Ted…
You are the Happy to my Valentine
The Sweet in my Heart
The Bow to my Arrow
The Chocolate in my Box
You are the X to my O
My One True Love.
In 2001 we celebrated our very FIRST Valentine’s together. You told me you loved me for the first time and we talked about our future together. I was floating. I’m thankful to have you as my Valentine for 18 years and forevermore.
You + Me = One
Saturday was a day we were going all different directions! I went to a friend’s baby shower in the morning, then took the 3 big boys to a birthday party at SkyZone. Luke and I ran errands while they were at the party. That evening I spent some time with my Help Club friends, celebrating their birthdays. We had a great dinner then made Bath Bombs together.
Can I give you moms a tip? If your kids fight you on bath time – introduce them to The Bath Bomb. All the sudden, bath time becomes the best time!
Sunday we went to church where Pastor Brady taught on Psalm 23. After church I made some snacks for the Super Bowl game. We set up a table in the living room (Clark’s request – he wanted to eat and not miss a second of the game). I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the game! I can’t believe that the Eagles beat the Patriots.
Monday the boys went to school and Luke and I went to the store, then I let him play and eat at ChickFila. That evening we did homework and the boys played outside. The weather here has felt like spring and I love it!
Luke Loves Chick Fil A – especially their ice cream.
Unfortunately, Monday night we lost a great man named Micah Flick. Micah is local police detective, a father, and husband and was shot while serving our city. He, his wife and two children attended New Life and are a precious family. I am heart broken for them. However, I have been astounded by how our community is gathering around them with love and support. One of our moms from church has created a spread sheet for Micah’s wife with information on every person who has expressed an interested in supporting her long term! The sheet includes our names, numbers and how we will help. Our church and the local police force are setting aside money for the family as well. These are the times when I see how important it is to be a part of a community.
Tuesday I stopped by the Garden of The Gods Trading Post (the largest and oldest gift shop in Colorado) to talk to them about carrying my book. Unfortunately, the person I needed to speak to was not there. I got her info and emailed her and she said she does want to get a copy of the book to review for the store! After that, I drove over to New Life to get some work done until Luke was done with preschool.
Tuesday evening I took George to Cotillion where he’s learning manners, etiquette, and ballroom dancing. I love watching these young men and women learn to be leaders!
Wednesday I worked for part of the day, then picked the boys up from school. One of our favorite restaurants, Larkburger, was having a customer appreciation day. If you wore green, you got a free side item with your sandwich. We went during happy hour (3-5pm every day) – so the sandwiches are only $3! Then we got some incredible Truffle Fries and Edamame for free!! My friend Leah and her children met us there. We posted pictures on instagram with #LarkBurgerLove because they will choose one of the posts and give that person free food for a year! With four sons – I can use all the free food I can get.
After dinner, I dropped the kids and some food off for Ted, and went back to New Life for “First Wednesday.” It’s a monthly night of worship (and a few words from one of our pastors). It was extra special this week as we mourned the loss of Micah and worshiped God in spite of the pain.
Thursday, George and I both woke up not feeling that well. We took some Tylenol and I felt completely better and it helped George a little. In fourth grade, they do most of their work on iPads and computers and he knows that being on electronics make his head feel worse, so I let him stay home and hang out with me. We took Luke to preschool and took copies of “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!” to the first store in town that asked to carry my books! Why Not Books? is a cute bookstore that specializes in used books and new books by local authors! George and I found a couple books to buy and left some to sell!!
Next, went to Safeway and George was so excited that the “monopoly” game is back. With every purchase you make at Safeway, you get little prize tickets. George is SURE that we are going to win a million dollars. (I like his positivity!) He’s also decided that we are going to divide it equally between the six of us since he’s the one taking care of the tickets. Clark is hoping we will win a sports car. I’m wishing for a family vacation (but I’d happily take a million dollars)!
That evening we tried out Prime Jui Juitsu. George, Clark and Paul all got to participate in a class together. They loved it. I loved it! Not only do they teach self-defense, but they work with them on respect, team work, and your attitude. The teachers were incredible and if it weren’t so dang expensive, I would have signed them up that night! (However, if we win that million…)
Friday Luke and I stayed home and cleaned. Ugh, I hate cleaning. I mean, I LOVE a CLEAN house, but don’t like that it’s a NEVER-ENDING JOB! Thankfully, a sweet girl named Idera came and helped me to earn money for an upcoming missions trip she’s taking.
