Category Archives: Family

Dec14

Feed The Birds

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Feed The Birds

Hello! For as long as I can remember, my dad has had a fondness for filling the bird feeders in our yard every morning. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail he is out there being a modern day Saint Francis and is essentially the Postal Service of bird feeding. We all have a morning routine and this is his and I think it is truly awesome. My dad loves nature and takes time every day to appreciate and nurture it and that is something that we can all learn from. To take the time out of your day to do an activity you really enjoy. Once the bird feeders have been filled, we simply sit back and enjoy my dad’s good deed because nature puts on a show afterwards!

Before my dad has even stepped foot inside after his morning routine is complete, a full fledged feeding frenzy follows and we can see it all perfectly. My dad has expertly placed the feeders so we have a view of them from the windows and we love to bird watch together. Not only does my dad care for these birds but he knows so much about them too. He is always teaching me the names of unfamiliar ones and tailors the bird food options specific to the native birds in the area as well as the ones that have visited briefly and he would like to see again. It’s fascinating to listen to as we gaze out of the nature window in awe.

It’s exciting to see the guests that come to the feeders but my favorite has always been the Cardinal. My mom always says that when you see a red bird, then it’s a good day and I think of that sentiment every time I see one. And, although I am not a fan of winter, there is nothing better than seeing a beautiful Cardinal against the freshly fallen snow. We have also recently had several species of Woodpeckers stop by and they are so striking too! There have been at least three different kinds and my dad has told me all of the names before but I may or may not have forgotten. That’s okay, though, because I know my dad will bring me back up to speed the next time we take a peek through the nature window together. ❤

No matter the weather, my dad’s happiest place to be is in the yard tending to his plants and wildlife friends. He is best wildlife warrior around!

What is your favorite outdoor activity? Do you have bird feeders in your yard? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov26

What To Do When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Health Problems

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What To Do When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Health Problems

It’s completely normal to be worried about your child’s health problems. After all, you love them and want the best for them. But what should you do if you find yourself in this position? What action should you take? This issue comes up more than you might think. Many parents go into meltdown when something goes wrong with their child’s health, no matter how minor it might seem on the surface. Fortunately, we’ve written this guide to help. It runs through some of the tactics you can use to be your best to help your kiddo:

Trust Your Gut:

One of the best things you can do as a parent in this position is trust your gut. Accepting what’s happening and then trying to get to a solution is essential. Usually, you’ll know if something is seriously wrong or not. What’s more, as a parent, you know your child. You understand what’s normal behavior for them, and what isn’t, so your senses are attuned to theirs.

Track Their Symptoms:

It’s a good idea to track their symptoms. You want to know how they’re evolving over time. If you can figure out when it started and then measure the severity, you’re often in a good position to know how long it will take them to recover and what’s wrong. Tracking symptoms is also going to be so helpful when you take your child to the doctor so they will have a full history of the problem.

Check For Red Flags:

Red flag situations are when it is essential to take action. For example, things like a high fever or persistent vomiting: these are signs that something might be seriously wrong. You might also notice things like not responding to sound. Perhaps they need to go to the audiologist for grommets or hearing aids. Seizures and extreme lethargy or not waking properly are all red flag signs too. Get help immediately.

Call the Pediatrician:

If you encounter something you haven’t seen before or symptoms seem worse than usual, getting on the phone with the pediatrician is a good idea. They can provide advice on what to do next, including whether or not to go to hospital.

Provide Comfort:

Sometimes, just providing your child with some comfort can have a profound effect on their well-being. Their bodies are highly tuned to their surroundings. Even skin-on-skin contact, which seems quite simple, can have a huge effect. You can also do things like bring them their comfort items or put them in a room that feels safe to them. These small changes may improve their health.

Ask “Dumb” Questions:

Lastly, if you do go to the doctor with them, don’t be afraid to ask dumb questions. The more of these you pose, the more likely you are to understand what’s happening in the future if something similar happens again. Every question you have is worth asking and your child’s appointment is the time to do so.

