When things turn out RIGHT.

I met a young energetic family a little over a year ago.  Stylish, good looking couple that were raising 3 adorable little boys.  Just another day right?

Until you realize that this family has a child with special needs.  Cystic Fibrosis.  He's their middle son and he is wheel chair bound. Tyler is his name & he's an adorable dark haired little boy with a precocious grin.  They wheeled him into our yard that first day where we are having a neighborhood meet & greet.  The tight little group quickly maneuvers him to see the bounce house and then over to the patio to enjoy a drink.  Tyler's brothers stop to meet the various kids that are around the yard and slowly bring them over a few at a time to introduce their brother.  Mom & Dad take turns caring for their son while keeping up with the other two boys and steadily talking to the adults in the group.  They never miss a beat.  This is just another day in their life.

This young family realizes their son is disabled but they treat him with the love, care and respect, you would find towards any child.  They don't hide him or exclude him. They don't show bitterness or resentment.

It was a terrific day and I loved getting to see this families sweet spirit.

As the time has gone by we have been blessed to see this family in full swing. They have more energy than I can imagine.  The mom is a marathon runner and advocate for health and fitness, the dad owns his own business that often takes him away from home. However, that does not stop him from coming in and picking up or from being dead tired and still smiling and loading up the crew for one of their beloved hockey games or sitting along side his beautiful wife while watching a 4th grade program sing helplessly off key.

These are the times you see God's grace truly at work.  You know that with faith, love and optimism that you can live the American dream.

This family honors their young handicapped son by participating in the annual White Rock Marathon and donations to Scottish Rite...if you ever want to help support a worth cause donated to their fund raiser. A fund raiser that supports many disabled children.

Learn more about this wonderful young man who will touch your heart and this family that will inspire you...

Run 4 Tyler!

Getting ready for Fall!

The last few summer days are fading fast! With school starting and everyone getting back into a more structured routine comes the thought of fall.  Well maybe not on our lingering 95+ days but little signs of it like our enjoyable 75degree nights.


Things to help around your home now....

Change your Central Air/Heat air filters - Keeping those filters clean will really make a difference in your units efficiency.

Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Move the Furniture - Allergies for most people are seasonal and many of us take the time to move things around for deep cleaning in the spring but don't think about it in the fall.  Fall allergies can be reduced by cleaning under those beds, couches, tables, etc...get the dust & spiders cleared out and make your home easier to breathe in!

Caulk around doors & windows - Most homes windows and doors are caulked when they are installed to help improved energy efficiency.  However, over time weather and age shrink and crack caulking.  So checking and refreshing it in the fall is a good way to keep your home as energy efficient as possible. 

Clean your outdoor/indoor windows - Spring cleaning is a natural time to do this but doing it at the beginning of fall will make the windows easier to clean in the spring and clear out any spider eggs or bug nest that might be hiding in the corners!

Compost & Mulch - Adding a fresh layer of compost will help feed you perennials and shrubs during the winter months and adding a fresh layer of mulch will protect the roots as the colder months approach. Prepare a spot in your garage or shed for any potted plants that you will need to overwinter.  Having a spot ready will make it easier to move them when the lower temps dip to near freezing temperatures.

Reset those Sprinklers - The cooler temps mean you don't need to water as often.  Reset your timers and consider turning off unneeded zones.  It's a good time to go ahead and wrap any exposed or free standing water pipes, you might also consider a thermal wrap on your hot water heater. Disconnect the water hose and get it ready to store.  You may still need it but disconnecting it from the faucet will let you know how much you are still using it.

Clean, Clear Out & Cover -  Now is the time to dry brush all your outdoor furniture, clean the furniture with a mild soapy solution and check for any paint or rust repair that may be needed.  After everything is looking clean and ready cover the furniture with an outdoor cover with sturdy tabs to ensure a snug fit.  Spot clean cushions and take a shop vac to vacuum them well.  You can either store the cushions on the furniture under the cover or put them in their own box in your garage, attic or shed.  An indoor space will keep the fabric more conditioned and help the life of the cushion last longer. When covering a table that is not under a covered space put a bucket upside down on the table so that water or snow will easily slide off.  Clean and check all outdoor toys.  Wash all toys with a detergent and bleach solution and dry well.  Any broken or damaged toys can be tossed.  Any outgrown toys can be donated. Summer balls can be cleaned and deflated for storage.  Pack away the remaining summer toys in a plastic storage container with secure lid.  Now everything is in good shape and you will know where it is when the warmer outdoor days return!

Energy Rates - http://www.powertochoose.com/ Make sure you have the best rate for your family to ensure the biggest savings for your fall/winter power usage!


Veggie Garden - Consider planting lettuce, greens, squash, and beans for veggies that will thrive in the cooler temps.

Fall, Seasons in the Home, Vegetable Gardening: Spring and Fall

Loving this Fall weather!

Beautiful weather the past few days!  Don't forget to take some time to look at your yard...this is the time to assess what is dying out from summer and go ahead and trim it back or pull it.  Plant those bulbs for Spring & start putting in ornamental cabbage, mums, cyclamen & pansies to give you a pretty bed that will last through the winter. (At least in the DFW Metroplex area.. :))  Giving your shrubs a good trim now will give you a neat look that will last you until the new spring growth starts to occur. 

Plan now for that lush spring lawn.  Give the yard a good dusting of Weed & Feed and then in a few weeks a final coverage with pre-emergance.  It will help get ahead of those weeds before the spring rains!

Inside take a look around and take a little time to swap out summer pillows, window panels & add the extra blanket to your bed and add a nice throw to your favorite reading chair or corner of the couch.  Look for ways to add a touch of seasonal color to each room.  This will  give the inside of your home that texture and comfort that will chase the chills away!

Happy Fall everyone!