That afternoon we went to Clark’s school to watch his 2nd grade performance.
George and his friends, waiting at school for Clark’s performance
Friday night I trained several new volunteers for New Life and then heard Andrew preach on Psalm 22 – a great message on mourning. So timely for this difficult week.
Saturday was Deputy Micah Flick’s funeral at New LIfe Church. I was overwhelmed to tears with the number of Police Officers that came to show their love and respect for him (thousands!). The staff at New Life set up every room in the church with breakfast, snacks, lunch, pastries and hot coffee for all of the officers. I had the honor of hosting a room set up for Micah’s team – the men and women who were his partners – who were there on the night he died. Please pray for them as you pray for Micah’s family. They considered Micah a brother and are hurting. The service was powerful and I was so thankful to be a part of such a beautiful day.
Thanks for stopping by! I’d love for YOU to share with me something about your week. You can leave a comment by clicking on that little box beside the title of this post.
Here are a few books I’ve recently read or am currently reading and my thoughts on each one!
Volunteer Revolution – Bill Hybels is incredibly inspiring. I admire his passion for God and the local church! This book shares the impact we can make when we contribute/volunteer or ‘serve’ in the church or community. Volunteering not only benefits the organization, but benefits the one volunteering as well! I made some updates to this post after reading this outstanding book. If you are person considering volunteering in some capacity or a person who works with volunteers – you must read this book!
Speak Life – I’ve enjoyed every book written by (my pastor) Brady Boyd! His books are conversational and relatable. He writes with honesty and vulnerability. This particular book is incredibly powerful regarding our words – how we speak to ourselves, to God and others. He gives some very important examples and things to think about and learn from. I’ve enjoyed waking up and reading a few pages each morning. I’m not finished yet, but love it! Words have power. Use them wisely!
7 Family Ministry Essentials – Church is not about PROGRAMS, its about FAMILY! This book is very easy-to-read and helps us remember why we are doing ministry. The ideas shared in this book are not only good for those who serve in children and youth ministry – but for parents as well! Parents on the primary ones responsible for faith formation, but the church can partner with the family to develop that faith.
This is an excellent book for those working in student or children’s ministry. In fact, it made the “Top Ten List of Books every Children’s ministry leader should read!” When we are working with children and students – we need to think about the entire family, not just the individual.
There are 7 main principals presented in this book:
1. Empowering families to take spiritual leadership in the home
2. Forming lifetime faith that transcends childhood beliefs
3. Teaching Scripture as the ultimate authority of truth
4. Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit’s power to teach and transform
5. Engaging every generation in the gospel of God’s redemptive story
6. Making God central in daily living and every biblical narrative
7. Working with the community to further God’s will.
The authors explain each of these essentials with powerful stories. I made lots of notes and plan to use this book as a reference in my role at New Life Church. I wish I would have had this book at the beginning of my journey as a Children’s Ministry Director in 2002!
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson – I heard Bryan speak at Willow Creek Community Church and his story was so powerful I had to get his book to read more. This is a New York Times Best Seller and has great reviews on Amazon! The book was very eye-opening at some of the “injustices” in our justice system. The book shares stories of how Bryan, a non-profit attorney, has helped children with life sentences, men who’ve been wrongly accused, and how he has served “the least of these.” (Matthew 25:40) over the last 3 decades. This is one of those books that’s hard to put down until you’ve read the last page.
Help Club’s The Wise Woman Loves Bible Study – I start each day with a few minutes in this book. It’s a Bible study written for moms and by moms. It not only helps me understand God’s word and how it applies to my everyday life – it also contains daily suggestions of how to love my husband, my children and others.
Leave me a comment and tell me if you’ve read any of these – or recommend what I should read next!
If you are interested, I wrote about some of my favorite books ever here and I how I find time to read here.
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In December, ChickFilA reached out to ask if I would be a part of one of their upcoming Family Nights!
The event was held on Tuesday, January 30th and it was SO.MUCH.FUN!
ChickFila provided little “books” so that each kid could write their own story! I provided coloring and activity pages. The cow was out to greet everyone and interact with all the guests. Cedric Taylor, the illustrator, was drawing caricatures of all the guests who were there! I read my book two times, to two different groups of extremely engaged and well-behaved children, and did lots of book signings!!
