Getting Kids Ready for Middle & High School

A person in a denim jacket and backpack walks on a school sidewalk, clutching several books. They wear earphones and a white shirt with colorful buttons, absorbed in their own world.

A middle school or high school student may act like an old hand at the “back to school” drill. And maybe he is if he’s returning to the same school. But for many of our children, it’s going to be a whole new experience. Fun and scary all in one. For tweens, moving to middle…

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College Kids & Campus Life

A college student leans against a brick wall, clutching a black backpack and a camera. Their rolled-up jeans and gray sneakers exude casual style. The textured backdrop of the brick and stone wall enhances the scene's collegiate charm.

Driving away from the university campus and the dorm was not the soppy, tearful event I thought it would be when Scott and I left our oldest son at school. Throughout the day he’d look at me, smile, and ask, “You okay Mom?” I was, really I was. For me, it was a whole lot…

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POISON: What to Do to Protect Kids

A close-up view captures the tops of spray paint cans arranged in a grid. The lids, marked with colorful splatters, display shades like red, purple, and toxic green—each hue whispering its own vibrant story.

Little kids are naturally curious. To learn, they use all five senses which can be problematic when they ingest something harmful. Knowing possible risks will help to keep your children safe from accidents involving poisonous substances. Accidental poisoning happens and it happens quickly. It’s good to be aware of threats as ninety percent of all…

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Kids and Cell Phones: When to Say YES

A hand clutching a cell phone captures a top-down shot of a picnic setup on lush grass. The vibrant scene boasts sunglasses, a camera, a refreshing drink, and a petite bag, with the blurred background adding depth to this leisurely moment.

A commonly asked question in parenting classes is, “When can a child have a cell phone?” The question is often followed by, “He tells me all his friends have one.” Not all kids have cell phones. And there’s no perfect age. It’s a privilege, not a right. Middle school and high school kids are the…

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Kid Safety on the World Wide Web: 5 Tips for Parents

A laptop is open on a white surface, surrounded by three pineapples, ensuring its structural safety amidst two small white pumpkins and two small orange ones on the left. A wooden tray with a smartphone is partially visible on the right.

“Mom, my throat really hurts. I’m going to google Caribbean Passion to get a recipe for a smoothie.” His favorite smoothie shop made a tropical sensation with mangos, bananas, kiwis, and strawberries aptly named Caribbean Passion. “Sure, sounds like a great idea.” As soon as the words were out, I realized my mistake. “WAIT! Add…

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Independence Day Bars: Dessert for the 4th of July

A small American flag stands in a grassy field, backlit by the setting sun on Independence Day. The sky is partly cloudy, with sun rays peeking through the clouds, creating a dramatic scene.

Sweeten up the Fourth of July celebration with your family. This brownie recipe is sure to please everyone at the party! Raspberry Rocky Road Bars 1 package brownie mix (package ingredients) 1 1/2 C chopped pecans or walnuts 3 1/2 C mini marshmallows Mix brownies according to the instructions on the box. Add nuts. Pour into…

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Potatoes…on the Grill

A close-up of various fresh ingredients on a wooden surface: a potato nestles among its companions, including a garlic bulb, onion, coriander leaves, star anise, spring onions, and some leafy greens in the background.

One of my family’s favorite side dishes to accompany pork chops or steaks when cooking on the grill is this potato recipe. The ingredients are simple. The preparation is a breeze. The taste is terrific. I hope you and your family enjoy the recipe too! Potatoes on the Grill 6-8 large Yukon Gold potatoes 1…

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Cider & Brown Sugar Brined Pork Chops

Two thick steaks and juicy pork chops sizzle over an open flame, their surfaces perfectly charred. One cut is being carefully adjusted by metal tongs, with enticing flames dancing in the background.

Pork chops on the grill is a favorite of the Danielson! This recipe calls for a cider brine to tenderize and retain moisture in the meat and brown sugar for sweetness. Try Cider & Brown Sugar Brined Pork Chops for Father’s Day! xo Becky Cider & Brown Sugar Brined Pork Chops 3 C apple cider or…

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Grilling With Dad:Fish with Banana Mango Salsa

A bunch of ripe bananas and several yellow mangoes are placed on a table covered with newspaper, accompanied by the tempting aroma of fresh fish nearby. The fruits gleam under the sun, creating a vibrant display in an outdoor market setting.

  This month is devoted to dads! My dad loved to grill and so does my husband, Scott. The June posts are dedicated to dads who enjoy cooking outdoors or at least like to eat foods done on the grill. Have a fun, relaxing, and delicious dinner! xo Becky Grilled Fish with Banana Mango Salsa 8 amberjack…

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