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Kathryn

1 In Raising boys/ Saving money/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

Best day to visit Mall of America (with kids) is ….

TUESDAY!

Tuesday is the BEST day to visit Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America.

First of all, no crowds (except in December).

Second – Toddler Tuesday

This name is deceiving. It’s not just for “Toddlers” … it’s open for anyone!

Nearly every Tuesday throughout the year, there is a special performance or activity for children in the Rotunda. There are also discounts on food and entertainment. Click here for the schedule of events.

I took my boys (ages 11, 9, 6, and 4) to Nickelodeon Universe on a Tuesday and they all got the special wristbands that cost $14.99 each, which includes unlimited use of 16 rides for 5 hours! Plus, parents with little ones can ride along for free! I got to be a “chaperone” for my four year old on nearly every ride.

Here are some pictures and information on what’s included with this wristband:

1. Pineapple Popper (Jumpy Castle)…all four of my boys LOVED it! It was in their top five favorite attractions. BRING SOCKS! You must be wearing socks or you CAN NOT jump!

Pineapple Popper – Super fun for all four boys!

2-3. Crazy Cars and Rugrats Reptarmobiles: We ALL loved the bumper cars! There are two different “bumper car” rides. The Crazy Cars are larger “two-person” bumper cars that are faster and more fun for the bigger kids – and adults! (Adults ride free on the large bumper cars if you have little ones). The Rugrats Reptarmobiles are smaller, slower, one person bumper cars. Luke preferred the small one because he could drive! My boys all rode both of these rides over and over.

Luke's favorite ride!

4. Back at the Barnyard Hayride – A small roller coaster that’s moves pretty fast around the track and just has a “little” drop – everyone enjoyed this!

5. Swiper’s Sweepers – My boys called this the “cars that drift” and thought the ride was awesome – they wanted to ride it over and over!

6. Diego’s Rescue Rider – fun for the kids

7. Big rigs – Semi trucks that go around the track. Luke liked this the most because he thought he was really driving!

8. Train (aka: La Aventura De Azul) – All four of my boys rode this, but Luke was the only one who liked it – because #tooslow.

9. Ghost Blaster – I’m not a fan of ‘ghost’ anything, but my 9 and 11-year-old LOVED shooting the “bad guys” (ghosts). This was their favorite ride because they got to use guns and earn points for each thing they shot. I wish they’d switch this up to something less creepy because it did make my little guys a little scared. Legoland in the Chicago suburbs has a similar ride called “Kingdom Quest” where you are challenged to shoot the ‘non-creepy’ lego villians in order to save the princess . The one at LegoLand is better, but they both have the same concept – and are super fun for those 6 and up. I even had fun shooting!

10. Ferris Wheel (aka: el Circulo de Cielo) – We all enjoyed this. It’s fun to see the mall from the top of the Ferris Wheel. You get great view!

11. Carousel/Merry-go-round – Classic ride. Only my little guys wanted to ride this.

12. Rock bottom Plunge – Mixed reviews from my 3 oldest. I think they are still a little young to enjoy this! However, I’m a grown adult and don’t like the dropping rides!

Paul’s face … I’m not sure he’s liking it!

Paul smiling at the end!

13. Blue’s Skidoo – Simple kids ride that goes around and up and down. Fun for the younger kiddos!

14. Adventure Bay Playground – this is not a ride, but an open play area similar to what you find for free at many malls. My four year old enjoyed this play area.

15. Bubble Guppy Bubbler – My kids LOVED this ride but I hated it. Next time, I’ll let them ride alone. The ride goes up and has spins and I got so sick that I almost threw up. Don’t ride it if (or your children) don’t like spinning, get nauseous easily, just after eating, or you have a weak stomach.

16. Wonder Pets FlyBoat – This ride lifts you 20 feet, then bounces you up and down until you make a soft landing. My kids enjoyed this one. It’s much more kid-friendly than the ‘rock bottom plunge.’

Overall, the wristband was well worth the cost. We all had SO MUCH FUN!

Here are other things to look for:

  • Special performances for kids! Every Tuesday, there is some sort of “show” and activities for kids in the Mall’s Rotunda.
  • The characters are out to say ‘Hi,’ pose for pictures and give high-fives!

