(Not So) Tall Tale Tuesday: Bringing Joy in the Midst of Sorrow

Today’s (Not So) Tall Tale Tuesday prompt: Write about a childhood memory that changed your perspective. I could probably write quite a few stories about childhood memories that changed my perspective but for now, I’m going to go back to a memory from a long, long time ago that I barely even remember. I amContinueContinue reading “(Not So) Tall Tale Tuesday: Bringing Joy in the Midst of Sorrow”

My Dad turns 60

Growing up, and even in the recent past, my mom has told me, “You are just like your Dad….” Man, what a compliment. My Dad is one of my heroes.  It’s no secret that I adore him.  I’m proud of his accomplishments throughout his career, but I’m even more proud of the man he isContinueContinue reading “My Dad turns 60”

Solution Sunday: You’re Grounded Chore Chart

In the words of my Grammy, “I don’t want to sound like I’m airing my dirty laundry,” but we’ve been having some behavior issues around here and problems not minding the first time, etc., etc., etc…. And a while back I saw a few Pinterest posts that had some ideas for grounding, including a “Congratulations,ContinueContinue reading “Solution Sunday: You’re Grounded Chore Chart”

Photo Friday: Mr. Chairman, My Dad

My dad doesn’t often read this. And it’s a good thing because he’s a very humble man and may not approve of me bragging on him so much. However, I’m going to brag about him anyway. Last night he was “inaugurated” as the Chairman (equivalent of President) of the Mason Contractors of America (MCAA). He’sContinueContinue reading “Photo Friday: Mr. Chairman, My Dad”

(Not so) Tall Tale Tuesday: What Makes a Great Mom

Today’s prompt for (Not so) Tall Tale Tuesday is: Write about the woman who has had the greatest impact on your life. This didn’t take more than a few seconds for me to know exactly who I’d write about- my Mom. We’d both freely admit that we don’t always agree about everything- far from it.ContinueContinue reading “(Not so) Tall Tale Tuesday: What Makes a Great Mom”

Mommy Review Monday: Big Block Singsong

I can’t take credit for finding this group because Garen introduced this lovely group to me. If you’re like me, you quickly get tired of kids music. Enter Big Block Singsong.Pros:They will crack you up with their off-the-wall lyrics. This may be helpful if you’re ever in the car with everyone yelling at each other….notContinueContinue reading “Mommy Review Monday: Big Block Singsong”

Photo Friday: New England Favs

Here are a few from our girls’ trip to New England- Newport, Boston, and Salem.  There’s MUCH more content to come, including our itinerary, but these are some of my favorites, not just because of the quality but because of the memories.  House of Seven Gables…can I be honest and say I don’t remember theContinueContinue reading “Photo Friday: New England Favs”

Photo Friday: Prepping for Pinewood Derby 

Garen, Will, and Dad (AKA YaYa-yes, we know that is actually grandma in another language but Will called him that as a baby and it stuck) worked hard on Will’s pinewood derby car last Saturday. Garen got some great photos for me to share.  I love that they get the opportunity to spend time inContinueContinue reading “Photo Friday: Prepping for Pinewood Derby “

Photo Friday: Six Flags Holiday in the Park

Last Friday was Will and Anna’s last day of school for the holidays. We celebrated with another trip to Six Flags Holiday in the Park.  We have season tickets and also bought the meal pass, so we always eat there too. (I did the math and if we eat there four times, we’ve paid forContinueContinue reading “Photo Friday: Six Flags Holiday in the Park”

Water Babies 

We took Clara and Kate to my cousins’ annual Fourth of July swim party today.  It was their first time swimming.    True to their personalities, Clara immediately loved it, kicking and splashing.    Kate was reserved at first but loved it as she got used to it.    Swimming with our water babies andContinueContinue reading “Water Babies “