0 In 2024/ Christmas/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Motherhood/ Parent Tip/ Raising boys

Finding Peace & Joy in the Chaos of the Christmas Season

🎄 Finding Peace and Joy in the Chaos of the Christmas Season🎄

The holidays are meant to be the happiest time of the year, but for many, they can feel like the most stressful time of the year. Extra to-dos, packed schedules, and high expectations can leave us overwhelmed and far from the peace we hope to experience.

We decorate our homes with pillows and ornaments that say “Love,” “Joy,” and “Peace,” yet that is NOT what we are feeling. Why? Because in the crazy, we forget all self-care. We skimp on sleep, skip exercise, and don’t drink enough water—all while trying to “do it all.”

But what if this year could be different?

Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom suggests a simple approach: list all the holiday traditions and activities you think need to happen, then let each child choose just one. Focus on those, and let the rest go.

List all the holiday traditions and activities you think need to happen, then let each child choose just one. Focus on those, and let the rest go.

At our house, we’ve made similar adjustments. When my kids were little, we put up a tiny tree on a table to make decorating manageable. I rarely bake Christmas cookies because I know I’ll just eat them all. And we don’t overdo gifts.

Little George and Clark — 3 year old George and 1 year old Clark

Instead, we focus on simple traditions like:

Decorating the tree and sharing stories about our favorite ornaments
Driving around to see Christmas lights
Watching Christmas movies
Reading Christmas stories (and THE Christmas story)
Listening to Christmas music

Hanging new ornaments they received for Christmas

These are the moments our kids remember—not the perfectly decorated house or an endless stack of gifts. What they really want is a peaceful, present mom who enjoys the season with them.

What our kids want is a a peaceful, present mom who enjoys the season with them.

When you feel stress creeping in, turn to Jesus. He’s your strength and peace. Time with Him isn’t just another thing to add to your list; it’s the thing that makes everything else better. He can calm your heart, help you prioritize, and multiply your time in ways you never imagined.

The peace, love, and joy we see on those Christmas decorations aren’t just words—they’re promises. Take a moment to stop, breathe, and ask Jesus to fill your heart. Let His love guide your season and remind you of what truly matters.

This year, may you embrace a holiday filled with peace, love, and joy—the kind that comes not from doing more but from being present in the moments that count.

My Challenge for YOU:

As you prepare for this holiday season, ask yourself: What is one thing I can let go of to create more peace in my home?

Let it go, and replace it with something that brings true joy—whether it’s quiet time with Jesus, a relaxed evening with family, or simply resting.

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing!

Click here for tips on a big Christmas with a small budget.

December 8, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Parent Tip

The ABCs of Gratitude

As the new school year begins, it’s the perfect time to help kids develop a positive mindset that will carry them through the year ahead. One fun and simple way to do this is by practicing mindfulness and gratitude together. These practices can help kids feel more grounded, calm, and ready to tackle whatever comes their way.

The ABCs of Gratitude—an activity designed to help kids focus on the good things in their lives. It’s an easy, creative exercise that encourages them to think about what they’re thankful for, one letter at a time.

How to do the ABCs of Gratitude:

Gather Supplies: Grab some paper, colorful markers or crayons, and find a comfortable spot to sit together.
Write the Alphabet: Write the alphabet on a sheet of paper. Then, work together (or have your child work independently) and think of things you are grateful for that starts with each letter. Encourage your child to think about their school, friends, family, or favorite activities.
Reflect and Share: As you go through each letter, ask your child why they’re grateful for that particular thing. This helps them connect more deeply with their feelings of gratitude. It’s also a great opportunity to share your own thoughts!
Decorate the List: Let your child decorate their ABCs of Gratitude list with drawings, stickers, or doodles. This makes the activity even more fun and gives them a keepsake to look back on during the school year.
Make this a tradition: Create a new list at the beginning of each school year to see how your child grows and develops in their writing and gratitude.

