Happy fifth birthday to my son! He is such a special human being, a calm considerate gift from God. This year is also significant because my baby, my oldest child, my firstborn, is going to kindergarten in the fall. It’s a strange phase that we’re in, because in some ways my son is so obviously a big boy. But in other ways, he reminds me that he is still so little. And as his mother, I’m going through all of these “firsts” for the first time, too. I hope that you enjoy a letter to my son on his fifth birthday. Continue reading
Page 11 of 34
I accidentally made up a great way to start teaching your child the ABCs before they’re even three years old. I did some random things with my firstborn that seemed to work beautifully, and now I am doing them intentionally with my second child. While it’s probably not what you’ll read about it in the official literary guides, it’s a simple set of strategies that really click with little minds! Read on to see how to teach the ABCs to your toddler – and have fun! Continue reading
Autism is a very real condition which affects so many families that you’ve probably heard of it at least once. It’s life changing and eye opening. But not enough people really understand it, or know what it’s like to have a loved one with autism.
I interviewed my friend Brienne who has a son with autism. I wanted to know what their daily life is like, what it was like to get that diagnosis, and what a mom has to say about life with autism. My hope is that we can reach more people so that they understand that having autism does not make you less capable, less lovable, less worthy of love and respect. People with autism are people too, and they deserve to be loved and respected like everyone else! So have hope and be kind, always. Continue reading
A hot topic on the internet lately has been the debate of if children should help with chores. I realized with a resounding HELL YES that my kids help with things around the house all the time – as they should! We have a practical, matter-of-fact, real life approach to how kids can help with chores. And now I pass on our system to you. Here’s my opinion – and my advice – on why and how kids can help with chores. Continue reading
Who really rules the roost at your place? We’ve had backyard chickens for about a year and decided we needed to build them their own chicken run instead of letting them free range in our entire yard. Our build is working beautifully and so I’m passing on the information to you! Read on for how to build a chicken run which is functional, affordable, and versatile! Bonus YouTube videos and photos throughout, of course! Continue reading
Being sick is no fun! What’s even worse is when it’s your child who doesn’t feel well. From daycare to playgroup to vacation, we have had our fair share of colds and coughs. And we’ve ended up trying every over-the-counter medication and remedy there is! So here I am to help you and your kid feel better as I go through the best cough remedies for kids. Continue reading
I like to call myself a runner. I’ve been working hard but it’s nearly impossible to go on a run alone when you have two young kids. So my little freeloader gets to lounge in her BabyTrend Expedition jogging stroller while I do all the work! Here’s my honest review of this lifesaving product, complete with lots of photos and a video demo at the end! Continue reading
Our cloth diaper journey is coming to an end. My second child is starting to use the potty and soon I’ll be able to wash and fold our stash for the last time. It’s been a crazy adventure and one that I don’t regret! But since I’m always honest here on RSM, I thought I’d look back and tell you about the trouble with cloth diapers. Because sometimes they suck. These are the negative things about having fluff, what’s driven me crazy and what hasn’t worked for us. But don’t worry – as usual, I have tons of photos and suggestions for every complaint! Continue reading
Let’s play outside! The weather here is beautiful, and the kids and I are itching to be in the sunshine. Here is a straight-to-the-point review of the best outdoor toys – the ones that we have and love! And watch for a demo video at the end that gives you a tour of our backyard and the toys in this review! Continue reading
Chickens are such uniquely wonderful pets. They’re quirky, full of personality, and really easy to care for. But after having backyard chickens for a year, I’ve made a list of some of their weird mannerisms and behaviors. I call these habits “chicken-isms” and they’re worth reading about! Here’s my ultimate list of weird and hilarious chicken behavior! Continue reading
