We live in a world where most things are designed to break. Phones slow down after a couple of years, shoes wear out faster than they should, and kitchen gadgets seem to fall apart right when you need them. That’s where the Buy It For Life (BIFL) mindset comes in. …
Chris Marts Thanksgiving: A New Tradition
We have a blended family. Sometimes, holidays just get a little chaotic figuring out what child is going where and when, as well as figuring out when we will celebrate as a family, with our extended families. This year, we’re trying something different: Thanksgiving Breakfast.
Cherokee Marts 
Coverage, Kids, and Cost-Cutting: Our Family’s Cell Plan Shuffle
Switching phone plans is an easy way to save substantial money.
Embracing Mental Health Awareness
I’m a day late. Always. Yesterday, October 10th, was Mental Health Awareness Day. This topic is kind of a big one for me. If you’re sick or hurt, you go to the doctor. You take the medicine you need. You get whatever procedure done. Without the negative stigmas to go …
“Teamwork Makes the Dream Work”
Lately, I’ve gotten a lot of “Moms are always last, aren’t we?” or “Moms do it all.” And frankly, I don’t. I just manage the kids.
We Quit Birthday Parties – And Here’s What Happened
Being a family of 7, we have birthdays spread throughout the entire year. We used to do birthday parties for each birthday. That was EXHAUSTING.
Taco Tequila’s: As Good As It Sounds
Most restaurants have names that evoke images of kind old ladies or exotic locales. Grandma Joys? You know that’ll have good home cooking. Amosami conjures images of little espresso cups with rich desserts in Italy.
Date Night: Visiting Big Thorn Farm and Brewery
Regular date nights are a must for Cherokee and me.
More Than Just Chores: Teaching Responsibility to Children
With five kids and a busy schedule, everyone needs to pitch in around the house. This is how we’ve went from a circus to a routine.
Happy Spouse, Happy House
You have all heard the saying, “Happy wife, happy life”, right? Yeah, we don’t follow that.