0 In 2022/ Book Review/ Product Recommendations/ Review

Life is Too Short for Boring Books – Here’s my Top Ten Books of 2022

If you know me, you know I love a good book. I don’t just read any book though; life’s too short for bad books. Before I begin a new book, I visit Goodreads and do a little research. A book needs a rating of 4 (out of 5) or better for me to begin.

Because my criteria is high, I’ve read some OUTSTANDING books this year. It was hard to choose just TEN for my TOP TEN of ’22. But here they are.

The Top Ten Books I Read in 2022:

1. I Guess I Haven’t Learned that Yet by Shauna Niequist

From left to right: Colleen, Kathryn, Shauna, Erin and Abbi

Review: Though I’ve only met/chatted with Shauna a couple of times – our lives have followed a similar course. We were born the same year and grew up going to the same beach. We both have dads who love to sail on Lake Michigan. We got married the same year, have two sons the same age, and lived in the same part of the country for most of our lives! Maybe this is why Shauna is one of my favorite authors. I own every one of her books. I wasn’t sure I’d like this one as much as some of her others. However, I loved every single page of her newest book.

Shauna and her family moved to NYC around the same time our family moved to Minnesota. Each chapter of this book is a story from her life, and what she’s learning in that story. I deeply resonated with her insights on transitions, starting over, and finding joy. I cried, I laughed, I stopped to think, pray, and express gratitude.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

Get outside and be on the lookout for beauty, especially in nature, read books for comfort. Fresh air helps everything. The world is still good, still beautiful, still interesting and worth savoring. God is still good, still faithful, still kind.
Keep walking, keep loving, keep writing, keep praying. Keep learning, keep forgiving, keep apologizing, keep moving forward. Keep inviting, keep listening, keep opening my arms to all of life.
It doesn’t help to pretend everything is okay. Tell the truth. Allow yourself to be supported by friends and family.
I’m learning home isn’t singular. You don’t lose one, instead, your world and your heart expand with each new home and new set of experiences. The old ones stay and the new ones make your heart and your world bigger.

This was my favorite book of the year, and I will go back to it again and again.

2. Take Back Your Life by Levi Lusko

Review: This is a 40-day devotional that is PACKED with goodness. It would be an EXCELLENT book to start your year.

Here are a couple of great quotes from the book:

Thoughts are like trains, they take you somewhere. Instead of stopping a thought, REPLACE it. You have to actively FEED the POSITIVE and STARVE the negative.
You will FEEL how you speak and FIND what you seek.
Public victory comes from private discipline.
God loves the people in your life so much that He put YOU in their lives. He gave you a means to communicate with them so they could be better off because they encountered YOU!

3. Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

Review: Part of why I wanted to read this book was because I loved the title. For an Enneagram 7 (the Enthusiast), the idea of “everything sad” being “untrue” just made me smile.

The book tells the story of a family moving from Iran to Oklahoma – written from the perspective of a middle school boy. Because I read it while I had two sons in middle school, I really connected with the author’s perspective and story. It made me laugh, cry, think, and learn. I was filled with joy by the kindness shown by some, and shocked by the cruelty expressed by others.

The book will give a reader an amazing, up-close perspective on what it looks and feels like to be a refugee in America. This book was outstanding, and I recommend it to anyone 14 or older.

4. Power of Place by Daniel Grothe

Review: This was the first book I read in 2022, and it was a FANTASTIC way to start the year. If you haven’t read it – I recommend it be your first book of 2023 (with Take Back Your Life)! The author is someone I admire and respect. He’s a great teacher and a fantastic writer. I loved his first book, Chasing Wisdom, and this second book is just as good.

The Power of Place is about the value of putting down roots and investing in the place you call ‘home.’

5. Becoming Mrs Lewis by Patti Callahan

Review: This book shares the beautiful relationship that developed between CS Lewis and Ms. Davidson. They were pen pals, later met and became great friends, and eventually married. I already loved CS Lewis, but this story makes me love him even more. The author did a fabulous job of re-creating their love story. I recommend the audiobook because the narration brings the story to life. It’s free on the Hoopla app.

