It’s funny, I couldn’t tell you what I wore the Christmas of 1990 (I’m sure it was a gorgeous dress that matched my siblings and we all looked adorable Mom), or what gifts I opened from under the tree, or even if we had snow that year. What I do remember is sipping hot chocolate as we walked through the zoo at night (that in itself is pretty cool to kids) in wonderment at the Lights before Christmas with close family friends, rushing ahead of my parents in awe of the Christmas magic at Children’s Wonderland, touring the over the top decorations at Holidays in the Manor House with my grandparents, seeing the classic, A Christmas Carol, & watching the joy on my father’s face as he recited lines as we watched the classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. That’s the thing about Christmas; it really isn’t about the perfect gift it’s about the time spent with loved ones. So this Christmas let’s focus less on the number of goods under the tree and more on the quality of time spent making childhood memories that our children will cherish for a lifetime.
Tag: family time
I Barely Survived the Group Text: Parenting Teens on Empty
It’s about half an hour before the end of the workday. My brain is fried, my to-do list is laughing at me, and I’m just trying to wrap things up when, ding!, the first text rolls in.
Read moreToledo Fall Guide 2025
Omg, y’all it’s almost legit Fall!! Bring on the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL), boots, flannels, sweaters, apple picking, pumpkin patches, pumpkin pies, apple pies, cinnamon & sugar doughnuts, apple fritters, fall festivals, corn mazes, hayrides, and so much more! Fall is when the Midwest shines, but don’t blink, it goes by fast, so tag friends and make plans now! Here is this year’s Toledo Fall Family Fun Guide….
It is always advisable to double-check that nothing has changed before visiting any orchard, farm, or other location.
Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm
Read more8 Mother Son Date Ideas in Toledo
Why Mother Son Dates?
–A close mother-son relationship is good for a boy’s mental health. A study presented at the American Psychological Association showed that boys who are close to their mothers tend not to buy into hyper-masculine stereotypes. They don’t believe, for instance, that you have to always act tough, go it alone or fight to prove your manhood every time you are challenged. These boys remained more emotionally open. Not only did they have better friendships, but also less anxiety and depression than their more macho peers.
New York City Trip: Day 1 Ellis and Liberty Islands
If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere…. Since my kids were little, I had always dreamt of taking them to New York City! Mind you, I never thought I’d be doing it by myself and with four teenagers, but I have to admit I don’t think I’d have it any other way. Teenage years are perfect for a trip to the Big Apple. It’s fascinating what New York does to you. I walked into the city a bit fearful, insecure, lacking in self-esteem and confidence, and I came out of that city confident, secure in who I am, knowing my worth. My kids are fairly certain I must have been a New York Taxi Cab driver in another life, lol! I can’t wait to share our adventure with you!
Read moreSplash Pads, Waterparks, & Pools Guide for Toledo and Surrounding Area
Temps are rising, days are getting longer, & summer is officially here! Grab the sunblock, beach towels, and snacks, and get the kids to a splash pad, waterpark, or pool! Here’s a guide to some local and surrounding area pools, splash parks, and waterparks. Find a favorite to frequent all summer or challenge the fam to hit them all! As always, please call before visiting to confirm hours of operation and admission.
How to Make Your Own Summer 2025 Busy Bag for Kids
“Mom, I’m bored!” “Mom, the Wi-Fi isn’t working!!” “Mom, is it cool if we surf down the stairs in sleeping bags?” For those moments during Summer Break when you need to bust their boredom, when the Wi-Fi goes out, or when their imaginations hijack all common sense, busy bags to the rescue! So, what exactly are Busy Bags?
FREE things to do with Kids Summer 2025 in Toledo
Grab your calendars & tag your friends, mommas! Here’s this year’s list of fun, free, kid-friendly activities going on this Summer in Toledo & the surrounding area!
Read more5 Realistic Ways To Practice Self-Care as a Busy Mom
We’ve all seen the advertisements, the model with the perfect body getting a massage at what looks to be a five-star resort in the tropics, or the yogi nailing the perfect yoga pose while basking in the sun, or the image of the woman reading a book with the perfect cup of coffee! While these are all ideal images of self-care they are not practical. Let’s get real. Each of us needs to incorporate self-care into our already busy lives, not put it off until we have the time for that trip, to read that novel, or learn yoga because chances are burnout will occur first!
Read more8 Great places to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 with the Kids in/near Toledo
Whether you are looking to just get out of the house for a couple hours with the kiddos on Dec. 31st, or are looking for fun local Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve festivities, here is a list of awesome Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events going on in Toledo & surrounding area.