Here’s an example to get you started:

A: Art class
B: Best friends
C: Class pets
D: Dinner with family
E: Early mornings with mom

And so on…

This activity is a wonderful way to focus on the GOOD in your life. It encourages you to slow down, appreciate the little things, and find joy in the present moment.

Why This Activity Matters:

As kids head back to school, they can feel a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, or even a little anxiety. Practicing gratitude helps them focus on the positive aspects of their school experience and builds resilience. It’s a wonderful way to start the school year on a positive note, appreciating the little things that make life special.

This activity can also be a great conversation starter at the dinner table or a calming bedtime ritual. By regularly practicing the ABCs of Gratitude, kids can develop a habit of mindfulness that will serve them well throughout the school year.

The ABCs of Gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to set a positive tone for the year ahead!

Click here for the Thanksgiving version of the ABCs.

Click here for FIVE tips to Start the School Year Strong!

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing.

August 23, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In Inspiration/ Joy

50 Simple Ways to Find Joy (& Delight) in the New Year

If you’re anything like me, finding joy in January might be a struggle. The holiday cheer is gone, the thermometer has plummeted, and it’s a daily struggle to peel ourselves from the cozy cocoon of blankets. But fear not! Amidst the frosty gloom, JOY can still be found. I am your joy detective, here to uncover the gems that winter has in store for us. Let the January joy hunt begin!

You must arrange your day so that you experience deep contentment, joy and confidence in your everyday life with God.
– Dallas Willard

Here are 50 little things that can bring BIG joy:

A hot beverage on a cold morning
The first bite of something delicious
Relaxing after hard work
Laughter
Taking a walk in nature and breathing in the fresh, cold air
Listening to a great song
Thinking “I’ve done good work today!”
Spending time with people you love
Saving money
Prayer / Thinking about God
Singing along to a song you love
Watching kids play (or playing with them!)
Petting a dog
Reflecting on a happy memory
Completing something I feel good about
Giving time to something that’s important to you
Smelling a candle or warm soup
Watching my team win
Listening to a funny comedian
Giving (or receiving) a compliment
Learning something new
Watching a sunrise or sunset
Looking at the moon or stars
Finding something you needed to buy, on sale
Selling something
Social networking
Playing in the snow
Soaking in a tub or sauna
Catching up with an old friend
A great find at a thrift store
Getting a card or letter in the mail
Someone smiling at you
Driving and getting all the green lights
Feeling inspired by something you read or hear
Making a gratitude list
Wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket
Dressing up and looking good
Dressing ‘down’ and feeling good
Making cookies and sharing them
A simmering pot of homemade soup
Playing a game with family or friends
Watching birds eat from a bird feeder
Putting your cold feet into warm socks or soft slippers
Crawling into bed after a busy day
Getting a good night’s sleep
Giving or receiving good news
Taking a deep breath
Putting something on your calendar that you are excited about
Forgiving or being forgiven
Feeling LOVED

I hope this list sparked JOY and made you smile.

May 2024 be the year of JOY as you SLOW DOWN and pay attention to the small pleasures of life, and truly savor them.

Two things I would add to my personal list:

51. New subscribers! Please consider subscribing if you haven’t already.

52. Receiving an email or comment from a reader about how something impacted them.

What would you add to the JOY list? Please leave a comment by clicking that little box next to the title.

January 18, 2024 By Kathryn

4 In 2023/ Faith/ Family/ Finding our place/ Inspiration/ Joy

6 Lessons I Learned in 2023

When I was planning this post, I really wanted to write ’23 things I learned in ’23.’ That was taking too long to write and some you wouldn’t care about anyway. (I mean, do you really want to know what apps I learned to use to help me connect with my child’s school?) I decided to SCALE back and focus on what I learned that impacted my life in a positive way, and might be useful for you too.

Lessons I learned in 2023:

1. Smile when things are hard. It makes it easier!

On a psychological level, smiling can trick your mind into perceiving the difficulty as more manageable. The act of smiling is known to release endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that contribute to an improved mood and reduced stress levels. P.S. Try it during a test, when you are angry or when working out. Read more here.

