If you're planning a move (we are) what to do with your pets after a life change may be an issue. It's a tough decision. Having recently moved, it was important to find a good home for all of our pets. And, when I say 'all' I mean we needed to find a home for a wide variety of animals, both indoors and outdoors. Now, we're about to do it again. This time, I'm considering rehoming some of our outdoor pets. It's a difficult decision.
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Over the years, we have adopted many pets from friends and family. No matter, where you get your pet, it's always a labor of love. The best pets come from loving homes. Take Buddie, for example, she has seizures. We can't pinpoint the cause. It's been suggested we put her down, but she's otherwise a happy, little kitty. She has many triggers and as long as we keep the triggers in check we can reduce the amount of seizures she has each week. Often, the seizures are daily! This is due to food, fleas, flea sprays, and other things that seem to be allergens. Right now, Buddy is doing great! I found a cat food that seems to work. It's a little pricey for my liking, but far better than the alternatives. I also found a pet safe candle that helps remove any pet odors. You know, we've got those! Cleaning up after Buddie is a full time job.
Then, there's Tigger! What a character. He's about twelve. We found him on Craigslist. I don't recommend finding a pet to adopt that way, but we also got ducks and chickens from Craigslist. Tigger often stars in our blog and social media posts. I've shared some links so you can learn more about him!
At nineteen, my Cockatiel, Nebu, is my oldest pet friend! I got him from a pet store when he was just an egg! Of course, I didn't take the egg home. The pet store hatched him out and raised him for the first 9 weeks then I brought him home! He can get noisy, but for the most part, he's a pet that can move anywhere and, boy oh boy, have the two of us lived in lots of different places! Where I go, he goes. Sometimes, even on vacations!
Also, there's a turtle. Several years ago, I was mowing the lawn and ran over her shell. I brought her in the house for rehabilitation. They tell me, she can't be released into the wild. She'd never survive and probably spread disease. Not to mention the fact that, turtles are homing devices. She might spend years trying to work her way back to her original home. I'd like to find a permanent home for her, like a sanctuary or zoo or something. Rehoming her with a friend (someone I trust) would be a great option.
But wait, there's more. We have chickens and a duck too. In the past, we had more turtles, more cats, more ducks, and way more chickens! A move wouldn't have been possible. But now, we're down to two chickens and a duck. I've shared some links about our journey below.
Our new neighbor loves animals. I'm considering leaving them with him. It's a tough decision though. But, we are embarking on a new path in life.The kids want to try public school next year! I ask every year, this year they both said yes!! Ugh. Difficult decision for me. We just bought a house. But we've decided to move back to my hometown where we'll be surrounded by friends and family. The kids will go to school with their cousins. We want to make the transition as easy as possible for all. Since money is a factor, finding trusted new homes for some of our beloved pets seems like the best option.
Have you ever rehomed a pet? Let's be clear, the pound is not an option. I never understand how anyone can do that to a family member. Sure, if they're lucky someone else will adopt them, but the odds aren't good. Even a no kill shelter isn't great. They'll have abandonment issues. I feel like we're family for life, but sometimes, you have to make tough decisions. Any advice?
Got a Finding Dory Fan? Decorate Your Bathroom in an Under the Sea Theme
Got a little one who is a big fan of Nemo or Finding Dory? If so, you'll want to decorate your bathroomin an under the sea theme. These fish decor ideas make perfect Dory bathroom decor ideas for kids. Enjoy!
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So, we've got SpongeBob fans who are even bigger carnival games fans. You know, pop the balloon with a dart, pull a duck out of a baby pool, toss a ping pong ball in a fishbowl. What do you do with all of those tiny little stuffed animals? We give a lot to Goodwill, but we always have a fresh supply. When we moved to our new (old) house I noticed a fish switch plate, so decided to go with an under sea bathroom theme. Add a set of fun fish curtains for a kids' bathroom and you're good to go!
Notice our SpongeBob is pink? He's a special stuffy for Breast Cancer Awareness. We just couldn't give these guys up- each one of them is a special memory from a fun, family vacation or holiday gift.
These are easy to hang with fishing line or kite string. Attach the string to the stuffed animal with a straight pin and then use an office push pin to hang it from the ceiling. I wrapped one end of the string around the pin and then made sure to poke through the end of the string when I poked the pin into the ceiling.
