Worst Marriage Advice EVER!

September 13, 2016April 27, 2021momonthegoinholytoledo

I was at my wits end! My husband and I had had one of those epic arguments where we totally lost focus mid-disagreement and suddenly reverted back to adolescents. We were no longer attacking the issue but rather, each other’s character. It didn’t take us long to annihilate each other with our cut throat, dagger through the heart kind of words. We each walked away feeling entirely defeated, deflated of hope, and wounded. What I needed was a good friend’s shoulder to cry on, help mend my wounds, and offer some sound advice on my journey back to adulthood. What I received ended up being much the opposite, in fact I would say it is probably the WORST marriage advice I have ever received!

What does a mom do with all her free time once her kids are in school?

August 25, 2016August 25, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

Finally the answer to the question man has been longing for since the beginning of time! What does a mom do with all her free time once her kids are in school?

This post is dedicated to all those dear souls, who since the beginning of time have so desperately wondered just what it is that moms do once all their kids are in school. I suppose we have managed to keep up the charade long enough, it is time to reveal the wizard, so-to-speak. I am officially pulling back the curtain and exposing one of the deepest secrets of all time. I am almost certain this post will permanently ban me from any future meetings of the, Private Moms’ Society, better known as PMS, but y’all are worth it. You deserve to know the truth!!

The following is a true story, a story about a Mid-West mother who embarks on one of the hugest milestones of motherhood yet, the dropping off of all her children at school, even the youngest. Just what is it that she will be doing all day? Here is her story in her own words, we beginning in the dining room of her West Toledo home where breakfast is underway.

This morning my momma heart was firing off a multitude of emotions; excitement, apprehension, joy, sadness, etc. I needed to calm my emotions and re-center my heart so I could be a sounding board for my Kindergartener on her first day of school. And there is nothing on this earth that can calm this momma’s heart faster than my Holy Mother. So, in order to calm everyone’s nerves we said a few Hail Mary(s) over our waffles. We prayed that God send down his angels to watch over everyone today and then I packed up my heart and soul and drove it over to school.

“Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ” Elizabeth Stone

As I walked my youngest into her Kindergarten classroom I could feel the lump forming in the back of my throat. Then my allergies must have flared up because my nose started running. As I looked down at my Kindergartener my eyes went blurry and my vision was officially obscured because all I could see was a newborn, how am I supposed to drop her off? My epidural hasn’t even worn off yet?

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss

As I made that long lonely journey back to the car my heart took an unexpected detour. I wiped away the tears and smiled. I came to the realization that I should not be sad because a chapter has ended but happy because it happened. How blessed I am to have had the opportunity to first of all, have children, and secondly, healthy children, and to have been able to stay at home with them, I decided right then and there that I shall count my blessings.

“Every positive thing in your life represents a single unique blessing. Every negative thing in your life has the opportunity to become a double blessing. For when you turn a negative into a positive, you gain twice. You are no longer burdened with the negative situation, and in addition to that you are strengthened by a new positive force”. Ralph Marston

Refreshed with a new take on this glorious day I celebrated this new chapter by doing something I haven’t done in ages, I tuned the radio WAY up and sang at the top of my lungs. The only thing bigger than my voice was my smile, I had been focusing so long on having to say goodbye to the past that I forgot to welcome and rejoice in the future.

“The future starts today, not tomorrow”. Pope John Paul II

Once home I did something I haven’t done in 11 years, I worked out with NO interruptions! Turns out you can work up quite a sweat when you complete the entire session. I might actually get fit and toned this year, MIGHT! 😉

Then, while still feeling the effects of those natural endorphins, (I was seriously on cloud nine, and ready to conquer the world) I decided to make a list of all the things I would accomplish this school year, I made my 2016-2017 School Year Resolutions! (I will be addressing this more in next week’s post). And then I spent a couple hours working…writing some articles, catching up on potential projects, etc.

After that I started to feel a bit light headed. Turned out it was past lunch time, weird, without a little one to tell me their tummy was hungry I totally didn’t realize mine was, lol!

Lunch; let me tell you, I forgot what it felt like to actually taste, chew, and finish a meal without getting up. I felt like a Queen! Lol!

After lunch I decided to channel my inner Martha and baked some cookies for the kiddos to have as an after school snack.

“Now that the children are in school I can finally be the mom I have always longed to be…I have more patience, I can recollect words and complete entire thoughts, I bake, and my house is clean, why I am just a modern day June Cleaver, lol!” -Kat-

I have to be honest, those 6 hours kind off passed quickly once I had a new outlook on this Chapter in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I did miss hearing the giggles coming from the other room, the multitude of princess wardrobe changes throughout the day, and the random snuggles. But my head has almost entirely come to terms with this new chapter, now my heart is a different story, it is going to need much more time to get used to this transition.

Well, there you have it folks, now we know just what it is that a mom does with all her free time once her kids are in school. Juicy stuff, lol!

How was your back-to-school transition this year?

