Category: Smart Mom’s Guide

By Cammie Jones   The history of Valentine’s Day has varied explanations but all point to a common theme: love. Valentine’s Day began with the Roman festival called Lupercalia, held in the middle of February. The festival celebrated the coming of Spring and included fertility rights and giving women to men in a lottery. It was officially renamed St. Valentine’s Day at the end of the fifth century by Pope Gelasius. There are a couple of accounts of who “Valentine” was in history. One explanation is the name came from a priest who was martyred in 270 CE. He...

By Cammie Jones   It happens every year. I make a pledge to enjoy the holidays and not be a stress case. I promise myself that I will “remember the reason for the season” and sit back, slow down and just enjoy friends, family, holiday music and decorations. I WILL NOT BE STRESSED AND I ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT TAKE IT OUT ON MY FAMILY! Well, all those promises pretty much fly out the window the moment I realize how many days exist until Christmas or that my Etsy order will not be in on time unless I pay a...

By Cammie Jones   It happens every year. I make a pledge to enjoy the holidays and not be a stress case. I promise myself that I will “remember the reason for the season” and sit back, slow down and just enjoy friends, family, holiday music and decorations. I WILL NOT BE STRESSED AND I ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT TAKE IT OUT ON MY FAMILY! Well, all those promises pretty much fly out the window the moment I realize how many days exist until Christmas or that my Etsy order will not be in on time unless I pay a...

By Cammie Jones   As fall approaches, the cooler temps beckon us to head outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. A quick walk outside or just playing in the yard for most children is a perfect way to blow off some steam and have fun. However, if you have a special needs child this may not be as easy as opening the back door and shooing your child out. Below are some ideas to enjoy fall and all that it has to offer. 1. Leaf Piles This is a great activity for any child. Rake piles of leaves around...

By Cammie Jones   As a mother of a high school senior, we are in the midst of applying for college and all the senior year stuff that goes with that. It can be overwhelming at times. You get a list of upcoming deadlines from the high school and colleges are sending emails and snail mail brochures all the time. It’s difficult to navigate it all. The best advice I received from parents of older kids is to begin early. I’ve put together a loose guideline to help you organize your kid’s life once they hit 9th grade in...