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How Can I Honor the Man with No Regrets?
August 24. Today is my father’s birthday. I was with him on his birthday last year, and while driving the 500 miles back home, I knew in my heart that it was the last time I was going to see him alive. He passed away that September. Only my dad, John Dieball, could have lived 79 years in a body that had such serious heart issues. A heart attack at 29, his doctors and surgeons said it was a miracle he remained so vibrant for another 50 years. He had a brilliant and curious mind. And he lived a passionate and purposeful life. Have you read Bronnie Ware’s “Regrets of…
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Being a Mom (What it Means to Me)
Trying to put into words what being a mom is – to me. It’s hard. I can’t explain it. It’s like a combination of feelings, words, hope, happiness, sometimes sadness and/or grief, being scared or nervous, anticipation, wonderment and awe, as if every feeling I’ve ever experienced is multiplied times a thousand and it leaves me at a loss for words. It’s not simple … yet it is. When I look at my two kids I can instantly see them as if they were just placed into my arms. I can see them or imagine them when they’re graduating or getting married or having children of their own. It’s rewarding…
- Dads, Entertainment, Family Travel, Giveaways, Hotels, Kids, Laugh, Parenting, Play, Reviews, Travel, Uncategorized
The Southern California Great Wolf Lodge Exceeds All Expectations!
Our family had a chance to check out the recently opened Great Wolf Lodge Garden Grove last month and boy did it exceed our expectations! The company who created this amazing Water Park really thought of just about everything a family might want to experience. From the water slides, water park for little ones, to a 24 hour arcade and mini bowling alley – there really is something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite activities and restaurants we enjoyed while staying at the Great Wolf Lodge. Restaurant: I am not usually a fan of buffet-style restaurants because I don’t find the food to be very good but this…
- Apps, Awareness, Books, Creativity, Culture, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Love, Parenting, Play, Reflections, Relationships, Slideshow, Spotlight, Tech, Writing
How a Hug Changed My Son’s Life Forever
Small acts can have a big impact. We’ve all heard this in inspirational speeches. We’ve seen memes scroll by in our newsfeed. But I’ve personally witnessed the impact and ripple effect caused by a simple act by my son’s teachers almost 20 years ago. It all started with a hug. Like so many on the autism spectrum, my son’s first experiences at school were difficult. The kids at school either ignored him or bullied him. The teachers at this first school just didn’t work well with students who learned differently. Though he wasn’t diagnosed at the time, we could see that he was struggling to keep up with his peers,…
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The Seat Belt Safety Campaign Aims to Keep our Tweens Safe
Last week I was driving with my daughter and I happened to look over at the car next to me while waiting at a stoplight. I was so shocked to see a child no more than 6 years old moving around in the back seat, obviously not buckled in. It took moment for me to register this. I looked to the driver with shock on my face. I was ready to say something (not sure what) but then the light changed and I lost my chance. It really isn’t my business, I know, but when it comes to seeing a child potentially in a dangerous situation, mama bear comes out…
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Roam and Wander: Toys for Little Readers
Today’s post is brought to you by Roam and Wander. DiDi: iPad Powered Teddy Bear for Little Readers: I recently received the DiDi Teddy Bear (soft and plush it sits up with no problem plus has a teddy bear face without the iPad inserted ~ and my daughter loves “him” just as much without the iPad which is great) from Roam and Wander. DiDi utilizes your iPad (iOS 6 or higher) with an app created just for this cute teddy bear. Insert your iPad and turn on the app and it split screens (with the top looking just like DiDi) and the bottom being DiDi’s interactive tummy where you will choose…
