Yesterday was my birthday. 

I admit, I was in a bad mood over turning 35. For some reason, the idea of being able to round up to 40 caused me some anxiety. I'm not a huge fan of the aging process, and while I feel like I was in high school just yesterday, I now have a high school kid of my own. 

So yeah, I took some time on my 35th birthday to wallow in self-pity. Silly? Maybe...No, probably...But it is what it is. 

Then I got a phone call, and it all just seemed so silly...So stupid. I got a call that really put life in general in perspective while simultaneously breaking my heart in two. 

You see, yesterday, my Papa died. (Or it may have been the day before, we don't really know what happened yet.) My dad called with the news, and I couldn't even process it until this morning. I still can't wrap my head around it, to be honest. I've been blessed and haven't had to suffer too many losses yet in life, so this hit me hard. 

Papa was 93, soon to be 94. He was a father to 7, and a grandfather and great grandfather to many, myself included. He was still living independently in the same home where family gatherings happened for decades. The same house I remember going to so often as a kid. It's a small blue house on a quiet, dead-end street, but when I was a kid, it seemed enormous. Maybe it was the love in that home that made it feel like a castle to me. 

My Papa was a hero. 

He was there for D-Day in WW2. He was a paratrooper, and put his life on the line to protect and fight for freedom. In fact, he almost sacrificed his life during the war. He and a couple others were in a Jeep, and accidentally ran over a landmine. While the other soldiers in the vehicle were killed, Papa's life was spared. He did break his back, so he was sent home to recover, and later received a Purple Heart for his service. 

His military service isn't the only thing that made him a Hero, though. Not by a long-shot. He was a hero every day to those who knew and loved him. 

When I was a kid, Papa taught me a lot. He showed me how to become a Yahtzee Master, and he even showed me how to bowl and NOT wind up in the gutter. Some of my best childhood memories were at the bowling alley with Granny and Papa, watching in amazement as Papa got yet another strike. It sounds like something so trivial, but to a young child, it just seemed so magical. 

The real thing that makes Papa a hero in my mind has nothing to do with bowling a perfect 300....It has nothing to do with his military service....It has to do with his character.

Papa was a kind, decent, and very compassionate man. His heart was as big as the ocean, and he always had a smile and hug ready for anyone who needed one. It never mattered how broken a person was, Papa gave nothing but love and acceptance to everyone he met. 

He also had a fantastic sense of humor, as did my Granny. No matter how challenging a situation was, they always found a reason to laugh, smile, and be grateful. That's one thing I learned from my Papa. No matter how hard life may get, which can be pretty darn tough, always, ALWAYS be grateful. 

Papa raised 7 children to be successful not only in their professions, but also in their humanity. My Dad, aunts, and uncles are all exceptionally kind and compassionate people with families and even grandkids of their own. 

Papa's kind spirit lives on in all of us. The members of my family have chosen many different paths in life....We have lawyers, medical professionals, people into the arts and show-business...We have parents, those who chose not to have children of their own, experts in religious studies, and even a rock star. 

We're a varied bunch, and while we may seen pretty different at times, we all have a common thread: Love. 

This love was largely taught by Granny and Papa. They showed us what love and family are supposed to look like. They were a shining example of everything we all hoped to one day aspire to. 

There are a lot of things that make a Hero. Some heroes are made through brave, heroic actions on a battlefield. Some heroes are made in less obvious ways, like being a faithful, loving partner, parent, or grandparent, and being a light for future generations to follow. 

My Papa was a Hero for both reasons. 

And now, this Hero is in Heaven. I believe my Granny was there waiting his arrival, and there are joyous celebrations up above, celebrating a life well lived. 

Rest in peace, Papa. You are so loved, and you will be so incredibly missed. Thank you for teaching all of us so much, especially about the things that really matter most in life. Your wisdom, kindness, and compassion will not be forgotten. 

​We love you. ​

As homeschooling parents, we're always looking for ways to incorporate learning into our every day activities. Whether it's the kids helping measure ingredients in the kitchen, or finding ways to make playtime an educational experience, we're always in search of ways to make learning fun and engaging....especially during the summer months. 

During the summer, not only do the kiddos get used to the lack of homework and school assignments, they also get bitten by the Boredom Bug. Because I cannot in good conscience allow them to do nothing but play Minecraft 24/7, I've been on the hunt for hands-on activities that support the same STEM skills that their favorite video game is known for. 

Recently, we headed to Best Buy, and we were absolutely thrilled to see a nice selection of tech toys that are sure to make any kids interested in learning, even during summer break! 

Our favorite of these great tech toys would have to be the Hexbug - VEX Robotics Robotic Arm. For one, who doesn't love robots?! Kids learn how industrial robots operate while constructing your own miniature version with this VEX robotic arm kit. It has four points of motion that let it rotate 360 degrees while raising objects up to 14 inches in the air and extending them 10 inches. The VEX robotic arm kit teaches important STEM principles.

​June is a special month.  It marks graduation, the start of summer, weddings, vacation season.  But did you know that June is also National Dairy Month?  While we fire up our grills in preparation for the summer cooking season, June is the perfect time to incorporate a food group that tastes great and is great for us:  dairy. 
 
