Kathryn, Author at kathrynegly.com

6 In Family/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week

Peek into our CraZy week

Last Friday the big boys went to school and Luke and I had the day together. He LOVES having me ALL to himself – he gets undivided attention!

He likes “reading” books to me, so I recorded him reading our book: Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!

Saturday

Ted went skiing all day at Vail with some friends from Chicago. He had so much fun but at the end of the day, while skiing a black, slipped on ice and slid (head first!) more than 200 yards down a mountain. While sliding, one of his ski’s popped off and was jabbing him over and over in the side, until he could get himself to stop. He left that day with a gigantic bruise on the left side of his body.

Monday

Ted let me know that he wasn’t feeling well and decided to get the “Ski Wound” checked out. Well, the doctor called the wound “BLUNT TRAUMA” and found that he had internal bleeding. They admitted him to the hospital and began running tests to find out more about the internal bleeding.

Memorial Mission Statement

Tuesday

The hospital trauma team met with Ted and went over his two options to further investigate where the bleeding was happening: option #1.) cut Ted open, option #2.) put scopes inside to identify where the bleeding was happening. They landed on option #2 (thank God!).

I spent the day in and out of the hospital between all the drop offs and pick ups and regular mom stuff. More waiting for answers and for an opening to get the scope done.

Every Tuesday, our local Chick-Fil-A has a family night and this week they had planned a mall-wide Scavenger hunt. Though I wanted to skip this and just be with Ted in the hospital, I had already promised the boys we would go. Having Daddy in the hospital was stressful on all of us, so doing the Scavenger Hunt was a nice way to take our mind off of that and just have fun together!

Scavenger Hunt Mission: Try on a HAT at the Hat Store

Mission: Do a Taekwondo kick by Mr. Taekwondo

After the Scavenger Hunt, a sitter came to our house so I could spend time with Ted at the hospital. The nurse let us know that they should finally be able to fit Ted in for a scope sometime that night, but she didn’t know when.

Since we didn’t have any specific timeline, Ted thought I should go home and be with the kids.

It was so hard on me having Ted in the hospital. I was TIRED physically and emotionally. Not having answers, not knowing when he would be released, not knowing if he was okay, so much waiting and trying to be strong for our boys while their Daddy was in the hospital was HARD! Thankfully, I have a sister who is a nurse and she was able to help me through all of this. I was able to cry on the phone with her and she prayed with me and helped me know that the waiting and not having definite answers is NORMAL!

Late that night, Ted called to let me know that he was going in for the scope. I hated not being there with him! He called me again about 2 hours later to say all was well. They had found bleeding, cauterized it, and now he was going to try to rest.

Wednesday

I brought the boys by to see Ted, then dropped them off at school. Luke and I went back to the hospital and hung out with Ted.

I asked the nurse if she had any idea when he would be released. At first, she said they might want to keep him another 24 hours! UGH! Thankfully, since Ted was doing well, they finally released him and by the afternoon we were ALL able to head home. YAY!

It was SOO good to finally have Ted back home. I’m incredibly thankful for HEALTH and LIFE and FAMILY! The doctors said this could have been much worse.

Thursday

Ted rested and worked from home, and started feeling better!

That night was Family Night at New Life. It’s a fun and free event we do once a quarter to bring families together. There is a central “theme” and then activities all over the church that teach that theme. I took the three big boys and let Luke stay home with Ted.

Friday

Ted was feeling good, the injury was getting smaller, and he went back to work!

Thank you to a friend Corey for this sweet bouquet!

That was a rough week! This week is going to MUCH better! Ted is off and the boys are on Spring Break so we are going to do some fun touristy things around town!

March 26, 2018 By Kathryn

1 In Book Review/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations

Five Favorite Bibles for Kids 0-12

As a mom with four young children and a Children’s Ministry Director, I love seeing children reading (and UNDERSTANDING) their Bibles. There are so many different shapes, sizes and translations, but here are a few of my favorites. With Easter right around the corner, I can’t think of a better gift to give a child than a Bible.

