0 In 2024/ Book Review

5 Book Reviews and Recommendations

1. Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

Rating 9/10

Review: “The Covenant of Water” is an incredibly well-told story. The writer does a phenomenal job of developing the characters and the storyline, making it both believable and beautiful. My only complaints about this book are its length and the abundance of characters with complex names, which can make it challenging to keep track of everyone.

The book begins with a young girl, only 12 years old, engaged to an older man. This initial premise is both shocking and disturbing. However, the man is equally taken aback by the match with a child. He takes her home and provides a safe place for her to live and grow until she comes of age. The story follows this young girl throughout her entire life and continues even after her death.

I enjoyed how the author skillfully wove different storylines together, creating a rich tapestry of narratives. Although it took a long time to read, it was worth the effort. The depth and complexity of the characters and the intricacies of the plot make “The Covenant of Water” a compelling and memorable read.

2. I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger

Rating: 10/10

Review: I recently discovered “I Cheerfully Refuse” by Leif Enger after seeing that the author was about to speak at a nearby event and also receiving a recommendation from a friend in Colorado. I decided to download this audiobook and was captivated by the story, which is written in a unique and beautiful way.

The main character, Rainy, and his wife live a simple and happy life when a young stranger shows up with car troubles. The story unfolds, taking us on an adventure that beautifully captures the essence of human connection and the unexpected turns life can take. Enger’s writing is engaging, drawing you into the world of his characters with ease.

Rainy’s journey, sparked by this chance encounter, is filled with moments of heartbreak, humor, tenderness, and reflection. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions and heartfelt dialogues that make you feel a part of their lives. The characters are well-developed, each with their own quirks and charms, adding depth to the storyline.

“I Cheerfully Refuse” is not just a tale of an adventure; it’s a story about resilience, kindness, and the beauty of simple, everyday moments. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a touching and thought-provoking read. Leif Enger has crafted a novel that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading (or listening).

3. The Multiplication Factor by Mark Walker

Rating 9/10

Review: I was given an advance copy of this book because the author is a friend. It’s a memoir of his life – how he became a successful businessman and what what he’s learned along the way.

Here are five gold nuggets I pulled from the book:

Everyone was created to make a difference in people’s lives and make the world a better place. The enemy wants to do everything he can to turn your attention to your problems, cause fear, and distract you from your life’s purpose. His goal is to keep you in survival mode, but God wants to give you a life of significance.
God uses imperfect people to accomplish extraordinary things. When God gives a promise, He releases us from logic to imagination. What unique partnership is God inviting me into? “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” (Proverbs 11:25).
God can create solutions to any problem. He may prompt us to do something unexpected and unconventional. If we listen and follow His prompting, we will have an amazing and fulfilling journey. You don’t have to fear your competitors when you and God are a team. Invite God into every one of your problems and challenges.
Adversity can hurt or help you. God can turn impossible circumstances into something good. God’s voice is edifying, truthful, positive, and full of love. It brings peace. His voice does not demean, accuse, or condemn. We may feel convicted that something in our lives needs to change, and God is there for every step.
Take a five-minute vacation: Sit and allow God to show you His love. During negative times, read and meditate on God’s word. Remember the times He has turned bad situations into good ones. God’s word is one of the greatest weapons for defeating the enemy and overcoming obstacles.

If you are a person of faith and business owner, or a young person who wants to be an entrepreneur, this book is for you!

4. Becoming Elisabeth Elliot (volume 1 or 2)

Rating 8/10

Review: Elizabeth Elliot was one of my heroes as a young person. I read her books, listened to her speak and learned so much from her in the 90s. This book captured Elisabeth’s years on the mission field. First, with her husband as a young bride and then as young parents. Elisabeth’s husband was killed in the jungle by Indians and left her a widow with a 10 month old daughter. The book shares how Elisabeth and her daughter ended up living among those same Indians, learning from them and growing to love them. I thought this book shared fascinating insight into the life of a missionary. If you are a fan of the Elliots, or interested in mission work – this book is for you!

