ever ...
Why I think I’m Going to Like Having a 9 Year Old
This little girl is nine years old today. Nine! Isn't it a surreal thing, watching your own children grow up? The years pass by quickly, yet we don't see the changes in our day to day life. One day, you just wake up and realize the little girl who loved princesses and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is ...
If Mama Ain’t Healthy, Ain’t Nobody Happy
We've all seen her. The mom who would do anything for her family. The mom who would give her everything to help her family be the happiest and healthiest they can be. The mom who is giving her everything for that goal. Literally, she is giving it all. And leaving nothing for herself.She's the ...