Discounted Photo Books!! Eeeek! (Promo code included)

August 20, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

We have had an absolute BLAST this summer! All our travels, road trips, all the amazing people we have had the opportunity & pleasure to meet, delicious foods we have eaten, and magnificent time together as a family deserves to be commemorated and treasured for always! I have the best intentions of one day printing off all those pictures and scrapbooking our adventures. But in the meantime, before we retire yet another computer before printing off all the pictures (true story, we are going on computer #3) I am going to get by with a little help from AdoramaPix!

AdoramaPix helps people turn their digital photographs from abstract computer files into beautiful keepsakes designed to last a lifetime. Their custom photo books display captured memories in rich color and vibrant detail.

Thick, durable, professional grade photo paper resists fading & ensures that your photos will be just as colorful for future generations. The binding is lay-flat, so even panoramic images can splash across two pages without any separation (I am envisioning a sweet Panoramic pic of the family in Lake Michigan). Memories deserve to live in a stylish, archival home with AdoramaPix photo books.

Shop NOW: http://www.adoramapix.com/app/customize-book/

And I am totally sharing this sweet promo with y’all!!15% off photo books. Use code: PhotoBook15. Sale ends 11/05/2016 11:59 PM EST

I know it seems too early to be thinking about Christmas but just imagine how awesome it would be if you already had some of your Christmas shopping completed before October, WHAT!?! Photo books make awesome grandparent gifts as well as gifts for the kiddos!! (My kiddos so enjoy looking at pics of themselves…not sure what that says about them as people, but, at least I know they will enjoy the photo book).

Alright, I am off to work on my photo book….just need to find some sappy music & tissues, possibly a glass of wine, this could get emotional. Why must time go by so fast? WHY!?! (sniffle sniffle) I will totally be sharing mine once it arrives, please feel free to do the same!

Cheers, to commemorating memories!! (And holding back the tears).

10 Reasons Why Franklin Park Mall is the Best Place for Moms to Shop (Includes $50 Giveaway!)

August 4, 2016momonthegoinholytoledo

I met up with some other moms and their kids at the park the other day. The moms discussed the latest happenings in their lives while the kiddos played on the playground. I shared that I had just taken the kiddos back-to-school shopping at Franklin Park Mall, and let me tell you, if looks could kill. Lol! The other moms were all stunned. What’s more, when I told them I finished ALL our back-to-school clothing shopping at the mall, in one day, and saved money, their jaws dropped. I continued and explained that the mall has really evolved and made some awesome accommodations for us moms! So look out mall rats the mall moms are taking back Franklin Park Mall! We are coming with kids in tow, toddlers and tweens, diaper bags swung over the shoulder, we are baby wearing, double stroller pushing, breastfeeding, and ready to shop!!!

10 Reasons Why Franklin Park Mall is the Best Place for Moms to Shop

Best variety of stores in Town– I adore the fact that it doesn’t matter what the occasion, or your budget; there is a store in the mall that will meet your need. Need a gift for that kid’s birthday party that starts in two hours? Disney Store to the rescue! Did your child’s sandal just literally break while walking through the mall (true story)? The solution is a piggyback ride to Payless! Entering the 2^nd trimester and your pants are getting snug? Destination Maternity has you covered momma! And you might want to stop off at Godiva Chocolatier to curb those cravings. Did your child decide to reclaim the coin they just threw in the fountain? Bath & Body Works has Hand Sanitizers to attack those germs! Looking to ramp up your culinary skills? William Sonoma offers classes and everything you need to make your kitchen into a chef’s dream come true! And there are SO many more stores, Click Here for Mall Directory.
Moms don’t have to cook, do the dishes, or break the bank!!!- Franklin Park Mall has food that’ll tantalize the taste buds and price points that meet every budget. Whether you are meeting up with other mommas, dinning with the kiddos, looking for a quick bite, or want to linger a bit longer with friends Franklin Park Mall food court and restaurants have you covered! We opted to celebrate the occasion of back-to-school shopping with lunch at Bravo! (I am a fan of their kids’ menu; they have the usual suspects like chicken fingers and pizza but also offer healthier options too….and for me it just doesn’t get any better than their salmon salad!!) Click Here for a Directory of Restaurants.
Deals, Deals, & More Deals!!!- Oh my gosh… I am blown away by all the great deals that not only the individual stores offer, but the mall too! Franklin Park Mall now offers a Mall-wide rewards program called, Oh, So Simple Rewards. And like it says, it is oh, so simple, to register. You simply enter an email at a sign-up kiosk, swipe the credit card or debit card that you will be using to make purchases, shop, dine, see a movie, etc. Then for every $250 spent on that card $10 gets put back automatically on your card! Winning! (And it adds up fast….just think, a date night, dinner, movie, movie with the kids, kid’s birthday party at Build a Bear, back-to-school shopping, shoes, shoes, & more shoes!! Means money back on your card ;))
Moms can get their workout in while they shop! – After a day at the mall my legs felt so toned. I didn’t even need to work out the next morning. Best part, you can just meet up with friends and stroll the mall then grab a coffee (Coffee Karma is opening soon!) or lunch, you don’t have to shop (can’t believe my fingers just typed those words, lol!).
It never rains or snows inside the climate controlled environment– Don’t get me wrong those “other” places are nice too (the one in Maumee and the other in Perrysburg) but what I really like about the mall is that I don’t have to come in contact with all the elements outside each time I enter and exit a store. And as a mom with 3 kiddos there is nothing more annoying than having to put on ALL the winter stuff, mittens, scarves, hats, and coats to leave a store just to have them take it all off when they enter the next store…rinse and repeat!! FYI, if you are looking for a cute umbrella JCPenney had these adorable gems.
Family Lounge & Nursing Moms’ Quarters– Franklin Park Mall offers a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for nursing moms and moms with little ones. The family lounge has tactile boards to engage preschoolers and toddlers while mom tends to the baby. Curtains are even available for those moms who wish to be more modest, otherwise there is a comfortable sofa and television.
Awesome Community Events– Franklin Parks Mall partners with the Girl Scouts for their annual Lock In. Has, My Buddy, My Books, where children enjoy book readings by local celebrities, including Muddy the Mud Hen and there are crafts, entertainment, giveaways, and more! Summer Play Days at the Disney Store. My kiddos have so enjoyed the $1 Summer Movie Clubhouse features. And there is so much more, click here to see all the cool events going on at Franklin Park Mall.
Gumballs & Fountain– No matter what you call it, rewarding good behavior, bribing, etc. it works! I was shocked how fast my son tried on a shirt once I said he could have a gumball afterward. Mind you, I forgot to clarify that he had to take off the shirt he had on first, lol! And the Fountain is also another great incentive and the best part; the donations go to the conservation projects at the zoo!
Parking Garages– This one is self-explanatory, but SO awesome! Franklin Park Mall has two parking garages making parking a breeze, which is much appreciated when you have little ones in tow. Added bonus, if you are lucky enough to snag one of the parking spots below you can continue to avoid the elements, i.e. rain and snow.
Toledo Proud– Now there is a store in the mall where you can get all your Toledo fan paraphernalia, Toledo Rockets, Toledo Mud Hens, & Toledo Walleye (latter two are coming soon)!! We had to get the little lady a Toledo Rockets Shirt (while on vacation each kiddos was allowed to pick out a shirt but she wanted her shirts to say Toledo, not Grand Haven, lol!).