Any health concern for your child can be scary. Keep a level head, find a solution with the doctor, and do your best to accommodate!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Oct19

Holiday Shopping For The Kiddos

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Holiday Shopping For The Kiddos

Hello! Johnny and I are the fun aunt and uncle to five amazing kiddos and it’s always so exciting to celebrate the holiday season together. I am pleased to report that I have put a decent dent in my Christmas shopping and like to think of myself as an excellent gift giver. However, with several holidays as an aunt under my belt, even I admit that I need some inspiration now and then for children’s gifts. There are seemingly endless options of adorable things and it can be hard to narrow it down! Let’s explore a few ideas to get that gift inspo flowing for the littles in your life:

First and Foremost:

Honestly, one of the best things you can do is simply ask the parents lol. This might sound lazy but it’s so true and you can be sure that you are getting exactly what is needed and wanted. It could be clothing in a certain size, a particular toy they have their eye on, or a couple packs of supplies like diapers and wipes. The last thing parents need is more clutter like yet another package of play food or making trips to return or exchange presents. If you are unsure – just ask!

Gifts of Experience:

Speaking of clutter, the resounding theme I have heard this year from my parent friends is wanting gifts of experience for their children. This is a fabulous way to make memories and have cherished quality time. It could be a trip to the zoo or aquarium, purchasing lessons for swimming or theater, or tickets to a movie or live show. Several beloved children’s programs like Paw Patrol, The Wiggles, and Gabby’s Dollhouse have theater performances that super fan kiddos will love. Lots of local theaters also have performances of The Grinch, Elf, and Rudolph which could be tons of fun too to get into the holiday spirit.

Craft Supplies:

If your littles are anything like mine, they love to get artsy! Arts and crafts gifts are great and can give parents a welcome reprieve while their kids work on their own projects. It could be big coloring or sticker books, figurines to paint, packs of model clay or kinetic sand, jewelry making kits, or retro fuzzy posters to spend an afternoon coloring. If you want to combine art with a gift of experience, how about a trip to a pottery studio like Color Me Mine or All Fired Up? Then you can enjoy creating together and eagerly await to pick up your masterpieces after they have been glazed.

Building Kits:

Of course, Lego is an incredibly popular toy but it is also incredibly expensive! There are some loopholes though. 😀 If you have a 5 Below near you, check it out. The one that I shop at has several Lego Creator and even Technic sets on the cheap. I was really surprised to find them and got a handful of kits for a song as one of my gifts for my nephew. 5 Below also has pseudo Lego kits for Strawberry Shortcake, Hello Kitty, and candy like Hershey’s and Reese’s. This can give a taste for building without breaking the bank.

And, finally, there is a store in my neck of the woods called The Exchange. It is a buy/sell/trade shop for video games, movies, records, and memorabilia and oftentimes they have used Lego sets there. If you have a similar store in your vicinity, it doesn’t hurt to stop by. Mine currently has a lot of the Wicked sets there for close to half off. Why pay more when you can pay less?!

“Pet” Gifts:

If your little has been longing for a pet of their own and it isn’t possible, there are SO many cute animal care toys on the market. My eldest niece, for example, would love pet bunnies because of my Melvin and Penelope. Who can blame her? They’re the cutest! Last year for Christmas, I got her a Little Live Pets set for bunnies and she absolutely loved it. These toys come with a mama animal and babies to birth. It also includes clothes to dress them up in, play food to feed them, and bedding to make their hutch cozy. These toys make noises and are super interactive. It could be the perfect introduction to caring for a pet of their own some day! *Note: PLEASE don’t gift real animals for the holidays. They are family, not a present to be returned.*

It feels like October is flying by and the holidays are just around the corner. Stay tuned for more inspo guides from your girl all holiday season long!

Are you an early or last minute holiday shopper? Who is the most difficult person to shop for on your list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

Disability-Friendly DIY: Making Playtime Accessible (And Fun!)

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Disability-Friendly DIY: Making Playtime Accessible (And Fun!)

Play is the way children develop skills, discover their world, and relate to other children. For families with children of varying abilities, it does take a bit of effort to come up with activities where all of them will be able to play together, but it is also very rewarding. Better still, you don’t have to spend very much money or have an extensive workshop setting in order to achieve it. Let’s look at a few different ways to explore how:

Start with What They Love:

Every child has something that will get them excited, a favorite activity type, texture, or color. Start with that. If your little one loves music, think of ways to integrate movement and sound into games. Drumming on turned-over pots, shaking handmade chimes, or beating along with one hand on something will entertain children of all abilities.

Keep It Flexible:

Inclusive play also means adapting play so that all children can participate at their own pace. Envision a game of catch with an enlarged ball that is easy on the grip and rolls more gradually. Or create a sensory bin with things of different textures, such as smooth rocks, soft cloths, and crinkled paper, so children can choose and select whatever entertains them. The more adaptable the arrangement, the more likely it is that each child will create his or her own manner of participating.

