Father & Son Roofing Memories

There are moments in parenting that catch you off guard, not because they’re unexpected, but because of how deeply they land. Watching our 17-year-old head off to his very first roofing job with his dad Chris was one of those moments. It hit differently.

This wasn’t just another “first.” It wasn’t his first day of school or his first job stocking shelves. This was something bigger. This was him stepping into the real world, into a space where effort isn’t optional, where the stakes are higher, and where the lessons come fast and don’t sugarcoat themselves.

Roofing is not for the faint of heart. It’s early mornings, long days, and working in conditions that test your endurance. The sun beats down, the wind doesn’t always cooperate, and every step you take matters. Safety isn’t just a guideline, it’s something you carry in your mind every second you’re up there. One wrong move can have serious consequences, and that kind of awareness changes you. 

Chris has been roofing for over 25 years. He knows all the rules, risks, and takes serious pride in his work. He works for one of the best roofing companies in the Okanagan - Pinnacle Roofing. He is the most honest and hard working roofer you could ask for and hiring them to do your roof is definitely worth the price tag for peace of mind. 

If you live in a different area here are some tips to help you choose the best roofing company.

But within that challenge, there’s something incredibly valuable.

He’s learning what hard work actually feels like. Not the kind you read about or hear in a motivational speech, but the kind that leaves your body sore at the end of the day and your mind a little stronger. He’s learning how to show up, even when it’s tough. He’s learning that being part of a team means people rely on you to do your job well and safely. 

Tyson got to learn a lot of information about the trade that will come in handy later in life. He is still learning but there are lots of people who don’t know much about roofing. If you want to know the difference between a roof repair or roof replacement check out this great article: https://www.funkyfrugalmommy.com/2025/10/whats-difference-between-roof-repair.html?m=1

There’s also a quiet pride that comes with working a trade like roofing. At the end of the day, you can look back and see exactly what you accomplished. You built something. You contributed. You earned your place there.

And those are lessons you just can’t replicate in a classroom.

Responsibility starts to look different when someone is counting on you. Resilience grows when quitting isn’t an option. Confidence builds when you realize you can handle more than you thought you could. These are the kinds of experiences that shape a young person in ways that last.

At the same time, this job is offering something just as important: perspective.

It’s giving him a real glimpse into what a lifetime of hard labour can look like. The physical toll, the long hours, the consistency it takes to keep going day after day. And while there is so much respect for the people who do this work and do it well, it also serves as a powerful reminder.

A reminder to stay focused.
A reminder to stay in school.
A reminder to chase bigger dreams and create opportunities that offer choices.

A quality roof is very important for energy efficiency, keeps you dry and holds in the cool air in the summer, a house without a roof is basically a tent so make sure you keep it in good shape. One of our most popular articles on our website is all about the best home improvements to make before you move into a new home:  https://www.funkyfrugalmommy.com/2020/07/3-home-improvement-to-make-before.html?m=1

Because while hard work builds character, it also builds clarity.

He’s seen that firsthand through his dad, who has always shown up, worked hard, and provided for our family. That example carries weight. It shows him what dedication looks like, but also why it’s worth thinking about the kind of future you want to build for yourself.

As a parent, there’s something incredibly moving about watching your child start to connect those dots on their own. You can say the words a hundred times, but when they experience it, really experience it, that’s when it sticks.

I’m so proud of the young man he’s becoming. Not just because he’s willing to work hard, but because he’s learning, growing, and starting to understand the bigger picture.

This is just the beginning for him. And while the job may be tough, the lessons he’s gaining are invaluable.

Sometimes the hardest work teaches the most important truths. 💛

When Pets Hurt, So Do We: Why Emergency Savings Matter More Than You Think

 If you’ve ever had a pet, you already know—they’re not “just animals.” They’re family. And when something goes wrong, it hits hard emotionally… and financially.

Recently, we had a scare with our sweet girl, Beans. What started as a few small changes in her behavior quickly turned into a situation that reminded me just how important it is to be prepared for veterinary emergencies.

The Subtle Signs Something Was Wrong

At first, it didn’t seem like a big deal.

Beans had been acting a little off for a few days—pawing at her face, drooling slightly, struggling to close her mouth properly, and making a mess while eating. But the biggest red flag? She kept pawing at her face like she was trying to get something out of her mouth.

That instinct kicked in: something isn’t right.

So we booked an appointment at Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital.

The Diagnosis That Broke My Heart

At the appointment, they were incredibly thorough. Beans was checked over, had blood sugar tested (thankfully, not diabetic), and underwent a full exam.

That’s when they found it—a broken tooth.

My heart sank.

Our poor girl had been in pain this whole time, trying to tell us the only way she knew how.

They also let us know she’s a bit on the heavier side (our “beefy” girl 💔), which is something we’ll be working on moving forward. But the immediate concern was her tooth—and unfortunately, they couldn’t get her in for surgery for another two weeks.

When Treatment Doesn’t Go as Planned

The first step was pain management. Beans was prescribed codeine.

But the moment we gave it to her… panic.

She started foaming at the mouth and drooling excessively. It was terrifying.

We called the vet immediately, and even they were surprised—apparently, most cats tolerate it just fine, but Beans had a completely different reaction. Because of course she did… she’s our special girl.