5. Being Elisabeth Elliot (volume 2 of 2)

Rating 10/10

Review: While I enjoyed the first volume, Becoming Elisabeth Elliot, I absolutely loved the second one, Being Elisabeth Elliot. The first book delved into much of the information I already knew about Elisabeth, albeit in much greater detail. However, this second volume shares the latter half of Elisabeth Elliot’s life, and it felt like reconnecting with a friend I hadn’t chatted with since college and it was such an enjoyable visit.

This book tells the story of Elisabeth’s life after her time on the mission field. Upon returning to the United States with her daughter, Elisabeth embarked on a journey as a writer. The narrative follows her through the significant events and challenges she faced, including her second marriage and the heartbreaking loss of her husband to cancer.

Ellen Vaughn excelled in weaving together hundreds of journals, articles, and letters to create a compelling and heartfelt story. Her goal was to tell the truth with love, and she certainly achieved that. The meticulous research and profound respect for Elisabeth’s life are evident throughout the book, making it a truly enriching read.

Thanks for reading and please comment with your book recommendations!

Books have affiliate links

June 17, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Minnesota

Spring Break Adventure on Minnesota’s North Shore

While most families flock to Florida or Mexico for a warm beach escape during spring break, our family of six heads north. With four boys who don’t need a break from the cold and love to ski, we find it both fun and budget-friendly to pack up our gear and head to Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore.

We packed out car to the brim with six pairs of skis, ski boots, snow boots, helmets, gloves, winter clothes, and enough food to feed an army. Our first stop was in Two Harbors for a delicious lunch and some coastal exploration. The boys enjoyed exploring, despite the chilly winds whipping off Lake Superior.

Though we didn’t make time for it on this trip, I highly recommend exploring Gooseberry Falls state park while in (or passing through) Two Harbors, MN!

Next up, we visited the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse and State Park. Last year, the boys spent over an hour just skipping rocks, but this year, the wind and waves kept us from spending much time there, so we made our way to our cozy cabin in the Lutsen woods. It’s not fancy, but the boys love the ski-in/ski-out setup, and I appreciate the full kitchen and two bathrooms.

Once settled in, we took a winter walk though the woods, played some silly snowball games, and capped off the night watching basketball.

The next morning, we were up early and off to Lutsen Ski Hill. The slopes were quiet due to a mild winter in Minnesota. The boys sped down every run – from green to black, leaving me to navigate the icy slopes with all the muscle power I could muster. My youngest, Luke, already skis better than me at age nine.

We gathered for lunch in the lodge, then I decided to stay there and enjoy the stunning view of Lake Superior, while the boys and Ted continued skiing.

After a fun-filled day of skiing, the boys skied their way to the cabin. I love that they can navigate this by themselves. Ted and I drive ourselves and our gear back to the cabin. We ordered pizza for the boys, who were, believe it or not, worn out and ready to relax in the condo. Ted and I snuck away to enjoy live music at a local winery.

We also made a memorable visit to Grand Marais, taking a trek to the lighthouse. Though the famous donut shop was closed, it just gives us another reason to return and explore this charming town further at another time.

On our way home we stopped in Duluth. This is a great place eat, explore, and watch the ships come in an out of the harbor. (For a full Duluth itinerary, click here)

In just three days, we packed in a lot of fun and relaxation. Our North Shore ski trips are always filled with adventure, laughter, and cherished memories. Until next time, keep exploring!

Here’s a visual recap of our trip:

Click here to read about our weekend in Duluth.

Click here to read “24 Family-Friendly things to do in the Twin Cities”

Thanks for reading! Please consider subscribing.

June 3, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Family/ Free stuff

A Parent’s Guide to ChatGPT: What it is and how to use it

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT, or Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is a conversational AI model developed by OpenAI. It is designed to understand and generate a text-based conversation. It can handle a wide range of topics and engage in discussions on various subjects, but it does not have moral judgment.

Where does ChatGPT get its information?

ChatGPT copies and re-writes information from other places on the internet. It doesn’t tell you its sources or who created the original information. ChatGBT can make mistakes, spread misinformation, and give inaccurate answers.

