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Family

Looking Back on 2015

December 31, 2015 By Thaleia Leave a Comment

Shop now at Columbia.com!

 

Dear Friends and Family,

sType 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease which isn’t curable at this point in time. It is a daily battle of carb counting and blood glucose to insulin ratios. Throw in hormones and somedays the T1D battle just whoops you! Even though we got the Dexcom CGM to help, it is not a cure-all. The pediatric receiver has a much greater “fail point” as far as low blood sugars which means most nights Riley is up checking the CGM a few times a night or doing finger sticks 2 times each and every night.

looking back on 2015

We joined a homeschool co-op that meets Mondays and this has been both a blessing and a curse. Early mornings are very hard for us. It has been nice for Eldest and Princess to be around other kids their own ages. Big Red doesn’t always care to go but his class is a little more difficult with ages 4-7. Lil’ Red only goes if daddy stays in class but most of the time just stays home with daddy.

Princess 2015 collage

As a parent of four children you would think parenting would get a little easier but it hasn’t. Princess has learned how to give insulin injections via an insulin pen to her big brother, which has helped on our blog travels and field trips. The older two sit together in the back of the van. Sometimes this is a good thing and other times not so much. She is also attending her 6th year of ballet and began pointe this year. She is a helper for the youngest students which pays for her classes. She then has dinner with her fellow helper teacher and goes on to attend her 90 min class. This makes her Monday’s very long. She also helps edit pictures and review products for Amazon from time to time. She began editing her own YouTube videos after some help from her brother.

Big Red 2015 collage

Big Red is technically in Kindergarten and while we are pretty relaxed in our schooling he continues to amaze me. His vocabulary and zeal for numbers is quite astounding. If you give that boy a chance he might talk your ear off in very long thought out paragraphs. All this talking has made him great in front of the camera which we will be seeing much more of him this next year via video reviews for toys and products.

Lil Red 2015 collage

Lil’ Red is a spit fire. He is ornery and just as smart as the other three! He keeps us on our toes and he has very good dexterity. He is a tactile little guy who loves hands-on activities like tot trays and busy bags. He is talking more and more each day and loves interacting with his big siblings as much as possible. He recently did his first video review for some gummy vitamins which we posted on Instagram!

Riley 2015 collage

Riley has had some medical ups and downs this year. He wasn’t feeling well and went to the doctors. He was called at work and told to get to the hospital right away for a blood transfusion due to severe anemia. This prompted lots of visits to two specialists and scopes to reveal no cancer, no celiac’s, and no crohn’s but no diagnosis either. With all this stress on top of managing T1D for Eldest he decided it would be best to quit his job. He resigned August 31. He now works for me, aka S2O Virtual Services.

S2O Virtual Services header

I have been actively blogging for 3 years but when Riley told me he was putting in his resignation I knew I would really have to up my income. I began picking a few other WAHM/VA’s brains and was able to begin marketing my social media and virtual assistant skills. I now provide support to a few bigger blogger’s as well as small business owners and authors who want their latest project reviewed and promoted across the internet.

Thaleia 2015 collage

I continue to add to my skills to market our services of which Riley manages a huge portion. I am trying to pinpoint the exact direction that both Something 2 Offer and Average Geeks needs to go in order to leverage more sponsored opps and free blog trips. Riley is working on getting his podcast back off the ground for Average Geeks and hopes that brings a nice following of like-minded individuals.

Eldest still loves recording Youtube videos, playing video games, and always has an audiobook running while he is building with LEGOs. He will probably be creating some of my upcoming videos for Youtube as well as podcast editing for his dad. He is a creative that is easily distracted, but his heart is so big if you take the time to look.

Eldest 2015 collage

One of my goals for 2015 was to spend more time with my hubby but I had not intended that time to be in doctor’s offices and hospital rooms. I am thankful that he is alive although we are still not sure what is going on with his health. He is my biggest supporter and that means the most to me. I could not get up the number of times a night he does and still be able to function on a daily basis.

So you can see that each and every day is a small struggle for us. With each struggle comes growth and victories. We wish you the best life has to offer and a healthy 2016!