So, there's a story or two here. We have ducks. We like ducks. We have Guppies. The guppy cross-stitch was created by me in 1987! I guess it's my modern form of a stitch sampler. The many ducks came from my son's first bathroom when he was only one year old. The biggest duck is a stuffed animal that is coated in a scented wax and serves as a room freshener. How to make a wax stuffed animal room freshener,
One of those duckies above is a night light. Don't forget to add the right lighting, an aqua glass sconce is the perfect companion lighting for an under the sea theme bathroom.
Before we moved, we had a powder room decorated in a whimsical Winnie the Pooh theme. I made a border around the wall with rubber stamps and stencils and then colored it in with pastels. I couldn't let it go and now most of the Pooh decor is in my kitchen.
Yep, whimsy would probably be a good word to describe me. Do you have a fun bathroom decor idea? Share it with us in the comments.
A few weeks ago, I published a post with a BMI calculator asking you to join me in my weight loss endeavor. I've been trying to shift my focus to healthy living. For me, eating isn't really the problem, but I'd like to get the entire family on a healthy schedule and diet. So, I've been visiting lots of healthy living websites looking for tips and ideas and pinning healthy lifestyle pins on Pinterest.
Tomato plants in our organic garden.
I'm too young to be a hippie and too old to be a hipster, so I guess I'll just become a crunchy mama. I lean that way for sure, but it isn't always practical for me. I am into attachment parenting though, so I am well on my way. Only... I don't look the part. I lost my way, and I am struggling to get back to an appropriate level of fitness.
Fake it 'til you make it. That's what I intend to do.
Yep, I have a little garden patch, some chickens, and a few ducks. I've been building a coop and a barn for something else. Maybe a goat or a llama? It popped into my head this week that I need to build a greenhouse for my plants. I kill Rosemary every year. This year, I didn't even bother with her!
Wyandotte Chickens and Pekin Ducks at 3 months old.
If you follow this blog, you probably know we're kind of Pinterest superstars. As a visual person, I love Pinterest. No, I probably won't get back to any of the things, but I sure like to look at the pretty pictures and dream. So, what are my favorite boards for healthy living?
Crum Creek is a health food company with the motto "indulge in healthy". They have great Pinterest boards with lots of ideas for making healthy choices.
Vegetarian Zen is a blog about a family learning to become vegetarians with the motto "happy body, healthy mind". This is a great place to learn all about how to be healthy. Vegetarian Pinterest Boards.
Pure Health Girls this is a site focused on raising awareness on how to take control of your health and longevity. They provide valuable information about the dangers of pesticides, hormones, and GMO's. See the Pinterest Boards here.
Chickens: Rooster, Hen, Pullet, Cockerel or Cock. Whatever you call them, we're on a kick. Our baby chicks are six-weeks-old, and we adopted three duckling companions for them. We're still waiting to see if they turn out to be girls or boys. The waiting is the hardest part. Enjoy!
In the meantime, we are crafting chickens. We've made a chicken hat/ mask for the littles. It's an easy craft for preschool kids. Pair it with The Little Red Henfor a fun companion class lesson. Hopefully, they'll be happy to wear their new cap. You could even perform a little chicken play skit.
Baby Pekin Ducks, four weeks old. They don't want to wear a chicken hat.
Mayhem was not in the mood to wear a chicken hat. So, this post is what she's not wearing. Shh... I'll tell you what she is wearing. She marched upstairs and found a pair of hand-me-down khaki shorts which she paired with last year's favorite rainbow striped dress. This year, it is more like a polo shirt. Maybe she'll be back to her DIVA self next week. In the meantime, hope you enjoy crafting construction paper chicken or rooster hats with the kids.
Chicken hat for Little Red Hen play skit.
Cut two, two inch strips down the length of the construction paper.
Measure one strip band to child's head. Glue ends together.
Now fold the other strip in half to form the chicken's beak.
Bend in half until ends meet, glue together, and attach beak to hat band strip.
Cut out the comb and wattle as pictured
Paste wattle to beak, draw two black circles for nose holes. We cut out two paper "chicken combs" and glued to a piece of cardboard to make the comb stand tall.
Score a slit in each end of the comb and slide into hat band. Ta da!
So, we earned an entry (free ticket) to the Indiana State Fairwith a 4H Exhibit on Small Engines. What's to do at the State Fair? Well there's lots of things to do at the Fair. It isn't just all amusement rides and games. There are so many things to do that you could spend all day there... if you could stand the heat or the walking and had a pocket full of cash! If you have lots of one dollar bills, you can ride the train every time you needed to get somewhere. Well, you could, if you could find a seat. You can enjoy the State Fair on a budget with these Indiana State Fair tips and tricks. Enjoy!