Privacy:

Parents should advise their children to avoid sharing personal information during interactions. It’s important to remind kids that they are communicating with a machine and not a trusted human.

Critical Thinking:

Let your children know that what they learn from ChatGPT is NOT always accurate. Explain the importance of checking the credibility of a source before trusting the information. This may also be a good time to talk about plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s words, ideas, or work and presenting them as your own without proper acknowledgment.

Education:

ChatGPT can be a valuable educational tool when used appropriately. Parents can explore supervised learning experiences with their children, focusing on specific topics or use ChatGPT to facilitate learning and creativity. See ideas below.

Why are schools banning ChatGPT?

My children’s school district and many others are banning ChatGPT from school devices and campus networks because students can use it to write their papers and do their homework.

Safety and Open Communication:

Parents need to supervise their children’s interactions with ChatGPT. Since ChatGPT can converse on any topic, there is a potential for exposure to inappropriate content, misinformation, or discussions that are not suitable for children. Parents should consider setting guidelines for usage and check in on their children’s interactions. Encourage kids to share any uncomfortable encounters.

Summary:

While ChatGPT can offer opportunities for learning, parents should approach its use with caution and guide their children to ensure safety. Understanding ChatGPT will help foster a positive and responsible online experience for kids.

Family-friendly ways to use ChatGBT:

Learning: Encourage your children to use ChatGPT for educational purposes, such as looking up information for school projects. ChatGPT can provide quick answers to factual questions or help clarify concepts in a conversational manner.
Language: If your family is learning a new language, ChatGPT can be a language practice partner. Encourage your children to engage in conversations in the target language with ChatGPT to reinforce vocabulary and grammar.
Travel: Explore different cultures and places virtually by asking ChatGPT about the world. ChatGBT can be used to plan an itinerary for an in-person visit to another city or country.
Brain Teasers: Engage in family-friendly trivia or riddles with ChatGPT. Challenge your kids to ask ChatGPT logic puzzles, math problems, or other questions. This can be a fun way to stimulate critical thinking.
History: Make history more engaging and interactive by asking ChatGPT about famous people or events from the past.
Storytime: Use ChatGPT to generate personalized bedtime stories based on your child’s interests. Encourage your kids to provide story prompts or characters, and let ChatGPT weave a unique tale.
Digital Etiquette: Use interactions with ChatGPT as an opportunity to reinforce appropriate and respectful online communication.
Supervised Use and Boundaries: Establish guidelines for using ChatGPT, including appropriate topics and time limits. Emphasize the importance of responsible and safe online behavior.

By integrating ChatGPT into family activities in these constructive ways, you can make the most of AI technology while ensuring that it enhances learning, creativity, and family engagement.

Prompt Ideas for ChatGBT:

Plan a 3 day-itinerary for (location of choice).

What are family-friendly activities around (enter city of choice)?

What are the best rated restaurants in (city of choice)?

Give me 10 ways engage with my 15-year-old son

Tell me a story about an Eagle named Eddie, appropriate for a 6 year old.

What are 10 fun facts about (topic of choice)?

What about you? How have YOU used AI or chatGPT. Let me know how you use it!

May 15, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Family/ Finding our place/ Motherhood/ Moving

Stress-Free Strategies for a Family Move

To all the incredible moms out there who are gearing up for a move, I understand the mix of excitement and stress that comes with this big change.

Here are some tips to help you navigate this transition smoothly.

Planning and Preparation

Create a Moving Timeline: Start planning early. Make a checklist of tasks to complete before moving day.
Declutter Before Packing: Declutter your home. Donate or sell items you no longer need. Less stuff means less to pack and unpack!
Host a garage sale to purge your home and earn extra cash for the move. (Click here for 6 tips for a successful garage sale).
Shop for a Moving Company: Call at least 3 companies. When you choose a company, ask if it’s their best price. The company I went with took off the extra weekend fees.
Pack Strategically:
- Collect lots of boxes and paper (You can often find them for free on Facebook marketplace)
- Pack anything that you want to keep but won’t need for the season. Books, art on the walls, etc.
- Pack room by room and label boxes clearly.
- Keep essentials like medications, toiletries, and a few kitchen items handy for the first few days in your new home.
- Set up utilities in your new location – gas, water, electric, internet, trash, insurance. I’m listing these because with 1 million things to do, I forgot to set up electric at my new house and freaked out when the power went out 24 hours after moving in. Thankfully, I quickly figured out who to call and got it set up.
Get appointments done: Once you move, it will take time to find a new dentist and doctor, so get check ups and doctor’s appointments done before moving. Get vaccination records and a sports physicals for kids.