2. Make space for QUIET.

Quiet allows your mind to process what you are thinking and feeling. It moves out some of the ‘sludge’ from constant noise and busyness. It also opens up time for prayer and reflection. Being quiet allowed me to be more ‘present’ – to God, to myself, and to others.

“The noise of the modern world makes us deaf to the voice of God, drowning out the one input we need most.”
– John Mark Comer

3. Do ONE thing at a time.

I’m a serial mulit-tasker. In 2023, I learned that doing ONE thing at a time was more effective than doing multiple things poorly.

4. Slow down and pay attention to what is happening in the moment.

All the best stuff happens in the present and I don’t want to miss all the little moments of JOY.

5. Less input leads to better output.

In 2023 I learned that reducing the amount of input enhances the quality of output. Previously, I would consume up to 60 books a year and listen to countless podcasts. However, in 2023, I deliberately scaled back. This shift has allowed me the time to process and apply what I’ve learned. Creating this mental space has not only fueled my ideas, but also increased my motivation for writing, speaking, and teaching.

6. Change might seem too big and too hard, do it anyway.

When we began talking about moving to a different house, I was hesistant. I didn’t want to leave my comfort zone, the work involved with moving seemed overwhelming, and I was distraught over leaving our wonderful neighborhood. After lots of discussion, prayer and planning – we sold our house and bought another. The change turned out to be exactly what we needed. It was a LOT of work. It was really heard to say goodbye to our amazing neighbors, but the change was exactly what we needed for our family. And, it didn’t just take me out of my comfort zone, it EXPANDED my comfort zone. We’ve met so many new friends, while staying connected to our old ones. It made me (and all of us) a little more adaptable to different situations. Embracing change, though challenging, proved worthwhile.

Those were a handful of the many lessons I learned in 2023. Which of these should you practice in 2024?

What did you learn in 2023? Leave a comment by clicking on that little text box by the title of this post!

Thanks for reading and subscribing.

January 8, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In Family/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Raising boys

15 BiG Benefits of a Simple Smile!

Smiling offers a wide range of physical, psychological, and social benefits. Here are 15 benefits of lifting those cheeks and showing the world your smile:

1. Improved Mood: Smiling can trigger the “feel-good” hormones, which can instantly boost your mood.

Our joy causes us to SMILE, but did you know that smiling actually causes you to feel more joy?! You can’t smile on the outside without feeling better on the inside.

2. Stress Reduction/Mental Health: Smiling, even when you don’t initially feel like it, can lower stress levels by reducing the release of cortisol, a stress hormone.

3. Pain Relief: Endorphins released through smiling can act as natural painkillers.

4. Better Health: A positive outlook and reduced stress can strengthen the immune system, making you more resilient to illnesses.

5. Better Relationships: Smiling is a universal sign of friendliness and approachability. It can improve relationships.

6. Makes you Prettier/More Handsome: People tend to find those who smile more attractive and likable.

7. Better Communication: A smile conveys warmth and connection, making you a more effective and engaging communicator.

8. Longevity: Research suggests that people with a positive outlook, often marked by smiling, tend to live longer and experience better overall health.

9. Conflict Resolution: When faced with conflicts, approaching the situation with a smile can make it easier to find common ground.

Peace begins with a smile.
-Mother Teresa

10. Better Decision-Making: A positive mood from smiling can lead to more optimistic and rational decision-making.

11. Heart Health: Smiling may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart-related conditions.

12. Enhanced Memory: A positive mood induced by smiling can improve memory retention and recall.

13. Snowball Effect: Your smile can have a contagious effect, brightening the mood of those around you. Smile first!

14. Improved Confidence: Regular smiling can boost self-esteem and self-confidence, leading to a more positive self-image.