Here are two quotes from the book that I loved:

God does not love us because we are lovable but because He is Love.
CS Lewis

Sometimes we want to stay and goof off in a mud pit when God has an entire seashore for us to play in.
CS Lewis

6. Hiding in the Light by Rifqa Bary

Review: This narrative unfolds the captivating journey of a young woman transitioning from Islam to Christianity. Her compelling tale resonated deeply with me, serving as a poignant reminder of the unparalleled freedom we enjoy in America and within our Christian faith, especially when contrasted with the experiences of individuals in other countries and adherents of different religions. Exploring our shared faith from a fresh perspective was truly enlightening. Unfortunately, it’s all too common to overlook the profound goodness of God when it has been a constant presence throughout one’s life.

I recommend this book to anyone on a spiritual quest or those 16 and above who identify with the Christian faith.

7. Fostered by Tori Hope Peterson

Review: This memoir delves into the life of a young woman who spent many years in and out of the foster care system. Candidly recounting her experiences, she unveils both the uplifting and challenging aspects of her journey. She is now actively engaged in bringing positive change to the broken system. If you’re interested in hearing a first hand perspective of the foster care system, or hold a genuine concern for the well-being of foster children, this book offers a compelling and insightful exploration.

8. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz

Review: I read this book with George, and we both decided that Alan Gratz is a fantastic writer! He pulls you into the story and makes you feel like you are part of the adventure. This is fiction, but gives you insight into what it must have felt like to be in the Twin Towers on 911. Great for any reader age 12 and up who may want to know more about what happened on September 11, 2001.

9. Home of the brave by Katherine Applegate

I read this with Clark, and we both loved it. It’s a short book that can be read in one setting. The author writes brilliantly and expresses such beautiful and deep emotion in very few words.

It’s the story of a young boy coming to live with his aunt in Minnesota to escape his war-torn country of Sudan. We felt the wonder, optimism, fear, sadness, and hope through the eyes of the main character (Kek). This would make a great read-aloud for parents and kids ages 8 and up.

10. The Choice by Edith Eger

Review: An outstanding book written by a survivor of Auschwitz. She writes about her escape “physically” from prison, and how she later learned to escape the prison of the mind. She is the female version of Victor Frankl (Man’s Search for Meaning). There are parts of this book that are really hard to read, but it’s also a book filled with hope and redemption.

The sign above the entrance to the author’s prison camp in Aushwitz says: Arbeit Macht Frei, meaning: Work Will Set You Free. Dr. Eger writes:

Work has set me free. Not the work the Nazis meant, but the inner work. Of learning to survive and thrive, of learning to forgive myself, of helping others do the same. When I do this work, I am no longer a prisoner. I am free.
Dr. Eger

Here are a few gold nuggets I pulled from the book:

You can live in the prison of the past, or you can let the past be a springboard that helps you reach the life you want now.
Get the feelings out. Expression is the opposite of depression. You can’t heal what you don’t feel.
You can’t feel love and fear at the same time.
It’s easier to hold someone or something else responsible for your pain than to take responsibility for ending your own victimhood.
Our painful experiences aren’t a liability, they are a gift. They give us perspective and meaning, an opportunity to find our unique purpose and strength.

You can’t change what happened, you can’t change what you did or what was done to you. You can choose how you live right now. You can choose to be free.
Dr. Edith Eger

Here’s a video to watch/listen to my reviews:

2022 Honorable Mentions:

What Happened to you? by Dr. Bruce Perry

Let’s Roll by Lisa Beamer

Daniel Boone by Janet Benge – if you want a great biography pick up any book by Janet Benge. Her books make my list every year.

Click here to check out my favorite books of 2023 and FOUR to read in 2024!!

Here’s my favorite books over the years.

Click here for the BEST of 2021

Click for the best of 2020

Click here for the best of 2019

Click here for 2018

Click here to follow me on Goodreads.