The Bible App Storybook Bible for Kids– A very simple version of the Bible with only a couple sentences per page and bright, happy, colorful illustrations. This would make a good Bible to read with the littlest of children. Recommended for ages 0-5

Jesus Storybook Bible – A Bible that really is a “story book!” I’ve been reading a chapter in the mornings to my kids. It’s an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand “story” of the entire Bible and helps children understand how the Bible is one fascinating narrative. For ages 2-8

Adventure Bible For Early Readers – Good first ‘Chapter and Verse’ Bible for kids. NIrV (New International READERS Version) is easier for kids to understand than some other translations. If kids aren’t able to understand what they are reading – they won’t want to read at all. For ages 5-9

The Action Bible – Comic strip style bible – great for boys and young readers. Recommended for ages 5-10

International Children’s Bible – Another great “chapter and verse” Bible for kids! This is a translation that is easy for kids to read and understand!

Recommended for ages 6-12

Do you have a different Bible recommendation? Leave me a comment!

March 20, 2018 By Kathryn

3 In Family/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations/ Raising boys

Five FUN Easter Basket Fillers!

Easter is just around the corner, and my kids are so excited! I’ve been slowly collecting little things for their Easter Baskets. If you’re interested in any of the items for your family, click on the picture and it will take you directly to that item on Amazon. If you decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

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1. Socks

Do your kids go through socks as fast as mine do? This is why my kids are getting socks for Easter instead of candy. (I’m only halfway kidding) Thankfully, my boys still LIKE getting new socks, so this is FUN for them!

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Continue Reading →

March 15, 2018 By Kathryn

0 In Recipe

Pi Day – My Favorite Savory Pie Recipe!

Happy Pi Day (3.14)!!! To celebrate, I’m sharing a super easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe that you can make for your family. I just made a double batch of this over the weekend – half for my family, and half for a friend who just had a baby!

I didn’t create this recipe, Shauna Niequist shared it many years ago and I’ve been making it ever since because it’s SO easy and really good. She calls it “The Michigander.” You probably have most of these ingredients on hand and could make it tonight! Let me know what you think.

The Michigander – aka Chicken Pot Pie

One or two 10 ¾ oz cans Cream of Anything soup (Cream of Chicken, Celery, potato, mushroom, Cheddar Cheese soup.)
One cup milk
Two cups shredded cheese
2 – 12 1/2 oz cans of chicken (Yes, canned chicken or rotisserie chicken)
Frozen veggies – whatever you like – I use peas, carrots, corn, a little spinach
1-2 Cans of biscuits or crescent rolls

Mix the soup, the milk, cheese, and the chicken. (Mix in some frozen veggies)

Pour into a 9×13 pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Place a can or two of biscuits on top. Bake an additional 15 minutes.

This “pie” would go well with either of these two recipes:

Happy PI day! What’s your favorite Pie?

March 14, 2018 By Kathryn

1 In Recipe

Amazing Salad Dressing Recipe!

My husband is so easy to feed. Most nights he just wants a salad with some veggies and protein on top. I wished I could eat salad every night.

Recently, I’ve been making my own salad dressings. I realized if I have a dressing I love, I really do want to eat salad every night!

Here is my latest and favorite… It’s my version of a Caeser salad dressing:

1/2 lemon squeezed into a bowl
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 c olive oil
2 Tb of Vinegar (White or balsamic – whatever you have on hand, I like Balsamic better)
1/3 c parmesan cheese
1 Tb of Worcester
1 TB of Mustard (I use Dijon)
1 t of Pepper
1 t of Garlic powder
A sprinkle of salt or seasoned salt

I stir all of that together and put into a glass jar. This makes me want to eat salad all day long.

Try this and let me know what you think!

Do you have a favorite salad recipe?

My next post will be a recipe that will go perfectly with this salad. A “Pi Day” recipe – Savory, Delicious – and easy – Chicken Pot Pie!

March 11, 2018 By Kathryn

4 In Colorado Springs/ Family/ Raising boys

A Peek into our Week

Can you spot four hooligans?

Last Thursday:

I got a call from Paul’s teacher saying he wasn’t feeling good. I picked him and he and I cuddled on the couch most of the day. He threw up about 5 times!

That evening we had a Volunteer Gala at New Life Church – an evening set aside to celebrate all of those who volunteer at New Life.

I got all dressed up and even put on hose (does anyone remember those). The #eglyboys had never seen them. I walked down the stairs and Clark asked what happened to my legs and will it come off.

George said, “Mom, don’t wear those! Your leggings are SEE THROUGH!”

Paul told me I just looked weird. Luke comes over to touch my leg and looks at me sadly, like something terrible had happened to his mama and he wasn’t sure what do to. Well, I kept the panty hose on, in spite of all the protests, and attended the Gala for just one hour. It was so much fun and I really wanted to stay, but I had a sick son at home and knew I needed to be with him.

