On Vacation

With Jess's graduation came family from out of town. I will be spending the rest of the week up in the Mountains enjoying my family, the scenery and fun times.

Have a great 4th of July celebration with your families and I will see you again on July 5th.

Graduation Cupcakes

We had Jess's Graduation open house this weekend and did some fun stuff. One of my favorites were these fun little graduation cap cupcakes that we came up with. Fairly easy, they look awesome and were a big hit.

I'll Play Drums When I'm 80

I appreciated Aaron's post yesterday "Rocks and Sand". This, of course, is a parable I have heard many times, I am married to "The Man Cave" after all. It's funny that he posted that, because I have been having all of those same thoughts lately, but on a much grander scale: on a life scale vs. a daily one.

The Man Cave: Rocks and Sand

I have just finished an incredibly busy week. I felt like I had more to do than I had time for. It was a perfect storm of work, chores, oddball tasks, and important appointments, with a crisis or two thrown in for good measure. I was freakin’ out.

I managed to make it through because I followed the lesson of the rocks and the sand.

5 Sunburn Soothers

Warmer weather is just around the corner, or for some of us lucky saps, here right now (Seattle has one or two days here and there, just enough to get us excited and then crush our dreams). With the dawning of summer, our pale skin that has been covered up all year, really takes a beating those first couple of outings. Even with the most careful of sunscreen application, sunburns happen. If you, or someone in your family, finds yourself a little red around the edges, here are a few things you can do.

Neighborhood Bike Parade

We did this somewhat often, when our kids were little, at our 4th of July parties. All you need is a bunch of crepe paper and a little bit of tape and you have hours of entertainment.

Patriotic Sand Candles

Very pretty, very easy and not that expensive: Patriotic Sand candles are perfect for your 4th of July table. Put some citronella candles in them for an outdoor feast.

Dad Is Great! Give Us Chocolate Cake

I love this guy! He has good, clean humor that leaves me giggling every single time I see him. I am posting my very favorite Bill Cosby skit of all time for your enjoyment this Father's Day.

Have a wonderful day, and enjoy the time spent with family.

Adoption Option: What Do You Say To Someone Who Is Struggling With Infertility?

A lot of couples are becoming more and more open about their struggles with infertility.  Many turn to their family and friends for support and encouragement.  What can you say to a friend or family member that will help them feel better when they come to you?

5 Things My Father Taught Me

With Father's Day just around the corner, thoughts of my own dad have been occupying my time. He was not an important, well known person in society; he did not hold a position of power or have a life saving career; he did not make millions and live in a mansion on the hill; he was not perfect; but, he was my dad and I loved him. I am who I am today in big part because of him, and I thank him for being a part of my life for as long as he was. Here are a few things my dad taught me, either directly or inadvertently, that have stuck with me through the years.