Kathryn, Author at kathrynegly.com

4 In Family/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

A Peek Inside the Incredible Mill City Museum

It was our first day of Summer Vacation and time to check something off our Minnesota Bucket list with a visit to the Mill City Museum. Imagine stepping into a museum that was once a bustling flour factory. The Mill City Museum in St. Paul was once the site of the General Mills (aka Cheerios) factory that was devastated by a flour explosion. The Minnesota Historical Society put the ruins to good use by creating a beautiful museum that shows the history of the flour industry in Minnesota, as well as how flour is turned into food.

I read beforehand that the museum doesn’t have their own parking. Thankfully, we found a place to park right outside the museum and the cost was only $1 per hour. There was also a parking garage right across the street, so finding a place to park wasn’t a problem.

From the moment we walked into the building, I was impressed with how nicely this historical building has been maintained.

First, we explored an old box car that was originally used to transport the flour all over the country. The original railroad track is still there.

Next, we walked around the museum that was filled with hands-on exhibits. My boys LOVED the ‘water room’ where they could rebuild the city of Minneapolis and create a ‘log jam.’

Be sure to check out the museum’s demonstration kitchen – if you are lucky, you may get to enjoy a freshly made Betty Crocker treat. My boys loved the ‘snacks’ they were served.

For an immersive experience, be sure to check out the ‘Flour Tower’ exhibit, where you’ll be transported back in time and experience what it was like to work in the factory. This exhibit is a large elevator with seating inside. The elevator takes you up, stops at each level, opens up the doors, and shows you a glimpse into that level of the factory. There’s a video in the background with old footage, and voice recordings of men and women who used to work in the original factory. It was fascinating to hear the voice recordings of former workers sharing their memories and stories.

From the elevator, we went to the observation deck to take in the beautiful view of Minneapolis, the Stone Arch bridge and the Mississippi River. The Stone arch bridge was originally a train bridge, but is now a pedestrian walkway.

From the observation deck at Mill City Museum

After that, we went to view the 19 minute video, “History of Minnesota.” As someone new to Minnesota, the movie was informative and interesting!

The Remains of the inside of the General Mills Factory

Did you know that flour floating in the air is deadlier than GUN powder?

The original mill was built in 1874 but destroyed in a flour dust explosion that killed 14 people.

We walked outside the back door of the museum to explore the ruins of other mills along the channel. The channel was created to feed the mills with needed water power.

The entire visit took about 3 hours. This museum is great for people ages 5 to 85. It would also make a unique date night.

We loved it and highly recommend a visit to Mill City Museum. (I was NOT paid for this endorsement.)

Ticket prices can be found by clicking here. However, I’d recommend purchasing the Minnesota History family pass that will get you into the Mill City Museum, Fort Snelling, the History Center, and more.

Minneapolis has TONS of great options for lunch or dinner after a visit to the museum. We chose Popol Vuh, but Hope Kitchen is another place we’d recommend.

Thanks for reading!

Here’s my Minnesota Bucket list – Check it out!

June 15, 2019 By Kathryn

7 In History/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota

20 Gifts that Minnesota Gave the world

1. Target

I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t know Target started in Minnesota until Ted was offered a job at their company. This company was started in 1902 as “Goodfellow Dry Goods” and became “Target” in 1962. As a tribute to it’s original name, Target sells a great line of men’s products called Goodfellow.

You can read about the history of Target by clicking here.

PS – If you have a few minutes and need a laugh – read the hilarious Target memes on Pinterest!

2. Water Skiing

In June 1922, 18-year-old Ralph Samuelson, of Minnesota, proposed that if you could ski on snow, then you could ski on water.

Ralph, the first water skier, used a clothes line and a couple of old boards for his first ride. I’m glad water skiing improved by my first try, 60 years later.

Read the full history of water skiing here.

3. Honeycrisp apples

Clark picking a HoneyCrisp Apple

We found our favorite – SweeTango

Honeycrisp apples were invented at the University of Minnesota in the 90s. (Who knew apples could be “invented?)

My personal favorite, though, is the SweeTango apple. We think they’re even better than the Honeycrisp apple. SweeTango was also invented in Minnesota. We’d never heard of them until we made a visit to a local apple orchard. If you ever find a SweeTango – you MUST try it! It’s pure sweet, crunchy deliciousness. It’s worth a visit to Minnesota in the fall to get your hands on one of these!