Guess where all of us mommas are meeting up next week?

Giveaway!

Enter to win $50 to Franklin Park Mall!!!

To enter simply comment below and share what you like most about Franklin Park Mall. Also, I would advise following Franklin Park Mall on Facebook for up-to-date events going on and/or enter to receive texts on deals (they don’t bombard you with texts).

Winner will be randomly selected August 10th at 11:59pm. Good luck! And happy Back-to-school shopping!!

The 577 Foundation is a MUST see!

July 23, 2016July 12, 2018momonthegoinholytoledo

There are so many magnificent things for the children to see, do, and learn, and the best part, it is all FREE!

History of 577 Foundation

The property goes back to the 1880’s as an old farmland, while the deed to the place was actually signed by President John Quincy Adams. In 1935, Duane and Virginia Stranahan purchased the 12 acre property, built their home and raised a family of six children. Virginia always had an interest in gardening & agriculture. Their home was a small farm with pigs, chickens, cattle, horses & victory gardens for each of the 6 children.

Many of the riverfront estates began to sub-divide and develop. None of her 6 children wanted this place, so Virginia decided to return her property to the community in a way that will preserve the land she loves, teach stewardship & make it useful to as many people as possible. At the age of 80, she decided to practice her belief as a preservationist. “To keep a corner of Perrysburg green” and “give people a way to get down to see the Maumee river” were a couple of the reasons she gave people when they questioned why she was preserving her estate from development. “Whatever we do here, let’s be educational, environmental, experimental, and let’s have fun” these words were often used as she opened her grounds and facility to the public. And one of the most significant comment when people asked what we were all about was “What would you like us to do?” (Source)What will you will find at the 577 Foundation?

Geodesic Biodome

We started our exploration in the Geodesic Biodome! The Biodome was filled with fun learning opportunities from solar energy, data showing the weather related conditions in the Dome, a fun scavenger hunt, Koi pond, and more!

Virginia’s Children’s Garden

We than followed the path around to Virginia’s Children’s Garden. It was the most adorable garden filled with fun interactive activities for the kids including climbing apparatuses, games, small wading stream, a stage to dance and/or put on a puppet show, tree house, and more!

Did’s Dig

Then we were off to Did’s Dig, where each of the kiddos channeled their inner paleontologist and searched for 350 million year old silica shale fossils like, clams, sea lilies, corals, trilobites and bony fishes including sharks! Best part, the kiddos got to take their fossil finds home with them!

Log Cabin

After searching for fossils the kiddos had worked up a sweat so we headed back in time to the 19^th century to cool off in a Log Cabin home. It was donated and moved there in 1995. It was originally built in 1804 and replicated to be an example of the 19th century.

