Not one of my parenting priorities, but just something fun: theme days.  Having theme days allows to do a variety of different things under a certain theme.  This keeps the kids busy and sometimes allows me to be more closely involved with their play.  Here are some of the theme days we have planned for this summer: First Day of Summer Party Construction Day Craft Day Yard Game Day Sports Day Splash Day Spa Day Last Day of Summer Party I always plan for plenty--that way, when I don't get to all of them, we still remember the ones we…

Before I even knew it, June was upon me!  I always feel like I'm in a frenzy, trying to get things done.  Working.  Driving the kids.  Other work.  Soccer.  Cooking.  Cleaning.  Taking care of the kids.  More chores.  Groceries.  Working.  You know. So many of you have already entered the blissfulness of kids-are-home-for-the summer.  For some of you this might be wonderful.  For others, this may be terrifying.  I have a love-hate relationship with school summer vacation.  Yes, I love being able to do things with my family.  But I have to say I really DO NOT like to take…

Another item of great importance to me and my parenting style is exercise. I have always struggled with my weight, and there are several weight-related diseases that run in my family. It is my goal to encourage active behavior early in life so that my kids live a healthy lifestyle as adults. Because of that, I like to make sure I get the kids outside to play, one way I'm trying to get them interested in various sports is letting them personalize custom kids jersey for sportswear themselves, in hopes that they become motivated by their new clothes to enjoy…

Less than a week ago, after picking up Princess Anna from preschool, she announced from the backseat that this summer, after camp and after her birthday could she have a sleepover at her friends house? And could she play at her friend's house? Because she would have fun. Now a planned out family summer is fun and all, but sometimes kids just need time to blow off steam with their friends. Her preschool friend doesn't live quite as close to us as some of her other friends, but even last summer we made sure they had plenty of time just…