Take Into Consideration Space and Accessibility:

At other moments, it is not the activity that creates the barrier but the configuration of the room itself. Bypassing floor obstacles, the use of low tables, and gaps between the path and other zones all help greatly. If it is an outside game being organized, ensure that the ground is firm and easily negotiable for all users. Simple adaptations of this sort will allow full participation in the game to children with mobility devices or those requiring more space within which to move.

Involve the Whole Household:

When everyone joins in, play feels more inclusive. Siblings, cousins, or friends can be given simple roles like keeping score, helping to pass materials, or partnering up for team activities. This not only supports the child with additional needs but also builds empathy and understanding among all the kids involved.

Bring in Useful Inspiration:

Innovation is not always required. Sometimes the best of practical tips come from those already on the other side of the journey. Consultation with therapists, teachers, or other parents in support groups within the community will give you new activity ideas that work. At an even broader scale, information offered through a life care planning company might give you ideas on how you might incorporate environments and routines that specifically complement all of the family members’ abilities and needs.

Make It About Joy, Not Perfection:

The objective isn’t that all children finish the activity identically. It’s laughter, curiosity, and bonding in common moments. If the tower of blocks topples over, that’s all in good fun. If a child paints the grass rather than the paper, a new medium of art has been made!

Once you’ve discovered some things that all of you love to do, incorporate them into your regular lineup. You’ll notice over time which subtle changes make them more fun. Soon you’ll have a collection of games, crafts, and sensory activities that unite the entire family and you’ll see that with a little imagination, play really is for all!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug5

6 Challenges Parents Might Face With Their Children

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6 Challenges Parents Might Face With Their Children

Parenting is one of the most challenging journeys a person can take. From the toddler tantrums to teenage independence, every start stage of a child’s life brings new obstacles. The daily balance of nurturing, teaching, guiding, and sometimes just getting through the day can feel overwhelming. When considering educational options, many parents explore structured environments like Montessori preschools in hopes of supporting their child’s development. But this isn’t the only challenge that parents face, and how to navigate those challenges with patience and perspective is not always easy:

Managing emotional outbursts:

Parents are managing these outbursts from the moment they bring a newborn home from the hospital, but young children are still learning how to process emotions in healthy ways. Tantrums, tears, and yelling are all part of that process, but that doesn’t make it easy to handle. Parents will often struggle with how to stay calm and supportive while setting boundaries. Understanding that outbursts are normal and rooted in emotional development can help with consistency and empathy. Along with clear routines, you can give your children a sense of security and predictability.

Struggles with screen time:

This is a big challenge given that we’re now living in a more digital world than ever before. Managing technology in the home is a modern parenting challenge, and while screens can be educational, along with being entertaining, too much time can affect behavior, sleep, and attention span. Parents will often feel guilty no matter which way they choose to go because too much screen time feels lazy, but too little can feel isolating. The key is to find that balance.

Sibling rivalries:

When more than one child is involved, sibling dynamics can bring a whole new layer of stress to parenting. Arguments, jealousy, and competition are very common, and you might find yourself playing referee more often than intended. By encouraging cooperative play and celebrating each child’s strengths, you can foster empathy between siblings and ease that tension over time.

Sleep issues:

Whether it’s bedtime resistance, night wakings or early rising, sleep challenges affect everyone in the family. Lack of rest can impact not only their mood and behavior, but also the parents ability to function. A calm night time routine and limiting stimulation before bed can prove to be beneficial. Ditch the tablet for a good book, put on some white noise or calming music, and encourage healthier sleep hygiene.

Balancing discipline with connection:

One of the hardest parts of parenting is disciplining gently with love. It’s very easy to slip into extremes such as being too strict or too permissive, especially under stress. A big part of parenting is re-parenting yourself from an early age.

Worrying about their education and development:

From speech delays to learning styles, parents worry if their child is on track and the pressure to make the right educational choices can feel quite heavy. Choosing the right program can offer peace of mind, but it’s all about aligning it with your child’s pace and their individual interests. If you have concerns about your child’s developmental progress, it is a wise decision to make an appointment with their GP ASAP.

Whatever challenges you are facing, it is normal. And you are doing a much better job than you are giving yourself credit for!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun20

Could Multigenerational Living Work For Your Family?

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Could Multigenerational Living Work For Your Family?

For a long time, multigenerational living carried a bit of a stigma. People assumed you’d only move back in with family if something had gone wrong like a job had been lost or relationship ended. But now it’s more common to see grown up children living with their parents while saving for a home, and in many cases, ageing parents are moving in with adult children too (sometimes both).