Compost Corner

After checking out the Log cabin home the children wanted to go back to Virginia’s Children’s Garden, which was clearly their favorite. On the way back we did happen upon the Compost Corner. There are several compost bins for, leaves, weeds, vegetables, etc. that the community organic gardeners are asked to use for any scraps taken from the garden. Then, once everything composts the result will be rich nutrient fertilizer to go back on the garden, talk about sustainable!

Carriage Room

We were there for two hours and barely skimmed the surface on all the magnificent educational, hand-on, and most importantly, fun experiences 577 Foundation offers. On the way out we did stop in the Carriage Room that is filled with books for the Once-Read Book Center. The Book Center is open daily and operated by non-profit organizations. And this part is really awesome; the proceeds from the purchase of books benefit the group in charge as well as Read for Literacy.

For more information about book donations, signing up for one of the amazing classes offered here, or perhaps you have a talent you wish to share via a class, here are all the details…..

DEETS:

Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm

Address: 577 East Front Street, Perrysburg, OH 43551

Phone: Phone: (419) 874-4174

Website: http://www.577foundation.org/

Ohio Presidents Tour: Grant’s Birthplace

June 30, 2016July 1, 2018momonthegoinholytoledo

Every summer we make a bucket list of places and things we would like to do. And this summer we decided to visit all the Ohio Presidential sites. Mind you, there are 8 Presidential sites in Ohio. Our First stop on our Ohio Presidential Tour is the birthplace of our 18^th President, Ulysses S. Grant in Point Pleasant, Ohio.

Ulysses S. Grant (April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885)

18th President of the United States (1869–77).

Commanding General of the United States Army (1864–69)

Birthplace: Point Pleasant, OH

Our drive down to Grant’s birthplace was so scenic. The hills, though they seriously made this momma car sick (thank God for Dramamine), also provided such a magnificent view that we NW Ohio peeps don’t have the pleasure of relishing. As we pulled up to Grant’s birthplace home it reminded me of a little town you would see on a train board, complete with a church on a hill, whitewashed everything, etc. it was so cute and quaint.

Our tour guide, Jim, greeted us at the door. Now, I will admit, going into this I think we were all kind of anticipating a boring, monotone, anticlimactic kinda tour, and what we received was the complete opposite. In fact Jim’s passion and enthusiasm for our 18^th president became contagious, by the end of our tour the kids couldn’t wait to go to the next Presidential site.

Here are my Top Highlights from the Tour (I don’t want to give them all away….you need to have something to look forward to when you visit, wink wink).

Tour Highlights:

What’s in a name?– Ulysses S. Grant was actually born Hiram Ulysses Grant. He despised the name Hiram and never went by it; he always went by his middle name, Ulysses, or Lysse. So where did the S in Ulysses S. Grant come from? When congressman Thomas L. Hamer nominated him for Military Academy at West Point he assumed his name was Ulysses Simpson Grant due to the fact that he had always gone by Ulysses and back then the mothers maiden name was often used as the middle name. Grant tried to explain that it wasn’t his name but all the forms had it written already and since he hated the name Hiram it was the perfect opportunity to be rid of that name, which was probably a good thing since his initials had to be sewn onto everything at the Academy and having the initials H.U.G. would have probably resulted in a lot of harassment from the other guys. Note the chest at the foot of the bed, which is Grant’s actual chest that he took with him to the Academy (it did not photograph well thanks to the Plexiglas).

Family Heirloom– The hutch below was a wedding present to Grant’s parents, talk about a piece of history, I am a sucker for all antiques! I was totally excited when Jim said we could touch the piece (they usually don’t let you touch anything…and yes, I am worse than the kids, lol!), though it looks smooth it was really rough, when you look at it upclose the craftsmanship was apparent….I am a history of furniture junky, so I found this piece to be quite fascinating.

Did momma get that out with A-L-L (stain lifter!?)-There were a lot of period pieces in the one room house and a handful of actual pieces/items that belonged to the Grant family, including the nightgown hanging on the wall, which was Grant’s mother’s nightgown. We are talking about an almost 2 hundred year old nightgown. Anyone else dying to know how she laundered it? I have shirts in my drawer that don’t look that white!

Next round is on Lincoln!-When McClellan got wind of Lincoln wishing to make Grant a three Star Lieutenant General, (only George Washington had risen to that rank in the U.S. Army before him), he protested by stating that Grant shouldn’t receive this ranking because he drank an excess of alcohol. To which Lincoln replied, “Find out what Grant drinks and send a barrel of it to each of my other generals!” Here is a copy of the letter from President Lincoln addressing Grant as Lieutenant General …..

Isn’t it Romantic & Who’s buried in Grant’s Tomb? – Grant died from throat cancer on July 23, 1885—four days after completing his memoirs (memoirs that he only wrote because he wanted to leave his wife with money…he had lost it all when he fell victim to a Ponzi scheme) On August 8, 1885, more than a million people attended his funeral procession, which was seven miles long and lasted five hours. Money was a concern with regard to his funeral arrangements; he could have been buried in Arlington Cemetery and it wouldn’t have cost anything but he refused because he wanted to be buried with his wife….I totally let out a vocal, and loud, AWWWW, when I heard this, how romantic! Speaking of romantic, she carried a lock of his hair for always in her locket.