Filed Under: Family, Lil' Red

Simple Ways to Relax and Recharge

December 12, 2015 By Thaleia 31 Comments

 I was provided an Aroma Sense Luxury Shower Head with Vitamin C for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way for this post. All opinions are my own. I am not a medical doctor or herbalist so please consult your own when deciding to use essential oils or a diffuser.

Are you looking for a good way to relax and recharge after all the holiday preparation craziness? How about winding down after a long week at work or at home with the kids? I homeschool  four children AND work at home in a small house so I know how stressed a mom can get. Sometimes I can’t even take a quick shower without drama!

If your toddler screams at the top of his lungs for no reason or your preteens start to argue and fight over who’s turn it is to play video games THEN you need to give one of these 5 Ways to Relax and Recharge a try.

Simple Ways to Relax and Recharge

Life got you STRESSED? Give one of these 5 Ways to Relax and Recharge a try!

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Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: motherhood, parenting, parenting woes

Christmas Presents for Birth to 6 Months + Ultimate Baby Giveaway

December 4, 2015 By Princess Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t like finding the perfect Christmas presents for the youngest on your list? I always found it easier to shop for the babies then the older children. I loved being able to shop for our baby or toddler while having them in my shopping cart and they didn’t even know mommy was buying them a gift!

Christmas Presents for Birth to 6 Months



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Filed Under: Baby Products Tagged With: black friday, Christmas, Christmas presents, deals

Lego Creativity Tour Columbus, Ohio

November 24, 2015 By Thaleia 1 Comment

We were provided tickets to this event in order to give our honest opinions and offer our reader’s a chance to win tickets via USFG.

Calling all LEGO enthusiasts! Guess what? I have some incredible news for those of you living in and around Central OHIO!! The LEGO Creativity Tour, Powered by LEGO KidsFest, comes to Columbus, OH this November.

LEGO Creativity tour

I am going to LEGO Creativity Tour: Enter to win TWO tickets! #LegoCreativityTour

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Filed Under: Family

Holiday Events in the Dayton Area

November 16, 2015 By Thaleia 3 Comments

Shop now at Columbia.com!

This post is part of Kara’s Unique Holiday Traditions  blog hop.

Who doesn’t enjoy those special activities and Holiday events surrounded with family and friends this time of year! I have begun to collect a variety of events for the Dayton, Ohio and northern Miami Valley area. Please take a look and try to make it out to some of these fabulous holiday events.

Can't Miss Holiday events Dayton Ohio

Specialty Shoppes of West Milton Holiday Open House

11/19/2015 – 11/22/2015 | All Day

The Specialty Shoppes of West Milton invite you to join them for  a special event this Holiday Season!

Piqua Community Holiday Open House

11/20/2015 – 11/21/2015 | 12:00 am

The Piqua community’s independently owned businesses are coming together to host a community-wide Holiday Open house!.

Troy-Hayner Gift Gallery

11/21/2015 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center will be hosting their 5th annual  “HAYNER GIFT GALLERY” Event on Saturday, November 21, 2015 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Hayner Center.

Christmas at The Greene Shopping Mall

11/21/2015 5:00pm-7:00pm

Join us in the Town Square where we will illuminate a 50 foot tree! Santa arrives and sleighs rides are available.

The Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights

Friday, November 27, Approximately 8 p.m.
Along Second, Main & Fourth sts.
Immediately following the tree lighting, the Children’s Parade will round the corner of Second and Main streets to start its route through downtown, sparkling with more than 100,000 lights! Watch decorative seasonal floats, horses, drill teams and bands, and some special holiday treats.

Ice Rink Opening Weekend

Fri. Nov. 27, 11:00 am-10:00 pm
Sat. Nov. 28, 11:00 am-10:00 pm
Sun. Nov. 29, 1:00-5:00 pm

Spend the holiday weekend creating lasting memories with friends and family at MetroParks Ice Rink! Warm up with hot chocolate from our food concession.

