Ted’s book is entitled “Conversations with a Billionaire.” His book is an amazing story on life and leadership (click here to read more about his book).
Till Kitchen has invited to come do a book signing at their beautiful coffee bar/restaurant. We’d love to meet you and sign a book for you and your children! PLUS, for every book you purchase, your name will go in a drawing to win a $40 gift card to this fabulous restaurant! (which is on my list of best places to eat in Colorado Springs!) Also, Till Kitchen has offered to give away a $50 gift card for “Tillivery” – their delicious meal delivery service!
Here are all the details:
What: Ted and Kathryn Egly’s book signing
When: Saturday, June 29th from 9-11AM
Where:The Roost Coffee Bar inside Till Kitchen – 9633 Prominent Point | Colorado Springs, CO 80924 | 719 282-8004
Why: Have a cup of hot coffee and a delicious pastry, meet your neighbors and local authors, purchase a book that we will sign with a personal message, and be entered to win a prize!
For each product you purchase, your name will go into a drawing for a $40 gift card to Till Kitchen OR a $50 gift card for Tillivery!
PS – If you mention the secret word “KathrynEgly.com,” you will get $2 off my book – making it only $8 for you! The is the best price you’ll find anywhere, ever!
Ted’s book is available for the low price of $12 – the best price you’ll see anywhere as well!
Hope to see you there!!!
UPDATE: Giveaway winners: Mary Kathryn S. ($40 gift card), Pam ($50 Tillivery)
2. Pamper her! A massage, facial, or manicure. Anything to make her feel pretty and relaxed!
Mom will love a SPA Day; a runner up would be a Spa Kit. I love bath bombs or a good bath scrub!
3. Hire someone to clean for her! This is such a treat for mom to get a break from cleaning. I have four boys and the messes never end. I LOVE having someone clean for me every once in a while!
4. Give Mom some time alone! Every Mother’s Day, my husband gives me a couple of hours just myself. To nap, read, slowly sip my coffee (while it’s still hot) and just relax. With four little boys, that is such a precious GIFT! Once my kids are older and out of the house, this one might change to “time with everyone together!” I get to enjoy that most days, so a quiet break is a gift to me.
5. Homemade gifts or cards. Sweet hand-made cards from my boys are some of my most treasured possessions!
Other options that mom should love:
A plant or fresh flowers:
A pressure cooker for a mom that likes to cook (I love mine):
There is parking all around the building that costs $0.75 an hour – so bring some change with you.
Walk inside and ENJOY the beauty of the marble lobby. You’ll also see an antique cash register that was used in 1912. You and your children can push the buttons to see how store owners collected money 100+ years ago!
One thing I love about the Pioneer Museum is that they change the displays on a regular basis. Every time I visit, I see and learn something new about Colorado Springs.
My first visit taught me all about the Waldo Canyon fires – with videos, pictures, and items on display donated by local residents.
Right now, the theme is “Colorado Springs from A to Z.”
The entry way … check out the antique elevator – SO FUN!
You learn something interesting about Colorado Springs with every letter of the alphabet. For example, A is for the Antlers Hotel. Pictures and artifacts from Colorado Springs FIRST hotel are on display.
Artifacts from Colorado Springs original hotel
Z is about Colorado’s first Zoo!
The room my children love most is on the main level – it’s a “Play Room” for kids. They have hands-on stations and toys that teach children about our city’s history. My boys set up shop, played on an Indian drum, road a horse, and played a game of checkers.
Paul playing at the Pioneer Museum
Luke loves the teepee
They also enjoy visiting the small gift shop. We bought them each a GEODE – rock that they could take home and break open to reveal beautiful crystals hidden inside.
Clark with a Geode – he couldn’t wait til we got home to crack it open
They also sell our book! Pick up a signed copy if you don’t already have one!
Another thing we all love at this Museum is the antique elevator that takes us up to the second floor.
On this level, you can walk through the original courtroom and imagine what it was like to be a judge, juror or lawyer 100 years ago.
The 2nd floor also has part of Helen Hunt Jackson‘s original home built into the museum.
You can view Indian artifacts and learn about the Indian heritage in Colorado Springs.
I won’t tell you about every exhibit, because you really must see and experience this place for yourself. If you’ve been, what do you love about this museum?
George getting into character in the photography room
It’s always a good week when Mom’s in town. She only comes to Colorado once a year, so we make the most of our time together when she’s here.