Friday:

Paul was feeling good and back to his regular self, but I kept him home from school just to be sure.

That night I went to New Life Friday night. I love seeing so many new volunteers serving and loving on kids on the 250 kids that come each Friday night!

While I’m so incredibly thankful for the volunteers that are serving, when you have a growing ministry, you always need more hands serving and hearts loving the children who attend each week. Here are 17 reasons why!

I was chatting with a dad at the end of the service. He let me know that their family was moving out of state and their kids were so worried that they’d never find a church like New Life where ‘the leaders let us serve!” This dad was so encouraged by the positive impact New Life had on his family and would really miss being a part of our church family!

Saturday:

In the morning Ted made the boys and I breakfast (and really strong coffee for me).

It was a gorgeous, sunny day and the boys played in the backyard for a couple hours. During this time, George created his very first video! (Check it out at the bottom of this post!)

Later we went on a hike on a new trail. We were on the hunt to find a deer carcass that my sister had discovered at this location.

The hike was incredible and at the end, Ted (Mr. Details who doesn’t miss anything) found the bones of the deer a little off the trail. The boys loved examining it and imaging what might have caused it to die. (A bear?? A snake?) Clark asked if we could bring it home. (Um, no!)

Mission accomplished: We found the BONES!

That night Ted and I got to go out on a date and try a new restaurant called, Odyssey Gastro Pub. It was a quaint little pub that had Uh-mazing brussel sprouts, really good wings, and tacos that were just okay. (After eating the world’s best tacos at Bien Trucha in Geneva, Illinois, nothing else compares.) Our server at the Gastropub was from Oswego, Illinois…just down the rode from where we used to live!

Date night with Ted!

After dinner we spent a little time wandering through Poor Richards book store. Have you guys been there? That place is SO cool! They sell new and used books and have a section for “local authors.” An employee invited me to bring some of my books to sell!!

Sunday:

I went to the New Life Young Adults service to invite them to serve (17 people said yes!). Yay! Ted met me at church with the boys and we attended the 11 am service together as a family. Pastor Brady is teaching a great series on the book of Psalms.

Monday:

I had a whole bunch of errands I wanted to run, but decided that we needed a SLOW day. So I stayed in my yoga pants all day and didn’t put on any make up. One of the ‘errands’ was to get to

the gym but since we were staying home, I just turned on some fun music and Luke and I just danced for 20 minutes. That was WAY more fun. I did most of my work out with him on my back and he giggled the entire time.

Monday afternoons the boys have Chess Club and they LOVE IT! Paul asks me to tell him how many more days til Chess!

Tuesday:

I took Luke to school, then went to volunteer in Paul’s class. After that I worked for about an hour, then drove downtown to drop off a few copies of “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!” They were excited to have them because they don’t have any children’s books about Colorado!!!

On the way home, I picked up food from El Taco Rey. I’d been wanting to try their food since before we even moved here and I finally had an opportunity! It was really good! Their chips and salsa were great, and the enchiladas covered in green chili were delicious! The restaurant itself is really small and simple, so I’d recommend taking food to go rather than eating there.

Tuesday night I took the boys to the park while George had his piano lesson.

Wednesday:

I went to work in the morning. I’m honored to be a part of such a great team and do work that I love!

Wednesday night, George has his last Cotillion for this year. The last night is held at the Broadmoor and parent’s attend to see what their sons and daughters have been learning.

I loved getting an opportunity to dance with George!

Thanks for reading about our week – how’s your week been?

Below is the first video George made. They love playing with their nerf guns and made a movie of their ‘battle!’ They just launched their own channel and would love for you to subscribe!

March 7, 2018 By Kathryn

3 In Family/ Motherhood

A day in the life of a MOM

I’m thankful that I’ve been able to be home with my kids since becoming a mama. While I’ve always done something to bring a little money in, whether that’s working part-time, selling on eBay, or watching other children inside my home, my main role is wife and mama. (I wrote a little more about this, click here to read)

It’s been a JOY to be the mom of four precious boys – to watch them grow and learn. It’s a big job, and I’m usually exhausted by bedtime, but it’s so very rewarding! I’m grateful to my husband for how hard he works so that I can be home with them. He also supports me and cares for our boys so that I can work part-time at a job I love. My mom stayed home for the first few years of my life and those were precious memories.

Here’s what a day looks like for me:

Wake up at 5:45.

Eat a piece of Dakota Bread (from Great Harvest Bread Company) toasted with strong, black coffee.