What’s changed is the way families are doing it, it’s no longer just a temporary fix. It’s a setup that people are actually planning for, and in many cases, choosing. It usually starts with a practical reason like childcare, housing costs, or the price of care homes. But for some families, once the arrangement settles, it starts to work on other levels too. Grandparents and grandchildren spend more time together, meals are shared more often, and there’s always someone around. People begin to appreciate the overlap of different generations under one roof.

It only works when the space works:

Not every home is built for this kind of life, and not every family dynamic suits it either. But the physical layout matters more than most people realize. It’s easier when there’s a bit of separation. Not necessarily an annex or separate floor (although that helps) but enough room for people to spend time apart. A spare bedroom can become a small sitting room, a garage converted makes more space. Even just having an extra bathroom can make things more manageable. The smallest change can take pressure off if it gives someone a bit more autonomy.

Daily life can feel a little easier:

Multigenerational living really can improve the way life runs for everyone involved. From school pickups to dentist appointments, someone to keep an eye on the baby while the dinner’s on all become easier when you have a household with more people in. If you have an elderly family member who needs care, more people around to help with this can make things a lot easier for everyone. And you still have the option of using a home care agency too if you need extra help. It feels busier when you live with your multi generation family but it often works out to be more efficient too. There’s no need for constant favors or negotiations, it all just becomes part of life. That sense of support matters more than people expect, especially during the early years with small children or when someone’s health isn’t great.

It depends on boundaries, not rules:

There’s a balance to find with this kind of lifestyle and it doesn’t always go smoothly. Some families fall into old patterns, and it takes effort to reset those roles. Not everyone wants parenting advice from their own parents while they’re trying to raise kids of their own, and some older relatives struggle to let go of routines they’ve had for decades. But it tends to get easier when people talk openly about what’s bothering them before it builds up. It helps when there’s a clear understanding of what each person is responsible for. Not strict rules, just enough clarity so nobody feels walked over.

Multigenerational setups look different in every home. Some feel more communal, with shared meals and group outings. Others are quieter, with people mostly doing their own thing. Neither is right or wrong. What makes it work is usually a mix of space, patience, and a bit of flexibility. It’s not something everyone sets out to do, but for more families now, it’s becoming the option that feels most natural.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun15

Happy Father’s Day!!

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Happy Father’s Day!!

Hello everyone and a Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads, pet dads, and any other kind of dad out there! Today is the day to celebrate all of the fellas in our lives who make it so special. Whether you are spending your day grilling out, taking a hike, or my dad’s preferred desire for “peace and quiet”, I hope that it is the perfect day for you. While dear old dads should be celebrated each and every day, my wish is that you feel especially showered with love during your celebrations!

I am so incredibly lucky to have the best dad in the world and although he doesn’t care to celebrate his birthday or days like today, I just have to give him a shout out anyways! My dad is the most wonderful man. He is hilarious, kind, beyond skilled at gardening, and shreds on guitar. Not only is he my super dad, but he is the most loving PopPop of five and it is such fun to see him interact with my four nieces and nephew. It shows me what him and my mom were like when my siblings and I were little and that is a true gift to me. They were both the best way back then and they still are now. I love you, dad! Thank you for all you do each and every day. ❤

Happy Father’s Day!!!!

May18

Fun Summer Activities With The Kiddos

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Fun Summer Activities With The Kiddos

Howdy!! School is almost out and carefree summer days are about to be in full swing. I am so excited to be able to have lots of fun in the sun with my nieces and nephew and am always trying to come up with our next big adventure. Keeping the kiddos occupied all summer long can definitely be a challenge so it’s a great idea to start planning different activities now. Here are some of the ideas I’m thinking to beat those lazy day boredom blues for a super fun summer for all:

Scavenger Hunt:

Whether it’s in your own backyard or on a hiking trail, scavenger hunts are a blast. I still remember a birthday party that I attended in grade school that was a neighborhood wide scavenger hunt and it was, easily, the best one I had ever been to! Create a list of objects or landmarks to find and get to stepping. The objectives can be as simple or challenging as you see fit and it is an awesome way to encourage your kiddos to be curious and observing. An incentive like a small prize or a trip to the ice cream parlor is the perfect way to celebrate once all of the goals on the list have been checked off!

