About Me

Hi, I'm Heidi.  I've been blogging for many years; though, over the years, my blog's name (and url) have changed a few times.  Now, I feel quite settled here - and the name of my blog really depicts what my blog is - the everyday thoughts and ideas that are rolling around in my head!

I'm so glad that you've stopped in for a visit!  I hope you'll grab a cup of coffee and stay awhile.  Get to know me and my family, read some of my reviews, and share in my passion for Disney!  Then, if you like it here, maybe you'll decide to follow my blog - or visit me elsewhere on the world wide web!


I've been married to my husband Brian for 20 years.  We make our home in Pennylvania, smack-dab in the heart of Amish country.  (If you see me being a naysayer when it comes to Amish fiction, that's why!)  Brian is the breadwinner in our family - he works long hours at a local trucking company (where he's been happily employed for 23 years now).  He loves crunching numbers!  (And that's a good thing, because I'm not so fond of it.)  He also has a part-time job as a basketball referee (which keeps him quite busy during the winter months).

We have been blessed with 3 great kids!  One came to us the "traditional" way; two joined us through the miracle that is adoption.  All are very much loved!

Ashley, our oldest, is 18 years old, and has recently completed her studies to graduate from our homeschool.  She works part-time at a local office and is looking forward to starting work as a nanny later this year.  She's wonderful with kids.  She plays the guitar and sings.  And, in addition to being a daughter that I'm proud of, she's also a great friend.

Gracie, our middle child, will be 12 this summer.  She's much more of an introvert than her sister. She tends to lean toward perfectionism and is very detail-oriented. She's very musically talented - taking lessons in both piano and violin.  After less than 2 years of violin lessons, she earned a spot as First Violin in the Central PA Homeschool Orchestra.

Our "baby" - Ian - is 6.  He's the light of our lives.  He brings much joy and laughter into our days.  He's full of life.  I have a feeling he will be in the entertainment industry someday.

Two years ago, I lost my best friend after a 9-month battle with ovarian cancer.  It's amazing how much an experience like that can impact someone.  I'm a changed person - hopefully, in some  ways, for the better.  I also look at life (and friendship) differently.

As a family, we love to travel.  Our favorite vacation destination is Walt Disney World.  I adore planning - and planning our vacations is one of my all-time favorite things to do.  So, when I was offered the opportunity to train to become a Magical Travel Specialist for 3D Travel Company, I took it!  Now, I get to use that passion to plan other families' trips to Disney as well!  If I can be of assistance helping your family plan a trip to Disney World, let me know!

I also serve as a Community Manager for Miaplaza Inc. - the company that owns and operates Always Icecream and Clever Dragons (educational social media websites for girls and boys in grades K-8).  I moderate the websites and help with customer service.

Recently, I have collaborated with some great friends to fill what we found to be a void in the homeschool community.  We have opened up a website called Homeschool Mosaics - a site for ALL homeschoolers, regardless of homeschool style, religious beliefs, etc.  It's a labor of love and did not come about without much forethought.  But, so far, it's been a great thing for all involved; and I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the site.

If you have any questions about me or my blog, I'd welcome you to e-mail me.

3 comments:

Tanya said...

I was wondering if you had a contact page. I didn't see one. We are both from Pa and I am interested in finding other people near me where maybe we can shoot ideas off each other. I've always wanted to go to a blog conference but they have always been too far away. I like your blog.

Leslyn Kantner said...

Hi Heidi,

I didn't see a contact page either but found your blog searching for 'gratitude bloggers'. I'm looking for people to review a new website that I recently launched that we hope will raise awareness of the expression of gratitude and appreciation for people we have 'encountered' in our lives that have made a difference. Thanks Heidi

Anonymous said...

I would like to talk to you and other parents who home school their children. I am a public school teacher nearing retirement. I have taught many grades as a classroom teacher, and also worked as a reading specialist. I am currently a school library media specialist. I am most concerned about the direction our schools have taken, from the testing frenzy to the lack of accountability expected from parents. Would you like to share ideas? I have National Board Certification, a masters in Library Media as well as in Reading. My beliefs now often run contrary to the current philosophy of our leadership.