The Organized Mom's Guide to Disney

05/21/2026

04/17/2026

Happy birthday to our Prince! You may be Alan’s favorite toy but you both love chasing each other around the house.

03/27/2026

Introducing our new little buddy, Alan! We’ve had him for about three weeks and he’s almost 14 weeks old.

We honestly had no plans to get a new pet but we all fell in love and he’s been exactly what we needed. We had no idea how soon we would lose Fergie and I don’t know how we would have survived it without Alan to provide us comfort and endless entertainment.

He’s the best little buddy we could have asked for.

03/19/2026

Today we said goodbye to our sweet Ferguson who passed peacefully at 17 years old.

Corey and I met him just after our wedding, during a work tour of the Washington Animal Rescue League. We were taken backstage to meet dogs who weren’t yet available for adoption, and the moment he saw me, he jumped up and wouldn’t stop trying to get to me. I knew right then he was ours. We were lucky enough to be first in line when he became available, and from that moment on, he was part of our family.

He loved the dog park near our apartment in Arlington, especially the big dog side, which he insisted on joining despite clearly not belonging there. He’d stand at the fence barking until we gave in. That was Fergie: determined, stubborn, and completely himself.

When I was pregnant with Max, he would curl up against my bump, and once Max arrived, he stayed close, always snuggling, always watching. He wasn’t much for toys, but stuffed animals never stood a chance if they were left unattended.

For most of his life, he slept under the covers at our feet, only trading that spot in his later years for a cozy bed on the ottoman. During the day, he could always be found perched on pillows — not just sitting on the couch, but carefully arranged with a blanket fluffed just right. Sometimes he blended in so well we’d “lose” him entirely among them.

He loved treats, learned to roll over like a pro, and turned every walk into an adventure that took far longer than expected because he had to stop and mark every few steps. He loved being outside in the sun and would sprint across the yard to the neighbor’s fence like it was his job.

And he loved burgers, so much so that more than once he was caught running through the house with a stolen one in his mouth. Though kidney disease meant a vegetarian diet in his later years, we made sure his final meal was exactly what he loved: a full McDonald’s hamburger.

Ferguson was with us through 15 years of marriage, through every high and low, every change, every chapter. He was a constant, a comfort, and a source of so much joy.

He was a good boy. The best boy.

Our home won’t be the same without him. ❤️

02/22/2026

Happy 12th Birthday, Max!

Twelve feels big — and after the year you’ve had, it feels especially meaningful. This was easily your most challenging year yet. There were moments that nearly broke you… injuries, disappointments, and setbacks that would have made many kids quit. But you didn’t. You pushed through, you kept showing up, and somehow you came out stronger, braver, and more confident in who you are. Watching your resilience grow has been one of the proudest experiences of our lives.

You’ve always had a huge heart, sometimes empathetic to a fault. You care deeply about people, about fairness, and about doing what’s right. You’ve built an incredible group of friends who appreciate that kindness and the way you truly listen to them. You don’t just have friends — you show up for your friends.

This year you fought through a lot in sports, overcoming injury after injury, yet still kept improving your swim times and refusing to give up. And then you stepped onto the dance stage and absolutely shined — earning some big awards and proving your determination pays off. You continue to amaze us with how hard you work and how much joy you bring to everything you do.

Your love for animals hasn’t faded for a second — especially cats — and you still talk about becoming an animal keeper someday. We can completely picture you there, caring for every creature you meet. At home you’re either building elaborate custom LEGO creations, reading Wings of Fire and talking dragons, or diving into history books about the presidents. This year you even started coin collecting, which fits perfectly with your fascination for the past.

Green and gold are still your colors, and they suit you — steady, determined, and bright. You dream big, feel deeply, and never stop learning.

We are endlessly proud of you, Max. Thank you for teaching us about perseverance, compassion, and courage. We can’t wait to see where 12 takes you.

Happy Birthday, buddy.

12/01/2025

Cozy snow day vibes!

10/31/2025

Halloween 2025 🎃 👻 🕷️ 🦇