Last year I thought I’d write a blog post all about the adventures the girls would have when they turned 6, and I’d title it “Now We Are 6” like the A. A. Milne book. But that didn’t happen. Instead, this year I’ll look back at six full years of raising twins. We have all grown so much in such a short amount of time. So now we are 7. 7 years of enjoying life and the blessings that come with ...
Tips for Parenting a Shy Child
In one family, you’ll find that no two children are alike. When I was young, my best friend’s mom frequently referred to my BFF as “the grownup of the house”. While her brother was strategically tying up our stuffed animals for ransom money, my bestie would be pointing out to her mom all the ways her brother was breaking the expected norms. Not in the same language, of course. But one thing that I ...
Raising Adventurous Children
Peeking in on my babies while they sleep, I wonder at what adventures they’re having in their dreams. Some parents want to give their kids everything that money can buy, and that’s great. For me, I want to give my kids a joyful childhood filled with the experiences that dance in their memories while they sleep. We’re raising adventurous children one exciting day at a time. 7 Things ...
Face your Credit Score with Confidence and Come Out a Winner
Thank you CreditRepair.com for sponsoring this post. CreditRepair.com’s team understands that a credit score is not just a number; it's a lifestyle.Let’s talk credit scores. Without getting into details, of course. Because isn’t your personal credit score such a private thing? People only share their credit score if they have something to brag about, which leaves the rest of us feeling a little ...
It’s Possible to Enjoy a Budget-Friendly (and Healthier!) Family Trip to Chuck E. Cheese
This post is sponsored by Caulipower but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.It’s been a while since we’ve been to Chuck E. Cheese. Have you visited lately? My friends, it has changed SO much in the last few years! We took the crew there on a family outing, and found out that it’s possible to stick to a budget AND find healthy dining options at Chuck E. Cheese.During a ...
Best Early Access Deals for Amazon Prime Day 2019
My favorite shopping season isn’t Black Friday, it’s Amazon Prime Day. What is Prime Day, you ask? It's a massive annual event on Amazon with savings and deals just for Amazon Prime members. Every year I tell myself I’m going to rock those Amazon Prime Day deals, but I usually end up aimlessly clicking around and missing out on all the good stuff. Not anymore, my friends. I’ve done a good amount ...
Toy Story 4 Activities and Coloring Pages
You guys, the Pixar movie from our childhoods has a new sequel and it is all you dreamed it would be. I mean, how could it not be great when one of the starring characters is a spork! Hurry up and print out these Toy Story 4 activities and coloring pages so you can savor every joyful moment of the movie once you get home.Toy Story 4 Coloring PagesParents and kids will all enjoy ...
Losing Teeth and Other Signs of Growing Up
I remember, about 6 years ago, the twins started crawling. They had a whole world literally at their fingertips and the entertainment possibilities were endless. For small moments of their day, as they fearlessly roamed our apartment, Mommy was off the hook. I felt all those things that moms feel whenever their kids reach new stages in development: Overwhelming joy at this new tiny bit of ...
Taking your Outdoor Entertainment to the Next Level
The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.Who else loves backyard gatherings? Every time I go to a friend's barbecue I start getting the itch to host my own get-together. Of course, when you have people over you have to make sure that your outdoor entertainment space is up to par. I've been getting ...
Summertime Beach Essentials and Packing List
Nothing quite says “summer time” like a day at the beach. When you have the whole day ahead of you and nothing planned except to lie in the sun or splash in the waves… That’s a good summer day. Back when I was young and carefree I would just grab a towel and head for the ocean with my friends. Now that I have kids (and a strong desire to avoid skin cancer), I put a little more preparation into ...