Involving Your Kids:

Communicate with Kids: Involve your children in the moving process. Explain what to expect and reassure them about the upcoming changes.
Communicate with the Schools: Enroll your children in their new schools, and let their current school know you are moving. If possible, take a tour of the new school.
Pack a Suitcase Each Child: Pack a suitcase of your child’s clothes and a few of their favorite things. Before moving day, put these in your car so the movers don’t load them.
Explore the New Neighborhood: If possible, take your kids to explore the new neighborhood before moving day to get them excited about the new surroundings.
Sign them up for Sports or Clubs: If possible, get them involved in a sport or a club right away so they can begin to build friendships with kids in their new town.
Create a Bucket List: Do a little research about your new area to find fun things to do with your family. Create a list of fun things to do after the move. (Click here for a Minnesota List or here for a Colorado list.)

Managing Stress:

Accept Help! If someone mentions helping with the move, SAY YES and pick a day! I’m forever grateful for the handful of family and friends that jumped in to help when I moved. Delegating and having help is a huge stress reliever.
Stay Positive: Focus on the exciting aspects of your new home and the fresh opportunities it will bring for you and your family. It’s not taking you out of your comfort zone, it’s EXPANDING your comfort zone.

On Moving Day:

Set Up a Safe Space for Kids: If you have young children or pets, arrange for childcare/pet sitter on moving day, or designate a safe area away from the chaos.
Keep Important Documents/Boxes Handy: Keep important documents, medications, and valuables with you during the move. Perhaps you load these in your car before the movers come so they do not get loaded on the truck.
Plan ahead for food. Prep a cooler with drinks, snacks and sandwiches available for your family and those helping with the move.

After the Move:

Unpack Strategically: Unpack essentials first, like bedding and kitchen supplies. Take your time settling in. It will eventually get done so it’s OKAY to take breaks to eat, rest and play.
Get rid of boxes: List your boxes and packing paper on Facebook marketplace for FREE and everything will be picked up within 24 hours.
Connect with the Community: Get to know your new neighbors and explore local resources like parks, schools, and community centers.
Give Yourself Grace: Adjusting to a new home takes time. It may not feel like ‘home’ for 6-12 months. Be patient with yourself and your family as you settle into your new area and routine.
Read this post: 8 Ways To Love Where you Live

Remember, you’re doing an amazing job managing this transition for your family. Embrace this new chapter with optimism and know that soon you’ll be making beautiful memories in your new home. You’ve got this!

Click to read: 24 family-friendly places to explore around the Twin Cities

Thank you for reading! Please consider sharing and subscribing.

April 29, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In Faith/ Family/ Inspiration/ Memories/ My Journey/ Raising boys

9-1-1 Emergency: The Hunt for My Son

“This is 9-1-1, what’s your emergency?” the man on the phone asked calmly.

“I’ve lost my son,” I stuttered between heavy, anxious breaths.

Paul was only 4. We had finished shopping and I asked him to climb into his car seat while I loaded our groceries. When I came around to buckle Paul into his seat, he wasn’t there.

“Paul?” I asked. No answer.

“Paul?” I said a little louder. No answer.

I looked inside the car. No Paul. I looked under the car. No Paul. I did a lap around my car. No Paul.

My heart was beating fast. I’m trying not to panic.

“Did you see a little boy with a red shirt?” I ask a woman getting into a car nearby. She shook her head no.

“I can’t find my son.” I say to people in the parking lot. No one has seen him.

A lady kindly offers to watch my other kids while I search for Paul.