4. The indoor shopping mall

The first indoor shopping mall was built just west of the Twin Cities in 1956.

Minnesota is even better known for the World’s Largest Indoor Shopping Mall – the Mall of America – built in 1992. This mall has 520 stores, an aquarium and a theme park inside. More people visit the Mall of America than Disney World!

5. Greyhound bus

In 1914, a guy named Carl Wickman used a 7-passenger vehicle to take people to work for 15 cents per ride. A century, plus several mergers and expansions later, Greyhound is North America’s largest bus company with nearly 1,300 buses, 4,000 destinations and 5.5 billion ride miles a year!

6. Mayo Clinic

The first and largest non-profit hospital in the world is in Rochester, MN.

Each year, more than 1.3 million different patients from all 50 states, and from more than 150 countries, are seen at one of the Mayo Clinic facilities. It’s one of the best (if not the very best) hospitals in the world.

7. Open heart surgery

The first successful open-heart surgery was performed at the University of Minnesota in 1952.

Since then, countless lives have been saved by the procedure. My great aunt was one of them – she was born with a failing heart, so in 1953, she had a successful open heart surgery. My great uncle brought his checkbook to pay for the surgery and the hospital did not accept checks. He had to leave her at the hospital, take the train home, get cash, and come back to pay for her surgery and take her home! She lived for FIFTY more years!

8. Tonka trucks

Tonka was founded in Mound, Minnesota, and likely named for Lake Minnetonka. These heavy-duty trucks are classic toys, and I know more than a few people outside Minnesota played with one growing up.

9. Microwave popcorn

Forever changing the way we watch movies at home, the first version of microwave popcorn in a bag was patented by Minnesota-based General Mills in 1981. These days microwave popcorn comes in all flavors by many different brands, but it was the Minnesota brand that started it all.

10. The Oregon Trail

What was every 90s kid favorite video game? The Oregon Trail. Yeah, it came from Minnesota. Three Minnesotans invented the game in 1971, and it is still loved to this day. Playing this game is one of my favorite memories from elementary school – even if I did die of dysentery.

11. Enclosed Walkways (aka Skyways)

The best inventions solve a problem. Given the problem of seemingly endless winters in Minnesota, it only makes sense that Minnesotans created an innovative way of getting around the city – an enclosed walkway.

You literally never have to go outside. You can go from your city apartment, to breakfast, the dry cleaners, Target, a salon, a ball game, dinner and wherever else you could imagine…all via the Skyway!

Minneapolis is home to the longest continuous skyway in the world, spanning nearly 80 blocks and 11 miles.

12. Best Buy

In 1966 a couple of guys started a business selling home and car stereo equipment, calling their business “The Sounds of Music.” They eventually expanded the business to sell more products and changed the name to Best Buy!

13. Scotch Tape

Original Scotch Tape – read the fine print 🙂

Many years ago a company called Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (you may know them as 3M) produced sandpaper. When one of the young engineers was testing the sand paper at a local auto body shop, he noticed the auto painters were having a hard time painting a straight line. He decided to create a masking tape to solve this problem. He later created the clear Scotch tape that now resides in every junk drawer in America.

14. Post-it Notes

Another 3M invention. A scientist was singing in his church choir in St.Paul. The tabs of paper he used in his hymnal kept falling out and he wanted a better way to save pages. He went to work that week and created the sticky note. It was years before the product went to market and wasn’t successful at first. No one purchased it because they didn’t know how handy Post-it notes could be. 3M decided to give them away to offices and 90% of the people and businesses that had received the free samples chose to reorder – more than twice the success of any other product they’d given away. Since then, post it notes are one of the top 5 best selling office products around the world.

15. The world’s most popular cereal

Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops and all the other General Mills cereals were created in Minnesota!

16. A few celebrities

Jessica Biel, Prince, Judy Garland, Lindsey Vonn, Chris Pratt and Bob Dylan were all born in Minnesota!

17. The Mississippi River

Visit Lake Itasca in Minnesota to discover the SOURCE, the very beginning, of the Mississippi River. You can leap across on stepping stones or just walk right across the Mighty Mississippi.

18. Paul Bunyan and Babe

The legendary lumberjack hero and his sidekick, Babe, the blue ox. I remember loving those Tall Tales in elementary school that explained how all the lakes formed in the midwest – from the footprints of Paul Bunyan! You’ll find statues of this giant in several places around the state.