Spend a few minutes in our family room reading, writing, praying. Write down 1-3 things I want to accomplish today.

Kids wake up.

We read from the Storybook Bible or I ask them to read a book of their own.

They watch Curious George while I make them breakfast and pack their lunches.

Teeth brushed, dressed, beds made.

Walk or drive to the bus stop. Speak encouragement on the way:

“Today is the day that the Lord has made, we will REJOICE and be Glad in it!”
“You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!”
“Don’t let anyone look down on your because you are young, but set an example in speech, life, love, faith and purity!” I Tim 4:12

Run errands or exercise with Luke.

Come home and have lunch. Read a book to Luke.

Lay Luke down for a nap.

During nap time:

Put in a load of laundry.
Get dinner prepped (this is my goal, not always reality. Sometimes it’s dinner time before I’m thinking about dinner).
Write for my blog, check email, do some ministry work.

Luke wakes up and we walk to pick the big boys up at the bus stop.

Unload backpacks and wash hands.

Have a snack and do homework.

Play, read, practice piano. Take the boys to sports or other activities.

Dinner.

World’s Best Daddy

Finish homework/read/watch a show.

Shower/bath/pajamas/brush teeth.

7:30 PM – Bedtime! I sing a song with each child, every night. I pray individually with them or we all pray together. More about our bedtime routine/prayer if you click here.

Clean up after dinner. (Ted will do this if he doesn’t have work to do! He’s also the world’s best laundry folder!)

Ted and I now have some time to read/watch a show/ work on blog/book or ministry stuff.

Go to bed between 9:30 and 11.

This is a typical SAHM (stay at home mom) day. I also work some days/evenings and those days look differently. We also don’t have sports and activities every night – thank goodness!

What’s your day look like? What’s your feedback on my day? Leave a comment!

March 5, 2018 By Kathryn

2 In Book Review/ Colorado Springs/ Funny/ Product Recommendations

My first fan mail and Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore prevented a break down!

Someone recently purchased “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!” and donated it to their child’s class! That sweet group of second graders sent us our first FAN MAIL that made our hearts (and faces) SMILE!!!

Here are some of the comments we received:

This is the BEST book I’ve ever read!
Please write more books!
I CRY when I don’t have a good book so thank you for giving me a good book. (LOL!)
Can you please visit our class?

Unfortunately, this classroom is in Illinois, so I probably won’t get to visit, but if you purchase and donate a book to your child’s classroom, I’d be happy to go in and read it to them (within 30 miles of where I live!)

If you aren’t familiar with the book, it’s a little Mountain Adventure! It takes you to the top of Pikes Peak and teaches you about the animals that live there. This book would be a nice little gift for your child’s Easter Basket!

You can get a SIGNED book, delivered for only $10!!! Click here or leave a comment.

If you want to purchase one on Amazon, click here.

If you are in Colorado Springs and want me to drop them off at your home or business, leave a comment or send an email. Only $10 each – but discounted if you buy 5 or more books!

Thanks for your support!

March 3, 2018 By Kathryn

5 In Faith/ Family/ Motherhood/ My Journey

My BAD habit…and why Mary and Martha really BUG me!

I have a hard time being “still.” My mind is always thinking and my hands are always moving. There’s always more work to be done than there is the time in the day. I have a job that I love where people depend on me. At home, the laundry and dishes are never done. There are always crumbs on the floor and hungry boys to feed. I have a really hard time sitting and being still.

This is why the story of Mary and Martha has always bugged me (Luke 10:38:42). If you aren’t familiar with the story, Jesus comes to the home of Mary and Martha. Martha is the one doing all the work and Mary is just sitting by Jesus. Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Jesus tells Martha that MARY has chosen what is BETTER!!!!

I read this and thought, “What?! Doesn’t Jesus understand? Why did he say that Mary was making the better choice? Mary was just SITTING down! Not doing anything productive. She was just sitting at Jesus’ feet.”

I want to say, “Jesus, that’s not fair! You wouldn’t have LUNCH if it weren’t for Martha. The house wouldn’t be clean and presentable if it weren’t for Martha. How could a person just SIT in this situation? Tell Mary to get up and HELP!!”

However, I’m beginning to understand why Jesus said Mary made the better choice. She chose relationships over tasks. She chose people over projects.

I went from being irritated by this story to being so grateful that I follow a Jesus who invites us to rest. To sit. To listen. Jesus doesn’t need us to do anything for him. He just wants a relationship with us. Martha was doing so much, working so hard – for Him! Yet Jesus said that Mary chose what was better. Mary was sitting at his feet, listening. Growing in her relationship with Him.