  • Home Plate! Did you know that before Mall of America, there was a baseball field on this property? Mall of America is built on the site of the former Metropolitan Stadium. Try to find HOME PLATE somewhere in Nickelodeon Universe. Clark found it!

Metrodome

  • The Mall of America coupon book – This can be found at any Information Counter in the mall.  The book is similar to an “Entertainment Book” and filled with valuable coupons for the Mall – including shops, food and attractions!

Includes more than 200 coupons for the mall!

Use this coupon and the coupon book will only cost $4.95!

  • Parking: Parking is FREE and each parking lot section has a different name. Take a picture of where you park, as well as the first store you see when you walk into the mall. After shopping for several hours, it’s easy to forget which door you came into and what lot your car is in!

Click here to read my FLYOVER AMERICA review!

Click here to read my Minnesota Bucket List! 

Click here to read my review of the Crayola Experience!

Have you been to Mall of America? Leave a comment with what you like about it!

October 7, 2018 By
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0 In Making money/ Saving money

Ebates = Free money for YOU!

As you know, I always like to share EASY ways to earn/save money!

Ebates.com is one EASY way to do that!

If you do ANY shopping online, I recommend you give Ebates a try – they give you CASH BACK for nearly everything you buy online. PLUS – you will give you $10 just for signing up and trying it out.

It works like this….if you are purchasing something online FIRST go to ebates.com … 

Type in the name of the website where you’d like to shop (Amazon, Walmart, Walgreens, eBay, Gap, etc.)

Click SHOP NOW!

A percentage of your purchase will then be deposited in your “ebate” account. Once a quarter they will either send you check, deposit it in your PayPal account, or let you spend it at an online store!

Try it now and during the holidays, and enjoy getting some cash back!

CLICK here to check out Ebates and starting earning a little money!

 

 

 

October 2, 2018 By
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7 In Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

15 ways to BOND with your BOYS!

I’m a mom with four boys – that’s ONE mom and FOUR boys. I’m completely #outnumbered.

Since my sons are only young once, I want to make memories with them! One way we do this is by spending one-on-one time with each of them.  If I have $20 to spend – I’d rather buy a MEMORY rather than a TOY!  I treasure these memories, and my boys always get excited when it’s their turn for a “date with mom!”

Found George’s favorite hamburger spot in Minnesota – Portillo’s

All dressed up for our ‘date!’

Me and Luke exploring together

Here are some suggestions for connecting with your son:

  1. Take him out for food – just the two of you! Let him pick his favorite spot for ice cream, lunch or dinner – have some questions or ideas for conversation planned in advance. My boys love the ‘would you rather‘ questions.

  2. Go shooting at a local gun range.

  3. Hang out at Buffalo Wild Wings and watch a ball game.

  4. If you have a membership at a gym, work out together.

  5. Go fishing (make sure you have a license, if needed).

  6. Hike together.

  7. Go camping. Help them pack and prepare.

  8. Work on a simple project together – whether it’s building a lego set, cleaning out the car, building a fort in the living room or putting together something you’ve purchased from Ikea – do it together!

  9. Go for a bike ride.

  10. Cook a meal together. Have them choose the menu; you can buy the ingredients.

  11. Play with remote controlled cars.

  12. Go to a local go-kart racetrack.

  13. Play their favorite video game with them.

  14. Play a card game, board game, or backyard game together – my boys still love Tag, soccer, and sharks & minnows.

  15. Play a sport together – basketball, wrestling or hockey – my kids LOVE competing against my husband or me!

Here are some questions you could ask to get to know your child better:

Read this post next. A powerful tool to use with your kids: CLICK HERE!

September 23, 2018 By
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2 In Family/ Marriage/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

Peek into our week(s) – Back to school

Back-to-School:

First day of school!

The boys started 5th grade, 3rd grade, 1st grade, and preschool! They weren’t looking forward to going back (who wants summer to end?), but they are doing great! They have good teachers and are meeting new friends. Luke loves his new preschool. It’s only 2.5 hours, 3 mornings a week…so it goes by REALLY fast (for both of us!)

 

Weekend on the lake:

Some friends invited us to join them at their cabin on a lake in Wisconsin and I was surprised at how relaxing and soul-filling it was to get away for a couple of days. I got a glimpse of why so many locals have “cabins on the lake!” It was Clark’s 9th birthday. He and his brothers fished, swam, went tubing, and made s’mores by the fire, and ended the night with sparklers!