19. Spam

Well, I don’t necessarily consider SPAM a GIFT, but many people still do. Especially during WWII when men were thrilled to have this source of protein. You can visit a SPAM museum in Austin, MN.

20. Land O Lakes

You Butter Believe it! Nearly 100 years ago, farmers gathered to start “Land O’ Lakes” … in the land of lakes. It is now the world’s largest producer of butter and cheese.

Interested in learning more about Minnesota Innovations? Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota for Minnovations – beginning June 2019.

Click here to read my Minnesota Bucket List!

Did your state invent something we should know about? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading! Please subscribe so you don’t miss a post.

May 29, 2019 By Kathryn

3 In Book Review/ Inspiration/ Things to do in Colorado/ Things to do in Minnesota

Little ways to make a BIG difference

Each of us are here for a reason. We have opportunities, every day, to make an impact on people and our world. Usually it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Little bits of kindness add up to a whole bunch of goodness.

Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.
Robert F Kennedy

Keep doing little things, and together, we can make a big difference.

Here are 21 fun and easy ways we can make the world a brighter place. Perhaps you can add one of these to your calendar, or set a reminder on your phone to do one small act of kindness this week.

1. Smile and brighten someone’s day.

When I walk past a stranger who is smiling, my mood lifts. Imagine the impact if we all smile and say hello to every person we encounter today.

Did you know that smiling not only has a positive impact on others, it positively impacts YOU too. Smile and your body responds accordingly.

2. Leave a dollar bill at the Dollar Store for someone to joyfully discover.

Oh the happiness that fills a child who has a dollar to spend at the Dollar Store! You could even hide out and wait for someone to find the dollar you left behind :).

3. Pray for a foster child by name.

(Click here to see Minnesota foster kids)

Pray that God’s love would permeate every part of their lives. Pray that they would have positive influences in their lives. Pray for their foster parents and teachers to have patience, wisdom, and unconditional love for them. Pray that they would find a permanent home and family.

4. Buy an extra item at the grocery store and drop it off at a food pantry.

Did you know that families in the suburbs are often struggling more than inner city families? Items of greatest need: Peanut Butter, Canned Meat and Toilet Paper.

Click here to see what and where to give: https://theopendoorpantry.org/how-to-give/donate-food/

5. Drop a penny into the McDonald’s Ronald Mcdonald donation box.

If every customer in the US donates just ONE PENNY every time he or she visits Mcdonald’s, more than $62 Million dollars would be collected to support children and families in need. Wow!

6. Provide a meal or groceries for a single mom.

When I was young, there was a season when my mom was trying to provide for 5 young girls as a single mom. I remember what a delight it was when someone left a bag of groceries for us. Many single parents are living on a very slim budget and every bit helps.

7. Donate snacks or make a donation to an organization that gives children food to eat over the weekend.

There are children in each community who don’t have enough food to eat over the weekend.

Many local schools and churches collect snacks to give to children in need – ask your child’s school and church. If you live around Lakeville, Minnesota, here are three places that collect and provide snacks for kids:

Hosanna church, 9600 163rd Street West Lakeville, MN 55044
952.435.3332
Kenwood Middle school -17630 Juniper Path
Lakeville, Minnesota 55044 Phone: 952-232-3800
Edge Real Estate Services at 18472 Kenyon Avenue (near 185th &35W)

Another organization is The Sheridan Story – a project designed to fight child hunger by providing a weekend’s supply of food to hungry children.

8. Keep $5 gift cards to Walmart or McDonalds to give to a needy person you pass on the street. Or bring an extra sandwich to share.

9. Invite someone to church

9 out of 10 unchurched people said that they would come if someone invited them. My friend, Terri, buys pizzas from Little Caesars every Wednesday. She invites the neighbors over for pizza and takes a car load to youth group on Wednesday nights. The teenagers in her neighborhood know if they want to have dinner and go to church, she’s the one to see. She’s also built a mentorship and rapport with these teenagers. Every neighborhood needs a “Terri!”

10. Look for an opportunity to help ONE person today!

Every person you encounter is fighting some sort of battle. It may be a new mom who needs a NAP! Someone else needs a hug. Another person needs you to ask them how they are REALLY doing. Create margin in your day to be able to help someone.

