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Yaaaa, We Sold Our House… We Hope

August 17, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Since the house sold, we don't need these for-sale signs anymore

If you have been reading this blog for any length of time you may have read one of the posts about the years we spent fixing our credit, the months we spent slaving away fixing up our house and getting it ready for the market and then finally listing it for sale. It’s only been on the market for 2 months but all that work paid off. I am very happy to report that we have accepted an offer on our house and will close in time for Harrison to start Kindergarten in our new school district.

That was a big concern of ours. Harrison isn’t as sociable as his younger brother and we really didn’t want to have to start him in one school district and then pull him out and have him finish in another school. I know at that age it’s not a big deal but as parents, we didn’t want it. We wanted Harrison to start on even footing with the rest of the kids.

In this current housing marketing, we couldn’t be happier with how quickly our house sold. We live in a semi-detached house on a busy road. It’s a great starter home but still, being right on a major road, we had our work cut out for us which is why we put so much effort into getting it to look as good as it possibly can. Based on the feedback we received from the people who walked through the house, it definitely paid off.

When we got the news the house was sold

What was even more special is when we got the news. We were on vacation with my wife’s family when our Realtor called. We were down in North Carolina at the Outer Banks. It was great, throughout the week people came and went but most of the immediate family was there. Her Mom, her sister, her sisters children, her cousins, her aunts and uncles, it was great. Some husbands would find that to be a nightmare but I love her family and get along quite well with them. My own parents didn’t get along with their in-laws and I always hated it. When I met my wife I told her pretty early on I wouldn’t get serious with anyone if I couldn’t get along with their family. Luckily for both of us, we both get along with each others family splendidly.

So, what does that have to do with us selling our house? Well, we are buying my Mother-In-Laws house and what is even more special is most of the houses in the area are the relatives we were on vacation with. Stephanie comes from a good farming family. They aren’t all farmers but some of them bought pieces of the farm property and built houses so they all live on beautiful pieces of property surrounded by loved ones and country landscape. We got to immediately celebrate the news with the person we were buying the house from and our new neighbors all at once. It was great and everyone was so excited.

I can’t wait to move on to this next chapter of our lives. Let’s just hope everything goes smoothly with settlement.

Have you ever sold a house? What was your experience with it?

A Toddlers Rules of Possession

July 20, 2011 | Leave a Comment

I stumbled across this on the UC Berkeley Parents web site and thought it was pretty funny. Whoever posted it on that site, found it somewhere online and it was unattributed so I don’t know who the author is. It is definitely worth a repost though.

Toddlers are very possessive of their toys

(via Pixabay)

Rules of Possession for a toddler

If I like it, it’s mine.
If it’s in my hand, it’s mine.
If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
If it’s mine, it must NEVER appear to be yours in anyway.
If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
If it looks just like mine, it is mine.
If I saw it first, it’s mine.
If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.
If it’s broken, it’s yours.

Have you ever seen this list before? Do you agree?

Dinosaur Summer Camp

July 18, 2011 | Leave a Comment

(via Pixabay)

I am sure you have heard me ramble on about how much my oldest son loves dinosaurs. He is only 5 years old but he is so passionate about them. He reminds me a lot of how I was as a kid. I used to get super passionate about everything I got into and it just took over my world.

At the start of Summer, we saw an ad in our paper for a Summer day camp that we could not pass up. It’s put on by a company based in New Jersey called Roving Nature Center Day Camp and they offer a few different options. The one we signed Harrison up for is called Jurassic in the Park. How perfect is that. A week long Summer camp (half days) for 4 – 6 year olds that focuses entirely on dinosaur fun. Today was his first day and he was just so freaking excited to tell us about it at. I can’t wait to hear about how much fun he has the rest of this week. Best $100 we spent so far this Summer.

Have your children ever gone to day camp? How did they like it?

The House is Finished, WooHoo

June 16, 2011 | Leave a Comment

If you’ve noticed, I’ve been a little quiet lately. It’s because we are finally done working on the house and as of this week it is officially on the market. Our house has never looked this good and I have lived here for 9 years now. It’s not to say we didn’t work on it in those 9 years but life always seemed to get in the way of this house realizing it’s full potential.

We worked our butts off over the last 2 months and we are very proud with what we have accomplished. We worked together as a family and it really looks impressive. Part of me regrets that it took us this long to get this house looking this way but a much bigger part of me is ready to move on to our next adventure. We can feel good that we will be selling someone a starter home that is in wonderful condition.

