All Posts By

Kathryn

2 In My Journey

My journey Part 1 – Becoming a teacher

From the time I was little, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. It started when I was about eight years old, I helped my little sister sound out letters and put them together to form words. When she first began to read, it was exhilarating! I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.

After high school, I went to the University of South Florida and earned my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education.

After college, I went to Tulsa to visit my dad who was working with Rhema Ministries. I decided to move there and attend Rhema Bible School. It was an incredible two years where I learned so much more about God and his love for us.

Me and Kenneth Hagin at Graduation from Rhema Bible Training Center.

After Rhema, I taught fourth grade in the Jenks Public School system and loved my job! I also met and married Ted in Tulsa – but that’s a story for another day.

One evening, Ted and I got a call from friends in the Chicago area. They asked if we would want to move to Illinois and serve with them in ministry. They wanted Ted to consider being an Associate/Teaching Pastor and they offered me the role of Children’s Ministry Director.

My first response to that, “No way!”

I loved being an Elementary School teacher. It was structured. I knew what was expected of me and how to succeed in my role.

Children’s ministry is a big responsibility. I didn’t know if I had what it takes.

My husband asked if I would at least pray about it before answering.

Click here to read what happened next.

October 16, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
6 In Colorado/ Family/ Review/ Things to do in Colorado/ Traveling

Family day in Estes Park

This weekend we drove from Colorado Springs to Estes Park. I brought a book to read for the 2 hour drive, but only read for a few minutes because driving in Colorado is too beautiful to be looking down at a book!

As we approached Estes, we told the boys that the first person to spot an elk would earn a quarter.

PAUL was the first to spot not one – but a herd of about 50 elk!

We stopped and spent some time just watching them rest, walk, and play. Two elk were locking antlers, and we had fun watching them ‘wrestle it out!’

Then we stopped by the Estes Park visit center. It’s pretty basic – just bathroom and flyers and people available to answer any questions. We grabbed a map and picked a place for lunch and continued on our day.

We spent some time window shopping along the main street (Elkhorn) in Estes. I love these little Colorado towns with shops built right into the side of mountains!

We ate lunch at BigHorns. Is it bad to admit we ate Elk burgers!? Thank you, Mr. Elk, for feeding us!

After lunch, we purchased some taffy from this adorable, historic “Taffy Shop.” They give free samples of whatever flavor you want to try! Usually, I would pass on taffy. (I’d rather have chocolate) But this was taffy was DELICIOUS! It’s freshly made right there in the store, so it’s really soft and fluffy and oh, so good! I bought a small bag to take home – vanilla for me (so boring, right?), pecan taffy for Ted, cotton candy flavor for Clark and Paul, and raspberry for Luke and George.

After some time on the main street, we got in the car and drove up to see The Stanley Hotel where a couple of movies have been filled. (Dumb and Dumber and a Stephen King movie that I have not seen – I can’t watch scary movies)

Next, we visited the Estes Park visitor center. It’s free and had some interesting exhibits about the history of Estes Park. We enjoyed this little museum, and you can’t beat FREE!

It’s hard to visit Estes without going to the Rocky Mountain National Park. However, we didn’t go on this day because it’s $20 per car to enter and we knew we wouldn’t be staying long.  It was snowing, windy, and cold. We also considered just driving around the Park, but my kids had already been driving for a couple of hours earlier today and as beautiful as this park is, they didn’t want to be stuck in the car any more today.

We had a great family day and I’m glad we got to see beautiful Estes Park! Have you been here? What do you like to do? Leave a comment!

October 15, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Food/ Raising boys/ Saving money

How to Eat for FREE at Carabba’s, Flemings, Bonefish Grille and Outback!

I am raising FOUR boys.

Four constantly hungry boys.

I am ALWAYS looking for ways to save money on FOOD!

And honestly, who doesn’t like free and delicious food?

I’ve found a few ways to save money on food and wanted to share those with my readers.

If you like the following restaurants:

  • Outback Steakhouse,
  • Carrabba’s Italian Grill,
  • Bonefish Grill or
  • Fleming’s Steakhouse.

Then you should sign up for Dine Rewards!

With Dine Rewards, you earn $20-40 worth of FREE FOOD after every 3rd visit to any of those 4 restaurants!

All you do is sign up, then give the person your PHONE NUMBER at check out! After 3 visits, you earn FREE FOOD!

Have you tried the chicken dishes at Carrabba’s?  They are incredible! In fact, Ted and I love to share the Chicken Trio. Three different and equally delicious pieces of chicken. Yum.

https://www.dine-rewards.com/referral/ejMcambfcAdkHHBpEMMdDBjLLECfBNLBa

This is not yet a NATION-WIDE program, but I know it’s valid in the Chicago area and Colorado Springs. Click on the link above to see if they do this awesome program in your area!

Don’t forget to subscribe so that you don’t miss the other FREE FOOD opportunities I’ll be posting about soon!

October 14, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
2 In Colorado/ Family/ Raising boys/ Traveling

The 10 BEST things to do Manitou Springs, Colorado

Manitou Springs…what a quaint little town! I had no idea this gem was hidden just next to Colorado Springs.  There is so much culture, history and beauty in this town. Here are my ten most favorite parts of Manitou Springs:

1. Play at the historic Penny Arcade.

              

I love Skeeball!!

