Relax this Holiday Weekend with Disney Games

A holiday like Thanksgiving is the perfect time for a family to get together and play some games. Disney fanatics have many games from which they can choose to play that relate to the Mouse House. The official Disney Parks blog has a post on some of the possibilities. Many of these are pre-existing popular board games that have released Disney editions. My mind immediately went to Monopoly, special versions of which you can find for just about anything, from “Star Wars” to college football. And of course there’s a Disney Monopoly. I wonder if in addition to purchasing Disney … Continue reading

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice does make perfect when shooting photos and posing for them. With senior portrait season in full swing, now is the time for teens to put their best face forward. High school senior photos document a major milestone in a student’s life. The moment when a teen is preparing to start the next chapter in his or her life is a momentous occasion. Capturing this special time is important for students and their families, which is why it’s critical to make the most of a senior photo session. The following are tips to consider before you pose for some of … Continue reading

Two Imperfect People

As spiritual people, we know that we are not perfect. We are merely human and make many mistakes along the way in our lives. Why then, do we tend to assume that our marriages have to be perfect? When you are young and in love you tend to believe that a happy marriage means that the couple spends hours staring into each other’s eyes, doing fun things together and always agreeing. This is probably because during courtship or dating, a couple tends to spend hours staring into each other’s eyes, doing fun things together and always agreeing. Call it the … Continue reading

Come Out, Muskrats – Jim Arnosky

This fun children’s picture book is a little bit older than the ones I usually review, published in 1989 which by book standards is pretty ancient. But the rich woodsy colors and nature feel drew me in and well, a good book is a good book, regardless of its age. Plus, it’s also a Reading Rainbow book, and we all know what that means. (That it’s really good.) Our setting is a quiet cove with a red barn nearby, the waters green and still, the rushes nestled up to the banks. It’s late afternoon and the ducks are relaxing and … Continue reading

Snuggle Up, Sleepy Ones – Claire Freedman

I’m a sucker for jungle animals, especially baby ones, and most particularly, furry ones. “Snuggle Up, Sleepy Ones” is right up my alley. We begin with Mama Lion, gathering in her babies and getting them ready for bed with a thorough cleaning. It’s not just humans who have to take bedtime baths – these cubs will be sparkling clean by the time their mother gets through with them. It’s sunset and time for sleep. Mama Hippo gives her baby a hug, and then a ride on her back to the swamp where they will settle down in the cool, refreshing … Continue reading

Exercise Haters Anonymous

Do you hate exercise? Would you attend a meeting for exercise haters anonymous? Do you feel ashamed of the fact that you hate exercise, but not enough to push yourself into an exercise program? Do your palms get sweaty when other people talk about personal trainers? Does your heart race when you hear people making plans for hitting the gym? Well, relax. To be perfectly honest, exercise in and of itself doesn’t sound appealing. If you live in a world where you are constantly crunching time and finding five minutes to yourself is an onerous task, then trying to set … Continue reading

2006 in Review: Homeschooling Blog at a Glance

As a new homeschooling blogger at Families.com, I wanted to know everything that has been discussed to date. In response to my own curiosity, and in an effort to make perusing our articles easier for you, our readers, I have compiled all of the blogs for the year 2006. Deciding to Homeschool Why homeschool Am I qualified for this? Reasons that Homeschooling Works! My Most Important Advice for Homeschoolers. The Cost of Homeschooling Instead of standing up for their own kids, why not stand up for all kids? Disclaimer: I am hardly an expert in education. Did You Know? ‘Empirical … Continue reading

Take Them Camping

Summer is almost officially over. Labor day is just around the corner. Are you doing anything fun? As a single mother money is always tight but I still like to take little trips with Hailey. Everyone needs to get away and one final weekend trip to end the summer is always welcome. When I first got divorced I was scared to go camping alone. I’m not sure what I was afraid of but I had to bite the bullet and do it, it was really the only thing I could afford to do. Taking kids camping is always fun as … Continue reading

Outdoor Adventure Bargains

Want to experience a priceless getaway without breaking the bank? If you have been waiting for end of the summer travel sales in order to fund a family vacation, you’re patience has paid off. Several top camping spots are reducing prices as kids get ready to head back to school. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of these outdoor travel deals: Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park is one of Kentucky’s and the nation’s most awe-inspiring recreational treasures. The outdoor gem is loaded with prime spots for hiking, exploring and relaxing with loved ones. What’s more, from now until … Continue reading

Families.com Newsletter April 2012

Have you subscribed to the newsletter? Here is what is coming hot off the press for April. Don’t miss our updates sent directly to your inbox with highlights of what is going on here at Families.com. Or check in with us by following us on Facebook or Google+. Inspiration from real parents like you. Parents, wondering how on earth we are going to get through this? Read on for inspiration and tips from real parents just like you. Pull up a chair and pour yourself another cup of coffee. Share the struggles and the laughter with us and find strength … Continue reading