Family Friendly Things to do with Kids in Speedway, Indiana
We love Speedway, Indiana. We attended church in Speedway for several years and have attended many events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We're sharing our favorite places to go and things to do in Speedway with kids. Enjoy!
If you're planning a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, you want tips and tricks to make your trip less hectic and less expensive. We've got some simple Disney tips and tricks that will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Disney World! Enjoy!
As a member of the media, I received two media passes from Walt Disney World.*
Disney Tips and Tricks.
I wanted to take pictures of, It's a Small World, Space Mountain, and the Pirates of the Caribbean, but I forgot. Thank goodness! Instead, I got to enjoy the rides! Good news, YouTube is here for you! I'm sharing some of the best Disney World and Epcot rides through the eyes of popular YouTubers.
Important Notes:
Everyone gets FastPasses with their regular admission ticket.
Disney Dining Passes are only for guests staying in the hotels.
Tip #1
First tip... go to Epcot first. In the morning, everyone is rushing to the Magic Kingdom. Rush to Epcot. The lines will be shorter in the morning. The longest line we waited in was the security line to get into the park. We drove the car and parked it in the front lot, near the bus stop, just a short hop to the restrooms and then to Spaceship Earth!
Tip #2 This way, you can take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom and make a grand entrance while enjoying the view.
Tip #3 If you have a complaint, be sure to let guest services know asap. They'll solve it- they want to make sure everyone is smiling, because it is the happiest place on Earth! My youngest was over waiting in the security line when we headed to guest services to pick up some passes. She was frowning! The rep asked her name, and then gave her a pass to go to the front of any line of her choice. That made her smile. Happy, happy, happy!
Tip #4
Split, then split it! If you have picky eaters, maybe don't plan on eating at Epcot. There's tons of food choices - too many. But, the kids were starving and we couldn't agree on one. We finally decided to splurge on French Food- the priciest food in the park. I was running out of money fast, and with my food allergies, and the picky eaters, I wasn't sure what to order. We split a chicken dinner. It was more than enough for the two of us. Chicken, veggies, bread, and dessert. The littlest one had a kid's meal.
What's great about this? Everyone is French! The chef came to assure me, I'd be okay. He was obviously very busy. It makes me uncomfortable when they do this... You can tell you are interrupting their work. I wasn't assured that I'd be okay, however, because he didn't stick around long enough to talk -- make sure you know your food allergies and steer clear. Mine are impossible to avoid, so I chuckled when he said, "You'll be fine." We could only hope.
We didn't visit the dome this time. I've been there before. There was a very long line, and I knew we'd visit Space Mountain which is a similar dome-y experience. If you want to do it, use your FastPass here. FastPass Tips from Mousehints.
Tip #5 While you are in Epcot, don't miss the Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions. From the outside, it looks like a boring building, but it is a great place to cool off and relax. There is a lot for young children to do. My tweens loved designing their own ride in 4D. They wanted to immediately do it again, but it was our first ride and there was so much more to experience.
You'll get a card to visit Raytheon online.
Tip #6 When I visited Epcot as a teenager, Figment was my favorite part. Mostly, I think it was because he was a purple dinosaur with a rainbow. I don't know. It was an interesting experience.
I say, if you are short on time, skip this one. Unless, you love smell-o-vision. There are skunk and other smells pumped into the air for your enjoyment. When the ride is over, there is a fun, interactive, hands-on section for kids. We also liked that it was an air-conditioned wait in line.
Lots of Disney Movie "professors" and their experiments here.
Weebo.
While in Epcot, we also visted The Seas area and the Finding Nemo ride. If you have plenty of time, do it. The Seas have a nice ocean exhibit that includes rescued Manatees. If you are short on time, skip it. The line was long, and the ride was less than spectacular.
Tip #7
Remember that happy pass my daughter got for frowning? We used it at the Chevrolet Test Track. This was our favorite ride in Epcot. There's a little surprise at the end. We all wanted this ride to keep going. So much fun! Use your FASTPASS here!!!
When the ride ended, we spent an hour enjoying the interactive exhibit areas.
There is so much to see and do in Epcot! It was pouring down the rain, and a terrible storm was on the way, so we hurried through Epcot to have more time in the Magic Kingdom. You really do need a day or more to see everything in each park.
Since a storm was brewing, we didn't take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Instead, we drove the car back to the hotel to take cover. Don't worry, Disney doesn't let a silly little storm spoil the fun. Everything keeps going... rain and all!