A public foundation was formed to fund a memorial & within two years, approximately 90,000 people from around the country and the world donated more than $600,000 to construct Grant’s tomb. (At the time, it was the largest public fundraising effort ever). Designed by architect John Duncan, Grant’s Tomb was completed in 12 years and remains the largest mausoleum in North America.

And there was so much more that we learned about Grant’s family, childhood, etc. in fact, I learned so many intriguing things about Grant that I now wish to read his Memoirs and I can honestly say that prior to visiting his birthplace I had little, to no interest, in doing so.

Souvenirs

Kiddos got their first stamp in their Ohio Historic Passports…..

Passport to Your Ohio History

Explore Ohio, a state rich with stories of Native American and African American culture, 19th-century life, ancient earthworks, presidential heritage, space travel and more. Enjoy your visits. Have fun while you learn. And don’t miss the chance to capture a memorable adventure that is uniquely yours!

Within your passport you’ll find helpful information about each Ohio History Connection site. As you visit, you can collect site stamps representing each location and answer challenging trivia questions.

Passports will be available at the Ohio History Center and many of our sites throughout Ohio.

More Pics…..

If you are looking for a place to eat nearby we recommend…(you can sit outside by the Ohio River)

DEETS:

Phone: (513) 553-4911

Address: 1551 State Route 232, Point Pleasant, OH 45153

Website: https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/museum-and-site-locator/us-grant-birthplace

Admission: Adult: $3.00, Senior: $2.00, Children 6-12: $1.50, OHC Member: Free, Children (Under 6): Free, School groups: $35/bus

Hours: Open April–October Wed – Sat: 9:30 a.m.–noon & 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Sun: 1 p.m.–5 p.m. (Will open by appointment during the off season).

Toledo Treasure: Pearson Metropark

June 23, 2016July 30, 2018momonthegoinholytoledo

Pearson Metropark located at 761 Lallendorf Rd Oregon, OH 43616.

Treasures you’ll find at Pearson Metropark…

Seasonal Fun: Fishing, Paddle Boats, Ice Skating, & Sledding

As you drive around the bend the first things to catch your eye is the beautiful lake, it calls to you. Take a walk around the lake and soak in the natural beauty (clean restrooms, flush toilets, and changing area is available).

The lake offers more than just breathtaking views and a therapeutic walk, you can also fish, paddle on the lake with one of the paddle boats, & ice skate in the winter months (when the ice is safe…and they have added lighting so you can skate until 8pm)

Fishing……

The Ohio Division of Wildlife stocks the lake at Pearson with rainbow trout from the Castallia hatchery, providing a unique fishing opportunity to catch this cold water species in early spring. Fishermen also take catfish and other species. The lake’s stair-stepped shore makes it an accessible place to introduce children to fishing.

Paddle Boat Concession…..

Pedal around the pond at Pearson. Charming pedal boats are available for rent, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekends, noon to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Cost: $5 per half hour.

Sledding….

This hill is marvelous for sledding in the winter months. And there are benches and a fire pit at the bottom where you can warmup in-between slides down the hill.

Window on Wildlife

Sit down and cool off or warm up (depending on the season) while enjoying nature’s beauty and all Gods littlest creatures including, squirrels, chipmunks, a large variety of birds, and whomever else may pay a visit to the outdoor space while you observe from the comfortable climate controlled indoor room.

Johlin Cabin

See what life was like in the notorious Great Black Swamp in the mid-1800s. The Johlin Cabin at Pearson will take you to a time when life was hard, and a place where it was even harder.

Pioneers and soldiers who traversed the dark swamp described it in colorful terms, relating the rough roads where their wagons would get stuck in the muck, the fierce mosquitoes, deadly diseases and the work it took to clear a piece of ground. But they also spoke of the rich farmland that lay beneath the wet woods.

The Johlin Cabin was donated by the Johlin family of Oregon and moved about a mile into the park when Pearson was expanded in the early 2000s. Located at the north entrance to the park on Seaman Road, the cabin today is used for family programs where you might be invited to churn butter, plant crops or attend to other chores. (Source) http://metroparkstoledo.com/features-and-rentals/the-johlin-cabin/

Catch some cabin fever and explore the Johlin Cabin from a new perspective. Spend an hour or an afternoon seeing the Johlin Cabin, activities for all ages with be provided; this is a free event, no reservations needed. (See Park events & calendar for Cabin openings)

Playground

Children love this ah-mazing play-scape. Similar to the Farnsworth playground the Pearson playground also incorporates custom equipment that illustrates the environmental history specific to the area; the inspiration was clearly the Great Black Swamp.

The play-space is filled with marsh themed attractions including a spider, frog, Lilly pads, interactive woodpecker, etc.

The playground includes a climbing wall, slides, soft rubberized surfacing, lots of swings, etc. and the best part, this play-scape was created with all children, with all abilities in mind. It is accessible to all.

AND SO MUCH MORE…..

Beautiful rental facilities, baseball diamonds, soccer field, tennis courts, etc.