All Luke wanted to do was hang out with the cow! George, Clark and Paul loved helping me with the story by showing each of the animals as I read about them.
Here are some pictures and a video of the night:
Thank you to those who were able to participate in the Family Night! Thank you to Chick-Fil-A too!
It’s not too late to get a copy of Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore for only $10 signed and shipped by clicking on this link!
Saturday was a beautiful, sunny day and we wanted to get out and enjoy it!
We went to Garden of the Gods and found our favorite spot … well, we have lots of favorite spots…so we went to ONE of our favorite spots…the Siamese twins.
Siamese Twins (and can you spot Ted?)
It’s an easy hike, but off the beaten path!
Here are more pictures from our hike around Siamese Twins:
My favorite grown man and four little men!
Being outside feeds our souls. We love living in Colorado!
What feeds YOUR soul? Leave me a comment!
Tattling. Tattle-telling. Whatever you want to call it – it’s been around since the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:12-14). I haven’t found a way to stop my boys from pointing out what their brothers have done wrong, but my husband and I found a tool that helps them watch for a what they are doing RIGHT!
We use something called the “Awesome Jar.”
We stumbled upon the idea of the Awesome Jar and have used it in our family to help us live out Philippians 4:8. To notice and call out things that are excellent, praiseworthy, right, noble and admirable.
The Awesome Jar is just a glass container that sits on our counter. My husband and sons decorated it with stickers and some duct tape!
Awesome Jar
We use this Jar to celebrate the good things in our day. When something happens that is admirable, excellent or praiseworthy, my kids, my husband or I will write it down on a slip of paper and add it to the Jar. You’d think we’d remember all these good things, but somehow we forget. This “AWESOME” Jar is a like our “remember the good” Jar. It’s a way to highlight the small wins and bright spots that occur throughout the day.
Recently on my son George’s 10th birthday we put a note in our family’s Awesome Jar that simply says: “Clark’s birthday Surprise for George.” Let me tell you about it. Clark, my 8-year-old, gathered the neighbor kids and gave them each a gift bag. Each of the kids put random (used) toys in each bag, placed them by our front door, rang the door bell, then hid. When George answered the door, they all jumped out and shouted, “SURPRISE…Happy Birthday!” George opened the silly gifts, and we all laughed about each one and enjoyed a few minutes there on our porch – brothers and neighbors. It was awesome!
Every few weeks we sit down and pull out the notes from our Awesome Jar and “relive” those sweet moments. It also reinforces to my kids what they’ve done right. It encourages them to keep thinking about these things, doing these things, and looking for times when their brothers are doing these things!
Find a container and make it your family’s AWESOME Jar. Make it a habit to add one thing each day. It might be something like:
“(My son) cleaned up the play room without being asked.”
– or –
“(My daughter) befriended the new girl at school.”
If it was a really hard day, then you have even more reason to pause for a moment, reflect on the day, and identify at least one thing for which you are grateful. Was it an event, a moment or a person? Write it down and put it in the jar.
When you look for the GOOD, you will find it! And the more “good” things you notice today, the more you will notice tomorrow. Not only YOU, but your CHILDREN as well. My sons have started to say, “Mom, did you see/hear that, it should go in the Awesome Jar!”
Do they still tattle? Yes. But they are also noticing and calling out things that are excellent, praiseworthy, right, noble and admirable! And that is AWESOME!
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I was honored to be asked by Homefront to write an article for their magazine. Homefront Magazine equips parents to create fun, spiritually forming times in their homes. This magazine helps re-center our focus and align our priorities to what is best! It’s filled with helpful articles and activities that equip us to become the parents that we want to be!
Check out the Homefront website for good articles, game suggestions, and printables. You can also subscribe to the magazine or buy a digital copy from their site. I love receiving my copy each month! It’s the only magazine that I read cover to cover.
Hey Friends! To celebrate the fact that you can buy Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore directly from my blog – I am holding a BOOK BLITZ!!!!
You can order as many books as you’d like for only $10 each – I will cover the shipping fees and taxes! This deal with last for 14 days or until the 200 I have in stock are gone!
Buy it now for:
I will personally sign each book, ship them to wherever you’d like (within the US) and let the receiver know that the gift is from YOU!
When ordering, leave a comment to let me know who I should sign the book to. Locals can pay upon delivery.
Click HERE to read a recent article about the book!