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December 30, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Book Review

54 Books I read in 2022

1. Power of Place by Daniel Grothe 10/10

2. Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan 10/10

3. Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate 10/10

4. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz 10/10 (Read with George)

5. The Self-Driven Child

6. Bear Town by Fredrik Backman

7. The Wise Woman Knows by the Help Club for Moms

8. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

9. 10 Rules for Resilience by Joe De Sena 9/10

10. Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis 9/10

11. Will by Will Smith 6/10

12. Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets by Andy Stanley 10/10

13. Think Again by Adam Grant 9/10

14. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate 8/10

15. The Choice by Dr. Edith Eger 10/10

16. I guess I Haven’t Learned that Yet by Shauna Niequist 10/10

17. Hiding in the Light by Rifqa Barry 10/10

18. I, Dred Scott: A Fictional Narrative about the Life of Dred Scott by Shelia Moses 9/10

19. Wishtree by Kathleen Applegate (with Clark) 8/10

20 through 23. The Boys Start the War series by Phylis Naylor Reynolds (with Paul) 8/10

24 through 26. The Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey (with Luke) 10/10

27. Davy Crocket by Janet Benge 9/10

28. I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron 6/10

29. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 9/10

30. Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund 7/10

31. What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey 10/10

32. Let’s Roll by Lisa Beamer 10/10

33. Daniel Boone by Janet and Geoff Benge

34. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 10/10

35. Parenting your Ninth Grader by Kristen Ivy and Reggie Joiner 10/10

36. Wit and Wisdom 8/10

37. Taste by Stanley Tucci 7/10

38. Waymaker: Finding the way to the life you’ve always wanted by Ann Voskamp 6/10

39. Allies by Alan Gratz 8/10

40. William Booth by Janet Benge 9/10

41. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver 9/10

42. Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri 10/10

43. Fostered by Tori Hope Peterson 10/10

44. Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan 8/10

45. Mental Toughness for Young Athletes by Troy Horne 7/10

46. A Burning in My Bones by Winn Collier 7/10

47. The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning 10/10

48. Douglas MacArthur by Janet Benge 10/10

49. Ronald Reagan by Janet Benge

50. Take Back Your Life by Levi Lusko

51. Personal History by Katharine Graham 10/10

52. You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy

53. On Writing by Stephen King

54. The Passion Translation – My father-in-law gifted this Bible to me, and I’ve been reading it throughout the year.

In the next post I will share my top ten favorites of 2022! In the meantime, you can check out my favorite books of 2021 by clicking here!

Please subscribe or Follow me on GoodReads for all my book reviews.

December 28, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

Our Family’s Top Ten Favorite Board and Card Games

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on Christmas to make it memorable. Get a game or two and PLAY together. Your kids will remember your PRESENCE more than your PRESENTS!

Teenagers may act like they aren’t interested at first, but if you set the game up and ask them to play “just one round,” many will do it.

There is SO MUCH VALUE in playing games with our kids. You learn together, laugh together, and just get to BE TOGETHER.

Here are our family’s favorite games:

1. Uno

Ages: 5 and up

This is a classic family game and we love it because you can play with multiple ages and multiple people.

2. Telestrations

Ages: 7 and up

This game makes us laugh so hard our stomachs hurt. It’s like Pictionary but every person has their own “book” instead of a board. It’s so fun to play with a group of 5-6 people.

3. Wit and Wagers

Age 6 and up

We love this game because you are learning fun facts and learning while having fun! This is a great family game for kids ages 6 and up.

We don’t play by the regular rules, here’s what we do:

one person asks a question from the card
every player puts an answer on their little board
every player puts their color circle on who they think has the best anser
the person who’s closest to the correct answer gets a “chip,”, If your guess is exactly right, you get two chips, and if you put your vote on a winning answer, you earn a chip

4. Rat-a-tat Cat

Ages 5 and up

I like this game because it’s small and easy to travel with. It’s also fun and easy to play.

5. War/Garbage/Spoons

There are so many game you can play with a simple deck of cards.

6. Sequence

Ages: 10 and up. Needs four players.

7. What do you Meme? (*Family Edition only!)

Ages: 6 and up

This game will have everyone cracking up. It’s similar to Apples to Apples (which is another fun game) but with PICTURES. You pick the best words to go with the “Meme.”

