… when it’s not our story to tell.

For all the stories I have to share there are a million more that you will never get to hear. I don’t think of myself as an extremely private person, and since all of my children are now adopted, I am not necessarily bound by the guidelines of foster care right now, so there is… Continue reading … when it’s not our story to tell.

The North Pole is COLD. And other revelations brought on by the kids.

About 5 years ago, a good friend of mine invited me and the younger half to the North Pole (the NY edition of course). There is a tiny theme park filled with loads of nostalgic rides and SANTA but you know what else I learned about the good ole North Pole. It’s cold. Really... the… Continue reading The North Pole is COLD. And other revelations brought on by the kids.

The year that even the dog left us…

It was the most wonderful (crazy, chaotic) time of the year… -Our youngest was turning 5 -We had just gained four new family members ages 1, 3, 6, and 7 -Thanksgiving and Christmas were just around the corner So what else could we worry about? There was so much on our plates…the “to-do” list was… Continue reading The year that even the dog left us…

Peace, quiet, and COFFEE.

I got up this morning and I just wanted to drink my coffee in silence on the couch. The truth is, that reality might be at least 10 more years away for me before it can happen without any major disruptions. I know that, but I still think about it every morning. The idea of how inviting… Continue reading Peace, quiet, and COFFEE.

“He knows where we live this year!”

Sometimes right in the middle of a low point, you realize how much lower it could really be. Foster care has grown Bob and I in ways we never thought possible. We have been forever changed in areas of our lives that we didn’t even know were broken and our family has been humbled to… Continue reading “He knows where we live this year!”

A Christmas Eve Story…for your December Eve night…

Let me tell you a story…it started out as all ill-fated plans usually do- Bob and I tried to do something nice for the kids. A very kind neighbor mentioned that Santa would be coming to a party on Christmas Eve at his house and thought we might like him to stop by our home on his… Continue reading A Christmas Eve Story…for your December Eve night…

The importance of a well-built village.

Bob and I have been working on rental properties for a few years now, it’s something we really take pride in and it’s something we try to include our children in as much as possible. Often when we get stuck on something that (even after watching some YouTube videos) still can’t be figured out, we… Continue reading The importance of a well-built village.

Black Friday, Cyber Monday… put that shriveled credit card away! -15 (cheap) kids gifts for Christmas

Coupons for Time, Tasks, or “get out of chores free” Sleigh riding hill- pre packed down and ready to go- make a flyer for your fabulous hill and wrap it in a box! Make them a scrap book page in a shadow box with photos of your favorite memories this year Bake stuff. Make brownies… Continue reading Black Friday, Cyber Monday… put that shriveled credit card away! -15 (cheap) kids gifts for Christmas

Monday like a Rock Star! Charts and ClipArt Save the Day!

Are you feeling like I am after a long holiday weekend? Not quite sure if you’ll ever be able to take on another week? Have you lost your kids lunch box, possibly even there entire book bag and you are dreading that alarm clock tomorrow morning that will remind you that those items are missing??… Continue reading Monday like a Rock Star! Charts and ClipArt Save the Day!

A Thanksgiving by any other name is Tuesday night…

“Line up the plates.” Nearly every night that is how anyone within kitchen distance knows that dinner is done. Every meal is a production. Ten or more plates are lined up across our counters and food is placed on each- then each kid makes their way to the table- most of the time I get… Continue reading A Thanksgiving by any other name is Tuesday night…