Many of us (myself included) eat butter and cheese almost everyday.  But we often forget to consider that many butters contain additives (such as growth hormones, preservatives, and dyes) that can be harmful to us and our families.  What if I told you there was a way to sidestep those potentially dangerous chemicals, embrace all-natural great taste, and take your baking and cooking game to the next level in honor of National Dairy Month? 
 
I recently discovered Finlandia Cheese [https://www.finlandiacheese.com/]—a brand that has been crafting some of the highest quality cheese and butter for over a century—and was so inspired that I decided to share a few secrets to help you create some of the best-tasting food you and your family have ever eaten.  

In my home, we're huge fans of Slammers Organic Snacks. These cute little pouches come loaded with sweet, organic goodness. There are a wide variety of flavors, and each is packed with wholesome fruits and veggies, including superfoods like Acai and Ancient Grains, just to name a few.

My kiddos have been absolutely wild for every flavor they've tried, so of course, they were super-excited to learn that there's a brand new addition to the Slammers line-up of wholesome, nutritious snacks!

We received a surprise delivery of this craveworthy new flavor: Creamy Banana Chocolate! How amazing does that sound?! I don't think I know a single person that can resist the combination of bananas and rich chocolate! They go together perfectly, don't you agree? 

My little ones absolutely LOVE Peanut Butter. Really, they would eat it all the time if I allowed it. While Peanut Butter is a favorite while we're spending time at home, sometimes we eat lunch on the go. I am always super-conscious of the fact that while my kids don't have any allergies, other kids DO, and this can often lead to very scary, potentially life-threatening situations. When we will be eating around others, especially children, I make it a point to NOT pack peanut butter. I take this very seriously as a parent, and I try and make sure that I never accidentally put anyone else's child in a life-threatening situation. 

Justin's products are made from organic, non-GMO ingredients, and are loaded with protein and nutty deliciousness. I love the fact that these products don't contain artificial dyes or flavors, and are preservative-free. That's right, folks. When choosing Justin's Nut Butters, you are tasting only the best that Mother Nature has to offer, without any added junk. 

***Please note: While the Almond Butters DO NOT contain ANY peanut products, and very strict sanitation is adhered to between batches, it does say on the jar that it may contain trace amounts of peanuts. This is ONLY because these butters are processed in a plant that also handles peanuts. If your child is allergic, please consult your physician if you have any concerns.***

Now that summer is in full swing, we're spending lots of time going on adventures with the family. Whether it's a trip to Cedar Point, the Rollercoaster Capital of the World, or a trip to a local park, it seems we're constantly on the go. 

When we're out and about, enjoying the gorgeous NE Ohio summers, one thing always rings true: The kids inevitably end up wanting to snack. We don't really eat fast food if I can help it, so we try to keep wholesome, portable snacks on hand so that when hunger strikes, we're prepared. 

I'd like to share just a few of my kids' favorite summer snacks.  These are tried and true, and they're all super-portable, so they can go wherever the summer takes your family. They're also amazing choices for National Picnic Month! 

As the mom of 2 little kiddos, I am always on the lookout for great, eco-friendly fashion finds. Whether it's super-soft bamboo or organic cotton clothing or environmentally and socially responsible footwear, I do my best to make sure my purchases are not only high quality, but as green as possible. 

Recently, I discovered Friendly Rooster, and they fit the bill perfectly. This online shoe shop offers only the best baby and toddler shoes on the market.
​Some of these coveted brands include Native, Tip Toey Joey, and Livie and Luca, just to name a few! 

Friendly Rooster's manufacturer base each has something unique to offer.  Some appeal to an edgier, urban customer.  Others are more traditional with a whimsical twist.  Most are environmentally and socially conscious.  And all are healthy for tiny growing feet, promoting proper foot development during the important “beginning steps” years.  All of our brands can be considered the best Baby Girl Walking Shoes and Baby Boy Walking Shoes that you will find. 

I have a fantastic giveaway for PRI products below, but I have some great news: EVERYONE WINS!

Right now, if you shop with PRI, you can receive 15% OFF ALL PRI products
Plus FREE SHIPPING for EVERYONE!

Simply use the code Honey15 upon checkout to enjoy these exclusive savings!

I absolutely love the month of June, don't you? Summer is in full swing, and there's tons to celebrate. June is a month for graduations, weddings, Father's Day, and of course, MY BIRTHDAY! So naturally, June has always been an extra special month in my household. 

One great way to help celebrate this June is to give the gift of sweet, nutritious Manuka Honey from pristine New Zealand. This honey is packed full of natural goodness, and it's even good for you. It comes ONLY from the Manuka Tree, which can be found in the pollution-free forests of New Zealand.

​Don't despair, though! Manuka Honey products can be purchased here in the United States, thanks to PRI. (Pacific Resources International.) They offer a wide selection of honeys, treats, personal care products, and even naturally dried Pacific Sea Salt. Some of their products pair the Manuka Honey and Pacific Sea Salt, and the results are mouthwateringly delicious!