Create Your Own:

Constantly restocking art supplies can be pricey and feel never ending. Why not create your own?! There are an infinite amount of recipes for bubble soap, sidewalk puff paint, slime, and play dough so hop on Pinterest and take a look. Chances are, you already have a majority of the ingredients you will need in your own home. These craft supplies will be just as fun to make all together as they will be to use and the recipes are simple enough that your kiddos could DIY depending on their age. They will also think that it is the coolest to have made crafts with supplies that they made all by themselves.

Cool Down:

In the same breath, summer treats are just as fun to make as they are to enjoy after a long day of play. We’re talking smoothies, popsicles, slushies, snow cones, fresh squeezed lemonade, and even homemade ice cream. No chasing after the ice cream man required! Tasty popsicles are as simple as getting the molds and filling them with your favorite juices. Homemade ice cream can be made in a zip lock bag. Got crushed ice, flavored syrup, and a blender? Instant slushie! Find recipes together, hit the grocery store, and you will have countless options for the perfect treats to cool down with.

To The Library:

Rainy or ultra hot days can mean being stuck inside. If this is the case, head to the library! Your local library is an amazing resource and not just for checking out books and movies. Plenty of libraries offer programs for kiddos like story hour, crafts, cooking workshops, and garden projects. If your local library is anything like mine, they also will have additional items you can check out. For example, my library offers pickleball kits, zoo passes, instruments, and tablets that you can rent for the week. The best part? Anything at the library will be free of charge and it doesn’t get better than that!

Parks A Plenty:

Going to the park is always fun but going to the same park every time? Not so much. Take the time to find different playgrounds within a radius you’re fine driving to and check them out! Their new favorite playground might just be a hop, skip, and a jump away and you didn’t realize it. You can also try and find new parks based off of activities that your kids love like a wading pool, splash pad, or great big slides. Some parks might also have shelters and areas to grill at so you can make a day of it with a picnic lunch. Your kids will love to explore a brand new place and they might even make some new friends too!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Gardening is not only an awesome summer long activity but an excellent learning opportunity. Your kiddos will learn how to plant and nurture all of the things that grow and will have an end result they can be proud of. Their garden can be as simple or elaborate as you see fit. Maybe it will be a small patch of flowers with a fairy garden. It could be a couple of pots with fresh herbs. Or, perhaps, a full fledged vegetable garden! Whatever it may be, it will get them in the great outdoors and you will have beautiful flowers and delicious veggies to show for it. Total win/win!

Summertime just got a whole lot sweeter with these ideas. Use some or all and enjoy!!

Do you have any big summer plans? What activities will you be doing with your kids this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May17

Happy Birthday, Brother!!

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Happy Birthday, Brother!!

Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my big brother, Andrew’s, birthday!! Andrew is my partner in crime. He is my best friend, my work out buddy, and an absolute gift to all who know him. Whether we are hiking, gaming, or just hanging out it is the best time because we are together. Andrew has an incredible sense of humor, is so caring, and always has a kind word to say. He is the first person who notices when I get my nails done or am wearing something new and you have no idea how much that warms my heart.

Being able to have built in besties with my siblings is such a special thing and Andrew and I are the dream team. Our personalities work so well together and there is nothing we can’t do when we have a plan in mind. Andrew inspires me to no end and is always striving to better himself, which is something that we can all learn from. He’s a hard worker, a loving son, and the most amazing friend I could ever ask for. I am so excited to be able to celebrate my big bro and am thankful for every minute we have together!! ❤

Happy Birthday, Andrew!!! I love you!!! ❤

May11

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

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Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Hello everyone and happy Happy Mother’s Day to all of the wonderful moms, pet moms, moms to be, and every other kind of mom out there! I so hope that you can spend your day exactly the way you want to and feel celebrated and showered with love. There are so many amazing moms in my life that this day is special for and not a day goes by that I am not blown away by their hard work, dedication, and unconditional love that simply radiates. It is such a beautiful thing and should be appreciated constantly – not just one day of the year!

I am lucky enough to have the best mom in the world and she serves as inspiration in every aspect of my life. My mom is so fun, funny, caring, and loves fiercely. She is never without a kind word for any and everyone she encounters and can instantly turn a bad day around from just a phone call. I am my mom’s thirty year old baby lol and it is an absolute gift to be able to have that relationship with her. No matter what the situation is, my mom is always the person I want to talk to first for encouragement, advice, or a laugh. And, believe you me, we are always talking because we miss each other as soon as we part ways! It is the most pure love and I wish I could carry my mom around in my pocket all day every day!! ❤

To all of the moms out there: Thank you and Happy Mother’s Day!!!