My favorite part was watching the sunset on the lake…it was one of the prettiest things I’ve seen in a long time! I was surprised at how much Paul loved it too. The sunset lit up the lake with vibrant color and Paul exclaimed, “Mom! Do you see this? It’s BEAUTIFUL!!!! The lake is orange!”

Then, at night, George and I went back to the dock and stared up at the sky. There were more stars than he had ever seen in his life. He thought it was AMAZING! (So did I!) We could even see the milky way!!!

Time with my dad (aka Poppy) at Mall of America:

My dad came in for a short visit. We had dinner together on Monday night, then went to Mall of America on Tuesday. Tuesday is the BEST day to go…I’ll tell you why in a future post! He celebrated his grandson’s birthdays with rides and lunch…then we took him to the airport.

George’s birthday:

Somehow, our oldest son is now 11! He didn’t want a cake but asked for DONUTS and Portillo’s or Chipotle. Well, he got all of that.

A new Chipotle just opened in our town last weekend and it’s been crazy busy. I told George we could try to go on his birthday, but it may be too busy. We show up (on a Friday night at 6) and there is only one person in line ahead of us! George looks at me and says, “Mom, God answered my prayer. I asked him to make the line short so we could have dinner here and he answered my prayer!!” As soon as we ordered, the line was OUT THE DOOR and didn’t stop the entire time we were there!

Sunday Ted took him out for some father/son time at his other favorite restaurant – Portillo’s.

He also got a new Lego set that he’d been wanting for a long time. I thought it would take him a month to put together, but he finished in two days. He’ll gladly tell you all about it if you ask him.

Date Night:

Ted and I got to sneak away for a couple of hours and have dinner at Maynard’s on Lake Minnetonka! It was a perfect night to sit outside by the lake, eating, chatting and watching the boats.

That’s what we’ve been up to! What’s your week been like? Leave me a comment!

September 17, 2018 By
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3 In Faith/ Family/ Motherhood/ My Journey

What I learned in going back to work after being a full-time mom

Facebook memories let me know that today would have been my one-year “anniversary” of working at New Life Church in Colorado Springs.

Dr. Michelle Anthony is the Family Ministry Pastor at New Life, and in the summer of 2017, I asked her if we could meet so I could share some ideas on how to grow our volunteer team. At that meeting, she asked if I would go from being a volunteer to joining the staff.

 

As always, my first reaction was to say “no.”
 – I’m a mom with four kids, do I have enough ‘gas’ in my tank to do more?
 – I’ve been a full-time mom for 6 years, do I have marketable skills left?
 – With a church this size, will I have a voice?  Can I really make a difference?

 

I told her to give me a few days to pray about it and talk to Ted.

 

Ted encouraged me to go for it. It would be a part-time role, and he thought I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. I prayed and felt good…nervous…but good.

 

So, I said yes.

 

I’m SOO very glad I said yes! It was an HONOR to work with amazing people, being a part of helping kids know Jesus and grow in their relationship with him. I also loved having the chance to bring to fruition those ideas I shared with Michelle at our initial meeting.

 

Years ago, I was a children’s ministry director of a smaller church and wore a lot of hats – greeter, teacher, worship leader, curriculum writer, curriculum prep, shopper, event planner, event host, etc.

 

When working with a larger team at a mega-church, each of us could specialize in our gifts. I enjoyed the opportunity to focus on one service (Friday night), and one theme (volunteerism), while supporting others in the church in what they did. We all worked together with one mission.

 

I loved being a part of the New Life church staff. Some days I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to do what I love!  Before I started, I was SO nervous; but 9 months later, when we found out we were moving, I mourned having to say good-bye!

New Life Family Ministry Team

Working again gave me confidence that the gifts God placed in me a long time ago did not disappear as a stay-at-home mom.

 

Mamas, the work you do at home is INCREDIBLY important. Stay engaged there. Be the best mama you can be for those children, cherishing the fact that you get to invest in them, mold their beliefs, and watch them grow!

 

Your time as a full-time mother is not causing your gifts to depreciate. Changing diapers and chasing after toddlers will NOT eliminate all your marketable skills. Your gifts will only grow stronger. Focus on the task of being a mom and a wife! Know that in the future, you will have opportunities and new ways to use your God-given gifts. God will EQUIP you to do whatever He calls you to do!