I will be GIVING away a signed copies! How do you enter? Just SHARE this post (via the social icons below), then leave me a comment letting me know where you shared it (twitter, facebook, email – one entry for every platform)! I will have the Magnificent Four choose names on Sunday, February 4th. One name will be drawn for every 10 shares!
WINNER is KRISTALL W! Congrats Kristall!
Happy Shopping and Sharing! And thank you so very much for your support!
Kathryn
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Mama, are you tired?
Do you ever lie awake wondering if you’re failing?
Do you feel like you’re falling short in this whole mom thing? Like you’re just not enough?
Jesus understands exactly what you’re going through. He had 12 disciples and I imagine it felt to Jesus like having 12 children. Now granted, they were all potty trained and dressed themselves but still…
They didn’t always listen.
They argued over who was His favorite.
They fell asleep when He desperately needed their support.
And one ultimately betrayed Him.
Jesus gets it.
He understands your exhaustion and your frustration, and He wants to help.
Here are a few simple ways to partner with Him throughout your day.
Start the day with one word: Help.
“Help me be the mom You want me to be.
Speak through me.
Love through me.
Help me be present and engaged.
Holy Spirit, fill me.”
(The Holy Spirit is God living within us.)
If you can, try to wake up a few minutes before your kids. And if that feels impossible, ask God for help. He meets us in our weakness and will give you the strength to rise, even briefly, so your tank can be filled before you pour out all day long.
Just like we reach for a mid-day cup of coffee, don’t forget your mid-day cry for help.
God is available all day long.
When you’re weary, He gives strength.
When you need wisdom, ask. He delights in answering.
The Holy Spirit gently reveals what your children need, often before you even know to ask.
End the day the same way you began it: Help.
Evenings can be so hard. By the time I put my four boys to bed, I am completely spent. But bedtime matters. Kids are often most vulnerable then. They suddenly open up, sharing things they held in all day.
I climb into bed with each of my boys – to listen, to sing, to pray.
My mom did the same for us, and those moments still feel like a warm hug in my memory.
Mama, you are not alone.
And you don’t have to do this on your own.
Let me share a sweet story about how our nightly prayer time made a real impact on one of my boys.
Each night when I prayed with George, I prayed what we called the “5 L’s.” I asked God to help him be:
a strong LEADER
a good LISTENER
a fast LEARNER
and to know God’s LOVE and show God’s LOVE
When his report card came home, I read a note from his teacher that stopped me in my tracks. She wrote that George has “enthusiasm for learning, is a superstar listener, and is kind to his classmates.”
My heart overflowed. I could see God answering our prayers in real, tangible ways.
Prayer doesn’t just move heaven on our behalf, it also shapes our children’s hearts and lives. When we pray over them, we remind them of who God created them to be.
Through our nightly prayers, my boys are reminded that they are leaders, listeners, and learners, boys who know God’s love and show God’s love.
“Lord, forgive my son for being a bad boy.”
Please don’t do this. Shaming prayers can plant guilt and discourage children from turning to God when they mess up.
Pray words that inspire and encourage – prayers that give your children something beautiful to live up to.
“Thank You, Lord, for making my son strong and courageous, kind and bold.”
Pray Scripture with them and over them:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
One of my favorite resources is The Power of a Praying Parent. My sister Kara gave it to me when I was pregnant with my first son in 2007, and I’ve read it over and over since. It offers powerful, specific prayers and gently teaches you how to pray intentionally for your children.
I can’t recommend it enough.
–Remember this: God chose you to be the mom your children need. Not by accident. Not as a backup plan. He sees you, and He wants to help you become the very best mama you can be.
If today was hard, that’s okay. We all have tough days. God’s mercy meets us fresh each morning, and tomorrow is a brand-new start.
You are deeply loved by your Heavenly Father.
You are chosen.
You are equipped.
You have what it takes, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Please feel free to leave me your prayer request in the comments section (the little box to the right of the title) and I will pray for you!
Don’t forget to subscribe (in the column on the right) so that my posts come directly to you via email!
Love,
Kathryn
My favorite date nights with Ted include discovering new restaurants!
When we become empty nesters and have more time on our hands, I would love to visit every single restaurant in Colorado Springs (and beyond!).
I could be like Julie in Julie and Julia (I love this movie!)
Julie took a year and cooked her way through Julia Child’s cookbook and wrote about the recipes in her blog.
