We are Dog People

Doberman

Look at the gorgeous face! The face of a true protector.  He's also a total lap dog that weighs in at 85 lbs.   While We Were Away Recently we took a family trip to the beach for some end-of-summer R&R.  We left our two dogs, which may have excelled from training like that on https://www.canine-by-design.com/programs/aggression-training/, at home and in the care of a trusted pet sitter and family friend.  We knew they were in excellent care while we were away. Families who are going on a trip may consider leaving their pets in a dog boarding or pet boarding facility as well. Pet hotels are more like a resort for your pets than traditional boarding kennels such as doggy daycare. Soulmutts offer a variety of amenities and services to ensure your pet is comfortable and happy while … [Read more...]

Everything Your Car Needs Before Your Summer Family Road Trip

It's summer! With constant sunshine and a few weeks of vacation, there's no better time to pack up the car and head out on a sightseeing adventure with the family. Once you've planned your route, packed your bags, and selected a suitable mixtape for the journey, there's one last thing you need to take care of: your vehicle. It may be a hassle, but it's definitely worth it; a recent survey discovered that an estimated 77% of cars are in need of maintenance repairs, and you really don't want to be stuck in a broken down car on what was supposed to be a fantastic summer family vacation. Adventure comes in the form of the open road and exotic destinations, not in a sweaty, overweight mechanic named Bud. Start with the basics. Your car generally needs an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 … [Read more...]

Sparky’s Brain Busters Sparks Conversation

October is Fire Prevention month and this week is National Fire Prevention (NFPA) week and I now realize that since we have moved into this new house we don't have a plan in place. Sure, I clear a path from their bed to their windows each night and then the bed to their door making sure it is free of toys, clothes and whatever else my kids have crammed into their rooms; but that is not enough. We need to educate ourselves as a family on fire safety and now is the perfect time. Meet Sparky What's the best way to get my kids excited about something, especially the one in the 6-11 year-old range?  Use and app, of course.  Sparky's Brain Busters is a free app that uses trivia in math, social studies, science and fire safety to get kids learning.  Check it out. She loved that … [Read more...]

Then & Now with a Ford Mustang

A lot can change in 17 years. A LOT. Proof.  This is H and me the night we met. Our first "date".  Back when dates could be filed under sorority formals. And this was the car that he drove to pick me up. A 1995 Ford Mustang in bright red. Source I cringed when he picked me up that night in that khaki vest.  I groaned aloud when I saw the car and made some remark about how it figured that a boy like him would drive a car like that.  We were a blind date. This was no normal meet-cute across the campus quad.  The rest is history.  We went on so many dates in that car.  I realized that this man can really make me laugh in almost any situation and smile. We took trips together and I helped him get his old Mustang ready to sell when he shipped off to Okinawa with the Marine Corps a few … [Read more...]

What We Are Reading This Month

Disclaimer: TMC was not paid for this post. These are books we are reading on our own with the exception of Homemade Cleaners and Rainbow Loom Madness, which are not sponsored but review items. Opinions on all items are TMC's only.   I've said it before and I will say it again. We are a reading house.  There are books on tops of counters, sideboards, coffee tables, night stands and yes, the bookcases.  Magazines, newspapers, kindles and tablets along with real paper books litter every room of our house and it isn't too difficult to find someone reading at any given time.  I love it. I wouldn't have it any other way.  That being said, we go through A LOT of books all the time and at a rapid rate.  Here's some of what we are reading right now.  … [Read more...]

Good Tidings of Comfort & Joy!

  A week filled with friends, family and many activities has me feeling blessed, a bit frenzied, excited as a little kid and wanting to hunker down and rest with those I hold dear. See you next week! Enjoy every moment in the way you feel is best and forget all the rest! Love, Vicky, H, The Fifth Element, The Comedian and TD … [Read more...]

Attention Must Be Paid

  I feel like these words, this simple phrase, totally lifted from O magazine this month just resonates with me.  From the attention we pay to our newborn child or brand new puppy to the attention we give to our partner on a daily basis.  That attention is the root to the devotion we so often seek and crave. I'm letting it just sink in and ruminate within me in hopes that it will bubble over into real and faithful action.   … [Read more...]

I Am Learning

  I haven’t been around here much lately.  I’ve been too busy living life.  Good or bad and it has felt like there is less good and more of the painful and bad but I am making sure that the t’s and I’s are being crossed with my family and those I hold dear.  I’m continuing to learn what is important as we are never too old or young to learn this lesson.  I am seeing what the real blessings are in my life.  And I am trying to live life in the present and not always jumping forward to figure out what I should be doing next.  … [Read more...]

For Beatrice

I was going to make this a series of pictures commemorate my grandmother, my Memere. She passed away this week at the age of 92.  It was going to be part of Wordless Wednesday.  Obviously I failed. … [Read more...]

Valentine’s & Birthday’s Too!

It's Valentines Day. The day where we post Valentine's on each others bedroom doors.  When we wake up we are greeted by construction paper hearts, stickers and little surprises.  TD and The Comedian woke up to flowers from their Dad and blue and pink nail polish from me.  We'll frost sugar cookies later today.  I love a day full of reds and an excuse to be sappy in the middle of a cold, gray February day.  It always cheers me. It is also my Dad's birthday.   Still, one of my favorite photos of my Dad and I.  Happy Birthday Dad!!! I love you! … [Read more...]