 

I’m so grateful to be home full-time again right now. Moving while Mommin’ is hard and all-consuming. The kids just started school, and I have 100 things on my to-do list. This blog post is NOT on that list…so I’m going to run now… thanks for reading my thoughts for today!
September 13, 2018 By
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4 In Minnesota/ Motherhood

LICE – Everything you need to know…and how to PREVENT it!

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Recently I got something I never wanted. Something I’ve, somehow, avoided my entire life.

Lice.

Yes ….lice. Ew. Yuck. Ugh. Awful. (Insert all the bad words here)

If you just want to unsubscribe right now and never be friends, I get it. I wanted to unfriend myself when I discovered I had a community of bugs building a homestead on my scalp.

September is the time when lice spreads the fastest. Kids start school without even realizing they have lice – and share it with the class before they get treated. Kid’s put their heads, their jackets and backpacks right next to each other, and lice spreads.

I’d assumed that we’d be fine. I have boys. Boys have short hair and aren’t sharing hair brushes and hair accessories. I was raised in a family with four sisters and if I was able to avoid it then, I should be able to avoid it forever, right?

Wrong.

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Head Lice “Facts vs. Fiction:”

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Fiction: Boys with short hair don’t get lice.

Fact: Unless you are bald, you can get lice.

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Fiction: You start itching immediately after getting lice.

Fact: It may be more than a month before you realize you have lice. You’ve probably shared it by then.

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Fiction: I have an allergic reaction, not lice. (I thought I had an allergic reaction to hair products. My scalp itched all over, and I felt tiny little bumps on the back of my neck.)

Fact: That’s what lice feels like – an allergic reaction. And they bite all over and leave tiny bumps.

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Fiction: I can go to the walk-in clinic or a hairdresser for help.

Fact: The walk-in clinic and all hair dressers will ask you to leave … right away.

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Fiction: I can just use a special shampoo and they’ll all be gone.

Fact: I do keep lice removal shampoo on hand now, but you MUST have this special comb to remove ALL nits. The combs that come in the kits are useless! Combing out every nit is the key to getting rid of lice. The comb pictured here is something you should order and keep on hand:

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Fiction: The term “nitpicking” comes from people who are picky.

Fact: The term “nitpicking” comes from tediously picking out little lice nits.

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Fiction: Dirty people get lice.

Fact: Lice like clean hair.

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Fiction: It will be easy to know if I have lice.

Fact: I couldn’t see anything in my hair. Nits look like a little speck of pepper and if you have dark hair or dark roots, they are camouflaged! I actually found a full-grown bug in my hair (almost threw up) googled what lice look like, and knew I was infected. This is a bug I found on my head, which meant I’d had it for a couple of weeks by this time.

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Fiction: There is no way to prevent lice.

Fact: There are several things you can do to help prevent lice.

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Tips to prevent lice:

  1. Lice hate mint.

I purchased little spray bottles and mint essential oil to make my own water/mint mixture (you can also buy it pre-made). Spray a little on your child’s hair and on their backpack before they leave for school or camp.

Mint Spray helps prevent lice

3 bottles for $1.97

Also, put a few drops of mint essential oil in any shampoo/conditioner that you use. (Or buy some shampoo that already contains mint.)

Lice prevention shampoo

2. Tell your kids NOT to share hats, brushes, hair accessories and jackets/clothes.

3. Camp is where most kids get lice.

When going to overnight camp, you may have your kids wear a little cap to protect them. Comb their hair with the nit comb as soon as they get home!

4. Comb your child’s hair after their bath/shower every week with the nit comb to remove any nits.

Nit comb. No nits, no lice.

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Fiction: Swimming or washing my hair will kill them or get them out.

Fact: Swimming and regular shampoo do not kill lice.  Lice create a sticky glue near your scalp that hold the little nits FIRMLY in place. Water and shampoo do not wash it out. It’s nearly impossible to get them out without a very sturdy steel comb (as seen above), or literally picking out each one, hair by hair (be a nit picker!).

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Fiction: There’s no one who can help me with this.