8. Spot it

Ages 3 and up

This is a fun and easy-to-play game for kids and adults of all ages. You just have to SPOT something matching on the card you are holding with the card on the top of the deck. If you are the first one to spot a match, you get the card. The person with the most cards wins!

9. Rummikub

Ages: 5 and up

This is a fun game to play with friends. Best with 4-6 players. You make a row of matching numbers or ordered numbered tiles.

10. No stress chess/Chess

Ages 5 and up

My boys learned how to play Chess with the No stress chess game. Now they can play the real game.

Honorable Mention:

Heads up app

This isn’t a board or card game, but is basically a ‘charades’ or guessing game you can download on your phone. It’s super handy if you have a long wait with your kids!

Does your family have a favorite board game? Leave a comment!

Here’s how to make simple Salt Dough Ornaments with kids.

Here are some easy Elf on the Shelf ideas.

December 10, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Book Review

Four Fantastic Books I Finished in November

Amazon is having a Buy 2 Get 1 free sale right now! Get one for yourself and a couple for Christmas gifts.

Take Back Your Life by Levi Lusko

Rating: 10/10

Review: This book is one of the best I’ve read all year and is PACKED with goodness. If you just read one book in the next 6 months – pick this one! Get it for someone you love too.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

Thoughts are like trains, they take you somewhere. Instead of stopping a thought, REPLACE it. You have to actively FEED the POSITIVE and STARVE the negative.

You will FEEL how you speak and FIND what you seek

Public victory comes from private discipline.

God loves the people in your life so much that He put YOU in their lives. He gave you a means to communicate with them so they could be better off because they encountered YOU!

Smile and you’ll eventually feel better. Your body doesn’t know why you are smiling but will respond.

Here is an interesting Ted Talk with more info on this:

Do yourself a favor and GET THIS BOOK!!

On Writing by Stephen King

Rating 8/10

Review: I like to read books by successful writers on how to be a better storyteller. This is part memoir and part advice. I found it interesting and helpful.

You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy

Rating: 10/10

Review: I read this book because I really want to improve my listening and communicating skills. The author does a great job in educating the reader on the art of listening and how necessary it is for life. This book encouraged me in HOW to be a better listener. I want to read this one again, there is a lot to learn and implement.

Ronald Reagan by Janet Benge

Rating: 9/10

Review: A very interesting biography about Ronald Reagan. I already liked this man – and this book reminded me why.

What have you been reading? Leave me a comment!

November 30, 2022 By Kathryn

2 In 2021/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

21 things to do at Mall of America – besides shop!

I’m not usually a mall fan. I’m one of those rare females that doesn’t love to shop. However, I do enjoy going to the Mall of America. Mostly because there is so much more than shopping. You never know what you will see or experience when you visit MOA.

Here are 21 different things to do:

1. Walk through a Tunnel of Sharks

Visit Minnesota’s largest aquarium. Click here for a peek at our visit and more details.

2. Get CREATIVE at Crayola

Click here for a peek inside.

3. Ride a roller coaster or take a spin around the Ferris wheel at Nickelodeon Universe

4. Eat good food

Donuts, cookies, chicken, mexican food, cream puffs, ice cream, sushi, steak, burritos, cupcakes, burgers and SO much more. If there’s a food you are craving, MOA will have it!

5. Have a min-bending experience at Museum of Illusions

6. People watch

Sit and enjoy watching all the people who visit.

Did you know more people visit Mall of America than Disney World?

7. Race a Go Kart

8. Throw an Ax

Photographs of Fair on 4 in Bloomington, MN. All images by The Restaurant Project Copyright 2022

9. Have a problem-solving adventure in an Escape room

Mall of America has the BEST Escape rooms around! My 15-year-old tried one for his birthday and absolutely LOVED IT! He did the Gold Rush but can’t wait to go back for the Prison Escape or another challenge.

10. Find your way through a Maze of Mirrors

My boys and I tried this and had fun!

11. Watch a movie at the family-owned B&B theatre

Join their free rewards program and you will have access to:

Treat Yourself Tuesday ($5.00 Tickets) and FREE small box of popcorn with the purchase of a movie ticket with the opportunity to upgrade to larger sizes for a discounted fee! Subject to any applicable premium upcharges and tax. Blackout dates apply
FREE same day refills on large popcorns and sodas
FREE #1 combo coupon on your birthday and more!

