Marlene and David were overjoyed when they found out they were expecting. For the next nine months, they attended the necessary doctor and ultrasound appointments and were reassured that the baby would be healthy. It seemed like smooth sailing for the new parents. When the big day came, the sad truth was revealed: the baby...

Vickie Tate and her husband were at a funeral visitation when their grieving friend left them with these words: “No matter what, when it’s all said and done, you need memories because sometimes that’s all you have left. You need to take those trips with your kids. Every single one you talk about.” Ever since...

As of 2017, there were nearly 48 thousand children living in out-of-home (foster) care in Australia, a number that has risen every year since 2013. Of those children, more than forty percent of them remain in the foster care system for five years or more [1]. A 2013 survey found that while over eighty percent...

Growing up in the foster care system is difficult. The day a child is adopted out of that system is an incredibly joyous occasion.  Now imagine what it must be like to be in foster care, get adopted and spend seven years with a family, only to one day have them abandon you. This is,...

Every parent or grandparent wants their young ones to succeed in school. From getting good grades to getting even better friends, it warms the heart when that “perfect student” flies through school with flying colors. Reality is, more often than not, students struggle a lot throughout their studies. Fortunately or unfortunately, a student’s “success” usually...

Whenever you take a deep-dive into house cleaning, you’re almost guaranteed to find some reminder of a time gone past. Sometimes these memories are happy ones, others are more bittersweet. Bittersweet is the best way to describe what Zelda Williams found while doing some quartine-cleaning at her home.  Old photos bring back fond memories While...

Running, walking, and playing fetch aren’t the only activities your dog can enjoy with you. If your pet loves water, kayaking could be a really fun way to bond with them and have a good time outdoors. However, dogs are curious creatures, and if they so much as spot a frog in the water, they...

Pugs, bulldogs, boxers, and similar ‘squish-faced’ dog breeds are popular nowadays because of their cute personalities, endearing but odd faces, and being the pets of many well-known actors and singers. However, there is a dark side behind this trend. Many of these dogs suffer from health issues from their genetics, that have been selectively bred....

When our children are babies, we wish they were old enough to sleep through the whole night. When they are toddlers, we wish they were old enough to stop throwing tantrums. When they are elementary school kids, we wish they were old enough to stop picking fights with their siblings. When they are teenagers, we...

Divorce is a difficult and draining phase of life for anyone to pass through, but what’s even harder is learning to co-parent amicably after separating. The transition from couple to divorced co-parents is not always as seamless as we assume it to be.  Endless negotiations, mediation, blurred lines about the future of the children and...

The holiday season is in full swing, and with it comes a time of celebration, joy, and indulgence. You’ve got your company holiday party and that of your partner. There are endless get-togethers with friends, family dinners, and other holiday-related events where you eat, drink, and be merry. While it can be a wonderful time...

It doesn’t feel like Christmas without a tree, right? Unfortunately, Christmas trees aren’t always the best for the environment, and plastic and real both have their cons. This year, consider getting creative when decking your halls with succulent Christmas trees. Succulent Christmas Trees These beautiful decorations can be either small centerpieces or larger trees. They...