Fact:  There are people who go to SCHOOL to learn how to remove lice! You can find a professional in most cities nationwide that will help you get rid of lice. I’m so grateful that I found a registered nurse who opened the Lice Studio to check for and remove lice.  If you are in the Minneapolis area, they can help you. If you are anywhere else, google “lice removal” plus the town/state where you are located.

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Fiction: Lice live in carpet/beds/furniture for up to 30 days.

Fact: Lice that are not on the head die within 24 hours.

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FACT: Typing this up is making my head itch. Is yours itching too?

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If you do have lice here are some tips:

  • Use a sticky lint roller over fabric seats in the car and over car seats and couches to pick up any stray ‘nits.’
  • Put a sheet over fabric chairs and couches for 24 hours. Nits die in 24 hours.
  • Change sheets and pillowcases before bed. I changed their pillow sheet every night for 3 nights after treatment.
  • Put combs and brushes in the freezer overnight.
  • Re-comb hair every couple of nights for a week, then once week, then once a month.

That’s everything I’ve learned about lice, I hope it helps you.

Thanks for reading and …

Happy Nit-Picking!

September 11, 2018 By
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5 In Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Our visit to Minnehaha Falls and the Minnesota State Fair

Minnehaha Falls!

We ticked an item off our Minnesota bucket list with a visit to Minnehaha falls. You can park pretty close to the Falls and hike as much or as little as you want to. The stairs are steep and rugged…but besides that, this area is fun for all ages. The waterfall is BEAUTIFUL but my favorite part was a huge open swimming area! We didn’t bring towels or suits…so we did not “swim” but we did play in the water for a little while.  Minnehaha Falls reminded me of Colorado, with the interesting trails and rocks to climb.

We also found an abandoned railroad track and a ‘secret garden’ across the street from the Falls.

Minnesota State Fair

We also visited the Minnesota State Fair. Minnesotans truly love their fair. As I asked locals what should go on my Minnesota Bucket List, many people recommended the Fair. I decided to check it out and see for myself if it lives up to the notoriety. Here are my thoughts …

Pros:

  • Really Good food! I tried the elote corn and a frozen mojito-like drink. Both were amazing. I wanted to get the fried pickles but it was in a crowded area and since my kids were tired … I decided I’d pass. We were happy to find a stand that had icees for $1! Score for my wallet!

  • Time with friends! We met some friends at the fair and enjoyed being with them – eating, exploring and catching up.
  • The Fair Map: Don’t forget to ask for a map when you get to the ticket booth. Since this was my first time at the fair, I had NO IDEA where to go or what to do. The map was very helpful!
  • Dairy Barn – Look for the butter carving and try the ice cream! Delicious!!!
  • Random entertainment: You may see a parade, street entertainers, a butter carving, or even a live birth – who knows what will happen at the fair!

We watched a parade and fun street performer!

  • SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO!!! There are hundreds of booths, barns, and exhibits to explore. Our favorite was the “Miracle of Birth” center. It was filled with adorable baby animals. We watched chicks pecking their way out of their eggs!

Cons:

  • Parking: Crazy and expensive! We waited in a line that was over two miles to get into the parking lot (cost: $14). Others recommend taking the shuttle (cost $5 per person); or parking in the nearby neighborhoods to avoid some of the traffic going in and out (cost $20).
  • Crowds: I went on a Wednesday, so it wasn’t even the busiest day, but there were parts of the fair that were just a sea of people. Thankfully, I only took two of my boys. It’s hard to just ”relax and have fun” in the scene pictured below:

The Wednesday crowd

  • LOTS of walking: If you have kids – bring a stroller or a wagon, or plan on giving some piggyback rides. My eight year old did fine, my 6-year-old did a lot of complaining that his feet hurt.
  • The cost: You can easily drop $100 without even knowing where your money went. BRING LOTS OF CASH!!! Most places are CASH ONLY!
    • Entrance fee: $10-15 per person
    • Parking: $14 minimum
    • Ear of corn: $7
    • Rides: $5 per person, per ride
    • Drinks: $5 and up

I told the boys we may wait a couple years before I’ve worked up enough energy (and saved up enough money!) to go back with them.

If you love the fair, tell me what you love about it!

River Valley Church

One morning, I walked into Caribou Coffee and saw some ladies chatting. They had their Bibles with them and were leaving at the same time as me, so I asked them if they belonged to a local church. They said they all went to River Valley Church and invited me to come! This is the church that had been recommended to us before we moved here, and a place I had already planned to visit. One of the ladies I met used to live in Colorado Springs and we discovered we had mutual friends (thanks to Facebook)!