The Realtor had a photographer come through and take pictures today so as soon as they are posted I will post them here.

Have you ever sold a house? What did you do to prepare?

Little Girl Can’t Let Go as Father Prepares for Deployment

June 8, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Wow, what a powerful and incredibly sweet picture. The solder next to the little girl is a local. He lives and raises his family in my part of the country. When the local paper ran this picture, I just about cried. It’s so sweet and powerful. Having a little 4 year old girl in formation is against Army regulations but not a single man there was strong enough or heartless enough to tell that little girl she couldn’t stand by her fathers side as he prepared to deploy overseas. You can read the full article in my local paper here

Doesn’t a story like this just warm your heart? Do you know of any other examples like this?

April Best Sellers on Audible

April 26, 2011 | Leave a Comment

As mentioned in my review of Audible.com a few months ago, I have grown to become a big fan. It’s been a great way to pass the time on long commutes to work. I alternate between a fun book for myself and a business related book to help me stay on top of things and it’s been working out well. I have also gotten a few great kids books that we play for the boys on long car rides.

I just got an email from them listing their best sellers for April and thought I would share: PopShops™ affiliate stores

Do you listen to audiobooks? Do you get them from Audible?

10 Lessons Learned Since Becoming a Mom

April 18, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Image by WILPF

The boys’ birthday – and Mother’s Day – are just around the corner. Because of this, I have begun thinking about all of the things I have learned about myself – and life in general – over these past four years.

I also realized, some of these discoveries actually began, just as I embarked on my journey towards motherhood. For instance, I learned that when I really want something – or feel in my gut that I must do something – I will do whatever it takes to attain that goal. If I think back on events in my life, I suppose that would be true but I never realized it before — not really.

My husband and I knew we wanted to start a family a few months after we were married but soon realized — that was something we could not really control. It was during this time that I also learned, if I really want something – and I can’t get it because I really have no control over the situation – it drives me bonkers!

I read at least three books about trying to conceive, I charted my monthly cycles, joined TTC/pregnancy support group, I consumed lots of fertility tea (yes, I really did this) and I did everything I was “supposed” to be doing to ensure success!

But month after month — nothing, and nothing, and a bunch more nothing. It was the hardest thing I have ever been through, or so I thought.

After trying to conceive (TTC) for almost 8 months I FINALLY got a positive pregnancy test. We were elated to say the least! However, that pregnancy wasn’t meant to be.

Back down the roller coaster we flew!

THEN, after almost 2 years we were blessed with our darling boys.

Since that day I have learned…

1. Trust my instincts

The best advice I received, was from my Mom (imagine that). I was just about to go home from the hospital and I had well-meaning nurses giving me conflicting advice. I was confused and stressed — and my hormones were totally out of whack. My Mom said, “You just do what you think is best. You are the Mom. Trust your instincts.” And so I have…it’s worked out okay this far!

2. Moms really can do anything

I have said this for years. If I ever needed anything, I would ask my Mom or one of my friends – who had kids – to help me out. Now that I’m a Mom, I realize it’s because you do what you have to do. Kids rely on their parents for so many things – especially when they are small – so if you can’t do it for them, who will? This is why, even if the request seems impossible, Moms will do whatever it takes to get it done.

3. I am stronger than I ever knew

I am stronger than I ever knew — and I am more capable than I ever imagined. When it comes to my children I will move heaven and Earth to keep them safe and give them what they need.

4. Babies do not read parenting books

Babies don’t always do what parenting books say they will but those books can provide a helpful guideline. It’s just like using GPS — you must use common sense combined with your own intuition.

5. the importance of the “Mom Look”

It took me awhile to get it down — but it’s amazing how effective it can be.

6. Nothing compares

Although I have always loved and been loved; nothing compares to the intense love a mother has for her child.

7. Story-time before bed is as much for them as it is for me

It’s our sweet snuggle time. I love it!

8. A kiss really can fix just about any boo-boo!

It’s magic!

9. If you sneak up on geese – and surprise them – they will laugh.

This is according to A. I haven’t actually tried to see if this is true yet. It’s amazing how his brain works. The kid cracks me up all day long.

