Memorial Day is the gateway to summer and it conjures up images of picnics, barbecues and parades. Originally the holiday was charged with deeper meaning and it was called Decoration Day - a day of remembrance for those who died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of…

5 LOVE LANGUAGES

So, these days everyone seems to have heard about the 5 love languages written about by Gary Chapman. I think I was actually one of the last people in America to come across his ideas. In fact, I still haven’t read the book—just perused and made use of his website. In case you are like me and not up on all this lingo, let me give a quick summary. Chapman’s idea is that we all give, receive, and recognize love differently. He gives us the 5 love languages (words of…

Early Learning Planet

The first time my son lied to me I was like, "Oh boy, here we go!"  It had begun.  He had discovered the art of not telling the truth.  His recent lie happened yesterday.

He came into the living room, after waking up, holding his stomach and saying, "My belly hurts. I have to stay home from school today."  I knew something smelled fishy, but I played along.  "Oh no!  If your belly…

Many new dads don’t know what to expect during the labor and delivery process, especially, if they are a first time dad.  If you have ever seen a tv show or movie that shows a woman giving birth, let me assure you that most labors don’t look anything like what you have seen on television.  A woman typically labors for many hours before she is ready to deliver her baby and it…

Here is my latest post where we explore how pure, food-grade aloe vera might improve some of the challenges associated with Austim Spectrum Disorders. Please share on your social media networks as so many Autism moms are always searching for help for their kids.

Thanks!

Could Aloe Vera Help in Autism Spectrum Disorders?

With five dogs in the city sometimes it's not so easy to get them all walked every day... who am I kidding? I never get them all walked every day. So when the early morning rolls around and dogs are moving - it's time to get them outside quickly. …

Inspired by several recent blogs I've read - I was in the mood for some new artwork for my home. So I did what I always do - search craigslist. And BOOM the second image was a listing for 4 frame prints of Paris landmarks by french artist J.…

When my husband and I were in Las Vegas recently for our wedding anniversary, what we wanted most was a day by the pool. We picked Mandalay Bay because we heard it had a good pool and it turned out to be true. In the morning we laid out on lounge chairs and floated in the wave pool. After lunch we thought about…

It's been a crazily long time since I blogged here... and I am feeling guilty.  In fact, so guilty I am scared I'll be rejected...

Though please don't - I am nice really!

However, it has been a crazy time too.  If I'm honest, probably the worst couple of years of my life.  Not that you need to know about those.

And also the best too.  

I have now published a novel, and I am really excited.  You can follow links to find it if you so wish (it is warm and funny and…

My eldest son's flatmate played a (not very funny) practical joke on him this week - he hid something which my son then frantically hunted for, not understanding how it could not be where he had left it.

When I saw him later that day he was distraught about his "loss" - so I offered to take his keys and look for it for him.…

It's an Indian Summer, Native American summer? Is that a thing? here for sure. Hot hot heat and  unbearable humidity. Well hello, Ohio...you've surely skipped spring. Fortunately  the heat and the small children give me a free pass to frolic in the hose like an overgrown hillbilly in a retro bikini (I'm sure Mod Cloth had an entirely different image for their product), but since the only beach in southern Ohio belongs to the muddy, chemical dump...a.k.a the  Ohio river, I'll take the…

Once upon on time I knew I could fly. If I closed my eyes,wished hard enough, and said the magic words, I could fly. I knew because Anton told me I could.

Once upon a time, I knew I'd be the best prima ballerina, an Oscar winning actress and a millionaire. I knew I could do it, because Anton told me I would.

When we were young, my uncle Anton was my life coach, my playmate, my teacher, my inspiration and my partner in crime. He assumed in the most nonchalant…

For many parents, separation anxiety is a big concern - you know, the behaviour which involves the child clinging on to you and refusing to let go? Okay, maybe that's dramatizing it, but that's exactly what it feels like when you are trying to take a shower or eat dinner. Little Dude has spent most of his time with me, and I am what you can call an advocate of natural/attachment parenting, so he definitely has separation anxiety. I'm just waiting for him to grow out of it, simply…

10 FREE Things You Can Do to Keep Your Kids Entertained and Active This Summer

School is out!  How will you keep your kids physically active this summer?  

Camps can help keep kids physically active and kids love camps but they can be very expensive.  I have scheduled a couple of camps for my kids and they were over $200 for 1 week of 1/2 days!  Ouch.

Create Your Own Camp

Block out one hour per…

Designer Spotlight: Vanessa Mooney Eclectic Designs by Vanessa Mooney Sale ends 06/04 

Rarely do we find style with as much soul as these entrancing new looks by Vanessa Mooney, fashion artiste and Hollywood Rebel. From intricately carved, earthy metals to bursts of turquoise to iridescent shadows, this is one collection we couldn't wait to get our hands on.…

Could you feed your children on one dollar per child per meal?

I know it would be a struggle in my home with five kids and a husband. But millions of American parents may have to tell their kids “there’s nothing to eat tonight.” In this land of plenty, it's hard to believe this could happen.

Here’s a little background:

• Last week both the House and…

Yesterday was Camryn's first birthday. I can't believe I made it through a year of parenting! I feel so accomplished. If anyone had told me how hard it truly is I may have thought twice. We had therapy yesterday and celebrated her birthday there and after we took her to my husbands office to show her off. I can't believe we've been going to therapy for almost a year. We started when Camryn was only 2 weeks old. At this point I feel like her therapists are part of our extended family. Today,…