We rested longer than we'd planned. Because beds. Because Disney Television. Because free wifi. Because vacation!
Then, we walked out to the main entry of Disney's Pop Century Resort and took a WDW bus to the Magic Kingdom.
Tip #8 Don't take a bus in the rain. People aren't happy on the bus. There are long lines. You might end up standing the twenty minute drive to whatever park you choose to visit next. The bus drives a little faster than you might expect. Park in one of the parks and leave the car for the day. Take the monorail between Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Parking was $20. You decide if that is too pricey. I think it was worth it.
I couldn't help worrying that everyone with a backpack was a terrorist. I've seen too many CSI's and Criminal Minds. There is no security check to get on the buses. Bus was my least favorite. So much so, that while riding the bus, I remembered I had ridden before and hated it then too. Apparently, I had blocked it.
Also, I just have to mention this, but I am hyperprotective. When we left the Magic Kingdom it was late. Some teenage girls were chatting up the bus attendants. I caught the older bus attendants (old men) making inappropriate remarks and letting their eyes wander.
Then, they caught my eye. Oops! Yep, remind your kids that, though it is WDW, you still have to remember about stranger danger. Seems like they just wanted to look and not touch...
Oh, that's not very happy. Just remember, we have to be aware of our surroundings and if we see something, say something.
On to the happiest place on Earth. There is nothing like the Magic Kingdom, even in the rain. Some things are better in the rain, because lots of people melt in the rain and go home.
What will you do first? It is so hard to decide!
Tip #9 Head to the furthest point in the park first and work your way back. Review the FastPass Tips above for the best rides to use with your FastPass. We planned to use it on It's a Small World, but we didn't need to and then somehow we lost our last FastPass option when we tried to delete it at the last minute.
Use it for Peter Pan! The lines are always long. Waiting until the last minute didn't help.
Sure, some things are outdated but still have charm. Other things are so cool, you don't want to miss out!
Laugh Floor
Are youa Monster's Inc. fan? Don't miss the Laugh Floor! The line wasn't too unbearable. Once inside, you'll sit in a comfy seat and enjoy an innovative show. The technology is super cool.
Stitch's Great Escape
More Smell-o-Vision here. Cute. Shorter lines and it is a very unexpected experience.
People Mover
I love the People Mover. No stairs, no escalators- just moving ramps to a sit down ride. This is a low key ride that gives you a great view of Tomorrowland. You even get a sneak peek at Space Mountain.
Tip #10
Here's a BIG TIP! While everyone else is watching the fireworks, catch as many rides as you can! We rode Pirates, Flying Carpets, and Jungle Cruise with no waiting!
Cinderella's Castle in the rain, just before the fireworks.
I'm not a big fan of Splash Mountain. It is similar to water roller coasters at other parks. To me, the line isn't worth it. If you want to ride it, be sure to use your FastPass. I think it is a glorified log ride.
Tip #12
Don't miss Space Mountain. I'm certain, if this were an outdoor roller coaster, seen in the light of day, that I would NEVER ride it! Thank goodness everything is in the dark. It feels rickety. That's part of the charm.
The first time I rode it at sixteen years old, I held my breath and kept my eyes shut. The next time I rode it, I kept my eyes shut for just a second. This time, my nine-year-old kept her eyes shut the whole time. I think she held her breath too. She says she will never ride it again. I said that too.
It is pretty terrifying and pretty awesome. I didn't want my eleven-year-old son to miss out. I didn't want him to ride by himself... Confession, I really didn't want to ride it again. Ever. Funny, how much better it is when you keep your eyes open and breathe!
You can do it! It only lasts a few seconds, and you will never forget it! They've changed the line experience too. Though it is long, there is a lot to do along the way. There's not a better way to end your Disney experience.
So long, Magic Kingdom. We only had one day to explore. Don't worry, we'll be back for more.
Tip #13
It is expensive, but heed all warnings that you need more time. Four days should do it. Take advanatage of those multiple day passes. This year, we didn't make it to Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios. There are awesome things to see at both places. Toy Story, Cars, and now, Star Wars, await you at the Studios.
On the way out, don't miss the Mickey Mouse confections at the Main Street Bakery. If you've spent all your money, at least pop in to take a gander.
We stopped on Mainstreet to watch the parade. Again, more than enough to share at Casey's Corner. We spent about $9 on a combo meal that was more than enough food for two. They even shared with me!
Everywhere you go, there are friendly ducks! They want food. Don't feed them. How will they fly? Bread is bad for ducks.
