How My Blog Has Developed Over Time

I realized the other day that I have been blogging for 7 years as of December of this year, 2021.   It really doesn’t seem as though it has been that long.  As the saying goes, where has the time gone?   The funny part about blogging , at least my blog, is that it began with me doing one thing and then within a year or so of that, morphed into something else. I started out reviewing products for some sellers that I was working with directly and as the years went by, it has become a blog about me raising my grandchildren and all things related to parenting and/or grandparenting.  I tend to do a lot of giveaways on my blog, simple because I enjoy giving out free stuff to my followers!    read more


Games and the Family Dynamic

Recently I have realized how much games in general have a huge part in our day to day lives.  I came to this conclusion the other day as I looked around the room and both of my teenage granddaughters, my husband and myself all had a phone in our hands.  When I asked them what they were doing on their phones they each answered individually that they were playing a game.   (side note, I had also been playing a game on my phone prior to looking up at everybody else)

I have 2 teenagers in my home (my granddaughters I am raising) and anybody that has teenagers in their lives knows how hard it can be to get them to communicate with you. When I noticed my teenagers playing their games on their phones, all I could think was how hard it is to get the girls to communicate with me.  When I asked them about the games they were playing  it gave me a way to get them to talk to me.  Anybody that has teenagers will appreciate that it can be difficult to find a way  “into” your kids’ lives.   read more


Road Trip Activities for Kids of All Ages!

Tips for traveling with teenagers, small children and toddlers


UPDATE: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Natalie, 13 yrs old & Angela, 14 yrs old

It has been months since I wrote a heartfelt blog post.  I find myself feeling all kinds of crazy emotions lately, so I figured now was a great time to start getting back to what I originally created this blog around. I am a grandparent raising grandchildren.   The crazy part of that statement is that I am only one of 2.7 million grandparents that are currently raising grandchildren!

Just to give a quick update.  I am married to an incredible husband and we are getting ready to celebrate 25 years of marriage in a couple of months.  About 6 years ago our 2 oldest granddaughters came to live with us.  Our oldest daughter, their mom, has addiction issues in addition to some mental health things going on.  She has always been a great mom and so when she felt herself making some bad choices and running from some things that had happened in her adult life, she brought the girls to her dad and I.  I have always respected her for that choice, as she never drug her kids through the ugliness. read more


Grandparent Types

I wonder how many types of grandparents are out there? What category do you fit into?

I figured I’d take a few minutes today and write about some of the different types of grandparents, my husband and I are.   I really think we’re run the full gamut of grandparent types. We are “parents” again to our oldest 2 granddaughters, we’re “weekend grandparents”  to the twins, “full time get to see them every day” grandparents to our middle daughter’s children, and across the country “don’t really know us” grandparents to husbands grandchildren from 1st marriage.    read more


How to Plan a Stress-Free Vacation for Kids and Adults Alike

Are you planning a summer trip for your family? You’re definitely not alone, but you could be far less stressed than other parents and children who are hitting the road. Check out these family-friendly travel tips to keep kids having fun and adults from feeling anxious.

Rent an Entire Vacation Home Rather Than a Hotel Room

No matter how much your family adores one another, being stuck in a tiny hotel room for too long can take the relaxation right out of your vacation. A better option for families looking to spread out is a vacation home rental, which is usually cheaper than that single hotel room. These days, rental sites help you zero in on the right amenities and space you need to fit your family size and budget. Plus, you can always find rentals near favorite attractions and activities. In bustling Nashville, for example, Turnkey notes you can choose a great rental from a variety of unique neighborhoods, whether you want to be near The Gulch, closer to Music Row or want something quieter with proximity to the historic districts.
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Tips For Camping: What To Pack And What To Leave At Home


Photo via Pixabay by Maria1968

Going on a camping retreat can be a great way to bond with your family and get some time to yourself, away from the stresses of everyday life. It can be a chance to reconnect with one another and with nature, especially if you live in a city or away from open land. However, there are lots of things to consider when packing and safety are concerned, especially if you’re planning on taking part in some activities while you’re away. Fishing, hiking, exploring, rock climbing, and swimming are just a few of the things you might do during your trip, and they can all be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared.
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5 Checklists for Babyproofing Your House

Photo compliments of : Unsplash

Guest Post by: Paige Mitchell

Caretakers have the ultimate responsibility of keeping children safe at home. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or babysitter, baby- or childproofing your home is an absolute must. Sadly, 2,000 children are injured at home every year. To protect our favorite kiddos, we must take precaution and review our surroundings with the closest attention to detail. To do so, here’s a childproofing checklist for every room in the house.

Bedroom

To prevent crib-related injury and suffocation, here are some do’s and don’ts to remember when babyproofing the bedroom. read more