My friend Nanette told me she invited a recently widowed father and his children to eat with her family on Valentine’s day. What would normally be a hard holiday for this hurting husband was a night filled with joy, laughter, and happy memories.

11. Visit a nursing home

Have your kids draw pictures, sing a song, play an instrument, or just give a hug to the elderly.

12. Provide respite care for foster families

Give foster parents a break for the weekend or occasional help when needed. Childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/services/respite.cfm

13. Volunteer at a Food bank

You can volunteer once a year or once a week. If you are in the Minneapolis suburbs, click here to volunteer at The Open Pantry Food bank in Eagan or Apple Valley.

14. Donate needed supplies to a woman’s shelter

Call your local women’s shelter and see what their needs are. Click here to find a women’s shelter near you. https://www.womenshelters.org

In my area, Dakota Woodlands Women’s Shelter is currently needing baby items, personal items, and waterproof mattress pads!

15. Donate diapers to a pregnancy clinic

https://www.amnionpc.org

https://www.burnsvillepregnancyhelp.com/services

16. Do you have a friendly pet? Consider taking it to the hospital to cheer up sick patients.

17. Donate toiletries to a homeless shelter

I always grab the extra shampoo and soap from my hotel rooms. These are the perfect size for donations to your local homeless shelter. homelessshelterdirectory.org

18. Play with your kids or spend time with your grandkids!

For parents – take just 5 minutes to PLAY with your kids! The benefits of PLAY are endless – two benefits include improved behavior and learning. Play Tag, a board or card game, chase, throw a ball…anything! Play creates incredible bonds between you and your kids. Click here to read about more benefits.

For grandparents – There are ENDLESS benefits to the child/grandchild relationship – reduced depression and improved immune system are just a couple. Click here to read an awesome article for more on the topic of benefits of being a grandparent.

I remember a time in my life when I thought to myself: My grandmother is the only person in this universe who loves me. Obviously, that wasn’t true but I’m grateful that when everything hit the fan, I knew I was unconditionally loved by my grandmother.

I have so many good memories with each of my grandparents and am grateful my boys have amazing grandparents who love them and invest in them.

Click here for a list of fun activities to do with your kids or grandkids!

19. Donate feminine products to a high school.

The Open Door Food Pantry delivers donated feminine products to a local alternative high school. The girls who are given these items often cry in gratitude because they have no money and no one to purchase these for them. Call your local high school to see if there are girls in need. I imagine that every middle or high school has girls that will be completely grateful for this simple donation.

20. Provide clean water.

Did you know that 80% of illnesses in developing countries are caused by lack of clean water? A gift of $10 to thewaterproject.org provides clean water for one person for 10 years!

21. Pick up trash

What’s the #1 thing our kids say when we ask them to pick something up around the house?

“I didn’t do it” – or – “It’s not mine!”

Guess what? We, as adults, do the SAME THING when we walk by a piece of trash on the ground and ignore it. Imagine if each of us picked up not only our own stuff, but random pieces of trash we see along sidewalks or in parks? Our homes and communities would be so much cleaner.

Each of us can make a little difference that will add up to a big change.

I’ve provided twenty ideas for you! If you have an idea I haven’t mentioned, leave me a comment and share it with us! What is ONE little thing you will do THIS week that could make a big difference?

I’m currently collecting:

snacks for kids,
peanut butter and other food items,
diapers and wipes.

I’ll be donating them to the organizations listed above on June 10. Send me a message if you have something I can give on your behalf!! I’d be happy to come pick it up if you live in my area.

Thanks for reading all the way to the end… ideas for this post came from the book: A Cup of Cold Water in His Name: 60 ways to care for the needy.

May 19, 2019 By Kathryn

6 In Family/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

Life through the lens of a 5 year old

It seems like Luke Washington was born 5 minutes ago…but somehow, it’s been five YEARS!

On the night before Luke turned five, he asked if his daddy would be there for his birthday. I reminded Luke that Ted was working in Colorado but couldn’t wait to give him a BIG Hug and Kiss when he got home.

“Dad probably won’t even know me because when I turn five, I’ll be SOOO big!” Luke said enthusiastically. ‘Is it bedtime now? I want to go to sleep so I can be five!’

Luke showing that he is four one final time!

When Luke woke up on the morning of his fifth birthday I asked, “How does it feel to be five?”

“Perfect,” he responded…”PROFESSIONAL.”

Luke and I ran some errands after his brothers left for school. As we passed complete strangers in the store, he asked me why people weren’t wishing him a happy birthday.