12. Attend one of the 400 free events every year

Celebrity meet-and-greet, fashion shows, and concerts around the mall.

13. FLY over America

This is one of our FAVORITE experiences at the mall – whether you are 6 or 60 – you will have so much fun ‘flying over’ the US and experiencing it in an entirely new way! Click here to read our story!

14. Battle it out in Minnesota’s largest Nerf Gun Arena

So much fun!

15. Have a weekly playdate

Every Tuesday there are free events for kids.

16. Get your steps in – Walk a full mile on each level!

17. Moose Mountain Mini Golf Adventure

An 18 hole miniature golf course that’s fun for the whole family.

18. Go “Behind the Scenes” for a 90 minute tour of how the “mall magic” happens

Click here for details.

19. Meet Santa (November and December only)

Click here to plan your Santa Experience.

20. Play with Legos

A visit to MOA is not complete without a stop at the Lego store.

21. Spend a night in one of the hotels attached to the mall!

What’s YOUR favorite thing to do at Mall of America? Leave a comment!

Want more ideas? Click here for my Minnesota Bucket List.

November 24, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Free stuff/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

A Cell Phone Contract and things to consider before (& after) giving your child a cell phone

Handing your kids a phone of their own is a big deal. You’re handing access to nearly everything in the world – the best and the worst. A phone can be helpful in many ways, and can be harmful in many other ways.

My recommendation is to hold your children off from getting a phone of their own as LONG as possible. The older and more mature they are before getting a device, the wiser they will be with their words and actions.

What your child posts online may be more permanent than their permanent record. What they watch online may have a permanent impact.
Parent Cue

5 questions to discuss before giving a child a phone:

1. What you post is public, even when you may think it’s private. It can be permanent. What are some examples of this?

2. Have you seen people say something online that they would not say to someone’s face? Why do you think that happens?

3. How are in-person relationships affected by devices for good or bad?

Examples for good: Connecting with family or friends who are far away.
Examples for bad: bullying or spending too much time on your phone and less time face-to-face

4. Who do you/would you like to follow online?

5. What rules do you think we need to put in place to keep you safe and monitor your time online?

Cell phone contract to review and sign together:

Parents, let your kids know from the beginning that you will be checking their phone periodically. This builds some accountability and may help them ’think twice’ about what they do on their phone. My son’s received texts that I’m so glad I saw. It has led to several teachable moments.
.

Also, I’d recommend your child charge their phone anywhere but their bedroom overnight. A middle school teacher told me:

If I could make a rule for all kids with phones, it would be to keep it out of their bedrooms at night. Kids are sleep-deprived because they’re on their phones past midnight on school nights and parents have no idea it’s happening,
Heidi Pitzenberg

What are your thoughts about children and cell phone use? Are there resources you use that help you navigate this new world?

Thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughts!

November 4, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Book Review

October 2022 Book Reviews and Recommendations

Daniel Boone by Janet and Geoff Benge

Rating: 10/10

Review: This was a fascinating story and history lesson about the great hunter and explorer, Daniel Boone. It gave interesting insight into what life was like in the 1700s. It made me grateful that I wasn’t born in that time, and also grateful for how hard our forefathers worked to pave an easier road for the rest of us! I recommend this to families taking a road trip. Great for ages 10 and up.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Rating: 10/10

Review: I was at a parent-teacher conference with my son’s reading teacher, and she had a sign posted of her favorite books of all time – and this one was on the list. I’m not sure why I’ve never read this classic book…but I glad I finally did. I was transported back in time 100 years and enjoyed Fitzgerald’s writing.

Parenting your Ninth Grader by Kristen Ivy and Reggie Joiner

Rating: 10/10

Review: This is more a journal than a typical book. The goal is to get you thinking and give you ideas about how to connect with and invest in your child. There’s a book for every age and grade level!