Oh, and we can’t forget the Trails!

If you are seeking a peaceful, serene, and scenic retreat from the ordinary look no further than the trails at Pearson Park. Take a relaxing stroll on the Black Swamp Short Loop Trail (0.8mi round trip, perfect for littler legs). Become one with nature on the Wood Thrush Trail. And if you are looking to get your workout in for the day then the Exercise Trail has your name written all over it (2.9mi round trip). You are welcomed to walk, jog, run, and even cross country ski on all the trails. Planning on bringing your bicycles? There are trails for bicycles too! (See map, link at the bottom of this page under DEETS)

You can do it all at Pearson! And the best part, after a day at Pearson; fishing, paddling, running, walking, picnicking, and playing on the playground the kiddos will be exhausted and begging to go to bed…everyone will sleep great! (And the older I get the more appreciative I am for an awesome night’s sleep, there really is nothing like it. ;)).

DEETS:

Hours: 7am-dark everyday

Address: 761 Lallendorf Rd Oregon, OH 43616

Ranger Phone: 419) 360-9178

Map: http://metroparkstoledo.com/media/2147/pearson-map-bro-nov2014.pdf

Website: http://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/pearson/

Additional Toledo Treasures (click on images)

Toledo Metropark Treasures: Wildwood Preserve Metropark

June 18, 2016July 1, 2018momonthegoinholytoledo

Wildwood Preserve Metropark located at 5100 W Central Ave, Toledo, OH 43615.

Treasures you’ll find at Wildwood Preserve Metropark:

Natural beauty and man-made elegance come together as one at Wildwood Preserve Metroparks. The 493-acre park is the former estate of Toledo’s Stranahan family. Surrounded by natural habit, the stately home, now called the Manor House, played important roles in Toledo—and the park district’s—history. (Source)

Manor House & Garden

The Manor House was built in 1938 by Champion Spark Plug tycoon Robert Stranahan and wife Page. Stranahan is a name deeply rooted in Toledo’s history.

As you walk up to the house you can imagine guests arriving at the estate in one of the Stranahans’ limousines, a butler would have greeted visitors at the large front door and showed them to the Gentleman’s Study or Morning Room where Robert or Page waited to welcome them.

Visitors who spent extended periods of time at the estate were further impressed by the amenities of the home.

Seven bedrooms were reserved for live-in maids, and all the main rooms in the house featured call buttons that ensured family and visitor needs were just an arm’s reach away.
Each guest bedroom included a walk-in closet, private bathroom and ﬁreplace.
When guests left their rooms, house staff cleaned the ﬁre places and restocked them with wood.
An underground fan and tunnel system leading to the banks of Ten-mile Creek delivered cool, fresh air throughout the home.

While the estate was certainly constructed to entertain and impress visitors, its most important function for the Stranahans was to provide a familial sanctuary. Robert and Page had two children of their own, but Robert had ﬁvechildren and Page had two children from previous marriages. In constructing Stranleigh (Manor House Estate), they created a home large enough for their many children and grandchildren to visit them comfortably. Two large dormitory style rooms were included on the third ﬂoor and reserved exclusively for their grandsons and granddaughters.

Mainly for the children, a large in- ground swimming pool was installed in front of the home. The white cabana changing rooms stand to this day marking the location of the pool. Swimmers enjoyed high and low diving boards, lights for night swims and lessons from a swimming instructor.

For nearly 40 years Robert and Page Stranahan dedicated themselves to making the estate of their dreams a reality. They spared no expense constructing and maintaining Stranleigh. Given the lengths the Stranahan family went to create such a unique property, it is not surprising that nearly 65,000 Lucas County residents voted to preserve the estate in 1974.(Source)

I have so many fond memories of time spent at the Manor House with loved ones, touring the decorated Georgian colonial style house at Christmas, Tea as a child with my grandmother and mother, the annual Ice Cream Social on the front lawn, and the traditions continue with my children. In fact we spend so much time here in the summer we jokingly call it our summer house, haha! When you visit Wildwood Preserve Metropark do take the time to read the plaques located around the park and learn more about the history of Stranleigh.

New Playground

The new playground is all the rage right now (just opened this month!) and is filled with fun climbing apparatuses for the older kiddos, merry-go-round for all ages, xcelerator, a playground for the littlest park dwellers (toddlers and preschoolers), an expression swing (adult or older child sits face-to-face with baby/toddler), safety surfacing to cushion falls, and more.

The one thing that was disappointing about the new playground is the swings, not all of our friends can play on it; we have friends with special needs who have to sit on the side and watch due to the fact that there isn’t an adaptive swing seat….also, we were disappointed that the new playground has less swings than the old one….we need more swings! (please 😉 )

Window on Wildlife

The Window on Wildlife is housed in what were formerly the old Stables on the Stranahan Estate and is now called Metz Visitors Center (also houses the Park Information, Rentals, Programming, & Environmental Educational).

It is a relaxing indoor space with large windows looking outside. There is plenty of seating to sit, relax, and observe wildlife and nature. My kiddos enjoy watching the birds, squirrels; chipmunks, turtles, etc. pass by the windows.