“No one knows it’s your birthday unless you tell them,” I answered.

For the rest of the day, he told everyone it was his birthday and was rewarded with endless smiles and birthday greetings.

We joined his brothers at their school for lunch. His brothers and their friends were SO happy to see Luke. Everyone asked for Luke to sit by them and the ENTIRE cafeteria sang Happy Birthday to Luke! He was so embarrassed he climbed under the table. However, he had the BIGGEST smile on his face and loved all the high fives from the ‘big kids!’

After school we invited the neighborhood kids over for cake and games. I honestly wasn’t planning a party for Luke because we had a “family” party last weekend. However, Luke was inviting nearly everyone he knew to come to his house on his birthday for his “party”…apparently he would have a party with or without me…So, I got a cake and the neighbors came!

At bedtime Luke realized that dad was almost home and it triggered his memory of “growing so much dad won’t recognize me.”

“MOM!!! Why haven’t I gotten any bigger today!?”

Luke’s 5th birthday is a little bittersweet. Luke isn’t a baby anymore. I’ll miss those baby snuggles I’ve enjoyed over the last decade! I’ll also miss the hilarious thoughts and questions that come out of the mouths of our little ones.

However, I’m looking forward to the adventures we will take now that he’s a little bit bigger. I also love that I have four boys who put on their own shoes, buckle themselves in the car, and SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT!

May 17, 2019 By Kathryn

4 In Book Review/ Product Recommendations

Books I’m reading – and a Giveaway!

Here are some books I’ve been reading lately, and you must read to the end to ~~find out how to win a copy of one the following books~~ see who won!

I’m usually reading two to four books at a time. I have one by my bed, one by the couch, one in the car, and another I’m listening to on my phone with the free Hoopla App. Here are my thoughts on the books I’m currently reading, or recently finished.

The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey

I’m not a helicopter parent, but this book did shine light on areas where I could back off to allow my kids grow. It made me realize that some of the strength and confidence I have, comes from being put in really challenging situations as a young adult, and figuring out my way through it (I’ll write about this in a future post). I would recommend this book to parents who have children 7-17. The book has a few really great sections, and other parts were repetitive that I skimmed through. I’d rate it a 4 out of 5.

Capital Gains by Chip Gaines

I mentioned to a friend how much I loved The Magnolia Story, so she recommended I read Capital Gains. It’s basically Chip Gain’s biography and shows how hard work and a good attitude (plus a smart spouse) can lead to incredible success. Their family has turned the town of Waco from a place you’d just drive through to get from Dallas to Austin, to a destination city. I liked The Magnolia Story better, but would still give this a 4 out of 5!

Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors by Jami Amerine

I heard the author speak in an interview/podcast with Crystal Paine so I purchased this book on Amazon. After reading the first couple of chapters, I didn’t think I was going to like it…but by chapter 4, I was all in. I loved the author’s honestly, vulnerability, and HUMOR. The tag line is: “How less than perfect parents can raise kind of great kids” … and I would recommend it! Rating: 4/5

Educated by Tara Westover

I neglected all household chores for about 24 hours to devour this memoir. I couldn’t put it down. Tara Westover shares her fascinating story of growing up completely sheltered and was not allowed to go to school. Without any formal education or GED, she earned a Doctorate from Harvard! Rating: 5/5

A Cup of Cold Water by Lorie Newman

This is an incredible book with tons of suggestions on how we can make the world a better place. I heard the author speak on a podcast and purchased her book right away. I’ll share more in a future post about what I’m doing with what I learned in this book. I highly recommend it! Rating 5/5

Talking to your Kids about God by Natasha Crain

Once again, I heard this author speak on a podcast and decided to purchase her book. I had just finished reading “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” and I was inspired/convicted about how well Muslim parents instruct their children in their faith. I was excited to read this book about how to teach our children about God. Natasha Crain discusses the evidence for the existence of God, how science confirms the God of the Bible, how Christianity is different from other religions, and how all these things apply to us and the world around us. I’m not finished yet, but I’m REALLY loving it. Rating: 5/5

Help club for moms: The Wise Woman Grows

This is a Devotional I’ve been reading through this semester with a group of women from around the world. If you are a woman, join our group on Facebook, and pick up a copy of the book on Amazon. Rating: 5/5

Another Man’s War by Sam Childers

I received this book as a gift from my father-in-law and loved it! It’s an amazing true story about a man who goes to the most dangerous parts of Africa to find orphaned children and then provides a safe place for them. Rating 5/5

~~I want to give my copy of Another Man’s War to one of you! To win…~~

Do any of the following between now and May 1, 2019

Comment on this post (use the little text box icon beside the title)
Share this (or any) post on Social Media, through text or email! Let me know you shared it.
Every share and comment will receive you an entry to win the book. The drawing will be on May 2, 2019.