I run back into the grocery store while scanning the parking lot. I see cars leaving and hope that Paul is not in one them. “Has he been kidnapped?” I think, terrified.

I look inside the grocery store. No Paul.

The store manager sends staff out to help find my son and I decide it’s time to call 911, “What’s your emergency?”

“I’ve lost my son.” I respond, with panic in my voice.

While I answer the dispatcher’s questions, I suddenly remember to pray. I silently say, “God, you know where Paul is. Please show me what to do or where to look.” I pause, take a shaky breath and feel a prompt, “Go look in your car again.”

I’m still answering the dispatcher’s questions when I climb into my minivan to get a better look. I climb to the backseat, and look down onto the floor. That is where I found little Paul, curled up behind the back seat, hiding.

“I found him! I found him!” I cry to the dispatcher and to the kind woman still watching my other children.

The dispatcher tells me how happy he is and then reminds me to breathe.

I hang up, take a deep breath and ask Paul what he’s doing curled up in the back of the car.

“I’m playing hide-and-seek with you Mommy!” he says with a big smile.

“Paul, please tell me we are playing hide-and-seek BEFORE you hide next time! I thought I lost you and I was scared.”

“But you FOUND me mom,” he playfully responds, full of joy.

I give him a hug and buckle him into his seat. I thank the kind woman watching my other children and get them buckled in too. As I climb into my seat and turn on the car, I notice I’m shaking. I take some deep breaths and pause to thank God for keeping Paul safe and helping me find him.

_______

Reflecting on, and writing this story, brought up all the feelings from that day – both the horror and fear I felt as I frantically searched for Paul, and the relief of finding him and the joy of answered prayer.

More importantly, on this day I had a clearer understanding and appreciation of how Jesus Christ pursued me when I was lost. Though, like Paul, I did not know I was lost, He found me. In His presence I found peace, acceptance, joy, unconditional love, purpose and LIFE.

In the book of Luke, chapter 15, Jesus tells a story about a lost sheep. A lost sheep in the wilderness is doomed. It has no protection and it would be only a short time before the coyotes or other predators would attack and kill it.

The Bible calls Jesus our Good Shepherd and says we are His sheep. If we are wandering this earth without allowing Him to guide us, we are easy targets for the enemy’s attack.

Just as I searched for my son, this story emphasizes the Shepherd’s relentless pursuit of us. In fact, the story shares how the Shepherd left the 99 sheep in his flock to find the ONE missing sheep.

I left my other sons to search for Paul because of my love and care for him. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, seeks us, His lost sheep – a pursuit fueled by love. The story in Luke 15 says that the Shepherd had “exuberant joy” when He found the lost sheep. He carried it to safety with “careful delight” (Luke 15:5 TPT).

As a Christ follower, I understand that my connection with God is not a result of my own pursuit but a response to the Him seeking me. In life’s chaos, we often find ourselves lost and yearning for a connection, and it’s through faith in Jesus that we find direction, protection, and unconditional love.

As we navigate life’s twists and turns, please know that just like a loving parent, God is continuously seeking you, inviting you into the warmth of His love. May you be found by Him and rest in His warm presence and careful delight.

Prayer:

“Dear Jesus, thank you for pursuing me with your love. May I be found by you and follow you all the days of my life. May I pause and remember you throughout my day and allow you to lead me. You are the Great Shepherd who leads with love toward peace, joy, and fulfillment. Amen.”

Verses to consider:

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:1-4

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Psalm 32:9

April 23, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota

24 Kid-Friendly Places to Explore Around the Twin Cities

Are you in Minnesota and looking for something fun to do with your family? Do you have guests coming to town and want to try something new and unique? Well, I’ve got you!

Here are 24 family-friendly places for fun around Twin Cities:

1. Science Museum of Minnesota

This museum in downtown St. Paul features hands-on exhibits, an Omnitheater, and interactive activities that are both educational and entertaining for kids. My boys and I LOVED it!

2. Nickelodeon Universe

Inside the Mall of America in Bloomington, Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor theme park in the United States, offering rides for all ages. I love that you can PAY PER RIDE – or get an all-day pass.

3. Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store

This is a GIANT store in Jordan, MN that not only sells every kind of candy you can imagine, but popcorn, pie, soda, meat and cheese! There is so much to see inside this store, your family will love it. Come for the candy store, or make it a day of adventure.

Click here to read my post about our day in Jordan.

4. Mill City Museum

The Remains of the inside of the General Mills Factory

Learn about the history of Minneapolis and its flour milling industry at the Mill City Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and a chance to explore the ruins of a historic flour mill.

Click here for a peek into our visit to the Mill City Museum.

5. Minnesota Children’s Museum

Located in downtown St. Paul, the Minnesota Children’s Museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage children’s curiosity and creativity. All four of my kids enjoyed visiting this museum and want to go back.

6. Minnehaha Falls

Enjoy the outdoors by visiting Minnehaha Falls – you’ll find a scenic waterfall, a hiking trail, swimming spots, and lots of space for exploring. Bring extra clothes or wear some that can get wet or muddy.

7. The Bakken Museum

This museum in Minneapolis focuses on electricity and magnetism, offering hands-on exhibits and demonstrations that are both fun and educational for kids.

Here’s a peek into our visit with more info!

8. Fort Snelling State Park

Explore nature and history at Fort Snelling State Park, where you can hike, bike, picnic, and learn about the military history of the area. Here’s a peek into our visit to the Fort.

9. Minnesota History Center

This museum, located in St. Paul, explores the history and culture of Minnesota through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. It’s a great place to learn about our state’s past. My kids and I loved our time in this museum and leaned so much in the ‘hands on’ exhibits!

10. Sky zone/Urban Air

Jump and play the day away!

11. Eloise Butler Garden

Founded in 1907, the Wildflower Garden is the oldest public native plant garden in the United States. This area has a beautiful walking path through the grounds.

Click here a peek into our fun day at Eloise.

12. Tactical Urban Combat

The world’s largest indoor nerf and laser tag battle ground. My boys LOVED this experience!

Here’s a peek into our visit with all the details.

13. Crayola Experience

Bursting with more than 20 hands-on activities, this one-of-a-kind family attraction is where color, chemistry and technology combine to create a colorful adventure for a child’s imagination. Name and wrap your own crayon, create a coloring page with YOU in it, bring your art to life in 4-D and so much more! Perfect for a day of family fun.

All four of my kids had a GREAT time! Click here for a peek into our visit.
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14. Roller Skate at Skateville

My children (and inner child) had the BEST time rolling around Skateville! It was good exercise and just SO much fun!

15. Bell Museum

Located in St. Paul, Bell Museum is a place kids can explore science, nature and history. You will find a geology exploration area, solar station, and an area with snakeskins, animal pelts, and bones, rocks and fossils. They have a planetarium and really cool life-size dioramas.

16. Museum of Illusions: A mind-bending fun house

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The Museum of Illusions, located just below the food court in the Mall of America, is a must-visit! My kids and I were captivated by the hands-on, mind-bending exhibits—perfect for amazing photos and endless laughs. It’s a fun, educational experience for all ages. Even the gift shop is stocked with interactive toys and reasonably priced products.

17. American Swedish Institute

The magnificent fireplace inside the entrance to the home. Anyone else have a foyer fireplace like this one?

This museum celebrates Swedish-American culture through art, exhibits, and programming. It’s housed in a stunning, historic mansion and includes a cafe serving Nordic cuisine. Click here to read about my visit.

18. Fly Over America

We LOVED flying over the US! I wish it lasted longer.

Here’s a peek into our visit with more pictures and details.

19. Lake Harriet

Take a walk around Lake Harriet, play on the Beard’s Plaisance playground, have lunch at George and the Dragon or Broder’s Pasta Bar, then visit Wild Rumpus book store.

20. Como Zoo

In St. Paul, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is free to enter and features a zoo with animals from around the world, as well as a conservatory with beautiful gardens.

Click here for more details.