She flew in Tuesday night, and the first thing she got to do was babysit my kids!
WEDNESDAY
I work on Wednesdays and thankfully, she loves to spend time with her grandkids.
That night we went to New Life for the First Wednesday service. It was an incredible night of worship. We went with all four boys – thankfully it’s a relaxed family service, so they got to dance around with their friends. If you live in Colorado Springs, you’ve got to come! It’s the First Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM.
THURSDAY
Thursday morning Luke had preschool, so mom and I got to go our Mom’s group/Bible study. Up until now, my mom has only participated with the group online, so I loved getting to introduce her to so many of the ladies in person!
Thursday afternoon my mom kindly offered to pay for a pedicure while she watched the kids. (I’ve got a good mom!)
George decorating cookies with Grandma
I went to a salon close by that I’d never been to before. My pedicure was a little uncomfortable … at one point I felt a sharp stab in the corner of my toe. By that night, my toe was swollen.
FRIDAY
Friday my toe was still hurting but I got through the day by wearing comfy shoes. At church that night we baptized about 30 people. I love being a part of those special nights. Two of my sons were baptized a few months ago (I wrote about it here).
All the people getting baptized Friday night came up on the stage for prayer.
SATURDAY
We to the Pioneer Museum and then to LarkBurger for dinner. My mom agreed that their chicken sandwiches and fries are some of the best things she’s ever eaten!
That night, Ted stayed home with the boys and my mom and I went to see The Apostle Paul movie. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was a GREAT movie…I recommend you see it! It truly brings the Bible to life and I hope more movies like this are made! There are some frightening parts, so it’s probably best for children 12 and up.
Toe is still sore – wearing comfy shoes and limping.
MONDAY
The boys took the day off school to spend time with Grandma. We planned to visit Cave of the Winds, but Luke was up sick the night before, my mom wasn’t feeling good, and my foot was only getting worse, so we decided to stay closer to home and hike in the Garden of the Gods. That’s always an amazing place to visit.
Mom and Luke resting
That afternoon I decided to go back to the nail salon to show them my swelling toe and they told me it was an ingrown toe nail. They soaked it and then DUG at it with a knife. This is the toe that I didn’t want to touch because it was hurting so bad. The lady DUG at it with a knife. And she wouldn’t stop. She kept digging until she got a piece of my toenail free. It hurt so bad I just start crying right there in front of everyone. She squeezed it at the end and asked if it was better. “NO! You just dug at it with a knife – please stop SQUEEZING it!”
TUESDAY
Luke had preschool so mom, and I got to be Tourists in our Town. I got to show her all around town and drop copies of “Climb, Soar, Swim, Soar” off at Terra Verde and the Pioneer Museum who now have them available for sale! I’ll write about where we ate and what we did in a future post.
Mom and me time!
That night mom watched the boys so Ted and I could go to dinner.
WEDNESDAY
I had to take my mom to the airport. It’s so hard letting her leave because I’m not sure when I’ll see her again. Mom, I love you and visit again soon! Thank you for spending the week with us!
TOE UPDATE:
My toe continued to get worse. I should have gone to the doctor rather than back to the scene of the crime. The lady who was digging at my foot caused a serious infection. My entire foot got so swollen that I couldn’t wear shoes. It hurt to walk. I was putting everything on it to make it heal, but nothing worked so I finally went to the doctor and got antibiotics. The doctor said I could lose my toenail. What was supposed to be a nice, relaxing gesture from my mom – turned into two weeks of severe pain and possibly the loss of my toenail?! I’m not sure I’ll ever get another pedicure!? Have any of you ever had that happen? I have pictures, but they are really gross. If you want to see a picture – I am going to post some under my review of this nail salon here: YELP REVIEW. https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=GrsJ5Nir8YjXaNN91ZzTUg
Thanks for following along on week with mom! I’ll post out our DAY DOWNTOWN soon! Subscribe so you don’t miss a post.
We loved spending a week being “tourists in our own town” over Spring Break! This “staycation” was exactly what we needed. Time together, exploring our beautiful city. There are still SO many things on my bucket list to do an see around town, but we got to check a few things off the list.
We weren’t sure how our boys would do with all the walking and climbing, but they were TROOPERS! They enjoyed it and didn’t complain at all!
We walked through a mountain cave to an elevator which took us up to the Eagle’s Nest Landing – once you are on the landing, you get a spectacular view of the waterfall.