I could eat my way through Colorado Springs and write about it. And will someone remind me of this in about 15 years when our littlest one is out of the house? Who would like to join me in this future endeavor?!
Also – the year after I try all of the restaurants…
… I will be trying all of the gyms …
… to lose all of the weight!
Anyway …. I haven’t yet tried every restaurant in The Springs. (Not Yet!) But of all the ones we’ve tried so far, here are the ones that keep us coming back.
– If you want to do a “Progressive Dinner” – Dos Santos Mexican and Frozen Gold are next door.
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Dinner with friends at the Rabbit Hole
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This place has two locations. I recommend the original – it’s a tiny castle with only about 20 seats inside. It’s a fun EXPERIENCE! My oldest son loves their burgers (I had a bite and they were amazing!) Another son loves their french toast – it’s delicious too! My favorite thing, though, are their HUGE breakfast burritos smothered in green chili. Food Network called this meal the best breakfast in Colorado and I’d have to agree! (Note – they only accept cash!) Oh, and the coffee is great too!
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They have a whiskey bar with live music in one section, coffee bar and baked goods in another section, then a full restaurant and brewery in a third section. This place is worth a visit! My seven year old disappeared the last time I was there. I found him sitting at the whiskey bar, chatting with the bartender, snacking on maraschino cherries.
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I had one of their signature steaks, and my husband had the filet. They were both amazing. It’s the PERFECT spot for a birthday or anniversary. Dinner for two will cost around $100 (not including appetizers, drinks or dessert), but it is OH so good! You should make a reservation because the dining room is small. The restaurant is unassuming from the outside, but once you get inside, the view is beautiful! I love that they cook your steak right next to your table. I honestly can’t wait to go back. How many more days til my Birthday?
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Park at the Broadmoor (near The Golden Bee). The shuttle will take you to Seven Falls. Enjoy a beautiful walk up to the restaurant. Some of the delicious food at 1858 is Broadmoor is served in a cast iron skillet like they would have used in 1858! I recommend the Chili Con Queso nachos! They were incredible and made from scratch (homemade wild boar chili, chips, cheese and pickled jalapeños … yum!) Loved our experience there!
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I love the warm bread with the oil (and that special seasoning). I love their house salad. And the chicken marsala just melts in your mouth and has SO much flavor. I’ve ordered the marsala dishes at so many other places and it’s never the same. I’m getting hungry just typing this. Something handy we occasionally use is their carside carryout. I order online, drive up, they bring it out to my car! If you eat here, sign up for the Dine Rewards Program. You get 50% off every fourth visit.
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It was my junior year of high school, and a new student arrives at study hall. He’s also in my gym class.
The word around school was that he was a “narc” (an undercover cop). As I watched him, I began to realize that he did look a little older than your typical high school student. And when the rest of us were huffing and puffing through the obligatory mile run in gym class, he did it with ease – running BACKWARD!
One day at the end of class he asked me to go on a date with him. “I’ll pick you up on Friday at 6,” he says, “and wear a dress!”
At 6 pm on the dot, he shows up at my door. He is wearing a tie and I’m in my favorite dress.
He walks me to his car … and he is driving my FAVORITE car!
He opens the door … and there are a dozen roses on the seat!
There is music playing in the car … by my favorite musician – Harry Connick Jr.
(How did he know these things?!)
Then, he takes me one of the nicest restaurants in Tampa.
Before this evening, the fanciest restaurant I’d ever been to was the Olive Garden.
He orders appetizers and glasses of wine for both us. I’m 16. I’d never had wine. I had one sip to be polite but discreetly poured out the rest when we went out to the balcony to take in the sweeping view of the city.
We had a delicious dinner and it was the absolute, most perfect date! While every other girl my age had dates that included dinner at Taco Bell and a movie; I was driven in a sports car, given a dozen roses, listening to my favorite music, and eating the best food in town — and all of this with I guy who was like my own personal Liam Neeson! This guy blew all the other guys out of the water.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel a bit of connection with him. I can’t even remember what we talked about. I wished I would have asked more questions about what he does “outside of school” … but he didn’t share any of that with me. We just had some polite dinner conversation.
Thankfully, he didn’t try to kiss me good night when he dropped me off after dinner.
And … I never saw him again!
So … was he a narc, an arch (angel), or just a regular Mark?
I guess we’ll never know.