(It should be noted that the Window on Wildlife is receiving a facelift, so the outdoor scenery might look a bit different when you visit). It is a must see whenever we visit, no matter the time of year, FYI; it is a great spot to stop and warm up in the winter months.

While you’re at the former Stables be sure to stop in the restroom and checkout the décor,

Trails & Boardwalk

What’s a park without trails, hiking, biking, dog walking, etc.? There are no shortages of trails at Wildwood; Meadow, Prairie, Floodplain, Woods Trails, and the Boardwalk offer such magnificent scenery, variety is the spice of Wildwood Preserve.

No two trails are the same, each offers a different habitat to observe and explore. What’s more is the fact that each trail changes with the seasons, there is literally something new each day.

And there is so much more….

Do make certain you check out all the awesome programs offered at Wildwood for toddlers on up & the awesome events going on weekly, CLICK HERE for Calendar & Programing Events

Also be sure to check out Oak Grove Schoolhouse when you go!

DEETS:

Hours: 7am-dark everyday

Address: 5100 W Central Ave Toledo, OH 43615

Ranger Phone: (419) 270-7500

Map: http://metroparkstoledo.com/media/2160/wildwood-map-july15-map-only.pdf

Website: http://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/wildwood/

Also be sure to checkout…..(click on image)

Toledo Metropark Treasures: Farnsworth Metropark

June 10, 2016April 13, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Farnsworth is located at 8505 S River Rd, Waterville, OH 43566.

Treasures you’ll find at Farnsworth Metropark:

The Interurban Bridge

The Interurban Bridge was once the largest earth filled, concrete reinforced bridge in the entire world, though the bridge is in ruins it is quite a sight to behold.

The Roche de Bout (also spelled Roche de Boeuf)

The Roche de Bout is one of the only significant rock outcroppings in the Northwest Region of Ohio and serves as a support for the bridge. The rock was an important landmark to Indians centuries ago, who met on the rock for meetings, including one before the famous 1794 Battle of Fallen Timbers. As long as the water level is somewhat low, you can easily wade out to the rock.

The 100-mile Bowling Green Fault line, the only fault line in the entire Great Lakes Region & it runs through the park. If the water is low enough you actually are able to see it.

Towpath Trail

Towpath Trail is 2.5 miles and Easy (Stroller and ADA accessible).

The trail parallels the Maumee River the whole way, passing by several islands on the river owned by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. (Unfortunately, there’s no way of getting to the islands).

However the Kayak Concession is open and you can rent a Kayak and Kayak around the islands.

Price: (Credit card payments only) Single Kayak, $10 per hour Tandem Kayak, $15 per hour Downriver kayak trip, Farnsworth to Side Cut Metropark, including transportation back to Farnsworth, $20 per person. E-bike rental, $10 per hour

Hours: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fishing & Camping & Picnic Areas

The Playground

The playground (closest parking lot is the Boat Launch entrance to the park on 8801 S. River Road (US24), ) is AWESOME!

It includes; a turtle, a Great Blue Heron, a buckeye leaf, and even the Bowling Green Fault Line are depicted in the sculptures. Not only can children enjoy playing outside in the park, but they can learn about it at the same time.

And there is a really nice, new, shelter adjacent (and restrooms too) that is available to rent along with a charcoal and gas grill (locked)…it would make the perfect spot for a family reunion, birthday gathering, etc. Kids could play on the playground, older kiddos/adults could take turns kayaking, have a cookout, walk the towpath, and enjoy the natural beauty that is Ohio!

DEETS:

Hours: 7am-dark everyday

Address: 8505 S River Road (US 24) Waterville, OH 43566

Ranger Phone: (419) 779-6052

Map: http://metroparkstoledo.com/media/2158/river-parks-map-nov14-map-only.pdf

Website: http://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/farnsworth/

Sources:

http://www.naturalohioadventures.com/farnsworth-metropark.html

http://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/farnsworth/

Seneca Caverns think Goonies with a side of Indiana Jones

June 7, 2016April 20, 2021momonthegoinholytoledo

Epic! Think Goonies with a side of Indiana Jones…grab the kiddos & hit the road for an out of this world geological adventure in an underground cavern. Kiddos can search for lost treasure (pan for gold!) & they’ll come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles along the way. (Not really, it’s mostly safe…just a few slippery rocks…just stay on the path).

Make plans to visit Seneca Caverns; one of Ohio’s registered Natural Landmarks located in the beautiful Bellevue, Ohio today! Read on for more…cost, address, etc. located at bottom of post.

Brief History…..

Seneca Caverns was discovered in June 1872 by two boys, Peter Rutan and Henry Komer of Flat Rock, Ohio, while hunting rabbits with their dog. Their dog chased a rabbit to a brush pile, where the dog and rabbit then disappeared. The boys dug around the brush pile and discovered an opening, which was actually a natural sinkhole. The boys fell through the opening, landing in the first level of the cave. They found their dog, and crawled back up to the cave entrance. They then returned home and told everyone about their discovery.

