The Power of a Bath

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No matter where you live, you know it’s winter when you reach the season of perpetual runny noses. Preschool is a petri dish. My three year old, Blake is always patient zero- the epicenter of all things germy. Therefore, winter is the season of surprise sick days at home with mom. But there is something about using a bath as a temporary fix to make everything a little bit better.

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Your Village Is Larger Than You Think

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Cancer is tough, but you are tougher. Thanks to Walgreens and SheKnows Media for sponsoring this post.

One of the biggest things cancer has taught me is that you’re not alone. Even in the moments that feel like it. Even if you’re in isolation, separated from the ones you love the most there is an army of both familiar faces and perfect strangers there ready to help. It takes a village, they say. I’m here to tell you that your village is larger than you think.

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5 Tips To Keep Germs Away This Flu Season

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Here are 5 tips to keep germs away this flu season. Thanks to Clorox for sponsoring this post #FluFOMO #SaveTheLikes

Well guys, 2017 did NOT go as planned. One week I was cruising around Disneyland and the next I was in the hospital being diagnosed with leukemia. I did not get to go home and pack a bag. I did not get to kiss my kids goodbye. In fact, I didn’t get to see them for weeks because it was still flu season and the hospital doesn’t allow children under 12 to visit during flu season.

I have spent months in the hospital this year. Vacations and work trips cancelled. Life postponed. It’s safe to say that the Warner family has missed out on ENOUGH for one year. Or five. Or a lifetime. This flu season I’m like, BYE Flu-lecia. BYE! We don’t need you in our home.  [Read more…]

I Like Big Mutts and I Cannot Lie { DIY Dog Bowls }

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I created my I like big mutts and I cannot lie DIY dog bowls in partnership with The Clorox Company.

It’s true. I like big mutts and I cannot lie. We are going on six years with Charger as a member of our family and it’s hard to imagine life without him. He came to us as a rescue and many days the whole “who rescued who?” question pops into my head.

Rough day and you can use a sympathetic ear that won’t judge? Check. Feeling a little stressed and need a furry stress ball to massage? We’ve got a willing candidate. Try to get right behind his ears. Throw in a little butt scratch and you’ve got a friend for life.

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Learning to Split the Difference

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Do you remember the DMV issued driver handbook that was filled with things you should know when operating a motor vehicle? I read that book over 15 years ago and yet one term in particular still sticks with me. Splitting the difference.

Splitting the difference is what you do when you are faced with dangers on both sides. You move to the middle, giving the greatest attention and space to whichever appears to be the greater danger at that moment.

After my impromptu wrestling match with the deadliest form of leukemia these last few months, splitting the difference seems to be the most appropriate way to explain my current approach to life. It’s not about finding balance as a stable, constant place. It’s about finding the ever moving safe zone between living in fear and actually living. [Read more…]

Laundry Is Our Thing

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Laundry is our thing so Blake and I are celebrating tiny memory making moments in partnership with Clorox® #clorox2 #newfoodnewstain

With every child there is something that becomes your “thing.” With Kayla it was art. Nothing brought her more joy than a box of random art supplies and my undivided attention. With Blake, it appears that laundry is our thing. When I ask him if he wants to help me with the laundry his eyes light up as though I have just offered him an ice cream cone and a puppy. I have no intentions of letting him know laundry is technically a C-H-O-R-E.

Laundry is Our Thing | Celebrating the small moments with Clorox 2 Stain Remover & Color Booster

Watching Blake throw our clothes around as I attempt to sort them and detect stains needing some extra help is one of my favorite things. Having spent the last month or so in the hospital, these tiny moments are more meaningful than ever. If there is one thing cancer gives you, it’s perspective. [Read more…]