That story would always sting because I’m Martha. I choose to get work done when I could be connecting with my kids. My husband comes home from a long day at work and I continue to stay focused on a task (or hand him a list of things to do) rather than just stopping to connect, to make eye contact and ask about his day.

Ouch. Sorry Ted.

I’m learning that it’s good to be still. It’s okay that the house stays messy so I can invest in my kids. The dishes and laundry will eventually get done (or not?), but people are the only things that are eternal. My children need me to be present and engaged. My husband needs my heart and attention. Jesus wants me to ‘sit at his feet’ so that He can refresh my soul.

Mary chose what was better because she chose to stop, listen, and get to know Jesus.

Today I’m choosing to be more like Mary. I will STOP what I’m doing, look my husband and children in the eyes…LISTEN to them and TALK with them. That is the better choice.

Today I choose RELATIONSHIPS and CONNECTION over tasks.

I choose PEOPLE over projects.

Have you found yourself trying to just “get stuff done”? What have you found that helps you overcome this and just “BE STILL?”

February 28, 2018 By Kathryn

2 In Family/ Making money/ Marriage

Six Tips for a Stronger Marriage

Help Friends! Today we have a special guest post. My good friend Corey is about to celebrate 25 years of marriage and is sharing what makes a great marriage. I hope you love this as much as I do!

“A good marriage isn’t something you find; it’s something you make…and you have to keep on making it.” – Gary Thomas

Hiya! I’m Corey. I’m a friend of Kathryn’s, a mom of two teen boys, a lover of dark chocolate, a scrapbooker, a recent transplant to Minnesota, and a wife who’s married to her high school sweetheart.

I met my husband, Jeff, on the first day of cross country practice in 10th grade. A couple of years later we started dating seriously and this summer we’ll celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. During those 25 years, we’ve had our ups and downs, moved around the country, faced serious injuries and illnesses, and discovered you can love each other more today than yesterday. In no particular order, here’s what I’ve learned about building a happy marriage:

1. One bank account.

All of our money, whether it’s my paycheck or a bonus he gets at work, goes into one account. We’re in this together and all our money is OUR money. It means that we have to agree on how to spend it and that’s a good thing.

2. A hobby or three.

We love seeing movies, camping, and playing board games. Right now we’re having a great time seeing Oscar nominated movies together and talking about who we think should win. (If you haven’t seen The Shape of Water, it’s unusual and beautiful). When our boys were little, they consumed most of our time and energy. As they’ve gotten older, it’s been important that Jeff and I have things in common to do and talk about that don’t revolve around our boys.

3. Agreed upon rules for fighting.

Ours: no name calling, no leaving the house, no dredging up past hurts. Jeff gets the credit for this and it’s made a world of difference. Disagreements are inevitable so knowing what’s in bounds and out of bounds makes sure that those fights don’t escalate or cause damage.

4. 10:1

There’s research that shows that you should offer your spouse ten times as many positive comments as negative ones. We notice the little things we do for each other and call them out every day. When Jeff stopped by the grocery store to pick up my almond milk yesterday, I thanked him and let him know it made me feel cared for. It’s easy to take each other for granted and remembering to express gratefulness for each other feels wonderful!

5. Different is good.

One of the things I loved first about Jeff is that he’s spontaneous and fun. One summer day in college, he came by my apartment on the spur of the moment to pick me up and spend the day at WaterWorld. It was so fun and unexpected! He loved that I’m planful and organized. When we moved from Colorado to Florida for grad school, I rented the moving truck, found us apartments to look at, and did research on our new home state. But over the years the very things that attracted us to each other inevitably drive the other one kinda crazy. He doesn’t put things back where he found them and I get stressed when things don’t go according to my plan. But when I’m facing a difficult situation and can’t see the solution, Jeff can often see it because he thinks differently than I do.

6. Build a support network.

Long term marriages are precious and rare. I’ve found it helpful to talk to other couples, particularly those who have weathered tough times. Over the summer I had a great opportunity to spend time with Kathryn’s in-laws, Kevin & Shirley, and they were generous in answering my questions about how they’ve kept their marriage strong. Marriages evolve over time and learning how other couples have handled challenges has been insightful.

I’d love to hear from you. What works for you? What have you discovered about how to have a great marriage?

February 26, 2018 By Kathryn

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