The cave became known as Good’s Cave after the owner of the farm on which the cave was located. In 1929, the caves were explored further by a local and in 1931, a series of passageways and rooms not previously known to exist, which led to an underground river, the water table was discovered ….with this discovery, the cave was large enough to develop commercially. Following two and a half year’s improvement effort, Seneca Caverns was opened to the public on May 14, 1933.

Retained close to its original, natural, wild state, this subterranean tour is truly a unique and educational experience you will always remember. Experts have stated that Seneca Caverns may be the only cave of its kind open for public visitation. The official designation as a Registered Natural Landmark by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources reflects this quality!

Seneca Caverns is one of Ohio’s largest underground caverns, and one of America’s most fascinating geological wonders. For full History CLICK HERE

Our journey to Bellevue from Toledo was roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes. As we arrived the children’s eyes frantically searched for the opening/entrance to the caverns, to no avail. It turned out that the entrance to the caverns was inside the visitors’ center.

We made our way to the visitors’ center, purchased our tickets for the next tour, and then hit up the Port-A-Pots…it took forever to convince my 5 year old that she wouldn’t fall in the Pot-A-Pot (great way to kill time, lol!), so by the time we were finally finished our tour was ready to begin!

And so our adventure begins………

We walked down a small flight of stairs into a room where we sat while the tour guide shared the history of the caverns. My 10 and 8 year old were so eager to get into the caverns; the suspense looked as though it might literally kill them, haha! Then, finally the moment they had been waiting for, the tour guide opened the door so we could begin descending. At first it felt like a creepy basement with a combination of manmade and natural rock forms, roots dangling everywhere, and an overall Alice in Wonderland feel.

My five year old held my hand so tightly I feared loss of circulation. She was a bit timid but I figured I could use my mommy persuasion to calm her nerves. As we officially entered the cavern reality hit, this was not like any cave I have ever been in before, this cave required more of a hands on approach, as in brace yourself on this rock while you climb down. This made it tricky to help my 5 year old who at this time wasn’t budging at ALL. She was afraid and my mommy persuasion was failing me so I stepped it up to the next level, bribing. I tried ice cream, toy, even candy, but nothing was going to make her feet move one more step into the caverns, which put me in a tricky situation because my 8 & 10 year olds were having the time of their lives! It is in moments like these that moms often make the sacrifice, they sacrifice their experience for the sake of their child which was why I was so thankful my mom was willing to make that sacrifice and go back up with my 5 year old so I could continue to watch my two oldest enjoy their journey through the caverns. (She really is the World’s BEST mom & Nana)

My 8 and 10 year olds had a blast identifying fossils in the rock formations, noting the stalactites, climbing over rocks, exploring, and learning more about this magnificent underground world.

The tour led us through seven rooms, or levels, with the largest room being 250 feet in length. At the lowest level, which is 110 feet below the surface, we had the opportunity to not only view “Ole Mist’ry River,” the crystal clear flowing stream that is part of the vast ground-water system but we also had the opportunity to taste the refreshing water.

We learned so much on our tour, it was quite educational, and we can see why it’s one of America’s most fascinating geological wonders. But the fun wasn’t over yet!

After the tour we reunited with my mom and 5 years old who were out on the front lawn enjoying the gorgeous day. (It should be noted that there are very clean picnic tables on the property and gorgeous lawn just begging for a blanket to be thrown down on it…in case your family has to tour the caverns in shifts due to little ones). Then all 3 kiddos went panning for treasure!

The gift shop has bags of paydirt for sale. Inside each bag are either, gemstones, minerals, crystals, arrowheads, and/or fossils! The children then took their bags outside to the Seneca Mining Company located at Seneca Caverns and used the real operating sluice with flowing water to pan for their treasures.

The fossils, crystals, minerals & sharks teeth are from all over the world!

Fluorite: Rosiclare, Illinois

Rubies and Sapphires: Sapphire, North Carolina

Amethyst: Brazil, South America

Quartz Crystals: Arkansas

Fossils: Morocco, USA, and other fossil-rich areas of the world

They had the BEST time at Seneca Caverns, even our scared little 5 year old was totally redeemed when she got to pan for her treasures. This was such a magnificent experience for all of us, I highly recommend Seneca Caverns as a fun family friendly Ohio destination.

While you’re in Bellevue, Ohio here are some additional fun family friendly destinations you might enjoy: Jungle Junction & Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum

Deets:

Address: 15248 E. Township. Road 178, Bellevue, OH 44811

Cost: Adults $18 (13-61), Seniors (62+) $17, Children (5-12) $9, Children (0-4) FREE, Child Cavern Package Pricing (includes admission & paydirt bag) $14

FYI: No strollers or back carriers allowed and strongly not advised to carry a baby (you need two hands free while you descend and ascend the cavern), Bring a sweatshirt/jacket it gets really cool in the caverns (54 degrees)

Restrooms: 3 Port-a-Pots on the grounds

Hours: Open 7 days a week 9am-7pm (last tour leaves an hour before closing) rain or shine

Phone: 419-483-6711

Website: http://www.senecacavernsohio.com/