We visited the church and the kids LOVED it! They come home with little study guides, asking if I could read the Bible with them. They are counting down the days until we go back.

September 6, 2018 By
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4 In Family/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

Our “FREE” trampoline that cost us $150

I was out running when I noticed a mini-trampoline sitting by the side of the road with someone’s trash. I went home and got my car, loaded it in the back of my van, and brought it home.

My boys were delighted.

They carried it to the backyard and let the neighbors know: “WE GOT A TRAMPOLINE!”

The kids came over and LINED UP to take a turn!!

Note: There is a FULL-SIZE trampoline that they can all jump on TOGETHER right next door, but Clark had everyone excited about this LITTLE trampoline. So, that day, they all jumped, one-by-one.

(I REALLY wish I had taken a picture of them LINED UP while ONE kid jumped.)

After the first day, the newness and “excitement” wore off, and the little trampoline doesn’t get used very much. My plan was to bring it in the basement to use on rainy days or during the long Minnesota winter. However, Ted noticed that a couple of the springs were missing and warned me that someone would probably get hurt jumping on it. He asked me to set it out with the trash when it came last week.

Unfortunately, I forgot.

About two hours after the trash was taken, Clark was jumping on the little trampoline.

He was trying to complete a JUMP – SPIN – NINJA Kick.

The jump was high… the spin was good……the kick, great…

BUT THE LANDING…bad.

He landed on the side of his foot.

It hurt so bad he came in and laid on the couch. He wouldn’t play or even walk on it.

Clark doesn’t complain very much. So, after a couple hours of him laying on the couch and refusing to put pressure on it,  I decided to take him to Urgent Care to get an X-ray.

Thankfully, there was no broken bone, but the doctor said that she thought it was a sprained ankle and he should stay off of it for up to two weeks!

Telling Clark to stay off of his feet is like telling a bird not to fly.

We paid for the urgent care visit and for crutches.

Total: Almost $150

(I never should have picked up that FREE trampoline!)

It is now sitting out by the trash, a little too late.

We prayed for him that night for Clark to have a quick healing and miraculously, 24 hours later, his foot was feeling all better. We made him stay off of it for nearly 3 days – just to make sure he didn’t re -injure it. By Sunday, he was 100% back to himself.

You may (or may not) have noticed a DONATE button on the right side of my blog. I’m now accepting any and all donations from those who enjoy the blog and want to give to the #boymom fund.

Boymom fund includes: 

  • Keeping 4 (constantly hungry) boys fed, plus
  • all the doctor visits,
  • coffee for mom to keep up with it all!

Thanks for reading, and for all the love and support!

 

September 4, 2018 By
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4 In My Journey/ Welcome

Happy Birthday to the Blog!

Somehow, one full year has passed since I started this blog. I wouldn’t have even realized this if it weren’t for facebook “memories.”

Before I launched this blog, I remember feeling afraid. I didn’t know if I could do this.

  • I’m not very tech-y. This computer stuff is forcing me to learn a new language.
  • I’ve never considered myself a writer and I didn’t know if I had anything to say that people would care about reading.

However, I launched this with unanswered questions. With the fear and unknowns still lurking.

Faith isn’t figuring out what we’re able to do, it’s deciding what we’re going to do – even when we think we can’t. -Bob Goff

Have I messed up? SURE!

Have I felt overwhelmed at times? Definitely. 

Have I written things I’d change now. Yes!  

Do I always know what to say? NO!! 

There was a time this year that I was stuck. Not inspired. Nothing to say. I wanted to write SOMETHING, but I sat in front of my computer with nothing.  I walked away, discouraged, wondering if I made the right choice starting this journey.

But then…

I took time to read, took time to listen and learn…and the inspiration came back. I’ve found that as long as I take time to receive and allow others to pour into me, I’ll have something to give to you!

I think that’s how life in general is.

We need to take time to rest, to receive, to listen and learn or we get discouraged and burned out.

I have NOT perfected this “resting and listening” thing!!! I’m taking it a day at a time. If I fail today, I get a new start tomorrow! (We all do…YAY!)

So, the question is, one year later, am I glad I started this blog, this journey?

