School's Out for Summer

First day of first grade and last day of first grade I officially have a second grader on my hands. It was no sooner apparent when opening his first grade report card and finding the supply list for next year attached. Oy. So here's to making the next 11 or so weeks of summer filled with memories (since those days will be gone before we know it!)  ...

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Reasons Mommy is Crying: June 12th, 2014

Sure kid, I didn't just clean the house or anything. Go ahead and bring those toys out to the living room, dump them, and walk away #toddlerlife #reasonsmommyiscryi...

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May Adventures: Here's What We Did Last Month

Here's our May report card :) 1. Bambino Buddy Ball started. E-man is in his third year and it's Bear's first. Bambino Buddy Ball is an amazing program for kids ages 5-20 who have disabilities that prevent them from playing on a typical baseball team. Our family really enjoys the Buddy Ball league, the coaches, and players and families.  2. My pre-ordered copy of The Honest Toddler finally arrived! I'm a big...

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The Day I Pledged to Stop Yelling At My Children

Mr Sunshine asked for a second bowl of cereal and I was happy to oblige. I poured his beloved Fruit Loops with organic milk and headed back to the table. Somehow, I lost my grip on the bowl and watched it, in slow motion, turn upside down and land all over the just swept floor. Loops scattered under the fridge and stove and milk splashed up the side of the cupboard. I was immediately frustrated with myself and dropped to my knees to figure...

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DIY: Creating a Box of Sunshine

Last month, I was visiting with a family member when I learned that a special young lady in our lives was having a bumpy go of it. I felt led to let her know in some way that we were thinking of her, praying for her, and just overall loving her from our neck of the woods. So hubs and I headed to Target to fill up a Box of Sunshine for this sweet little gal. If you've never made a box of sunshine, they're a real treat to put together. I was inspired...

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Sunday Morning Reader

 E-Man, reading the Sunday newspaper comi...

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Crochet Rose Chain Bracelet.

My mother in law's birthday was yesterday. Knowing she wears bracelets quite often, I decided to crochet a simple chain bracelet with a rose accent. I didn't follow a pattern for the bracelet, but it was quite easy, really. Although you could alter the bracelet and use whichever yarn and hook you desire, here's what I did: Materials Lion Brand Bonbons Yarn Aunt Lydia's Size 10 Crochet Thread (for the rose) US Sz F hook 1.65mm steel hook...

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Mom Wants 5 Minutes To Herself? No Way.

I remember the days of being able to shower without interruption. I had the choice to run the hot water completely from the tank if I wanted to! After kids, no more standing under the spray until my skin was pruned. With each child, the length of time I spent in the actual bathroom (let alone the shower) was lessened greatly. As a mother of three with seven and a half years of practice under my belt. I can now hop in, wash my hair, face, and...

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Geneaology: How Do You Find Your Ancestors When You Don't Know Who You're Looking For?

me on the right, with my not-biologically-related cousins In grade school, I was the kid with the pretend family tree. Sort of. I would get stressed when the teacher handed out those cute little worksheets with a tree and branches and ask her students to begin entering the names of family members. I'd start with my name in the middle. Then I'd put my mom's name on the appropriate branch. Then the stress would start. I had a loving like-a-dad-step-dad...

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Spring/Summer Bucket List: Area Parks and Playgrounds

It's all about perspective when the kids are home from spring break. They go stir crazy if they don't have some variety. I am not one to schedule their every waking minute; I don't believe in overstimulating kids. Instead, I give them ample free play but plenty of options for other activities if they so choose. I am not a cruise director despite how much my Pinterest board pressures me. However, I do recognize when the kids are about to throttle...

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Review: February Kiwi Crate "Around the World" Part Two

I had to break our Kiwi Crate Review into two posts because we spent too much time on the second project, I forgot to take pictures of the kids playing with it! It's not that the second activity took so long because it was hard or difficult, it was because the kids kept playing the game over and over and over. They LOVED it. If you didn't see my first Kiwi Crate review post, I'll give you a little refresher We opened the box and it came with...

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Etsy Best Bets: Mother's Day Gifts

Mother's Day will be upon us soon (Sunday, May 11th, 2014 for those not in the know). It's the day where you get to show Mom just exactly how much you appreciate and love her. Mostly, you could do that through actions and words but a little gift doesn't hurt to sweeten the pot. ;)   I've combed through some of my favorite Etsy items to bring you a gift list for the Mom in your life. Whether she's a book lover, a fitness guru, the...

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