Compete with your friends and family in Horse Racing!

There are some really OLD and unique games!    

Flying airplanes like his Poppy!

2. Taste the healing mineral water.

3. Hike Rainbow Falls  

4. Climb the Incline

  • A mile high staircase up the side of Cheyenne mountain. Or you can bail out at the halfway point for a pretty walk back down.
  • Gorgeous views at the top! (Well, that’s what I’ve been told by my husband, I’m not sure I’m tough enough to hike all the way to to the top! Honestly, my legs hurt just thinking about it.)
  • Manitou Incline

5. Drive to the top of Pikes Peak

This drive is magnificent! Breathtaking … fantastic! You must take the drive to the top of America’s Mountain at least once in your lifetime. Thankfully, my husband drove so I could just enjoy every mile. I recommend visiting in the summer time – the Peak gets COLD! And bring LOTS of water – elevation sickness is a real thing. Add this drive to your Bucket List!

6. Get a treat

  • Patsy’s is a 100 year old snack shop. Try something from there or one of the other fantastic coffee and ice cream shops around town!

7. Shop

8. Soak in the warm mineral water at the Sunwater Spa.

9. Visit the Cliff Dwellings

“Is this where the Cliff Dwellers watched movies?” Asked by my 4 year old.

10. Eat

Eat & Shop

Don’t forget to take a souvenir home with you! Grab a copy of my Pikes Peak Children’s book.  All artwork is painted by a local artist. Click here to purchase a signed copy!

What’s your favorite thing about Manitou?

Leave a comment (in the little box to the right of the title).

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE (in the column on the right) so you don’t miss a post!

For the 10 best things to do in Colorado Springs…

CLICK HERE!

October 12, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Raising boys

Hiking with Kids – Pulpit Rock!

Last week I happened to get a couple of hours with just my three big boys (ages 5, 8 and 10), so I decided we should go on an adventure!  I’ve been wanting to conquer Pulpit Rock since the first time I drove past it in June 2015 and now had the perfect opportunity to check this item off my bucket list.

I looked at my Google Map and drove around until I found the closest spot to park near Pulpit Rock – inside a beautiful neighborhood I had never seen before. We parked near a trailhead and started our hike. Just 20 minutes later – we were on top Pulpit Rock – with incredible views!

View of Pikes peak from Pulpit Rock

The boys did great … they loved the “climbing” part of this adventure more than the hiking.  I loved every bit of it.

Only Paul, my 5-year-old, complained at the very end. “My legs are SOOO tired…I can’t walk ANY MORE!”  I showed him how close we were to our car and he made it back (with energy to spare)!

As always, the great thing about hiking in Colorado is that it is so beautiful and so natural … but they are also dangerous. We talk a lot about safety on our adventures.

Paul at Pulpit Rock

George and Paul at Pulpit Rock

Clark at Pulpit Rock

I would recommend it for ages 5 and up. It would also make a fun and inexpensive day date (or SUNSET date). Pack a lunch or dinner and take time to enjoy the spectacular views!

Where do you like hiking? Leave me a comment!

Click here for more FREE things to do in Colorado Springs! 

October 11, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
5 In Saving money

Top 10 things to buy at the Dollar Tree

Here are my favorite things to buy at the Dollar Tree!

Spiral bound notebooks

I love to use these to collect memory verses. My kids use them to practice letters, math, spelling, etc.

Tuna kits

These taste great and are an easy snack to take on the go.

Baskets

I use these to organize my pantry, cabinets and closets.

Cards

Great cards for all occasions 50¢ or $1.

Balloons and party supplies

 

 

Gift bags and tissue paper

Where else can you find nice gift bags for $1?! They are 2-4 times as much everywhere else!

Toothpaste/Soap

The Dollar Tree accepts coupons – so you can get these items for 25-50¢ (and sometimes free, so bring your coupons!)

Super Glue

Have you seen these? It’s 6 single use Super Glue tubes for $1! In the past, I’ve spent $2-3 on one tube, and when I go to use it again – it’s super-glued itself closed!

Batteries

8 batteries for $1! And they work great!

Awesome Cleaning Spray

This is a cleaning product I’ve only seen at the Dollar Tree and it really is awesome! I’ve seen it get RED wine out of WHITE carpet! Thats a good use of a dollar!

Cleaning Gloves

I have four boys. We go through lots of dishes, lots of spills and messes. I can’t have enough gloves. Especially the kind that are thick and lined. Everywhere else, they are $2-3 dollars, so I always buy them at the Dollar Store.

 

Kitchen Shears

I’m not sure why, but I never have enough scissors. One child is opening a go-gurt, one child is using a pair to do homework, I’m using another pair to cut chicken, pizza, or sandwiches. I currently have 3 pairs but I’m buying more next time.

What do you like to buy at the dollar store? Leave a comment!

Don’t forget to subscribe so that you don’t miss a post!

October 10, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
2 In Motherhood/ Recipe/ Review

Hello Fresh! My completely honest review.