100% Yes!

If you are reading this, THANK YOU! Thank you for taking this journey with me! Thank you for your support and encouragement; for commenting, liking, and sharing. It means so much. I’d love to hear from you. What have you liked reading on here? Do you have any questions? Any feedback on what you’d like to me to write about? Please leave me a comment!

September 1, 2018 By
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3 In Marriage/ Memories/ Peek into our Week/ Traveling

The Perfect Day in Chicago

It was August 6, only three days away from Ted’s FORTIETH birthday and I was feeling guilty that my mind had been on every other detail of our lives except his big day!
I’m not one of those people who loves planning celebrations. It overwhelms me. However, there are people who LOVE it and are GOOD at it – my sister Krista is one of those people. (If you have a big celebration to plan and don’t know what to do, FIND a person who loves this stuff! It’s SO amazing at the creativity people like my sister have!)
When I told Krista that I didn’t have much planned for Ted‘s birthday, she went into ‘overdrive.’ She suggested so many amazing ideas. Most needed more than three days to come together – but we were able to come up with a perfect day in Chicago for him – including an overnight stay at her friends gorgeous Chicago lakefront condo!
So, we scheduled family and babysitters to watch our kids, and on Ted’s 40th birthday, we headed into the City.

My sister, Krista, and me! Look at that amazing view from the condo!

First, we just took some time to enjoy the fabulous condo, then went to explore the beautiful city.
We started near Soldier field …then walked around

Buckingham Fountain…

the Crown Fountain…

and the Bean…

By this time, we needed some food. There was a hotdog stand close to the Bean, but they were all out of Chicago dogs. When in Chicago, you must try a Chicago dog!!!
We walked into Garrett’s to try some of their amazing popcorn – a Chicago favorite!
We kept walking all the way down Michigan Avenue, until we reached Sprinkles cupcakes. Sprinkles makes the world’s best cupcakes!

Krista says that Sprinkles cupcakes are proof that God loves us.

After enjoying every single bite of those cupcakes, we walked along Lake Shore drive.
After walking a few minutes, we found DIVVY Bikes to rent and road all the way back to where we were staying near Soldier field. It.was.BEAUTIFUL! We stopped riding for a few minutes when we reached Adler planetarium because from this spot, we could watch the glorious sunset over the City and Lake Michigan.
With Divvy Bikes, you can pick them up and drop them off at any of their locations around the city, so we parked them in a spot near our condo and went for a swim in the pool. Then we got ready for dinner.
For one of the BEST meals you’ll ever eat in Chicago (and quite possibly the best meal you’ll ever eat anywhere), go to Girl and the Goat. I love eating with Nate And Krista because they love food like I do! The dishes at Girl in the Goat are small, so that allowed us to order more than one dish per person – so between the four of us, we ordered a LOT of food!! Every dish, every bite, was delicious! My top 5 favs were the halibut, the chickpea fritters, the pork shank, the “pig face” and the goat loin. Oooh sooo good!!!
The chef/owner of “Girl and the Goat” (Stephanie Izard) was the first female winner on Top Chef and has two other restaurants that I now want to try – The Little Goat and an Asian restaurant called Duck, Duck Goat.
After dinner, we went back to the condo and spent the night in our room that had floor-to-ceiling windows of the city! Uh-mazing!
It was a perfect day in Chicago husband, sister and brother-in-law!
We continued the celebration the next evening with dinner at The Turf Room (one of our favorite restaurants in the Chicago Suburbs) with some dear friends!

Dinner at The Turf Room. I’m holding a gift that my friend Lisa made for our new home.

PS – If you are going to Chicago and have more than one day to spend in the city, here are some additional ‘bucket list items’ I would recommend:
  • get a Chicago stuffed pizza from Giordano’s!
  • go see a Chicago Cubs game in the historic Wrigley field
  • go to Soldier field for a concert or football game
  • Take a ride on the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier
  • Take an architectural tour by boat through the city
  • Visit the Sky Deck
  • Drive north along Lake Shore Drive and Sheridan to Evanston for a gorgeous view of the lake on one side and stunning old homes on the other. Explore Northwestern University. You can even continue driving north on Sheridan into the quaint town of Winnetka to see the Home Alone house.
Leave me a comment with your Chicago recommendations!
August 28, 2018 By
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