So Tired of Washing Glasses

I grew so weary of having four kids and 6 to 7 glasses on tables with no one to claim them. The kids could never remember whose glass was whose. The solution was to get another glass. Now, I ask you, why would a family of 6 have 10 glasses to wash at the end of the night? I developed my own solution. I purchased disposable cups. In a moment of weakness, I thought that would solve all the cups around the house. It did cut down on glasses but now I had disposable cups all over the place. Each … Continue reading →

Have Fun this Summer

I never put together a summer bucket list. I saw blogs filled with printables and ideas for a bucket list and just pushed the idea aside. I quietly envied those with the freedom for a bucket list but figured I would never have the time. It was summer and that meant it was my time to get some projects completed and work on building up my graphic design business again. My business partner and I have a list a mile long of how we will run our business and what services we would offer. Most of June has consisted of … Continue reading →

Cedar Point and Your Preschooler

Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio, is normally associated with heart pumping rides and the thrill of going upside down at 70 miles an hour only to endure a drop that makes the hair on your arms stand on end. That is hardly the experience you want your preschooler to endure. It may surprise you to learn that Cedar Point is not only fun for adults and older kids but for preschoolers as well. It is one of the best family fun parks around! Top Seven Things to Love About Cedar Point for Preschoolers My mini thrill seeker spent her … Continue reading →

Movie Night: Monsters University

My two older children loved watching Monsters Inc., so naturally I introduced my younger child to the movie. As I expected they also loved it. When Monsters University came out I could not wait to bring my two little girls to see it. I love memories of movie night. The movie opened last Friday but where we live movie tickets on Monday are only $5.00 so we waited. When movie day arrived we were all super excited to get to the theater. Upon arrival it was clear that most waited until the cheap ticket day to see the movie. The … Continue reading →

Birthday Math

Math lessons are fun for little ones when you use fun and different math manipulatives. I found inspiration when I was at a party store recently. I decided to do a unit study on birthdays and use candles as a math manipulative. Supplies: Purchase the number candles 0-9. You may want to get an extra zero to make 100. Purchase a package of regular birthday candles in different colors but the same amount for each adding up to 100. Cupcake liners Styrofoam to make a birthday “cake”. Decorate as you see fit. Lessons: Have your child put the number candles … Continue reading →

Natural Treatments for Mosquito Bites

It’s mosquito season and already they are out in full force. My son recently went camping and came home with over 40 bites. I thought he forgot his bug spray but claimed to have sprayed it daily. The bites didn’t seem to bother him too much but I had about five on my ankle and the itch was driving me batty. Since, I try to be as chemical free as possible and I have smaller children who I don’t want sprayed chemicals, I decided to use myself as an experiment. It was too late for my teen or I to … Continue reading →

Top 5 Favorite Toys

Toys come and go but some are classics that stick around whether you want them to or not. Sometimes the simple toys are the ones that all the kids like. After having four kids there are a few staples that all the kids enjoyed. I get a little tired of buying toy phones and cans of Play Doh but each child should get their chance to play with some of the classics. I will never quite understand how my children are so attracted to a toy phone since I cannot stand talking on the phone. But, I must admit I … Continue reading →

A Tote for All Seasons

I am a sucker for a good tote bag. I love stuffing things in a tote and carrying it all with me. I keep a tote in my car to fill with items for field trips, groceries, extra clothes, or blankets during the winter. I struggled with totes that were flimsy or small until I found the Large Utility Tote from Thirty-One. On the day I took this picture my Large Utility Tote helped my daughter carry all her art supplies to the park for a fun arts and crafts day. The tote works full time in my home so … Continue reading →

New Apologia Picture Book

Product: How do we know God is really there? by: Melissa Cain Travis Type of Product: Picture book Publisher: Apologia Cost: $16.00 Sample: Click for a sample and to order. Summary: Thomas and his father escape to their backyard tree house most evenings to watch the night sky through a telescope. Thomas is dazzled by what he sees of God’s creation, but he has questions. “Dad, how do we know God is out there?” he asks one night. “I know the Bible says He’s there. But how do we really know that’s true?” Together, Thomas and his father begin to … Continue reading →

Need a Boost of Valor, Moms?

When we think of “acts of valor” images of soldiers emerging victorious from the battle field come to mind. While we may not face enemies on a literal battle field, as moms we face battles of our own. From a child who has to be told not to touch the TV about fifty times a day to chicken that refuses to defrost by dinner, we continue to fight with an apron tied tight while balancing a laundry basket on our heads. We refuse to give up on our families, homes, and children. It takes courage to be a mom. But … Continue reading →