15. Promotion of Well-Being: Overall, the act of smiling contributes to a sense of well-being and a more optimistic outlook on life.

I hope you have a BIG SMILE on your face after reading these 15 amazing benefits!

Click here to read more how a SMILE impacts MOTHERHOOD!

Click here to read more Family Tips:

Family Tip #1 – Model Gratitude

Family Tip #2 – Play

Family Tip #4 – Teach your children how to introduce themselves

Family Tip #5 – Don’t Compare yourself with others

November 4, 2023 By Kathryn

2 In 2023/ Inspiration/ Joy

Finding JOY with your 5 senses

New research shows that finding and savoring little moments of joy could be a way of cultivating a good, meaningful life.

Here are 25 simple ways to find joy using each of your 5 senses.

Sight:

Watch a sunrise or sunset.
Look at pictures of loved ones.
Gaze at the fish in a fishtank.
Watch a puppy play (or puppy video).
Observe water – a pond, a lake, the ocean.
Watch the clouds.

Sound:

Take a walk and listen to the sounds in nature.
Listen to someone laughing.
Listen to a good podcast or audiobook.
Listen to good music

Taste:

Sipping your favorite drink.
Cold water on a hot day.
Savoring a delicious dessert.
Enjoying a great dinner.
Trying something sour or spicy.

Touch:

Getting a hug from someone you love.
Wrapping yourself in a soft blanket
Taking a warm bath or shower.
Applying chapstick to dry lips.
Putting on some comfy clothes.

Smell

Pop popcorn.
Bake cookies.
Burn your favorite candle.
Sniff of a lovely perfume or oil.
Brew coffee.

Which of these brings you joy? What would you add? Please leave a comment!

Want more on this topic?

Click here for 7 tips for more joy

May 30, 2023 By Kathryn

0 In 2023/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Motherhood

Humorous and Heartwarming Mother’s Day Quotes to Brighten Your Day

It is very important that children learn from their fathers and mothers how to love one another – not from school, but from you. It is very important that you share with your children the joy of that smile. There will be misunderstandings, every family has its cross, its suffering. Always be there first to forgive with a smile. Be cheerful, be happy.
Mother Teresa

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

When raising children, it’s best to spend on them half as much money and twice as much time.
– Dear Abby (Abigail Van Buren)

Before I got married I had many theories about bringing up children. Now I have many children and no theories.
John Wilmot

Mama, where you are weak, He is strong!

There was. time when we expected nothing of our children but obedience, as opposed to the present, when we expect everything of them but obedience.
– Anatole Broyard

We spend the first 12 months of our children’s lives teaching them to walk and talk, and the next 12 years telling them to sit down and shut up.
– Phyllis Diller

Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.
– James Bladwin

Outings are so much more fun when we can savor them through the children’s eyes.
– Lawn Blackwell

We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.
– Fanlkin D Rossevelt

Your children need your presence more than your presents.
– Jesse Jackson

If you want your children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.
– Abigail Van Buren

Even as the cell is the unit of the organic body, so the family is the unity of society.
– Ruth Nanda Anshen

A good home must be made, not bought.
– Joyce Maynard

In the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, and look around you.
– Leo Tolstoy

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us, what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.
– Albert Pike

If you send out good people into the world, you know you’ve done something good.
– Carl Reiner

“…The Mother is the one supreme asset of the national life. She is more imoprtant, by far, than the successful statesman, or businessman, or artist , or scientist.”
Theodore Roosevelt

Happy Mother’s Day!

Want more on motherhood? Check out these posts:

The Terrible, Horrible, No Good Mother’s Day

12 Verses to Break Fear and Build Faith

Empowering Advice For Moms

8 Habits that Lead to a Strong, Healthy Life

Living God-Propelled Vs. Self-Propelled

Raising Children who Bring Love, Peace, and Joy into the World

Finding Joy in the Mess of Motherhood

May 8, 2023 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Christmas/ Family/ Food/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Winter Edition

Christmas lights, music, & cards

Thanks to every single person who took the effort to put up Christmas lights this year or send out cards. It definitely brought Christmas JOY to our family.