WINNER is Annie! Congratulations Annie!

Thanks for reading!

April 27, 2019 By Kathryn

0 In Faith/ Family/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Memories/ Motherhood/ Traveling

Leaving Hawaii, Keeping Aloha

Today I have a guest post by my sister Krista!

Krista is a loving mom to four beautiful kids, a wife to her childhood sweetheart, and an Interior Designer in Indiana.

Since arriving home after our family vacation in Hawaii, I’d been feeling a sense of longing for something I can’t put my finger on. I am sure the gray weather hasn’t helped, but it’s something more. While away, I had many awakening moments, and felt so much joy and peace. Even simple things like driving a Jeep with the rag top off, my hair blowing in the wind, the sun warming my skin and the tunes lifting my soul, felt almost supernatural; especially with the backdrop of the Hawaiian scenery unfolding before me with each twist and turn of the road! I had a few ‘once in a lifetime’ adventures like hiking 8 miles along one of the most majestic and rigorous coasts in the world, to a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall; it seriously did take my breath away for a moment. Another incredible moment was when my daughter Kate’s prayer was answered. Since the moment Kate heard we’d be visiting Hawaii, she’d been praying each night for God to let her meet one of her role models: Bethany Hamilton. God answered her prayer when we happened to be in the SAME place at the SAME time as Bethany!

Kate is SO happy to be meeting Bethany Hamilton!

The green church we visited on Easter Sunday

I can remember sitting in a quaint green church on Easter morning trying to hold back tears. I was feeling a sense of awakening to how I was made, how God made me, as well as what makes me feel alive and engaged with who I am and the life around me. It also was an awakening to some ways I’m conforming that aren’t really true to how I am made – conforming to my environment and people for one reason or another.

Back at home, I was cleaning up breakfast, doing laundry, and picking up toys (that were just picked up). I felt a since of sadness and frustration wash over me. I thought, “Is this all I’m ever going to do?” I turned to Nate sighing. He asked what was wrong and what was fluttering through my mind. I told him how I wanted to feel the way I did in Hawaii. In Hawaii, the mundane chores were enjoyable. I wanted to go back to the way we were in Hawaii-completely natural-with no make up and no hair brush. I loved how I could let the ocean water and air style my hair, and it was beautiful. We could walk barefoot almost everywhere, even shopping! I felt a sense of belonging and at home in a place I’d never been.

Nate reminded me of what the Hawaiian pastor taught one Sunday in a Hawaii…

Pastor Steve, in a small tent with maybe 100 people, taught from a passage in Philippians. This passage talks about praying with joy. He went on to describe how amazing it is when you think about Paul and all he went through. Paul wrote about JOY while in prison! Throughout Paul’s life, he had times where he was in need, and other times when he had plenty, he experienced the best and worst of life. Paul encourages us, as believers in Christ Jesus, to choose contentment and joy in all things, situations and places. Paul tells us to count it “all” joy. Pastor Steve paralleled this all to the deeper meaning of Aloha.

Aloha means ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye,’ but it also mean SO MUCH MORE. Aloha means joy, and more specifically, finding joy in the mundane…maybe even choosing joy in the mundane. It is being in harmony and unity with your REAL self, with God and mankind. It involves being honest, truthful, patient and humble. Aloha (joy in the mundane) isn’t just something to experience in Hawaii, it’s found…WITHIN!! Even though I experienced it in such a deep way on an island in the Pacific, it doesn’t stay there. I can experience “Aloha” wherever I am! Joy is on the inside of me and I will CHOOSE it!

There is a part of me that wants Heaven on earth and life to be easier than what it is, for me and for others. I’m beginning to see that the longing itself is beautiful. We were made to long for more. The longing actually leads us to “Aloha”. It can lead us to unity and harmony with our real self, God and humanity. I am a living example that He does satisfy, amaze, and leave us at peace like nothing else when we seek Him in what He is saying and doing in the mundane. I believe true Aloha only comes from Him and is also a journey with Him.