21. Fawndoerosa

This place is just across the Wisconsin border, but deserves to be on the list! It’s an amazing park where deer and other animals roam free for you to pet and feed. Make a day of it and stop by the Franconia Sculpture Garden and Taylor Falls.

Click here to read about our visit.

22. Conquer Ninja Gym

Conquer Ninja Gym is offers ninja training and an obstacle course for ages five and up.

23. The Arboretum

My kids weren’t super excited about a visit to the Arboretum, but I wanted to go, so I created a challenge for them. “Whoever can capture the BEST picture will win $1.” My boys are always up for a contest and it PAID OFF (no pun intended). They enjoyed trying to capture the BEST picture and I enjoyed the BEAUTY all around.

New this year: educational and fun Discovery Booths, featuring a different theme each month. Drop in between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, May 2 through Oct. 27, for a variety of hands-on activities.

Visitors age 15 and under get in free!

Click here to read more about our visit and to see their pictures.

24. Sea Life Aquarium

SEA LIFE is the Minnesota’s largest aquarium. My boys and I enjoyed walking through a tunnel of sharks and getting to pet a few sea creatures.

Here’s a peek into our visit, which includes more pictures and more info.

Though I’ve given you 24 options, Minneapolis and its surrounding areas have a wealth of activities to offer families with children.

Which place do you plan to visit?
Do you have a favorite?

Please let me know by leaving a comment. (Click that little box by the title of this post)

Thanks for reading and I’d love for you to subscribe.

Click here for 55 fun THINGS TO DO with your kids this summer.

Check out my Minnesota Bucket List for more ideas!

April 11, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Family/ Peek into our Week

Peek Into Our Winter Weeks

We enjoyed time with Nana and Papa!

We have a new driver and it’s both wonderful and nerve-wracking!

Paul and Luke did well in their wrestling season.

We watched lots of basketball. Clark had a fun season and played really well. Our local high school is going to state.

I visited three different schools to celebrate reading:

We’ve only had a little snow this winter but enjoyed it!

Wrigley is still living his best life.

Ted and I snuck out for date night in between the family madness.

Those are a few of the “fun winter highlights.”

However, we’ve had some challenges this winter too. My mother-in-law lost her brother, another wonderful family member is going through chemotherapy, we had a big water leak in our house and I’ve been living with a ‘half kitchen,’ and we had to cancel a trip we’d been looking forward to for months – those are “not-so-fun highlights.” Life has both highs and lows and I choose to focus on the good and know that I have so much to be grateful for!

Thanks for reading! I hope you had a good winter and an even BETTER spring!

March 23, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Family/ Motherhood/ Parent Tip

Family Tip #5 – Don’t Compare Yourself with Others

Today’s Family Tip: Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

God has placed unique gifts and talents inside you that the world needs. Don’t try to be like someone else, become the best version of YOU!

Suggestions for how parents can help their children not to compare themselves with others:

Encourage your children to focus on their own progress and accomplishments to develop a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence. Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you see in them.
Every child is unique with their own set of strengths, gifts and abilities. Ask God to give you insight into how He’s made them, and share what you learn with your children. This will help them recognize and appreciate their own unique qualities.
Model for your children how to have appreciation for others’ successes rather than feelings of resentment.
Focus less on external markers of success (grades and achievements) and more on personal effort and growth.
Help your children set personal goals and strive for self-improvement. This fosters a growth mindset where they see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats to their self-worth.

The world needs you to be who God created you to be!

Click these links for more family tips:

Family Tip #1 – Model Gratitude

Family Tip #2 – Play!

Family Tip #3 – Smile!

Family Tip #4 – Teach Your Children how to Introduce Themselves

Here’s a post I wrote on COMPARISON in Motherhood.

Thank you for reading and please consider subscribing.

March 17, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In Book Review/ Inspiration

5 Inspiring Books to Read for Women’s History Month

Hey there, bookworms! I’m excited to share on some amazing books about remarkable women from history. These are regular women doing seemingly small stuff that ends up changing the world. Thanks to Janet Benge’s fantastic biographies, we get a front-row seat to tales of grit, courage, and downright heroism. These women prove that you don’t need a cape to be a hero; everyday actions can rewrite history. So, grab your favorite blanket, a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into these stories that’ll leave you feeling inspired and ready to conquer the world. Who’s eady to join me on this literary adventure?

