Morning coffee at the campsite

Kickstarting the Adventure Camp with a Coffee Maker

Every dog will have its day and every day will have its dawn. A cold, bleak, bleary dawn meant only to torment those of us not born to the fragment of the mutant population known as “morning people.” You know, the ones who wake up singing This Little Light of Mine as they dance their way into the warm shower. No sir, it’s only cold showers for me. This sensation, of course, is only multiplied when camping.

Camping coffee

Our Nighttime Camping Coffee Routine

They say necessity is the mother of invention. When there is a need that must be met or supplied, surely a solution will follow along riding on the back of ingenuity like a mighty knight to save the day. Over hill and dale, through snow or shine, atop rivers or lava. But what happens when the mother of four sons needs her coffee?

The Easiest Security Camera

The Easiest Home Security Camera EVER

Our house at the farm is a ranch-style setup. It’s one single level, all spread out with everything pretty much visible from the porch. You basically walk into our house and it’s like, “Oh hey, here’s everything we own!”

How to Safely, Smartly put a TV in a Playroom

The kids have been begging for a TV in their playroom for awhile now. I’ve always reasoned that it’s unnecessary because we have one in the living room and it makes for good family bonding time. Plus, frankly, I want to be in control of everything they’re watching.

Home busy season

Preparing your Home for a Busy (and Germ-y!) Season

Back-to-school happenings are in full force around here, and it’ll be the holiday season before you know it. We’re preparing our home for one heck of a busy season, as several family members have moved recently and that means lots of houseguests are headed our way. Time to batten down the hatches and load up on ALL the supplies!

SeaWorld San Diego with Little Kids

What to see at SeaWorld San Diego with Little Kids

With SeaWorld San Diego opening a ton of rides and educational shows in recent years, I’ve had some visitors ask if it’s an appropriate spot to take kids who aren’t tall enough or won’t necessarily sit still for a presentation. I always encourage these people to go see the many displays and hands-on experiences available at the park. More often than not, I wind up playing tour guide because I’m so enthusiastic about the incredible learning opportunities that are available here! Here’s a look at what OUR family does at SeaWorld with four boys ages 6, 4, 2 and 9 months.

Back-to-school tradition

How to be the Rockstar Mom at your Kids’ School

I had this friend in grade school whose mom was pretty much the best. We all thought so. When she volunteered for field trips, we collectively clamored to be assigned to her since those kids were guaranteed to have the most fun. Another one of my friend’s parents used to bring their pet Beagle to school at lunchtime, and he quickly became the unofficial mascot. Then there was the dad with all the cool arts and crafts stuff! I want to be THAT parent. Problem is, I’m a little short on time.

Unexpected farm item

This Unexpected Item Gets a Ton of Use on our Farm

It started with one of Some Boy’s friends last winter. Poor dude had persistently-chapped lips from all the weird weather and allergens around here, so his buddy gave him a lip balm at school. I’d been using coconut oil on him before he went to bed every night, but he needed more persistent application.