Welcome to the World of Children's Birthday Parties

Just as taxes are an inevitable part of adulthood, birthday parties will become inevitable as your children become a certain age. For a few years, it will seem birthday party invites will roll in every month!

Do you ever wonder what is correct birthday party etiquette, such as how much you should spend on a gift, or if it is okay to bring little brother or sister to the party? How about whether or not you need to invite the whole class to your child's birthday party or if it is necessary to send a gift to a child whose birthday party you could not attend?

If you have asked yourself any of the above questions, I say stop what you are doing and read this article from LearnVest right now. It will answer all your questions and more! Great read!

Capture This!

I am always looking for fun photography ideas when it comes to taking pictures of my kids. (Now, if I could just remember to upload the photos off my camera....)

On the website Lil Sugar, Photographer Jennifer Little believes children's photography is "about emotions and capturing the full range of your child in unique but natural environments." She suggests taking your child's photograph in unexpected places such as an airport, a stadium, the dentist's office, the barbershop...even the bathroom!

Some of my favorite pictures of my kids are when they are doing every day, ordinary things. The posed shots never turn out well, in my opinion!

Tell me, what are some of your favorite places to take photos of your kids? What works best for you when you want to capture a moment ?!?! Share with us in the comments section.

Gotta Love a Homemade Valentine

Did you have a good Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day is a divided holiday for so many. You either love it or hate it. I took an informal poll on February 14, and 75 percent of the people I asked (mostly parents, mind you) said they could do without the "Hallmark holiday." Interesting.

Well, whether you love Heart Day or if you can't wait to see February 14 come and go, you are sure to love this somewhat disturbing yet very sweet homemade Valentine I came across this week in the Huffington Post. Every time I read it, I get the giggles. Read it without laughing, I dare you! This is reason enough to love Valentine's Day in my opinion!

Tell me...did you get a good homemade Valentine from your little sweetie? If so, please share what it said in the comments section.