Posts

Even When the Kettle’s Bare

-
Image
Some paths are quieter than others—but walking them together makes all the difference. Today reminded me of the quiet weight that comes with being the one others turn to. I spoke with both of my daughters—separately, at different points in the day. One needed advice, the kind only a mother can give when life feels uncertain. The other’s voice held something heavier, and when I asked, she let it spill: relationship strain, financial stress, the kind of ache that’s hard to name out loud. I listened. I offered what I could—words, perspective, a little steadiness. And later, I followed up. Not because I had to, but because I know how it feels to be left holding something alone. They each thanked me. They each made a move forward. And I felt that familiar flicker of peace—the kind that comes from knowing you were able to help. But beneath that peace, there’s a quieter ache. The kind that surfaces when you’re still navigating your own storm, and yet you find yourself pouring from a cup that’...
Post a Comment
Read more

Nobody Warned Me About the Silence

-
Image
The Unspoken Transition from Full-Time Mom to...  Something Else They don’t tell you that the hardest part of parenting isn’t the toddler tantrums or the teenage moods—it’s the stillness that comes after. The silence that hums too loudly when the door doesn’t burst open at 3:45, when there are no band concerts to rush to, or softball uniforms to wash. When the kitchen hums with nothing but your own thoughts—and maybe, if you’re lucky, a little Aerosmith turned up loud enough to drown them out for a bit. There’s no ceremony for this stage. No “You Did It!” banner fluttering over your head when your kids step into adulthood. Instead, there’s a quiet unraveling—a slow shift from being needed every day to wondering where you fit in now.  I wish someone had warned me about the ache. The depression that sneaks in like fog after the storm, not because you want them to need you forever, but because you don’t know who you are without being needed. When your days aren’t wrapped around s...
Post a Comment
Read more

The House That Laughed

-
Image
In the thick of our family’s busiest years, Josh and I were working full-time jobs—sometimes more. We weren’t poor, but we weren’t lounging in luxury either. Just a family doing our best to stay afloat, keep the fridge stocked, and the kids pointed in the right direction. Between school band, baseball, softball, track, wrestling, and who-knows-what-else, our schedules looked like color-coded chaos. But we knew early on that if we didn’t carve out space for family time, we’d lose the very thing we were all working so hard to hold onto. So we did. And we did it with heart—and on a budget. 🎲 Game Night or Bust Friday or Saturday nights were sacred. Game night didn’t need much—just popcorn, a few good laughs, and the willingness to lose gracefully to your kids. We’d play *Apples to Apples*, *Pictionary*, *Jenga*, *Clue*, and classic card games (but never *Monopoly*—life's too short and tempers are too fragile). As the kids got older, the games got a little edgier—*Cards Against Humani...
Post a Comment
Read more

Navigating the Toddler Years: Chaos, Cuddles, and Growth

-
Image
Toddlers are tiny whirlwinds of emotion, curiosity, and fierce independence which means parenting them requires a mix of patience, strategy, and maybe a strong cup of tea (or wine, let’s be honest).  From tantrums that rival Hollywood drama to the sheer joy of watching them discover the world, the toddler years are a wild ride. But with the right approach, you can turn even the toughest moments into teachable experiences that strengthen your bond. Let’s dive in. 1. The Toddler Mindset: Little Brains in Overdrive Between ages 1 and 3, toddlers are experiencing massive cognitive and emotional growth. They’re learning how to express themselves, testing boundaries like tiny scientists, and figuring out that their choices actually matter. This is the age where they: - Absorb everything—language, behaviors, reactions. - Push limits—not to be difficult, but because they’re exploring autonomy. - Struggle with emotions—because big feelings are hard to handle when you’re small. They’re not m...
Post a Comment
Read more

Decoding Baby Mysteries:

-
Image
Signs, Remedies & Your Instincts Taking Over    Babies don’t come with an instruction manual—though every new parent wishes they did, When they cry, squirm, or fuss, it feels like a guessing game with no obvious answer key, But here’s the secret: your instincts will kick in.   The more you observe, the more you’ll start recognizing patterns, tiny cues, and behaviors that tell you exactly what your baby needs. This guide will help you navigate the early months with confidence, humor, and practical wisdom. Signs It’s Time to Change Your Baby’s Formula Not every formula is the right fit—sometimes, babies struggle with digestion, and their little bodies give clear signals it’s time to switch things up.  ✅ Frequent spit-up or vomiting beyond typical reflux.   ✅ Excess gas or bloating, leading to fussiness after feeding.   ✅ Sudden eczema or rash, which may signal a sensitivity.   💡 What to Try: If symptoms persist, talk to your pedi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Trusting Instincts: The Foundation of Healthy Baby Routines

-
Image
Becoming a mom at 20 wasn’t the shock that people expected it to be—if anything, it felt like a natural continuation of the caregiving role I had played for years. From babysitting to helping my grandmother, watching over my disabled aunt, and even stepping in when my own mother fell ill, I had already navigated the world of nurturing long before I had a child of my own.   So when my daughter was born, I didn’t look for parenting books, unsolicited advice, or a checklist of what I was “supposed” to do. I just **knew**. The structure she needed, the comfort she craved, the way she communicated—it all felt second nature.   That didn’t mean the journey was without its challenges. My mother, ever the control freak, constantly tried to tell me how to raise my daughter. My husband? Hilariously clueless, but willing to learn (and, to his credit, became an incredible dad). And while the outside world expected me to struggle or feel overwhelmed, I never did.   This ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Twins Days Festival

-
Image
Every year, Twinsburg, Ohio hosts the Twins Days Festival , the world's largest gathering of twins, multiples, and those who just love seeing double. Matching outfits, twin parades, and genetic research—it's a weekend where the phrase “two of a kind” is an understatement.   If my kids ever attended, they’d fit right in, but not in the way people expect. Forget the twin stereotypes; these two created their own language, a secret sibling code only they understood. People assumed twinhood was all about identical looks or matching habits, but my twins proved that true connection runs much deeper.   And then there was my oldest, fluent in their twin-speak despite being born two years earlier—because in our house, twinhood wasn’t just for two, it was for three. Whether you’re an actual twin or just an honorary one, Twins Days is proof that sibling bonds come in all forms.  Hope to see you there! Grab a cup of 🫖  & share,  ~Honey
Post a Comment
Read more

Twins? Nope, Just Triplets by Association

-
I always knew raising twins would be an adventure, but what I didn’t expect was **an honorary third twin** joining the mix. My older daughter, despite being two years ahead of her twin siblings, blended in so naturally that people genuinely thought I had triplets. And honestly? I don’t blame them.   But let’s get one thing straight—my twins were **anything but identical.** My son was sharp as a whip, effortlessly excelling in school, while my daughter struggled to find her academic footing. Their personalities clashed in every possible way, leading to constant battles that left me wondering if twinhood came with an automatic fight club membership. Yet despite all the bickering, their bond remained unshakable. If someone dared to mess with one of them, the other was instantly ready to throw down.   And then there was my oldest, the **unofficial third twin**, who never showed a hint of jealousy but always wanted a twin of her own. Instead, she got two younger siblings ...
Post a Comment
Read more