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…

You know you’re from a big family when…

When dining at new restaurants you tell the hostess the size of your party and also quickly add, "yes, we can sit at two tables". People truly believe that they could just drop off their child at your home and you wouldn’t even notice! It becomes an opening statement in new play dates. You have… Continue reading You know you’re from a big family when…

When kids are cruel.

What happens when your child's adoption isn’t celebrated by classmates and friends? How do we handle bullying and teasing, and when does it cross the line? There have been times I just want to lock my kids away from the world or head over to another parents home, knock on their door and say “What are… Continue reading When kids are cruel.

Can we make mismatched gloves a thing- please?

  Ok parents- you remember when your little one was really little and you dressed them up just so? They were all matching and coordinated in their overalls or tutus and everyone would “Oooo” and “Ahhh” over every little detail? You even bought the socks that resembled ballet slippers or sneakers. Then you would ever… Continue reading Can we make mismatched gloves a thing- please?

Movin’ Mountains

I see you! Busy with your piles- whatever they may be. Today mine was laundry! This is my reoccurring mountain but not all of them are. Sometimes it’s a strict work deadline that seems impossible; maybe it’s a houseful of floors to mop. Maybe it’s cleaning the floor behind your toilets (UGH!) or making your… Continue reading Movin’ Mountains

Love Letters

Here we are. Minus the dog and my husband and I. But most of my whole world in one picture. Some of us are adopted, some of us aren't and it does matter. Not which ones are which matters, but the stories we all brought to our home are different. That's what makes us, us. And… Continue reading Love Letters