Wit and Wisdom

Rating: 8/10

Review: How weird am I that I read an entire book of quotes? Well, what can I say, I love a good quote. We will call this ‘research’ for future posts. 🙂

Here are just 3…

Wit, by itself, is of little account. It becomes of moment only when grounded on wisdom
Mark Twain

Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
James M. Barrie

In matters of style, swim with the current, in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
Thomas Jefferson

Allies by Alan Gratz

Rating 8/10

Review: I was excited to read this book with George. I have a great uncle who was a paratrooper on D-Day, and I wanted to read about what the experience may have been like for him. My only complaint about the book is that the author introduces so many characters that it’s a little hard to keep track of who’s who. Overall though, this book makes you feel like you are storming Normandy beach. The author captures the intensity of the day without being overly graphic. Great book for teens or those interested in D-Day or WW2.

October 31, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

Red Wing Travel Guide: Top 5 Things to Do!

Our family had the sweetest day in Red Wing, Minnesota and I wanted to share it with you in hopes that you would add this adorable town to your Bucket List.

Driving into Red Wing, we felt like we were back in Colorado. This historic town has a large bluff in the background, making it look and feel like a quaint mountain town.

Here are our top 5 favorite parts of the day:

1. Hanisch Bakery

First, start your day by fueling up at Hanisch Bakery. Hanisch has been voted the best bakery in Minnesota. Their food and pastries are made from scratch and absolutely divine. We purchased a loaf of cinnamon bread for $4 and my boys LOVED it! I was so happy with their coffee selection. They had about 10 to choose from – including my favorite flavor of all time – Highlander Grog!

2. Hike Barn Bluff

After fueling up, we hiked Barn Bluff. There are different trails with varying difficulty. We took the moderate path and it was just the right amount of exercise for four boys and their mom and dad.

It was a beautiful hike and you are rewarded with a beautiful view of the Mississippi River when you reach the top.

Fast fact: Poet and writer Henry David Thoreau hiked this bluff on his travels through Minnesota.

3. Downtown Shopping: Red Wing Shoes

After hiking, we explored a few shops in downtown Red Wing.

First the Duluth Trading company, then Red Wing Shoes.

A stop at Red Wing Shoes is a MUST when you first visit Red Wing. The store is half museum, half shoe store.

Fun Fact: There are painted boots around town. Make spotting boots a part of your adventure!

4. Visit Saint James Hotel

The Saint James Hotel is a great spot to explore, stay the night, and/or eat. We walked around to see the historic artifacts and visit the Ski Jump Museum.

Fun Fact: Red Wing was the Ski Jump Capital of the US

5. Eat good food!

We tried to eat at The Staghead – it had good ratings and was walking distance from the shops were were exploring, but they were understaffed and canceled our reservation. We jumped in the car and drove a mile down the road to Bayside Grill. My boys LOVED IT and said they served some of the best burgers they’d ever had!

Other spots to try? Scarlett Kitchen (at the Saint James Hotel), Red Wing Brewery and Rancho Loco.

Here’s a peek into our day:

Have you been to Red Wing? What would you recommend doing, seeing or eating next time?

Interested in reading more about Minnesota?

Click here for a Weekend Itinerary in Duluth, MN.

Click here to read my Minnesota Bucket List.

Click here to read 15 Fun Facts About Minnesota.

Click here to read the 20 gifts that Minnesota gave the world.

Thanks for reading! Please consider subscribing.

October 22, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In Family/ Inspiration/ Motherhood

‘Please pray, a truck just drove over Lily!’ – A Miracle Story

‘Please pray, a truck just drove over Lily!’

This was the text I received on a Friday afternoon from my sister, Krista, about her 4-year-old daughter.

After receiving that horrific text, I immediately called my sister. She did not answer. Her husband Nate did not answer. They were camping in Michigan and I didn’t know who else to call to find out what had happened and if my niece was alive.

I tried not to panic as I said a prayer for God to heal little Lily.

I asked for a miracle.

Krista finally called me back and said Lily was alive and they were in an ambulance, headed to the hospital. Lily wanted to talk to my son Luke.

I tearfully and happily handed the phone Luke.