So I leave you with a heart full of Mahalo. Mahalo simply means “Thank you!” However, the deeper meaning involves thankfulness to God for our past, present and future. I’m hoping it touches a part of your heart and awakens you as it did me!

Krista and her 3 oldest kids – Kate, Mason, and Jack

April 24, 2019 By Kathryn

3 In Book Review/ Faith

Is there evidence to support the Christian faith?

As I scrolled through Instagram today, I noticed a wave of posts celebrating “Resurrection Day.” Some even said, “Happy Resurrection Day!”

But it made me pause and ask:
What exactly is the Resurrection? And is it really worth celebrating?

The word resurrection means coming back to life after death. For followers of Jesus, Easter is a celebration of the moment when Jesus did exactly that—He conquered death and rose again.

But is there any real evidence this happened?
Actually… yes.

Let me introduce you to Lee Strobel.

Lee graduated from Yale Law School and worked as a legal editor for The Chicago Tribune. He was smart, analytical, and—at the time—an outspoken atheist.

One day, his wife came home and told him she had become a Christian.
Lee was devastated. He described it as one of the worst days of his life. The first word that came to his mind was divorce.

But instead of walking away, Lee decided to investigate the Christian faith with the same journalistic and legal rigor he used in his career. He set out to disprove Christianity—starting with the Resurrection.

He thought it would only take a few days.
But after nearly two years of research, Lee came to a surprising conclusion:
The evidence for the Resurrection was clear, compelling, and impossible for him to deny.
He chose to put his trust in Jesus and became a follower of Christ.

Here’s a summary of what convinced him—he called them the “Four E’s”:

1. Execution – Jesus really died. Roman crucifixion was brutal and final. No credible historian disputes that Jesus was crucified and dead.

2. Early accounts – The Resurrection wasn’t a legend that grew over time. We have written accounts of Jesus rising from the dead within months of the event.

3. Empty tomb – Even Jesus’ enemies admitted the tomb was empty. The real question is: how did it become empty?

4. Eyewitnesses – Hundreds of people saw Jesus alive after his death. These accounts were recorded, circulated, and many died for their testimony—without recanting.

Still not enough?

Lee also uncovered dozens of ancient prophecies—written centuries before Jesus—that predicted His life, death, and resurrection with stunning accuracy. The mathematical odds of one person fulfilling even a handful of them are astronomical. Yet Jesus fulfilled them all.

So the evidence is there. The question is: Will you open your heart to believe it?

“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”
— John 1:12

If you believe the Resurrection happened—and that Jesus really is who He said He is—the next step is simple: receive the free gift He offers. The gift of forgiveness. The gift of eternal life. Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross so we don’t have to.

When we say yes to Him, we become sons and daughters of God.
And that changes everything.

I’m so grateful to be a child of God.
It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

If you’re ready to take that step, here’s a simple prayer:

Jesus, as best I can, I believe You are the Son of God. I want to receive Your free gift of eternal life. Thank You for dying for me and paying for the things I’ve done wrong. Today, I choose to follow You. Amen.

If you just prayed that prayer or want to talk more, I’d love to hear from you—send me a message!

Want to hear Lee Strobel tell his story?
Check out his video: The Case for Christ explained
Or read his bestselling book: The Case for Christ

Thanks for reading and Happy Resurrection Day!

Click here for a fun and unique way to teach kids about the resurrection.

April 21, 2019 By Kathryn

2 In Faith/ Family/ Inspiration/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

8 habits that lead to a healthy, long life

As a mom, there are two things I want for my kids:

One, that they know and love God.

Two, that they live long, happy, healthy lives.

I was so excited to read an article in Parents magazine about some research that was done on how our kids can live the best, longest life. I’ve captured what I learned here.

8 habits that lead to a healthier, longer life.

Spending quality time with friends and family
Daily Physical activity
Engaging in Nature
Consuming water and vegetables
Getting enough sleep (13 hours for kids ages 3-5, 9 hours for kids 6-12)
Attend church or temple
Having a positive mindset and believing that positive actions today will result in a better future
Volunteering, performing charitable acts and practicing selflessness

Study done by Dr. Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, PhD, associate professor at Loma Linda University

Read my post about Volunteering entitled “17 Reasons to Serve” by clicking here

April 7, 2019 By Kathryn

0 In Family/ Peek into our Week/ Traveling

A week in Oklahoma!