About a year ago, my mom sent me a coupon code for savings towards my first order of Hello Fresh!

I decided to give it a try, and we LIKED it!  The meals were conveniently packaged together with really simple instructions. We enjoyed the three meals we picked. I’ve continued to order about once a month since our first box. Hello Fresh makes it easy to cook meals from home that my family will eat and ask for again!

To save some money, I order the meals for two people, then buy some of the same ingredients at the store and to triple the recipe.

Here are the PROS and CONS.

PROS:

  • 90% of the meals are excellent
  • Easy to follow recipes that your kids can help make.
  • I’ve found new foods (and vegetables) that my kids LOVE!
  • Convenient!  All the ingredients you need for dinner in one container.
  • Saves money because I COOK instead of pick up dinner.
  • Healthier than fast food.
  • Nice variety of meals to choose from.
  • Great customer service.
  • Simple recipes/instructions that your 10 year old can follow to cook dinner for the family!
  • They send an email at the end of the week and ask you to complete a short survey giving feedback about each meal you ordered. If you complete the quick survey, your name is entered into a drawing for free meals.

CONS:

  • A little pricey – about $10 per person.
  • Subscription service – You will automatically get meals and get charged if you don’t get online and “Skip” the weekly delivery. I get online about once a month to look at all of the meals and decide when I want to order and when I want to skip.
  • You still have to cook. Doesn’t come pre-made.
  • 10% of the meals are just ‘okay.’
  • About 1 out of 10 vegetables is not super fresh.

 

If you would like to give Hello Fresh a try, here is a $40 savings code for you:

https://share.hellofresh.com/x/rX8nrS

 

I recorded a video of me opening a Hello Fresh delivery if you’d like to see what everything looks like!

October 7, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
6 In Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

Luke Washington – Our sweetest surprise!

It was October 2014, I sat with my girlfriends and told them a secret:

“I think I’m pregnant.”

I’d been feeling this way for about 3 weeks but had not said anything to anyone until that night. They convinced me to get a pregnancy test and take it first thing in the morning. The test confirmed what I’d been feeling; I was pregnant with my fourth child.

Now I had to decide how to tell Ted.  He would not be expecting this news. We had three young sons – we were busy, sleep-deprived, and money was tight. The news of this fourth child made us nervous. We knew we’d be missing a lot more sleep and buying a lot more diapers. I had just given away most of our baby stuff. And our boys were begging for a puppy. Instead, they’d be getting a baby brother.
I purchased a delicious pie and made a card that said: “God decided to add another cutie to our pie.” When Ted got home that night after a busy day at work, he dug into the pie without even noticing the card.
I handed him the card to read and he was shocked. We both were!
However, once we got over the shock, we remembered that this surprise pregnancy was a gift. Though we knew we’d be losing even more sleep, spending more money, doing more laundry and be busier than ever trying to balance four kiddos – God had a plan for this sweet life growing inside me.
When Luke Washington joined our family in May 2014, it was true. He has been such a gift to our family. The love we have for him is undescribable. We can’t imagine life without him. I’m so thankful that God blessed us with this SURPRISE!
Now, when anyone says they’re considering having another baby, I always say ‘go for it!’ Yes, it will cost you something, however, what you’ll gain far outweighs any cost!

We love you Luke! You are our sweetest surprise!
October 6, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
2 In Family/ Funny/ Raising boys

Funny things from the #Eglyboys

There are a lot of things happening in the world right now that are so very sad, but children have a way of reminding us to SMILE, to laugh, and to enjoy the simple things. Here are some things that my boys have said recently that made me smile – I hope it makes you SMILE too!

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

I told George that we would be at the doctor’s office in “CUATRO MINUTOS.” Since he started learning Spanish this year, I asked him if he knew what that meant.  “Chicken wings?!” was his enthusiatic guess. (Why are boys always thinking about FOOD!?)

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

Clark, age 8, who has ALWAYS been an EARLY riser, came downstairs later than normal and said, “Mom, the weirdest thing happened today. I woke up and was ready to get out of bed, but then I noticed how warm and comfortable my bed was so I decided to go back to sleep!” (Clark’s FIRST time sleeping in, and he had to tell me about how weird it was.)

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

Paul, age 5, came home from kindergarten yesterday and was so excited to tell me about all the apples he tried at school. He said his favorite ones were called “Yellow Yummy!”

Me: Do you mean “Golden Delicious?”

Paul: Yes, that’s the one. My favorites are GOLDEN DELICIOUS!

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

We were walking the older boys to the bus stop and Luke, age 3, saw a neighbor standing in his driveway. Luke said, “Hi, What are you doing today?” The neighbor responds, “I’m going to fix my doorbell today.” We continued to the bus stop, and I didn’t think any more about it. The next morning, as we were walking to the bus again, Luke sees the same man outside and asked, “Did you fix your ding dong?”  Thankfully, our neighbor didn’t hear him, so I clarified: “Luke wants to know if you fixed your doorbell?” “Yes!” our neighbor responded, “I fixed my doorbell!”

What’s something that’s made you laugh recently? Leave a comment!

October 4, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1