10. Just because I don’t think something is stylish — doesn’t mean it’s not in style.

This I have learned from my trendsetter son N. For about a year and a half, his feet were always covered by frog boots, for about six months he was often spotted wearing his spider-man costume OVER his footie jammies. He is particular about every piece of clothing he puts on. I think we are in trouble!

There are so many wonderful things I have learned — and I know there is much more to come! I can’t wait!!!

*I know this was a Mom centered post, I promise a really great post – for Father’s Day – to honor Dads — because you guys are SUPER important and wonderful too!!!

What are some of the things you’ve learned since becoming a parent?

A Warning to Worms!!!

April 7, 2011 | 4 Comments

Image by Soil-Net

Calling all worms. You! Yes, you! You’d better listen up, if you know what’s good for you!

I really appreciate all the work you do underground. I know you are great for our garden, flowers, and yard. We’ve maintained a friendly relationship over the years — you do your thing, and in return I leave you alone and promise not to make fish food out of you.

But something has changed.

I am so so so sorry to have thrown a wrench in things. I didn’t mean to. You know my sons A. and N. right? Do you remember how things went down last year? If not, let me refresh your memory.

Boys love worms

My boys love worms! Yes, they love you, and think you are the greatest things ever. They ADORE your sliminess! They love the way your move and groove, and they think it’s super awesome that you live in dirt — but BEWARE! These angelic, sweet and well meaning little boys love you too much! Is there really such a thing as too much love? In the relationship between children and worms — I’m afraid so.

“Come here little bug (if you dare).”

Last year, they often went in search of your kind. They made you their outdoor pets. They put you on swings, and swung you until you thought you might puke. If that wasn’t bad enough, they would pick you up, put you in the front packs on their bikes, and take you for a ride. Sure, traveling and doing new things can be fun — I’m just not sure the same is true in worm world.

I did my best to find and rescue you. I saved hundreds – no thousands – of you, but I am afraid to report that there were some casualties. I’m also very sorry about Walter Worm. Yes, he was the one A. was holding when he suddenly declared, “Uh oh! I bwoke him.” — and the one shall become two. Good thing you guys can just keep on going after an accident like that….hahahahaha

Oh sorry — perhaps that wound is still a little too fresh…

Anyway, I thought you all might have learned your lesson – but as I was pulling weeds the other day – I found tons of you little squirmies all over the place! As I said, I really appreciate all your hard work, but I just can’t – in good conscience – let you guys work your little hearts out (do worms have hearts? I need to look that up) only to become play things for my children. I can protect you a little but I am only one Mom.

“I see you little worm. Do you want to be my new friend? I’ll hug you, and sqeeze you, and call you George”

So my message is — RUN, or slither, or whatever you do. Seek refuge in the neighbor’s yards, dig down as deep as you can go, just don’t let yourselves be found by my children, unless you want to be their new BFF!

On your way out, you might want to warn your friends the caterpillars and rolly pollys too. All the best to you and good luck! You’ll need it!

Do your kids like to play with worms?

The Nitty Gritty of Cat Litter

April 4, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Okay, I know it’s not the most glamorous topic in the world, but it is important if you have a cat or are thinking of getting one. I adopted my very first cat less than 15 years ago. Before that time, I had decided that “I wasn’t a cat person.” I love all animals great and small but that doesn’t mean I want to own all of them.

Then – into my life – walked a cute little gray and white kitten, who I named Sadie. I was hooked. Two years later, I ended up adopting a precocious black kitten who I named Ozzie — aka The Million Dollar Cat. Now, I am a bona fide cat expert!

Well, maybe not quite but I do know a lot about cat litter. Not only have my cats tested just about every kind of cat litter there is — I also worked in the pet industry for two years. Because of this, what I lack in personal experience – I learned through the experiences of others.

How hard can it be to pick a cat littler anyway?

Here are some of the main types of cat litter. There is clay litter, clumping litter, corn, newspaper, pine, wheat, crystal, scented, unscented, natural (and not so natural), heavy and light weight. The main things people want to know are; which one lasts the longest, hides the odor and it the most eco-friendly? There are really so many things to consider. Who knew? I will explain some of the pros and cons of each and then reveal my MOST favorite cat littler in the whole world!!! 🙂

Clay Litter

Clay litter is probably the cheapest option, but it is heavy and doesn’t clump. This means it may need to have a complete litter change more often to prevent bacteria and odor. Clay litter may contain some chemicals to supress the odor. It also emits a lot of dust.

