Adoption and Family
Parenting by adoption is bigger, louder, and often harder to start with. From the assessment and waiting process to the adoption probation period, it can seem endless and like it will never happen. Then you get the call and your life changes forever in a miraculous way. But what next? Sure there is often a honeymoon and parenting is a blessing no matter how you get there. It is a new adventure every single day. AND also adoption comes with numerous other ups and downs.
Find Your Supports Early and Stick With Them
Very often there's minimal support for adoptive parents and families after they leave the courthouse finalizing their adoptions. Consider this your supportive honest space where we share what's worked, what doesn't work, and all the challenges in between. Share your stories, learn and grow together.-
Easy Fun Five Senses Sensory Scavenger Hunt + Printable
A sensory scavenger hunt is perfect for so many kids. Whether they are sensory seekers or avoiders, there’s a little something for any child here. Some of you by now are aware that my kids have a fair number of sensory issues. So sensory stuff here is second nature. And I am sure that you know that we love scavenger hunts. My oldest would literally still do this actually. She is the crafty kind of kid who lives to get outside exploring and then brings what she has found indoors to build something crafty or creative with it. I am always up for a walk, so that works for me.…
-
How to Make These 2-Dimensional Simple Origami Tulips
Here’s an easy 2-Dimensional Simple Origami Tulips craft that is perfect for spring. Nothing cheerier than tulips popping up through the frost. Well, maybe daffodils as they often pop up a pinch earlier than tulips. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. I receive a small commission via qualifying purchases. This spring, these could make a great and simple craft for all of you to share. Simple Origami Tulips This is pretty much the easiest way to make these. The three dimensional flowers, tulips and cranes are a level up. Don’t worry though I have some other craft posts coming soon that will explain the intermediate origami crafts.…
-
Valentines Date Night Conversation Cards
Well, here we are again. Today, I refuse to say anything about how things sure are different this year. I am getting tired of hearing that worn old story. Aren’t you? Instead, I am letting these Valentine’s Day Date night conversation cards speak for themselves. Set up a virtual date, or perhaps an in person date night this year. Plan out a lovely meal and maybe get the kids involved, if you have them. After they go to bed, get these cute date night conversation starters out and do something romantic and just a bit different. Looking for Ideas? Here are a few ways to make the most of Valentine’s…
-
Fun Things to Do for Valentine’s Day with Kids + Valentine’s Cards Printable
This Valentine’s Day has potential to be a downer. Pandemic holidays are a bit of a challenge that way. But, it could also just as easily be memorable depending on how you spin it with the kids this season. And depending on your own outlook. So, here are a few fun things to do this Valentine’s Day with kids. Oh and stick to the very end of the post for some sweet free Valentine’s cards that you can download easily now. Six Fun Ways to Enjoy Valentine’s Day with Kids this Year Baking or Cooking Together Make some scrumptious and simple cupcakes or chocolates for Valentine’s Day and the kids…
-
Adorable Magician Writing Prompt for Kids
Here’s to your little writers and content creators. Let’s celebrate and nurture the creative souls with this Magician Writing Prompt Printable Activity. Easy Indoor Activities for Creative Kids First, if your kids are hunting for activities that are quiet and indoors this winter, then here’s a thought. Why not offer up some writing prompts to get them creating content? Writing is a great way to express imagination while exploring literacy through spelling and grammar. And second of all, this Magician Writing Prompt is simple and fun. Who doesn’t adore magic and magicians? Writers Will Write One millliiiiooooooonnn years ago, in grade school, I discovered a love of writing. Obviously, I…
-
Twenty-one Things I Am Proud of in 2020
So what are you proud of in 2020? What was your greatest accomplishment? What are you proud of in 2020? People keep asking this question. Part of me wants to be a total smart ass when I read the question – I mean 2020 accomplishments at the end of the year were dramatically different than our expectations at the start. Let’s be clear. I got up, got out of bed and kept going in a year full of anxiety and stress. That was enough many days. My 2020 Moments Instead of making it a negative or griping or dismissing the entire year, I keep saying the same thing, which leads…
-
Best London Christmas Lights to See Now (Have a Drive Through, Socially Distant New Year!)
So where are the best London Christmas lights that are safe to see from the car? Are they still open? Can you make that part of your New Year’s Eve tonight? Read the information below to find out. Obviously parades and the holiday season went virtual this year around Ontario and in many places throughout Canada. But, what about New Year’s Eve? And what about social distancing? Good news. There are still a few London Christmas lights and homes to drive by and enjoy. Check out some of the Best Drive Through London Christmas lights and holiday light displays before they end! Drive Through London Christmas Lights (And Surrounding Area)…
-
Five Ways to Organize Your Child’s Day + Printable Planner
What does your child’s day look like right now? Is it a bit like a battle getting them out of bed to start? This post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. I receive a small commission via purchases from qualifying links. For Some Organizing and Planning Can Be Hard When my daughter was small she needed a lot of help getting organized. She still does actually. But, she can, for the most part, organize using strategies that we have used over the years. So, the difference now versus when she was in elementary school is that she now is old enough to be able to remember some of…
-
My 2020 Christmas Gift Guide – Celebrate With Me
Happy Holidays! My 2020 Christmas Gift Guide is ready to share. I couldn’t be happier to spread some joy this year and share a few of my favourite things with you. My 2020 Christmas Gift guide contains affiliate links. At no extra fee to you, I receive a small commission off of purchases made via qualifying links. I received product and compensation in some cases for features in this guide. Well, here we are almost at Christmas and this year I am doing a few things differently. One thing I am doing is shopping slowly and in chunks to spread out the cost. We definitely have a budget to stick…
-
Your Mask is Completely Inappropriate and What Happened Later
A week or so ago I wrote this Your Mask is Completely Inappropriate post for CBC Parents. Here’s what happened afterwards. As some of you probably already know, I freelance and publish content in many other spaces. This year, a lot of that content has appeared on CBC Parents. Happy to hang my hat there sometimes. An Excerpt From My Recent Post on CBC Parents This past week we were walking through a grocery store near my home when my teenage daughter spied something scrawled on a face mask. In fact, I heard her speaking to a stranger before I even saw why. So Why Did She Speak Up? This…