Next, we walked up 224 VERY steep stairs alongside the Falls. The boys did surprisingly well – I was in front and George actually asked me to “go faster!” (Ted carried Luke most of the way!) If you conquer all those steps, you are rewarded with a beautiful trail to explore.
We spent time exploring at the top before we came back down and watched the very large trout play in the pond.
After all this hiking, we were hungry and everyone wanted Larkburger for dinner. We all love this place, and I love that we can get sandwiches for $3 during Happy Hour!!
Tuesday
Being a member of the YMCA means that you get access to all the campuses around town… each place has something unique for families to enjoy. Today we spent a few hours at the Cottonwood Creek Rec Center. They have a wave pool, lazy river and huge slide – it’s like a smaller version of Great Wolf Lodge.
Wednesday
I went to work in the morning for a couple of meetings and to do some Easter preparations.
After work, we went to another YMCA – the Garden Ranch location – where they have Rock Climbing and Jumpy Castles for kids!
Clark rock climbing
Thursday
First – in honor of Easter – we quietly snuck outside to “egg” our neighbors before they woke up. Go here to read about that.
After that, we went to the Western Mining Museum. Our oldest son George, age 10, had been begging us to take him back here since his first visit a few weeks ago with his class on a field trip.
The boys loved “mining for gold” (aka “playing in mud”). They found some fun little gems and everything you find; you get to take home!
There are lots of machines and hands-on stations. I recommend taking the guided tour that happens twice a day. The tour guide explained how the machines were used and fired each one up so we could watch how they work. The Guide taught us a lot about the history of Colorado mining. Outside the museum, there are more machines to climb on and explore, plus tons of room to run and play.
Friday
In the morning, all four boys went to the dentist to get their teeth cleaned. I love our dentist’s office – they have a room with four chairs and all my boys can get their teeth cleaned at the SAME TIME! Can I tell you how much I love that?! It’s a pediatric dentist – so the lobby is well-equipped for kids, the staff are GREAT with kids. Since the boys all did well during their visit – they each earned a “token” which they redeemed for a small prize. There is even a playground as you exit the building!
That afternoon we enjoyed a couple of hours downtown. First we stopped at Story Coffee. It’s the cutest little coffee shop next to Acacia Park. And when I say little, I mean TINY…as in TINY house TINY. It’s not a place you’d sit and enjoy a private conversation or a board game. However, just outside the coffee shop is a park with tables. My latte was perfect and the baked goods we ordered were delicious.
After Ted and I loaded up on caffeine and the boys on sugar, the boys threw a football with Ted and played in the park.
That evening I went to New Life Church to serve in the children’s ministry during our incredible Good Friday Service.
contain endless opportunities for adventure and discovery
To end our week of “Touring our Town,” we had dinner at Phantom Canyon. This was a restaurant we visited during our first trip to Colorado Springs almost three years ago. The ambiance of this place is very cool – it’s in an old building downtown with large windows, tall ceilings and exposed ductwork. The staff is friendly and the restaurant has quality service. However, I wasn’t crazy about the menu. Lots of fried food. We ordered hamburgers and fries for the kids, which they enjoyed, but the hummus, soup and salad Ted and I shared were okay – but not something I’d care to order again. This place won’t go on my list of best restaurants in Colorado Springs.
Sunday
I arrived New Life church by 7:00 AM to prepare for the guests that would be arriving for the 8:00 AM service. Ted and the boys arrived later and we attended the 10:00 AM service together. I stayed to serve again for our third service. It was great day at New Life!
After church the boys enjoyed opening their Easter baskets and hunting for eggs in our backyard.
They had a second egg hunt to look for Resurrection Eggs. After the boys found all 12, we opened them one-by-one together and talked about the Easter story using the little items inside each egg. This was a fun activity, and you can probably find the eggs on clearance at Hobby Lobby and save them for next year. (That’s what I did last year!)
We enjoyed (and when I say enjoyed, I mean I couldn’t stop eating) a White Chocolate Raspberry Nothing Bundt Cake given to us by the Newman family. That cake is dangerous. It’s way too good!
That wraps up our week of adventure in Colorado Springs. We are grateful for time together as a family exploring our beautiful city! This was SO MUCH better week than last week!
If you don’t have a copy yet – a recommend you purchase my Colorado Springs Children’s book entitled – Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!