Note: If you have a library card, you can download the Hoopla app, and listen to all of these for free.

Clara Barton

Once a painfully timid child, Clara was as bold as a lion when it came to helping others, whether working as a teacher with the most challenging children, helping natural-disaster victims, or comforting dying soldiers.

Clara fought for U.S. approval of the Geneva treaty for the care of war wounded, organized the American Red Cross, and dedicated her life to its service. Her courage and compassion impacted thousands of people around the globe – black and white, Christian and Muslim, Spanish and American, Confederate and Union. An incredible story of service and sacrifice (1821-1912).

Harriet Tubman

From the time she was 6, Harriet resolved to escape slavery and move north. Little did this little girl know that one day, she would lead hundreds of slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Even huge rewards for her capture – dead or alive – did not stop Harriet from risking her life again and again in the fight for liberty as the nation spiraled into the Civil War. Whether running from slave hunters, advising generals, or improving conditions in war hospitals, remarkable Harriet Tubman would not be satisfied until every person could experience true freedom. (1820-1913)

Gladys Aylward

Gladys started life as a servant for wealthy families. While at a meeting, she became convinced that God wanted her to go to China. She knew no Chinese, had no contacts in China, and flunked out of a China mission school. Gladys saved up her money and bought a one-way ticket to China. She stood up for women’s rights, inspired prison reform, started a small business, adopted orphans, and won the respect of government officials and civilians alike. Her work in China continues to this day. (1902-1970)

Corrie Ten Boom

Corrie Ten Boom was an ordinary watchmaker’s daughter when her family was arrested for helping Jewish people hide from the Nazis. They were taken to prison and suffered greatly under the hands of their captors. This book tells how Corrie survived the war and went on to help others by telling them about God’s love and forgiveness. (1892-1983)

Amy Carmichael

Amy, a compassionate woman, dedicated her life to caring for those in need. Initially residing in an English slum, she assisted impoverished women until her health deteriorated. In response to a call, she ventured to a mission hospital in India where she uncovered a distressing reality – baby girls being given away as gifts to temples for forced prostitution. Appalled by this, Amy adopted these girls and established an orphanage, eventually becoming a mother to over 100 girls. As boys joined the fold, she expanded her care to 80 of them and even built a home and a hospital.

At the age of 63, a severe fall left Amy mostly incapacitated and bedridden for the remaining 20 years of her life. Despite her physical limitations, she continued leading her family from her bedside, and prolifically writing books and letters to those around the world. She published 35 pieces of work.

Don’t these women sound inspiring? And I love that they each started with a simple beginning, responded to a need, and left a big impact on so many lives. (1867-1951)

Happy Women’s History Month!

Click here for four of my favorite parenting books.

March 8, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Food/ Recipe

Easy Recipe Alert: Chicken and Gravy – Yum!

I discovered this recipe on Instagram some time ago and recently had the chance to make it. It’s perfect for serving a large group or for preparing a thoughtful meal to share with a family in need. It was a hit with all my boys, and what I particularly appreciate is how effortlessly it came together.

Ingredients:

2 lbs of chicken (I used frozen chicken breast)

1 can of cream of chicken soup

2 cups of chicken broth

2 packets of powdered Gravy mix

Noodles (or mashed potatoes)

What to do:

Put the broth, soup and gravy powder into the crockpot.

Set the frozen chicken on top.

Cook on low for 4 hours.

Cook the noodles (or mashed potatoes) before serving. In my opinion, the mashed potatoes with the chicken and gravy are SO delicious – I’m a mashed potato lover. However the noodles are much easier and faster to make. If you have the time, make the potatoes, if you are in a hurry or want to save the time and effort, the noodles work great.

ENJOY!

Want another recipe? Click here for bacon and cheese stuffed Jalapeños. YUM!

March 5, 2024 By Kathryn

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