They switched her to another medication, Metacam (which we jokingly call “the dog kind” because of her size). Thankfully, she tolerated this one much better. We even had to carefully combine a smaller dose of the first medication at one point because her pain was still breaking through.

Not ideal. Not fun. But necessary.

The Power of a Caring Vet

One thing I cannot say enough about—Dr. Bailie from Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital has been incredible.

She has personally called to check on Beans every single day.

That level of care? It matters. When your pet is hurting, having a vet who truly cares makes all the difference.

The Financial Reality of Pet Emergencies

Let’s talk numbers—because this is the part people don’t always prepare for:

• Medication: $50
• Checkup & blood work: $140
• Tooth extraction & treatment: $1775

That’s nearly $2,000 for one unexpected issue.

And like many families, we’ve already been navigating financial stress after our move and relocation. Losing our previous home and rebuilding has not been easy, and this expense? It’s going straight onto a credit card.

That’s the reality for so many pet owners.

Why You NEED an Emergency Fund for Your Pets

If there’s one takeaway from this experience, it’s this:

Pet emergencies are not “if”—they are “when.”

And when they happen, you don’t get time to prepare.

Having a dedicated pet emergency fund can:

• Reduce stress in already emotional situations
• Prevent delays in treatment
• Help you avoid high-interest debt
• Give you peace of mind knowing you can say “yes” to the care your pet needs

How to Start Preparing (Even If Money Is Tight)

I get it—saving money isn’t always easy. We’re living that reality right now. But even small steps can make a difference:

1. Start Small
Even $10–$20 a week adds up over time.

2. Open a Separate Savings Account
Out of sight, out of mind—but there when you need it.

3. Cut One Small Expense
Skip one takeout coffee or subscription and redirect that money.

4. Look Into Pet Insurance (Carefully)
It’s not always perfect, but it can help in major emergencies.

5. Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best
Because when it comes to your pets, you’ll do anything to help them.

Where We Are Now

Right now, Beans is doing better.

She’s eating more, playing again, and not pawing at her face nearly as much. We’re monitoring her closely and counting down the days until her surgery.

It’s been stressful, emotional, and expensive—but also a reminder of how much love we have for this little (okay, big) fluff.

Final Thoughts

If you take anything from our story, let it be this:

Your pet depends on you for everything—including their health.

And while we can’t predict emergencies, we can prepare for them.

Give your pets an extra cuddle tonight. And if you can, start putting something aside for their future.

Because when something goes wrong, you’ll be so glad you did. 

PrettyLitter Review: A Love-It-or-Learn-It Kind of Experience

 As a cat mom, I’m always on the lookout for products that make life easier, cleaner, and healthier for my furry babies. So when I finally tried PrettyLitter, I had high hopes—and let me tell you, it has been a bit of a journey.

First Impressions: The Cats Approve

The most important critics in this house? My cats. And honestly, they took to PrettyLitter right away. No hesitation, no side-eye, no protests. That alone is a huge win because any cat owner knows that switching litter can sometimes feel like a risky experiment.

The “Disappearing Pee” Situation

Okay… let’s talk about the part I cannot fully wrap my head around yet.

With traditional litter, you scoop clumps of pee. It’s visible, it’s measurable, it makes sense. But PrettyLitter? It’s a whole different concept.

You scoop out the poop (which, by the way, ends up looking like sparkly little gems—oddly satisfying), and then the pee… you just mix it in. That’s it. It absorbs and disappears before your eyes.

I won’t lie—the idea that the litter is still holding all that urine is something I’m still mentally adjusting to. It feels strange at first, like… where did it go?! But over time, you start to understand how the absorption works. Still, it definitely takes some getting used to.

Let’s Talk About the Sparkly Turds

I never thought I’d say this, but scooping poop has become slightly more… entertaining?

PrettyLitter has these crystal particles that give everything a bit of sparkle, and somehow it makes the whole process less unpleasant. It’s a small detail, but it weirdly changes the experience.

Odour Control: A Big Win

One of the biggest positives for me is how well it controls smell. Even with that “hidden pee” concept, the litter box doesn’t have that strong, lingering odor you sometimes get with traditional litters.

For a multi-cat household, that’s a game changer.

Health Monitoring: The Standout Feature

This is where PrettyLitter really shines.

The crystals change color based on your cat’s urine, helping you monitor potential health issues. In our case, we’ve been seeing bright yellow crystal puddles—which apparently means everything is healthy and normal.

As a pet parent, that peace of mind is priceless. Being able to catch potential issues early, just by checking the litter box, is something I genuinely love.

The Mess Factor

Let’s be real—no litter is completely mess-free.

PrettyLitter is still a bit messy, just like regular litter. You’ll get some tracking, especially if your cats like to kick things around. But honestly, that’s just part of life with cats, no matter what litter you use.

Final Thoughts: Worth It?

So where do I land on PrettyLitter?

I’m intrigued.

I’m impressed.

I’m still slightly confused.

But overall? I see the value.

The odor control is great, the health monitoring is incredible, and my cats are happy. The only real adjustment is getting used to that whole “pee disappears into the litter” concept.

Would I recommend it? Yes—especially if you’re someone who wants better insight into your cat’s health.

Check out our Instagram review of Pretty Litter and other amazing reels here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXKJxFgCeEU/?igsh=NzF2eXk5ZnR4bXp1

Have you tried PrettyLitter yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!