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.-
Sensory Friendly Halloween Costumes for Children with Sensory Sensitivities
If you have a child with sensory sensitivities then you know how important it is to find them sensory friendly Halloween costumes. Halloween Should Be Scary, Not Scratchy Both of my girls have always had different levels of sensory sensitivities. In fact, it was the sensory reactions that first alerted us to Ainsley’s sensory processing disorder. Over time, that evolved into a couple of other diagnoses. But, the sensory processing was a huge factor for many years. It still is, even long after my daughters have outgrown trick or treating. Over a course of several Halloweens we learned a few tricks and we found many sensory friendly Halloween costumes. When…
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Kindness Game – Teaching Kids How to Be Kind
“Be Kind Whenever Possible. It is Always Possible,” – Dalai Lama Kindness is my life philosophy and one of the highest aspirations for me as a parent. International Kindness Day is right around the corner. That’s why I thought it would be a great time to share this Kindness game with you. Make Kindness Fun I am not one to believe that kindness should ever be confined to a single day. Kindness, especially these days, is like sunshine, sprinkle that stuff everywhere. Now, more than ever, the world needs kindness. Sharing that philosophy with my kids and hoping they evolve into caring, kind adults, is a life’s work and a…
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Easy Road Trip Travel Activity Book for Kids
Have you got a road trip travel activity book for your next road trip? All the EPIC road trips in the world cannot make up for this year. But, that said, I am thrilled to be able to take even small adventures close to home these days. Right now, t’s all about the road trips. If you are road tripping with teens or kids any time soon, then this travel activity book may come in handy. This travel activity book post contains affiliate links as a service to my readers. Purchases made via qualifying links equal a small commission for me. The Art of the Road Trip with Kids Road…
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Comforting Cranberry Walnut Pumpkin Bread Topped with Streusel
I am a huge fan of cranberry and pumpkin separately, but throwing them both together? Sure, why not? Together with walnuts they make a rich earthy kind of comfort food in this Cranberry Walnut Pumpkin Bread. Soothing and heart and earthy all at once. No other way to describe it really. The Season For This Recipe Cranberry Walnut Pumpkin Bread is the recipe you want to make for your next in person or virtual book club gathering. Perfect for Thanksgiving too of course. This time of year it definitely seems like pumpkin is in everything. Frankly, I love it. The smell of pumpkin baking in a pie, a loaf or…
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103 + PRIDE Gifts and Decorations
This year, kind of got shorted as far as PRIDE is concerned. I have felt a bit sad about that for a few weeks now. June is typically a month that is synonymous with Pride gifts and Pride celebrations. Pride parades are commonplace in many major cities. But Coronavirus has made that less possible this year. I mean a few of the Pride celebrations went virtual and I love that they were that creative with their approach, but at the same time, I still want a bit more. After all celebrating diversity is a thing that I value here in my home. We are raising allies and because we love…
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Two of the Best Books for Parents of Teens to Read Right Now
Why aren’t there more books for parents of teens? I mean is there a harder stage? I don’t think so. That’s why, when I found these two resources for Parents of Teens I was happy to share them with the world. I received product for consideration here. Post also contains affiliate links. The title, Parenting the New Teen in the Age of Anxiety by Dr. John Duffy snagged my attention immediately when I saw it recently from Mango Publishing. Anxiety, check. Teen daughters, check. Could this be more relevant to my kids, my life as a parenting and my current situation? What is the New Teen? The new teen is…
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Try My Fun Summer Cooking Challenge Now!
Okay, so by this part of the pandemic none of us have any original ideas left to do or share, bake or make. We have been cooking and crafting and climbing the walls for months on end, right? So, what’s next? Maybe a summer cooking challenge is exactly what you need. This month, I might try one of those subscription meal delivery services again, just to change out up a bit. The kids like those and frankly sometimes I can inspire them to get involved making the meals with me. Occasionally, we also find a new favourite recipe out of the experience. They can be a bit expensive though and…
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How to Turn Your Favourite Top Into a T-Shirt Pillow
This easy T-Shirt Pillow can be done with or without a full sewing machine. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. I receive a small commission via qualifying purchases. Anyone Can Make This Project So, cards on the table. I am not the world’s best seamstress. But that said, I am completely confident using a sewing machine and have one that I love, which I inherited from my Mom. I am confident sewing things by hand too. Hemming pants and mending things manually with a needle and thread appeals to the thrifty mom in me. So a T-Shirt Pillow is no problem. It’s a pretty easy little project.…
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Replace Your Vacuum – When to Upgrade
Replace your vacuum when it’s worn out. That seems simple, right? However, the big question is when is a vacuum worn out? Should even wait until it’s worn out or should you upgrade after a few years? How long do vacuum cleaners even last? A slew of questions surrounds the idea of replacing your vacuum. That’s why you’re here. You need to know when to replace your vacuum. So let’s talk about that. Post contains affiliate links as a service to my readers. I make a small commission on qualifying purchases. Vacuum Cleaner Lifespan Vacuum cleaners last for around eight years, on average. However, your mileage may vary. More than…