One thing I love about little children is that they are so easy to impress.  I'm not talking about toys or gadgets and gear.  It doesn't take money or things to turn an ordinary day into extraordinary.  The things that usually award me the "coolest mom ever!" title are not things at all.  It's always a moment, sometimes just a few minutes, of undivided attention doing something my child loves.  It could be as simple as a run through the water hose or playing in the fresh dirt.  As moms, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to create these fun, over-the-top activities that require a lot of time, effort, and preparation.  Then what?  In my case, if I don't get the reaction I'm hoping for, I feel defeated and like I've wasted my time because the kids didn't even enjoy it. I have a simple summer activity series in the works, but for now, I want to share a few ideas that can turn those ordinary days into extraordinary.  Most of these are low cost or no cost and can be pulled … [Read more...]

The weatherman says it's spring and while technically that is true, it sure doesn't seem like spring in Alabama!  I'm impatiently waiting for the days where we can spend endless hours enjoying the sunshine. Last summer was cut short for me after I broke my leg and ankle.  As much as I hurt physically from my injuries and surgery, I was also crushed that I could no longer take the kids outside or do anything fun with them.  I wasn't able to walk or swim or play on the playground.  I could not even take them outside at our own home, because I had no way to help them or keep up with their boundless energy.  I knew I was missing out and it hurt badly.  Justin took the kids to see their first live show, he took them swimming and to birthday parties, and I couldn't do any of that.  I am so thankful that he is the dad that he is so even though I missed out, our children didn't. So, this year?  Oh, this summer.  My mind is swirling with fun ideas, things to do, places to go, … [Read more...]