If you are thinking raw eggs, a mess, and upset homeowners – perhaps something you’ve participated in (shame on you!) …. You aren’t familiar with this new era of EGGING! This egging leaves no mess, wastes no eggs, and leave everyone SMILING!
This is how the Egly boys Egg-ed our neighbors:
They simply placed 12 plastic eggs on their front lawn and left a little door hanger on their door.
The note told our neighbors to find 12 eggs – 11 filled and 1 empty. The empty egg represents the empty tomb: Jesus is Risen!
My boys had fun filling the eggs, hiding them, secretly hanging the door hanger on our neighbor’s door, then watching through our windows to see when their friends discovered the surprise!
If you’d like to participate in this fun little Easter activity, it’s simple!
Gather 12 plastic eggs,
Fill 11 of them with treats or prizes and leave one empty,
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!
I grew up in a blended family of ten and one of my favorite holiday memories includes the year my dad took us to Goodwill to choose our Christmas gifts. We laughed at the hilarious choices our dad chose, and were overjoyed at some of the incredible treasures we uncovered. I honestly can’t remember most of the Christmas gifts I’ve received over the years, but I do remember the vintage Ralph Lauren cardigan I found at Goodwill that day.
Christmas can be special on any budget!
Christmas is NOT about how much you spend, it’s about spending time together.
Playing a game or crafting together can mean more than spending $100 on a present your child may not remember next year.
Another inexpensive idea is to give each person in your house a dollar (plus tax) and choose a gift for each other at the dollar store.
Want some creative and simple ways to put money BACK in your wallet?
Here are seven suggestions for you:
RAKUTEN– If you do ANY online shopping, you should use Rakuten. You earn cash back for shopping at nearly every online store! You will earn an automatic $10 for the first $25 online purchase you make...and hello, who can shop at Amazon without spending $25!
SHOPKICK – I earn free gift cards every month just by opening up this app when I walk into a store and scanning a few products. You can use your earned gift cards to purchase gifts.
SWAGBUCKS – I make about $25 each month by printing coupons, taking surveys, and use their search engine. This extra money is perfect for Holiday shopping!
I’ve purchased lots of gently used items for my boys over the years – scooters, toys, clothes and bikes.
You don’t have to pay FULL PRICE for Christmas gifts! A nice used scooter for $10 brings just as much JOY as a $50 new scooter.
Before you pay full price for an item, see if you can find it second-hand for a fraction of the cost.
For example – Legos, a basketball hoop, a wagon or outdoor play table are great gifts to buy second hand!
Sell items you know longer need. I read an article that said we all have about $2,000 worth of stuff in our homes that we could sell! Two thousand dollars would provide a very nice Christmas, with plenty leftover!
My mother-in-law has been clearing out her attic and making around $100 a week on items she no longer wants or needs with the Let Go and Offer Up apps!
BradsDeals.com – If you are in the market to buy a big ticket item that you don’t want to buy second hand (like a mattress), search Brad’s Deals to see where to find that item for the best price.
As a former teacher, children’s ministry director, child enthusiast and mother to 4 Adventurous Boys – I have spent the majority of my life ……….. PLAYING!!
I love finding EXCELLENT Toys and Gifts to stimulate and grow CHILDREN….plus… I do not like wasting money on toys that end up sitting on the shelf!
Using all of my experience, I’ve compiled a guide of the top 10 CHILD and PARENT approved gifts for Children ages 1-10. PLUS – a bonus TEACHER GIFT GUIDE!
Coolest idea ever RIGHT? …Ok well, one of the coolest ideas ever.
This guide will be your BEST FRIEND ( ok COFFEE is your best friend ) during the holidays!!!
We can all use LESS STRESS during the holidays RIGHT … It will Cost YOU ONLY 3 bucks!! … that’s less than a Starbucks latte ( NO BIG DEAL …) A 3 dollar DE-STRESSOR …YESSSS PLEASE!!
Think of the TIME and HASSLE this book will save you during the holidays …and it will be in your hand about 90 seconds after you:
A. Find 3 DOLLARS … Dang that’s cheap … should I raise the price?
Thanks for letting me de-stress your holidays!! Buy the Book Now! … Make a cup of coffee …. sit back and Get that Shopping DONE ….BOOM.
PS…. Hey My 4 Boys ( George Clark Paul and Luke ) say thanks for spending the 3 BUCKS! They a get a cut and purchase and purchase one of the toys from this handy guide!!!