The new Hawkeye series on Disney Plus

When Ted asked me to come watch Hawkeye with him and the boys, I brought a book to read. I’m not really in to the “Hawkeye” character, and didn’t want to watch this new show, but I did want to hang with the boys while they watched it.

Little did I know how much we would ALL enjoy it. The storyline was so engaging and the characters were endearing. We just finished the final episode on Disney. I said to Ted. ‘Let’s watch that series again’ (I never say that. It was truly THAT GOOD)!

Good and Gather Kettle Chips and Everything Dip

If you are near a Target – get THESE CHIPS and THIS DIP. Thank me later.

The Heads Up app

In The Wild sticker book

This sticker book that makes the most beautiful creations. It’s fun for kids ages 6-10 (and their moms).

Lactaid Egg Nog

Fun fact: I never tasted Egg Nog until college. Since then, I’ve tried lots of different flavors, and this one is my favorite. Have you tried it?

The Fa La Latte from Caribou

The Fa La Latte is an egg nog latte. It’s SO good. I’m making the most of the season with all this EGG NOG, and making up for lost time I suppose?!

Luke’s drawing

I read the Christmas story from Luke 2, and asked Paul and Luke to draw what they thought the story looked like. I’m saving this one!

Wrigley in the snow

Wrigley is a kid in a candy store when there is fresh snow on the ground. I can hear him thinking: BEST DAY EVER!!!

This miraculous e-collar

Wrigley is the SWEETEST DOG. However, when he’s outside and not on his leash, he doesn’t always come back when you call him. If he’s not done playing, he will run AWAY from you when he sees you coming toward him.

This became a HUGE problem two times in December. Once when I had to go to work and couldn’t get him inside. Another time when he ran onto the pond and we weren’t sure if it was thick enough to hold him. Paul was a wreck thinking his dog might go through the ice and there was nothing we could do.

Enter the world’s best invention. A collar that beeps, vibrates or shocks. (We don’t use the shock)

The very first time I gave Wrigley a gentle vibrate and beep and said “COME,” he immediately came and sat next to me. I was shocked and overjoyed how well it worked then, and how will it continues to work. I only needed to use the vibrate twice, and now he obeys when he just hears the BEEP!

This device is usually $50, but they are currently 20% off. This was the best $40 I ever spent.

YouTube videos the whole family can enjoy

https://youtu.be/-N8860D2ITY

There are so many ANNOYING YouTube Channels. However, there are a handful that we can all enjoy together.

Mark Rober – a former Nasa scientist who makes entertaining videos by creating gadgets and fun experiments.
Dude Perfect – a group of guys that met at church and now make trick shot videos and a ‘game show’ called Overtime.
Fantastic 2 – I can’t NOT mention the channel my son’s created. 🙂

The Love of a Dog

Sweet Wrigs loving on Paul when he was sick

Click here to read the story of how we got our dog.

And most of all…spending time with my family!

Thanks for reading! Happy New Year to each of you.

December 26, 2021 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Faith/ Family/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Minnesota/ Raising boys

Our Focus Determines Our Feelings

Do you want to have a better day? Then let me ask you a question: What do you see when you look at this image?

Did you say a black dot?

You’d be right.

HOWEVER, do you notice anything else besides the black dot?

If you thought: “white space,” then you’d be right again! There is actually more WHITE space than black.

Very few people point out the WHITE space. It takes a little more effort to even notice it.

Let’s say this dark spot represents the problems in our world. The white space is the GOOD stuff happening. There is ALWAYS good stuff, we just tend to overlook it. The black dot GRABS out attention. It’s EASIER to notice, and it’s TALKED about more!

If you watch or read the news, the focus is almost exclusively on the ‘black dot.’

We need to PAY attention to what we are PAYING Attention to!