Stock-up Wednesday

Wed. Nov. 25, 11:00 am-3:00 pm at 2nd Street Market

The Market will be open to pick-up your last minute needs for Thanksgiving – homemade breads, fresh turkeys and hams, pies and cakes, flowers and more. Many of our vendors are accepting pre-orders throughout November so remember to ask on your next visit.
The Grande Illumination Tree Lighting
11/27/2015 7:45 pm

Courthouse Square, Third & Main sts. (Dayton)Watch the holidays light up during Dayton’s traditional tree lighting. At 7:45, we’ll throw the switch and approximately 100,000 colored lights will brighten the three-story-tall holiday tree on Courthouse Square.

Hometown Holiday Celebration

11/27/2015 | 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

The 2015 Hometown Holiday Celebration will take place on Friday, November 27th in downtown Troy. includes Tree lighting around the square.

Tippecanoe Christmas in the Village

12/04/2015 – 12/05/2015 | All Day

The Tipp City Christmas In The Village and Holiday Home Tour has become a “holiday must” for hundreds of Miami Valley and Ohio residents.

Christmas on the Green

12/04/2015 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Community caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling characters, children’s activities and live entertainment make this family-oriented holiday celebration a “must do” on many calendars. Stop in and visit downtown Piqua’s many stores to choose the perfect gift for your loved one.

Holiday Open House

(Ross Historical Society/Amos Memorial Library)

12/05/2015 11:00 am- 2:00 pm

Visitors will enjoy the journey back to a simpler time, when Christmas gifts were not store bought but created lovingly out of everyday items. Enjoy the toys from the past, get your picture taken with Santa ($5), decorate a gingerbread house, see the old fashioned train sets, make a clay ornament, have roasted chestnuts and popcorn on an open fire!

Downtown Piqua Holiday Parade

12/05/2015 | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The tradition of celebrating the holiday season with an old-fashioned hometown parade is a long one in downtown Piqua.

Christmas Walk in Dayton

Sat. Dec. 5, 9:00 am-3:00 pm

This outdoor community recreation opportunity is sponsored by Ohio Wander Freunde Volkswalk Club. Start between 9am and 12pm, finish by 3pm. Contact Carol Yegerlehner.

An Evening of Lights at Charleston Falls Preserve

12/05/2015 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

An Evening of Lights at Charleston Falls Preserve has been a tradition for over 20 years.

9th Annual Sudan Christmas Bazaar

12/06/2015 | 9:30 am – 2:00 pm

Ginghamsburg Church will open its doors for the Ninth Annual Sudan Christmas Bazaar on Sunday, December 6 from 9:30 am to 2 pm.

Christmas on the Farm

Sun. Dec. 6, 12:00-4:00 pm at Carriage Hill MetroPark

String cranberries and popcorn for the farm-grown cedar tree just like families did a century ago. Enjoy fresh baked gingerbread and sample chestnuts hot from the fireplace. Play some period parlor games. At our Visitor Center you can make a Victorian Christmas decoration to take home.

Aullwood Luminary Walk

Sun. Dec. 6, 6:00-8:00 pm

Welcome winter with a great evening walk through the luminary-lit paths of Aullwood Garden and then join us for a hot beverage and cookies at the house. We may even have a visit from Santa! We’ll meet in the parking lot.

A Holiday Evening at Carriage Hill

Sat. Dec. 12, 6:00-8:30 pm

Come join us for a candlelit stroll through the farm and experience what it was like at night. Listen to holiday music, play some parlor games or watch some historic crafts. An old fashioned Victorian Christmas will come to life. Concessions will be available.

 

holiday traditions around the united states

Want to find more Holiday Traditions and events? Check out these other post:

Holiday Traditions in Boston, MA

Holiday Traditions in Ann Arbor, MI

Holiday Traditions in Terre Haute, IN

Holiday Traditions in Jackson, MS

Holiday Traditions in Meridian, MS

Holiday Traditions in Florence, KY

Holiday Traditions in New Orleans,LA

Filed Under: Family, Frugal Living, Homeschooling Tagged With: Family Traditions, Holiday Events

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