Here is Lily’s story in Krista’s words:

It was a great day in South Haven. We had breakfast and enjoyed the morning together. Later, I had a bad headache so I laid down to try to sleep it off. While falling asleep, I dreamed of Lily being hit by a car (not normal for me to imagine anything traumatic). I prayed about it and fell asleep. I woke up and went for a run.

I came back to the kids playing and Lily chalk-coloring next to our camper.

I went inside to change clothes, leaving the door open. I looked out just in time to see a truck drive right over Lily. The front and back tires of an extended cab hauling truck drove over my daughter. The truck laid Lily flat – TWICE. It rolled over her head and back.

I screamed and was in shock. I couldn’t move. Nate (my husband, Lily’s dad) went running towards the kids. Nate did not know what happened until after he picked Lily up. She was spraying urine through her clothes.

I had to tell myself to keep it together, to think, to breathe, to be strong for Lily and my other kids. Lily asked me to sing the “Jesus” song.

I’m on the worship team at church and she attends practice with me. She has her own little microphone and hopes to play drums one day. The “Jesus” song is called Tremble, and is our favorite song. All she wanted was for me to sing that song.

Kate (Lily’s 11-year-old sister) laid hands on her and prayed. So simple, so powerful, our only hope.

It was hard keeping Lily awake through the ambulance ride to the children’s hospital (a 45-minute ride). We FaceTimed the people she wanted to see: Papa, grandma, Luke (her cousin), and eventually she asked to stop talking and just sing.

We arrived to a level 1 trauma children’s hospital. There were 20 people of all of different pediatric specialties in the room moving around quickly. A social worker was on me like honey in a hive. Once the social worker assessed Nate and I, she let the other kids in the ER room. She helped care for the kids, getting them snacks and settled. Jack (9-year-old brother) said she was the nicest lady he’d ever met. The social worker was so good with Lily, getting her excited about a blanket she would get to keep, that she would have breakfast in bed, and get special jammies.

While wheeling Lily to her room, Lily said “all the doctors are so nice.” There were lots of concerns over her, one being her bladder and bowels since she wet herself when the truck rolled over her. There was blood all over her vulva . She refused to use the bed pan or the portable potty . She was put on bed rest until morning when the pediatric orthopedic surgeon looked at her x-rays and injuries.

The next day, the pediatric orthopedic surgeon came in.

He said to Lily, “Where do you hurt?” She said so sweetly “I don’t really hurt anywhere”.

He said “Well, aren’t you super woman.” She giggled. Nate and I said,

‘She’s a miracle.”

He agreed.

They found one broken pelvic bone that would heal on its own. They gave her a walker and released us. The only medicine they gave her was a dose of Tylenol.

I had a burden to go back to camp as a family to hopefully close the door to fear and find the woman who ran over her and let her know Lily would be ok. I would never want to be in her shoes and I would personally have a hard time living with myself never knowing the end of the story.

Going back was hard, and healing. Seeing Lily’s chalk art drawings, the smashed chalk, reliving the horrible memories.

Thankfulness and gratitude gets me through. I don’t try and push them away, I let it come in waves. Knowing I get to hold her makes the healing salve of gratitude cover the horror and pain of memories and thoughts of what she endured.

That night, Lily slept great. She woke up and played monopoly with all of us (a game we started the day the truck drove over her).

She said, “I have no pain. I don’t even feel like I have a broken bone”.

I can’t tell you what a miracle this feels like when I saw the accident and see her bruises, tire marks across her shirt, road rash, and bruised swelling all through her back and spine.

When we got back to Indiana, Lily’s dance pictures were waiting for us in the mail. I reminded her she would be back dancing in no time! She fell asleep watching Dancing with the Stars with me and Kate.

Nate and I were taught in counseling to ask God where He was in traumatic times or wounding memories. Nate and I both prayed and we both had pictures and answers. I saw and heard God say:

“I was holding her head in the palm of my hands.”

Nate felt like God said:

“I was moving her out of the way.”

Lily is all smiles and says she has no pain, even though her body tells a different story.

Today when I asked her if she felt anything when the truck rolled over her. She looked at me and pointed to her head and said:

“I felt God here. It felt like feathers.”