We can’t control the negativity in the world. We can’t prevent the ‘black dot.’ We CAN control what we watch, what we listen to, what we talk about, and what we FOCUS on!

What we FOCUS ON determines how we FEEL!!!!!

Let me say that again in a different way…

Our focus determines our feelings

A couple of months ago I told my boys we were going to the arboretum. In typical kid fashion, they were like

“The arboretum…to look at trees? Mom, that’s BORING!”

So I turned it into a game. I let them bring their school iPads and I said: “Whoever takes the best picture, gets $1.”

Suddenly, their attitudes changed. It was a competition! They had a goal. They had something to focus on.

Look at these incredible pictures and the beauty they found that day:

Paul was on the hunt for flowers and found some!

We got home and my boys proudly showed their dad the pictures they captured. My husband pointed out that our boys would have missed this beauty if they weren’t on the lookout for it.

They FOUND beauty because the LOOKED for it!

You FIND what you LOOK FOR!

Beauty and goodness aren’t hard to find, they are just overlooked.

What’s wrong is ALWAYS available, but so is what’s right. We find what we look for.

Change your FOCUS because: Your FOCUS determines your feelings!

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing.

Click here to see more pictures and read about our day at the Arboretum.

Here’s the YouTube version of what I wrote above:

Please share this post with whomever might benefit from it.

July 22, 2021 By Kathryn

2 In 2020/ Christmas/ Joy/ Memories/ Raising boys

The Story of Wrigley: Our Goldendoodle!

Hello Friends! Meet Wrigley, our first dog!

It was a long journey to get here … our oldest three boys started asking for a dog since, well, they could say the word “DOG!”

I was NOT excited about having a dog. I had a hard enough time keeping up with our boys, I didn’t want another thing to take care of!

However, this quote resonated with me….

“Every boy should have two things: a dog and a mother who lets him have one.”
― Robert Benchley

In 2013, we told George and Clark that when Paul was potty-trained, we’d get a dog! They were overjoyed. However…

Just as Paul was potty-trained, I found out I was pregnant. So, they boys got a BROTHER instead of a dog. Thankfully, they were okay with that … for a while.

Every subsequent Christmas and birthday – the number one requested item was: A DOG.

In 2020…we finally decided it was time. And you all know why. This year we were all stuck at home with plenty of time on our hands!

We got serious about looking for a Goldendoodle. However, I didn’t realize how expensive they could be. I was NOT going to pay what most people were asking.

I told the boys that if we were going to get a dog, we would have to find the right one, for the right price.

So the boys started praying. They asked God for a golden doodle dog for a ‘good price.’

I also saw Clark googling:

“Goldendoodles for less than one thousand dollars.”

For several months, we couldn’t find one. But then…we went for a visit to Tulsa.

Randomly at dinner, I told a friend that we were searching for a golden doodle, but could not find one for a decent price. This friend gave me the number of a local breeder who sells them for a very reasonable price.

There was MORE great news:

I knew the breeder’s family! I had worked with her brother-in-law in Colorado Springs!
I had friends with her dogs.
She had a litter recently born and they’d be available the same week that my in-laws would be visiting us in Minnesota!

Where did we find her?

RJB Doodles in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Ted and I SECRETLY went to meet the puppies and of course, we fell in love. It’s hard to meet a puppy and not BUY a puppy!

This was finally the right breeder, the right dog, at the right time and the right price!!!

We bought one.

However…it was a secret. We would surprise the boys the week before Christmas!

When the puppy was ready, Papa and Nana picked him up and and drove him from Tulsa all the way to our home in Minnesota.

The Big Puppy Surprise:

When they were just a few minutes away, I took the boys upstairs. I told them we had to hang out in my room for a little while because dad had to work on something for Christmas.

While we were upstairs, Ted greeted Nana and Papa at the door and let them in. They put the crate in front of the Christmas tree, they put the puppy in the crate, and a blanket over the crate. Nana and Papa stood in front of the crate, blocking it from view.