Found on Amazon.com

Clumping Litter

This can be made of any number of materials but essentually it clumps so it is easy to dispose of liquid waste. Most of these can help to supress odor and come in scented and unscented versions. The clumping clay litter still emits quite a bit of dust though.

Found on Amazon.com

Natural fiber litter

Corn, wood, newspaper, wheat, etc are biodigradable and most are natrual. You’ll have to check the pacakging. Some may be scented and some may contain chemicals for clumping purposes. I have used the corn, wood and newspaper varieties and the corn was my favorite for odor control. The pine litter I tried smelled great when I first put it in the box but it soaked up the liquid waste and got funky fast. Now, they offer a clumping version which I have not tried. I imagine it works much like the corn.

Found on Amazon.com

Crystal litter

Crystal litter has become popular in recent years. I have never tried it but people who have seem to like it. Many of them use it in their automatic litter boxes because it doesn’t get stuck in the tongs like some of the other litters can.

Found on Amazon.com

Scented or unscented?

This is up to you. Ozzie developed an allergy to one of the scented clumping litters I used when when he was a kitten. Sadie never had any problems but Ozzie’s paws got chapped and even started bleeding. It was horrible. That’s when I switched to an unscented version that the vet recommended. If your cat is prone to upper respiratory infections you should choose a low dust unscented cat litter.

Now for my VERY favorite cat litter! I absolutely adore this brand for many reasons…

Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Clumping Litter

This wondrous litter is made using corn cobs and baking soda. It contains a light fresh scent which I love and luckily, Ozzie’s paws haven’t had an adverse reaction to it. I tried another corn litter before but the fine particles stuck to my cat’s paws leaving dusting cat prints all over the house.

If you have a cat I highly recommend this litter. They aren’t even paying me to say that — but they should!!! 🙂

Found Amazon.com

Of course, not all litters work for all cats and owners, if your cat is having issues using their litter box, it is best to consult the vet. Cats are really good about going in their boxes, so if they suddenly stop doing that — it may be the sign of a bigger issue.

TIP: When switching litters, it is best to mix a little of the new in with the old and slowly make the transition. Cats can be finicky and if you totally switch it might throw them off and they may refuse to use the box all together.

If you have any questions or suggestions of your own — I would love to hear them.

Do you have cats? Why type of litter do you use?

I am Home; Where is My Lightsaber!

March 30, 2011 | 1 Comment

Image from DeviantArt

Last week I went on a business trip to Chicago. I was gone for a full 7 days and the schedule and work load was absolutely brutal. My wife travels quite a bit for work but it’s rare that I do so when I am gone for such a long stretch, the kids just freak out. They don’t know how to deal with it. It’s kind of odd that it’s mommy that they usually want but they deal with her being away much better than they deal with me being away.

Last year when I went away on a similar trip, I found these little plastic lightsabers that light up and brought them home as “prizes” for my two boys. I made the mistake of using that trip as a reference point when I explained why Daddy was going away and what I was going to be doing. I started the conversation off by telling them I was going away and saying “remember when Daddy left last year and came back with those two lightsabers?”. Their first comment was that they remembered and those lightsabers broke because they played with them too hard. They had sad little faces until the light bulb finally went off and they realized I was going to the same convention again this year. Suddenly the sad little faces got happy and they started yelling that they were getting new lightsabers. From that point on I could have told them I was going to China for 6 months, it wouldn’t have mattered, visions of lightsabers were dancing in their heads.

I created a monster!

I split up the drive out to Chicago to two days because we (me and one of my employees) weren’t able to leave until the afternoon of day 1. At the end of day 1, we stopped at a hotel and I called home. First thing out of Sean’s mouth was “did you get our lightsaber yet!”. I had created monsters! They were more concerned with their potential prizes than they were they I had gone away. Oh well, it was still pretty cute and once we got past that, they were genuinely excited to hear from me.

The rest of the week started off the same way but something really sweet happened half way through. By the time day 4 rolled around, all they wanted to do was talk to me, find out what I did that day and tell me what they did. It was really sweet and it made being away from home both easier and much more difficult.

When I finally returned home brandishing their brand new lightsabers (among other things) their first question was “Did you get us a lightsaber” and the second question was “did you get us anything else”. Haha, oh well. Finally by the third or fourth question they started asking me about my trip and how I was and their true excitement to see their daddy home started shining through.

Do your kids expect presents when you go on trips?

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