I was in tears when she spoke these words. I pray Psalm 91 over my children.

Psalm 91 tells us..

“He will cover you with his feathers, under his wings you will take refuge.”

I’m grateful to God, the One who not only holds the world in His hands and moves mountains, but holds my daughters head and moves her little body.

Here’s our favorite song, Tremble:

Today Lily is seven years old. It’s been exactly 3 years since her accident. She dances, runs, smiles constantly, and brings joy to all who know her!

I share this story to reinforce a few things:

1. Pray scripture over your children.

Psalm 91 is a collection of verses that our family has prayed for generations. It specifically says, “He (God) will cover you with his feathers, under His wings you find protection.” God answers our prayers! It’s especially powerful to pray Scripture.

2. Sing songs of faith.

Find songs to sing with your family that will build your faith.

Below is a song called ‘Lily’s song’ – it was one of her favorites because it had her name. She would sing along to these words:

I will not die, I will live. I will tell of the works of the Lord and sing of his wonders.’

There is power in what we speak and what we sing!

Find your song. Your verse. Your declaration. (Click here for a declaration we use in our house.)

3. God still does miracles.

4. Choose faith over fear.

The Bible tells us that our days are appointed. We don’t have to live in fear of the future. God has a plan for your life and the lives of each of your children and His plan is GOOD.

“Your eyes saw my body even before it was formed. You (God) planned how many days I would live.”
Psalm 139:16

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank you for the miracle you performed for Lily and for the ones you perform in my life (and the lives of my children). Help me to trust you and not fear the future. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Psalm 91 – Insert your name and pray this for yourself and your family members. I challenge you to memorize it.

Psalm 91

¹Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a]
²I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

³Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
⁵You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
⁷A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
⁸You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

⁹If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
¹²they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

¹⁴“Because he^[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Thank you for reading this beautiful, miraculous story! I hope it encouraged you. Please share.

October 18, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ DIY/ Family/ Free stuff/ Games/ Memories/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Indoor and Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

My son Clark LOVES Scavenger hunts. But let’s be honest…who DOESN’T enjoy a fun hunt?

One year, my husband buried a treasure box in a forest, then created a treasure map for the boys to follow, find and DIG UP! (Best day ever! Best DAD ever!)

Another year, just as George was learning to spell, he created a scavenger hunt for his brother. He left kind and encouraging words for him to find around the house. (Best brother ever!)

For Clark’s 13th birthday, we gave him two hunts. One indoors (by himself) to find his birthday present, and one OUTSIDE with his friends. Both were a HIT so I wanted to share this idea with you!

Scavenger hunts work not only for a birthday, but also for Christmas, for a family night, or on any day you’re looking for something fun to do with your family. You could even have your kids create scavenger hunts for each other.

Here was Clark’s INDOOR birthday hunt:

(Thank you Pinterest and Google for helping me with these riddles)

Here is our OUTDOOR Hunt:

(Feel free to copy and paste to a word document, or print this and play!)

Good for kids 12 and up. Make sure each team has a phone/camera.

Scavenger hunt

Take a selfie of your entire team on the play set.

Take a picture of two people swinging.

Find the sidewalk chalk. Write an encouraging message on the sidewalk. (Ideas: You Matter. -or- You Got this! -or- Choose Joy) You will find the sidewalk chalk:

Find the secret message and write down what you see. Secret message is found:

Take a selfie with a dog or person out for a walk.

Trade a penny for something more valuable.

What is the mystery word written on our neighbor’s front door?

Find the little library and write down the name of one book.

Take a picture next to a fire hydrant.

Find leaves from 3 different trees and bring them back.

Take a picture of something red.

Take a photo of two of your team mates jumping in the air at the same time.

Take a picture of someone sitting on the park bench.

Take a picture of a house or mailbox with the number 2 on it.

Return home

Here are some ideas from my son’s 13th birthday:

Scrambled word = teenager

The boys loved the scavenger hunts!

What would you add or change? Leave me a comment.

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing!

Click here to read “How to Host an Amazing Backyard Birthday”

October 6, 2022 By Kathryn

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