Thanksgiving is over and we are now in what kids think of as the most exciting time of the year—the countdown ‘til Christmas. Kids everywhere are preparing for Christmas plays at church, practicing songs in school, writing letters to Santa, and asking (or begging) their parents for the gifts that they want most. There really is nothing like the excitement kids feel during this … [Read more...]
14 Not So Ugly Sweaters Suitable for Holiday Gatherings
I love me some knitwear! I could cozy up under a chunky sweater all day - and I do at home year round. When the snazzy knitwear trend dropped this season, I was the first to get in line. Finally everyone will understand the glory that is sweaters! Colorful Cosby-esque styles with lots of patterns and graphic designs are all over the pages of magazines and even past crusaders … [Read more...]
4 Ways to Incorporate His & Her Family During the Holidays
Let me start off by saying I am the poster child for blended families. Both of my parents remarried when I was young, causing my family to quadruple. But now that I’m newly married, it’s officially out of control. I’ve been stressing out about how we’re going to see all 5 sides of the family during our first holiday season as a married couple. I think I’ve got it figured it … [Read more...]
Are You Naughty or Nice, When You Don’t Get a Ring for Christmas?
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” rings the Christmas classic in malls. That’s the same song that goes off in my head when I log in to my social media accounts and see the abundance of engagement, wedding, and baby announcements and photos. If you’re single and childless, then yes, it’s maybe not so wonderful compared to everyone else. If you don’t see yourself … [Read more...]
The Gift Your Husband REALLY Wants For Christmas
With Christmas rapidly approaching, many of us are still unsure about what to get for the special man in our lives. We look in his closest, we listen to his words, we watch his moves – all in the hopes of figuring out what the perfect gift will be. But maybe we go through all of that trouble for nothing, because for most men, what they want for Christmas can’t be placed under a … [Read more...]
The Best Gift We Can Give Our Children with Autism This Holiday Season
As parents of children with autism, we often wonder what to get our children for Christmas. Some of our children are verbal and can tell us what they want. Some of our children are nonverbal or have limited communication skills, so they can’t tell us what they want. As we fill our carts with clothes, gadgets, and toys, remember that the BEST gift we can give our children … [Read more...]
What Are You Teaching Your Kids About Santa?
When I was a child, I believed in Santa Claus. I don’t think my belief was long-lived, but I did believe in him until I was about 6 or 7. I never thought he brought all the gifts, but whenever I would get a “big” gift, I thought it was from him. I’m not quite sure if my mom or dad told me that, or if it’s just what I chose to believe. We lived in an apartment building on … [Read more...]
Husband vs Wife: I Want to Share Santa but He Doesn’t
I honestly had to go down the list and call my siblings to ask them what exactly we believed, or what was taught to us when we were growing up. So that just goes to show that I grew up a lot differently than the people that I went to school with at the time. Now, I will say that being a first generation American had a lot to do with this. While my parents didn't necessarily … [Read more...]
The Perfect Gift for Your Spouse
Are you struggling with exactly the right gift to buy your spouse? You're not alone. I'm pretty sure a lot of us fall in that category, but should it really be that way? If we are really paying attention to our mates, we would already know from living with them, connecting with them and really observing them what they want. Or, better yet what they need. We should know what … [Read more...]
It’s Photo Shoot Season! – 4 Tips on Getting Great Family Photos
When I first became a mother, I planned elaborate photo shoots with my daughter. I hoped to capture every moment, every memory on film. I was absolutely amazed that I played a part in creating this lovely little person and wanted to document her journey here on earth. I had a schedule. She would get her pictures taken every three months–and that’s just counting professional … [Read more...]
Dear Santa: Kids These Days Have Lost Their Minds
I asked my four year old what she wanted for Christmas, and she said she wanted a "tablet" and a new "DS handheld game system." Aaaah...sure I am going to give my 4 year old a tablet. My 10 year said she wanted a "a new laptop" and some cooking classes. She can hold her breath waiting on that laptop. Our six year old, bless her heart for being reasonable, said she wanted … [Read more...]
The Elf on Our Shelf is Terrorizing Our Kids
I was very excited, when I first learned about The Elf on the Shelf® Christmas tradition last year. I thought, this is such a clever idea and something that my kids will enjoy next year. But when I saw the scout elf in person for the first time, I thought…hmmm this little elf is kind of creepy. The face looks like one of the puppets or clowns that were always in the scary … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Man Helps Families With Layaway Payments
A Chicago resident by the name of Angel lived up to his name last week when he visited a Wal-Mart to help families with layaway payments. He posted the idea on his Facebook page four days earlier and collected almost $1,500 from friends and family. Angel set out to a Wal-Mart on North Ave. in Chicago and created this video to show the supporters that their efforts were not in … [Read more...]
8 Tips From 8 Financial Experts on Saving Big This Holiday Season
It's late December and the holiday spirit is in full swing. What's that in the background that you hear ringing, could it be sleigh bells? Probably not, instead it's the sound of cash registers sinking couples and families into big time debt! As always your friends here at BlackandMarriedWithKids.com have the hookup on information and resources that will help your family … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Parents Outraged After Teacher Told Class Santa Isn’t Real
Parents of a group of elementary school students are outraged after their teacher told them Santa Claus wasn't real during a geography lesson. The teacher, Leatrice Ann Eng, has since apologized and the school system is investigating the incident internally. From the Huffington Post: It wasn't the Grinch who stole Christmas for a class of second graders at George W. … [Read more...]