With one kiddo in his last year of elementary and one starting his first year of middle school, there is one thing that is certain to come in piles this school year – HOMEWORK. Last night, we had the first homework assignments that didn’t involve me filling out the exact same paperwork I’ve done…

  This week, like much of the country, we have been transfixed on watching news footage out of Texas, in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, with the immense flooding and devastation and the resulting heroic rescues. In a world where there is so much ugliness in the media, it’s nice to show my kids the…

Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Staples. All opinions are our own. First day pictures are popping up all over and parents are scrambling to get all of their students’ last minute back-to-school needs fulfilled! Kids want the hottest trends to express their personal style and personality, while parents want to…

How often do we take the time to do something “just because”? Most days, we are so focused on what our commitments and responsibilities that we don’t have much leftover for doing things for no particular reason. August 27th is Just Because Day and it’s the perfect excuse to spread a little kindness and love,…

  With back-to-school season in full swing, parents everywhere are working hard to get their kids ready for a successful school year. There is so much to think about, including helping kids feel excited and confident about heading back to school, filling their backpacks with the necessities for success, and starting the transition back to…

Extra curricular activities and sports are so important for kids, in my opinion. Looking back on my childhood, I made some of the best friends of my life and learned valuable lessons through activities like dance, swim, and cheerleading. I have been watching my middle schooler enjoying the amazing benefits of participating on a swim…

Back-to-school time can be hectic – adjusting to new schedules full of early mornings and after-school activities. It’s easy to simplify the transition with some innovative ideas that start in the frozen and dairy aisles of your local grocery. A stocked fridge and freezer full of nutritious breakfast options, easy after-school snacks, and quick family…

  Everyone is buzzing with anticipation of the upcoming solar eclipse! We are really excited about taking in this rare event and watching together as a family. As we make our plans, I wanted to share some of the things that I have learned as I’ve been researching the best ways to enjoy a solar…

For parents, there are so many questions when it comes to potty training. How do I know when it’s time to start?  What do I do if it isn’t working? How can I keep this fun for both of us? Potty training is a unique experience for every parent and child, so we’ve partnered with…

Everyone loves a good “Happily Ever After” tale. These stories are where dreams are born and are even more enjoyable when the tale is based completely in reality. In an upcoming release from Zondervan Publishing, you can read one of those inspirational tales – and with a wonderful Disney twist! As a 30-year Disney veteran…

This afternoon, my kids are packing up and heading on a camping trip with some friends and I will have 48 glorious hours, child-free. While I love my children with everything I have and appreciate that I have a job that affords me the freedom to be home with them all summer long, let’s face…

Summer traditions are important in our family. There are a number of things that we make sure to make time for each year and I love looking back at photos of years past to see how much the kids have grown. One of these traditions is our annual visit to the state fair. Yes, these…

Summer is typically a time for being a little lazy – sleeping in, vegging out in front of screens, and overall having a relaxing time during hot, humid days. For us, it’s also one of our big sports seasons, with swim practices and meets taking over most of our evenings. With a child who wants…

  Though we’re still enjoying the hot, sunny days of summer, we’re ready to start thinking about the cooler days of fall! Autumn is a great time to travel, especially to Walt Disney World Resort! From the gorgeous weather to the awe-inspiring seasonal décor and celebrations like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Epcot International Food and…

Making the right choices for our children, especially when they are babies, is something that weighs on parents daily. We sometimes are handed unsolicited advice from well-meaning friends and family, leaving us more confused and worried that we’re doing the right thing. Parent’s Choice wants you to know that your choice matters. Available exclusively at…

It’s National Ice Cream Month and we’re excited to celebrate with ice cream made with Real California Milk! There’s always a room for ice cream any time of the day, from special breakfast treats to delicious and decadent desserts. Real California Milk has lots of great inspiration to help you incorporate this cool, tasty treat…

  Compassion and kindness are lessons that I have worked to teach my children since they were very young. As they grew, I began incorporating lessons about giving back, as well. As a parent, I want to raise responsible people who look out for those who are less fortunate or need a helping hand. I…

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.All opinions are our own. Nothing says summer like a day spent on the beach! As we live in a coastal resort area, making beach days easy is an absolute necessity, but it can be tough to decide what to pack for the beach. Over the years, we have refined…

I can’t believe how quickly the summer season is flying by! In just a couple short weeks, the 4th of July will be upon us and it’s time to start making plans! While it’s always fun to attend community parades, celebrations, and fireworks displays, sometimes you just want a nice, laid back 4th at home…

Play is more than just a way for kids to be entertained and have some fun. Play is an important part of development for children and The Genius of Play™, a movement spearheaded by The Toy Association™, wants everyone to understand its importance.  The Genius of Play champions work to spread awareness of the important…

Summer’s here! Kids are home and on vacation from school. However, none of us are on vacation from life. There are still chores to be done and tasks to be completed. Often, the household chores take even more work than usual with everyone around so much. That means everyone has to chip in and help…