I’m So Much More Than Single

What is the most important part of your title as a single mother? Which really defines you? Are you single first and a mother second, or are you a mother first? For me, it’s always about Hailey, my real identity is as her mother, being single in not even in the top ten words that are part of my identity. I am a mother, daughter, sister, friend, valued employee, writer, quilter, voracious reader, animal lover and a creative baker. I just happen to be single. Being single doesn’t define me yet too many times that becomes who I am. I … Continue reading

Free Valentine’s Day Apps for iPhone

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Those of you who absolutely adore this holiday are probably very excited. You might enjoy playing around with some free Valentine’s Day apps that are compatible with your iPhone. These cute, fun, apps are a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank. M.A.S.H. Valentine is a FREE app that is compatible with both iPhone and iPad. It takes the original M.A.S.H game that you played as a child, and gives it a Valentine’s Day spin. M.A.S.H stood for “Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House”. This app turns it into “Married, Acquaintances, Soulmates, … Continue reading

My Unconventional Valentine’s History

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but as you might be able to guess, Jon and I don’t really do anything for Valentine’s Day. The holiday does mean one thing: candy hearts. The weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day are the only time of the year I can find them. Their close companion Necco Wafers just aren’t the same. So I suppose one might say Jon gets me a Valentine’s Day present, because he usually buys me candy hearts. However, even this practice has two exceptions that probably exclude it as a Valentine’s celebration. First: Jon usually brings home … Continue reading

Delightful Valentine’s Day Printables

I’ve discovered that Valentine’s Day is a great way to practice writing. So has my daughter, much to her chagrin, as she works on printing Valentines neatly. Neatness is not at the top of her priority list, but I’ve emphasized that people like to receive legible love notes. Picky, picky. If you’re creating some Valentine’s Day goodies and doing some covert printing practice too, you’ll love these Valentine’s Day printables! Of course, the ultimate Valentine’s Day printable is the card itself! There are many, many free cards on the internet, and you can also print out heart shapes by the … Continue reading

Valentine’s Day Void

While some kids are nursing sore stomachs from gorging on all of the Valentine’s Day treats they scored yesterday, others are nursing broken hearts from being overlooked by their peers. Then, there are the kids who live in a Valentine’s Day-free world. They are the lucky ones. The tykes, who won’t have to spend countless hours in therapy, because they weren’t gifted with a homemade card and heart-shaped Sweet Tarts. You can find those kids across the pond in the United Kingdom. According to reports, administrators at one British elementary school decided to ban Valentine’s Day cards and candy because … Continue reading

Toys Can Be Family Treasures

Throughout the generations, there are some things that have remained constant. One of these things is that children enjoy playing with toys. Sure, the toys have changed over the years, but wherever there is a child there are likely to be at least a few toys around. Despite the fact that toys are often well-worn and well-loved by the time a child outgrows them, they are often handed down for younger siblings or cousins to enjoy. Sometimes, parents even keep a few of their children’s toys around the house so that when grandchildren come along, they can enjoy them too. … Continue reading

Valentine’s Day Love: How Young is Too Young?

When my brother was in the sixth grade he socked away four months’ worth of allowance and added it to two months’ worth of salary he earned as a paperboy. Then, a week before Valentine’s Day, he and my mom went to a local jewelry store where my brother proceeded to fork over his life savings to purchase a gold chain with a matching jewel encrusted letter “M” charm, for a girl named Michelle. Michelle was to my brother what the little red-haired girl was to Charlie Brown. Out. Of. His. League. Sad story short, after purchasing the necklace, wrapping … Continue reading

Save On Craft Supplies For Valentines At Michaels

Valentine’s Day is coming up in just a few weeks. Soon, parents will be presented with a list of the names of all the children who share a classroom with their child, and expected to provide valentines for each and every one of them. Instead of buying those pre-made valentines that have cartoon characters on them, wouldn’t it be more fun to make handmade valentines this year? You can save on craft supplies that are perfect for Valentine’s Day at Michaels. While I don’t know exactly how much money I have spent at Michaels over the years, I am certain … Continue reading

Birthdays for Babies

My little “baby” just turned two. I can hardly believe it. I still think of him as a baby, but now, he is turning into such a little boy. When we had his 2nd birthday, we kept it simple. We only invited family over, opened a few presents, and ate cake and ice cream. It was pretty much the same thing we did for his 1st birthday too. For my daughter, she had a bigger birthday when she turned two. She had friends over, and we had a little slip n slide party in the backyard. I felt bad that … Continue reading

Hunting for Hearts

Don’t forget the kids this Valentine’s Day. If you plan to celebrate Love Day with your sweetie by dining at a romantic restaurant at sunset, then spend the afternoon making the holiday fun for your children. If you have young children your job won’t be too hard, as preschoolers enjoy just about any activity which involves parental participation… and chocolate. A favorite game around our house is heart scavenger hunt. To play, have your older children help you decorate a dozen or so construction paper hearts cut into various sizes. Use buttons, stickers, glitter glue, sequins, markers and crayons to … Continue reading