We were planning to have a “staycation” in Minnesota for Spring Break – possibly knocking out some of my bucket list items, but at the last minute, we decided to jump in the car and drive to Oklahoma.

The Tulsa area is a special place for Ted and me. This is where we met, fell in love and got married. It’s where we purchased our first little home and where we still have lots of friends and family! It’s always nice to be in Oklahoma.

Saturday

We arrived at my in-laws house on Saturday and spent the evening catching up with our Oklahoma family.

Two of my sisters
Cousins

Sunday

We visited Life Church with friends, then spent the afternoon with more family. The day was warm and the sun was out and it felt so good to be in the sunshine!! I forgot how glorious the warm sun feels!

Sunday night Ted and I went out with two couples who have been friends since before we were all married. We laughed til our cheeks hurt and our dinner at Red Rock Canyon Grill was incredible!

Our server was a girl named Tiffany Rogers, who I knew from nearly 20 years ago. I hadn’t seen her in person since she was 8 years old, but we are social media friends. She is a GREAT writer and will soon be publishing her first book. Click here to find her on instagram.

George hanging in a POD
Luke on the slide
George on the zip line
The boys
Luke and Nana in the Mirror Maze
Paul on a Pear

Monday

Monday we spent the morning at an amazing new park called the Gathering Place. This place was named the best park in America and that is COMPLETELY accurate. It’s 100 acres of beautiful landscaping and incredible play areas for kids. Swings, zip line, climbing structures of every sort, slides, a music area, a castle, canoes, a water area and more. They spared no expense at making this the most amazing park in the world. And it’s FREE to the public!!! Thank you to the Kaiser Family, to Tulsa, and all those who sponsored this incredible place. It’s worth a trip to Tulsa just to visit this awesome park. No matter your age, you will LOVE IT!

Tuesday

The boys had a friend over and we all went to see How to Train your Dragon.

Afterwards, we visited the church where we got married. It’s the first time we’d been back since our wedding day! We also found the spot where we took our engagement photos and re-enacted one of them.

2019
2001

2001
2019

Wednesday

I woke up and went for a run. I heard the sounds of birds and frogs, I could smell spring blooming, I spotted a pair of cardinals, a BRIGHT bluebird, and then a BALD EAGLE flew right over my head. It literally took my breath away.

For lunch, we met my step-mom, step-sister, and her kids at a yummy BBQ place called Burn Co., then went back to the Gathering Place.

Paul and Ava, enjoying the view from the BoatHouse

Thursday

Ted and I explored one of our favorite places (Utica Square), sat outside a coffee shop to read, then had an early dinner at Los Cabos. They have great Mexican food and outdoor dining.

Luke watching Clark fish
Paul caught a fish!

Friday

The boys went fishing, we played games, and then packed to head home.

We took time at dinner to reflect on what we loved about our week in Oklahoma and agreed that we loved EVERYTHING!

April 4, 2019 By Kathryn

0 In Colorado Springs/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

6 Simple Steps to make a Great First Impression

Recently I was asked to interview a handful of 5th grade students in preparation for an upcoming field trip. The students were going to BizTown where they would have a “job” to do.

Before I asked the first interview question, I was to watch for and answer this question:

“Did the student come in and shake your hand, make eye contact and state their name?”

Honestly, most 5th graders came in and looked down, nervously. They didn’t know how to introduce themselves.

However, I watched as George came in, reached out his hand, gave a firm hand shake, made eye contact, and stated his full name with a smile on his face.

This simple action made my heart swell – I was so proud of him and I know he made a great first impression!

However, I can’t take the credit for teaching him how to do this. My husband, Ted, started teaching our boys how to introduce themselves from the time they started talking. George also learned and practiced simple manners, like introducing himself, in Cotillion.

Ted or I will often remind our boys how to meet new people before we enter a building where they may encounter strangers or new friends. The morning before his “interview,” I practiced with George and reminded him how to introduce himself.

Parents, it’s really easy to teach our kids how to make a GREAT first impression. This is NOT something that our children inherently know how to do, but we get to teach them how to do it! This simple lesson will be a GIFT to them!

A proper introduction is a tool they will use, and benefit from, their entire lives!

A fun book to read with your kids about manners:

March 29, 2019 By Kathryn

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