Resting in the rain, sharing mini corndogs and fries from Casey's Corner.
The Parade
Last photo op on Mainstreet.
Tip #14
Single parent with kids of the opposite sex? Send the kid's into the restrooms while you wait outside and listen or pop in as needed. Then, when they return, have them sit together near the entrance. There's safety in numbers.
The Pop Century Hotel is just as fun as the park... almost.
Yes, you can have a cupcake for breakfast!
The food is really good. Whenever they can, they make Mickey ears. It was expensive, but get a kid's meal with fruit and some ala carte items. There are lots of ways to be frugal.
Fun aracade inside the hotel lobby.
Cool interactive games.
Get your rock star on.
So, you saw the awesome pool pics above. We were too tired to swim. The rooms were small, but nice. The Mickey details are awesome! There is even a safe inside the room. We had a fridge but no microwave, that seemed weird. Read more about the room here: Universal vs. Disney.
Have a Happy Disney Trip!
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If you're like us, you probably go park hopping and hop from park to park, trying to find the best park in Indiana for kids. We've been all around the state, but we stick mostly to the greater Indianapolis Area. So, what is the best park in the Indianapolis area to have the best summer ever? You decide, we've shared our favorite Indiana park experiences!
Best Park in Indiana for Kids.
Finding your way to the best park takes planning. Before we make the trek, we consult Google and add the address to maps. After a visit to Walmart, we pack a bag with sunscreen, bug spray, water, bread, peanut butter, jelly, and grapes! Notice, I don't mention sandwiches. We are always in a hurry to get started, so I just grab the basics and we make the sandwiches at the park!
The Indianapolis Zoo is always a fun option. For hot summer days, be sure to bring a towel, plenty of sunscreen, and a change of clothes, so you can enjoy the splash pad. Also, check the zoo's website for daily deals. They offer lower ticket prices on slow days.
If you prefer free options, we've got 'em. Keep reading for the best parks in Indiana.
Have the best summer ever at one of these great Indiana parks!
Plainfield, Indiana: Hummel Park
There are many little parks tucked away in Plainfield, but several of the city parks are all in one place! From Main Street (State Road 40) to Hadley Road, you'll find a skate park, an older park with a merry-go-round, baseball diamonds, an old-fashioned curly slide, and even a little gazebo for weddings. Coming from State Rd. 40, Hummel Park is on the right just before Hadley Road.
Plainfield, Indiana: Hummel Park.
Hummel Park in Plainfield is full of surprises. White Lick Creek runs through it, there are hiking and biking trails, a play area, a splash pad, and so many things to do. When you cross the bridge over the creek, you'll find an amazing wedding pavilion and additional play spaces.
Walk or bike the path around East Co. Rd. 600 S, and you'll discover a lake perfect for fishing.
Garfield Park is one of the most beautiful city parks. There are many free things to do scheduled year around. They also offer activities that only cost a few dollars per person.
They have an awesome pool at the Burrello Family Center. It also has gyms, food, and seasonal special events. The Garfield Park Arts Center offers many classes for children and adults. In the past we even taught a few drama classes here. Don't miss their Halloween and Christmas events.
Things to do at Garfield Park: Halloween.
Indianapolis, Indiana: Eagle Creek Park
Is as big as state park! Eagle Creek Park offers a beach, many playgrounds, shelters, wedding pavilions, an ornithology center, a yoga retreat, canoeing, a zip line, and an earth science center... all for the price to park your car. Read more about it: Things to do at Eagle Creek Park.
Offers a seated zip line, a pool, many playgrounds, camps, hiking and bike trails, baseball diamonds, and seasonal events. This is our pick for the best city park in Indiana.
Mooresville Park Pool.
Halloween Trail Activities at Pioneer Park in Mooresville.
Speedway Indiana: Park
Offers a nearby soccer field (at the school), a unique playground, a gazebo, and seasonal events.
This is a huge county park. It offers a sledding hill, fishing lakes, more adorable ducks and geese than you can imagine, many shelters for events, 4-H events, several playground areas, a beautiful golf course, an amphitheater, and so much more.
Offers a pool, a train museum and train rides, camps, hiking and bike trails, sand volleyball fields, baseball diamonds, a carousel, mini golf, and seasonal events.
Noblesville Forest Park Carousel. Photo by Erinne Sikcih.
This historical park is 90 minutes from Indianapolis, but worth the drive. Beautiful historic buildings include the old mill and a blacksmith shop. The park also has picnic shelters, hiking trails, and playgrounds.
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