Life isn’t easy. Not for any of us walking this planet. Sure, it’s easier for some than other. That level of difficulty is something to discuss another time though. I just want to focus on how truly terrifying and unpredictable life can be for all of us. Life is fragile. We all know people who have been lost to time because of cancer, violence, or accidents. Many different things take those that we care about, but the end result is always the same… no longer existing. The ability to say (and hear) things like “I love you,” “You’re weird.” or “What made you think of that?” will one day be lost ..read more

Troomi, “offers the best safe smart phones and the first designed to grow with your child.” Last year we were sent a wonderful little package from Troomi. The company was excited to offer us a free phone and trial plan in order to test their service in exchange for a review. Our oldest, 10 at the time, was ecstatic to have a phone of his own. He was more than ready to give it a try with us. The phone was the Troomi Phone (a Samsung A13 with their KidSmart OS installed). The plan they put us on was called Discover. That is the top-tier plan with all included options in the Parent Portal and ph ..read more

Construction Simulator® – Stadium Expansion offers players access to a new major contract. Within the extensive campaign, players not only have to build a football stadium complete with stands, VIP lounges and an impressive entrance area, but also demonstrate their skills in building the associated infrastructure. Whether working on the new pedestrian bridge, the large parking space, the multi-storey car park or the clubhouse of the Friedenberg Arena – the varied construction jobs require skilled craftsmanship and almost all of the players’ machinery. Once the stadium is complete and the floo ..read more

Chicago is no stranger to sports teams. We’ve got a bunch of ’em. Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Football, Hockey, Roller Derby, and more. There is so much happening, incredible traffic, and surprisingly high ticketing fees at many of them that it can all be a bit much. The story is somewhat different for the Chicago Dogs and we like it that way. It’s July and we’ve been to a handful of games so far this season. A personal family record for seeing a sports team in a single season. Here’s our top 10 reasons we love having the Chicago Dogs as our local team and attending their games. The Chicago ..read more

P Is for Pride by Greg Paprocki introduces readers (and those listening) to the alphabet by pairing each letter with a word associated with the LGBTQ+ community and supporters in a young age appropriate way. Full of fun and bright colors even non-readers will enjoy the book. Image Courtesy of BabyLit. Toddlers (and their adults) can read from A to Z about the LGBTQ+ community while supporting diverse families with kindness and love. The book has been released as part of Greg Prapocki’s BabyLit Alphabet Primers. The target ages is for young readers, but I’ve f ..read more

We got married in our then pastor’s office. Only a handful of close family members were at hand for the ceremony. We had a cook-out at her parent’s house that afternoon. It was such a small start for just a big journey. There have been so many adventures in the last couple decades. We’ve visited Canada, India, Spain, Australia, Argentina, the U.K., Netherlands, and so many other places together since then. We’ve had two beautiful kids, purchased a house, and experiences ups and downs I didn’t even imagine were possible. She’s my love, my rock, my friend, and my partner. We’re not the same pe ..read more

Empowering Dialogue: Inside Alexandra Jamieson’s Abortion Trading Cards Journey The Abortion Trading Cards collection provides a thought-provoking insight into a not so imagined future where abortion services are outlawed. This portrayal of a possible future revolves around covert exchanges of custom-modified playing card decks. Celebrate the 51st anniversary of the groundbreaking Roe v Wade ruling and start a conversation with the exclusive debut of the innovative Abortion Trading Cards set, designed by the esteemed artist and activist, Alexandra Jamieson. I was able to chat with Alexandra Ja ..read more

Welcome to the Windy City’s newest and most exhilarating attraction: Flyover Chicago! Located on the iconic Navy Pier, directly across from the Chicago Children’s Museum at the west entrance, 600 E. Grand Avenue, this immersive experience promises to take you on a breathtaking journey through the heart and soul of Chicago. As you step into the world of Flyover, you’re greeted with anticipation and excitement. This isn’t just any tourist destination; it’s a celebration of Chicago’s rich history and vibrant culture, brought to life in stunning detail. The journey begins with Act 1, where you’ll ..read more

The origin story for one of Peanuts’ most beloved characters, Franklin, follows how he approaches making new friends. Franklin Armstrong in “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” premiering February 16, 2024 on Apple TV+. Franklin’s family is always on the move with his dad’s military job, and everywhere he goes Franklin finds support in a notebook filled with his grandfather’s advice on friendship. Franklin Armstrong and Linus in “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” premiering February 16, 2024 on Apple TV+. But when Franklin tries his usual strategies with the Peanuts gang, he has ..read more

An Entertaining Time Travel Mystery Book For The Parents I’ve recently rediscovered a love for reading fiction thanks to the audiobooks found at my local library. One of my recent reads was “The Lost Bookshop” by Evie Woods. You can get it using my affiliate link here. On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found… For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives. But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found i ..read more