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0 In Inspiration/ Joy

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

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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!

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

– Dallas Willard

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Here are 50 little things that can bring BIG joy:

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  1. A hot beverage on a cold morning
  2. The first bite of something delicious
  3. Relaxing after hard work
  4. Laughter
  5. Taking a walk in nature and breathing in the fresh, cold air
  6. Listening to a great song
  7. Thinking “I’ve done good work today!”
  8. Spending time with people you love
  9. Saving money
  10. Prayer / Thinking about God
  11. Singing along to a song you love
  12. Watching kids play (or playing with them!)
  13. Petting a dog
  14. Reflecting on a happy memory
  15. Completing something I feel good about
  16. Giving time to something that’s important to you
  17. Smelling a candle or warm soup
  18. Watching my team win
  19. Listening to a funny comedian
  20. Giving (or receiving) a compliment
  21. Learning something new
  22. Watching a sunrise or sunset
  23. Looking at the moon or stars
  24. Finding something you needed to buy, on sale
  25. Selling something
  26. Social networking
  27. Playing in the snow
  28. Soaking in a tub or sauna
  29. Catching up with an old friend
  30. A great find at a thrift store
  31. Getting a card or letter in the mail
  32. Someone smiling at you
  33. Driving and getting all the green lights
  34. Feeling inspired by something you read or hear
  35. Making a gratitude list
  36. Wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket
  37. Dressing up and looking good
  38. Dressing ‘down’ and feeling good
  39. Making cookies and sharing them
  40. A simmering pot of homemade soup
  41. Playing a game with family or friends
  42. Watching birds eat from a bird feeder
  43. Putting your cold feet into warm socks or soft slippers
  44. Crawling into bed after a busy day
  45. Getting a good night’s sleep
  46. Giving or receiving good news
  47. Taking a deep breath
  48. Putting something on your calendar that you are excited about
  49. Forgiving or being forgiven
  50. Feeling LOVED

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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.

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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.

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

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

6 Lessons I Learned in 2023

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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.

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Lessons I learned in 2023:

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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Thanks for reading and subscribing.

0 In Family/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Raising boys

15 BiG Benefits of a Simple Smile!

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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:

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

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Peace begins with a smile.

-Mother Teresa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

2 In 2023/ Inspiration/ Joy

Finding JOY with your 5 senses

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

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

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The gorgeous sunset

Sight:

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

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Sound:

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

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Free Starbucks

Taste:

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

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Touch:

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

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Smell

  1. Pop popcorn.
  2. Bake cookies.
  3. Burn your favorite candle.
  4. Sniff of a lovely perfume or oil.
  5. Brew coffee.

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

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Want more on this topic?

Click here for 7 tips for more joy

0 In 2023/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Motherhood

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

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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

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

– Thomas Jefferson

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When raising children, it’s best to spend on them half as much money and twice as much time.

– Dear Abby (Abigail Van Buren)

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

John Wilmot

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Mama, where you are weak, He is strong!

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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

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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

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

– James Bladwin

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

– Lawn Blackwell

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We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.

– Fanlkin D Rossevelt

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Your children need your presence more than your presents.

– Jesse Jackson

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

– Abigail Van Buren

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parenting quote

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Even as the cell is the unit of the organic body, so the family is the unity of society.

– Ruth Nanda Anshen

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A good home must be made, not bought.

– Joyce Maynard

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

– Leo Tolstoy

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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

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

– Carl Reiner

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“…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

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Happy Mother’s Day!

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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

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

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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.

My favorite tree!
And this house!

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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)!

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Good and Gather Kettle Chips and Everything Dip

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

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The Heads Up app

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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).

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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?

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The Fa La Latte from Caribou

It’s an egg nog latte

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?!

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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!

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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!!!

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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.

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YouTube videos the whole family can enjoy

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

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

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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.

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And most of all…spending time with my family!

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

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:

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.

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.

Family Photo

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:

  1. I knew the breeder’s family! I had worked with her brother-in-law in Colorado Springs!
  2. I had friends with her dogs.
  3. 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.

Then…Ted came upstairs, knocked on my door, told the boys he was ready…and they came downstairs.

The boys were SOO excited to see their Nana and Papa.

Then, Nana and Papa moved to show the crate. They removed the blanket and showed them the REAL surprise – their PUPPY!

They exclaimed this as the BEST DAY EVER!!!!!!!!

The Best Christmas ever!

The best dog ever!

The best parents ever!

The best nana and papa ever!

They were thrilled and oh, what a memory!

Wrigley and the family

Why the name?

All the men in our family have a “W” in their middle names…so we wanted our dog’s name to start with a W.

We chose “Wrigley” because the boys were born in the Chicago area and we are Cubs fans. The Cubs play in ‘Wrigley’ field.

Welcome to our family Wrigley!

Here’s the video of the boys surprised with a new dog:

Thanks for reading! Merry Christmas everyone!

0 In 2020/ Christmas/ Free stuff/ Inspiration/ Joy

Elf on the Shelf: Kindness Edition

This year, I’m having our Elf encourage my kids to show KINDNESS. Couldn’t we all benefit from a little more Kindness?

Here are TWO WEEKS worth of ideas to use in your home.

Each of these can be written on a card beside your elf, or use a dry erase marker and leave their daily ‘kindness’ task on the mirror in the bathroom or on a window.

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Day 1: Smiling’s my Favorite. Your mission: Smile at every person you see today!

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Day 2: Make a card for your school bus driver, garbage man, or someone who serves you.

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Day 3: Hold the door for people behind you today.

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Day 4: Help your sibling do their chores today.

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Day 5: Write a note or draw a picture for your grandparents and/or for someone in a nursing home.

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Day 6: Leave a treat in the mailbox for your mail carrier.

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Day 7: Put one of your coins in the Salvation Army bucket.

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Day 8: Leave a treat or gift at your neighbors door.

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Day 9: Go through your toys and donate one to charity.

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Day 10: Write a note of thanks to your parents or teacher.

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Day 11: Make someone laugh today.

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Day 12: Do something helpful WITHOUT being asked.

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Day 13: Clean up a mess you DIDN’T make.

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Day 14: Say something kind to each of your siblings today.

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Happy Holidays! May these will bring a little more joy to your Christmas season.

Click here to read other simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Do you have a kindness idea? Leave a comment!

3 In 2020/ Games/ Joy

30 Wintertime Activities for Quarantined Kids (Part 1)

We are in a season that none of us have experienced before! However, we can still find moments of joy and have FUN with our kids.

Wintertime PLUS quarantine has forced us to slow down and spend time together. So, if you are looking for some ideas of what to do with the extra time…keep reading!

Here are 30 activities that your children can do to survive this winter in quarantine.

This is PART 1 of a 3 part series of “Wintertime Activities for kids in Quarantine!”

Part two is 30 FREE ideas for Winter in Quarantine – Click here to read that post.

Part 3 is 41 final family activities for winter in quarantine! For a total of 101 ideas for you and your kids!

1. A Gratitude Journal

I often find George at the kitchen counter, adding things to his Gratitude Journal.

A gratitude list or journal is EXTREMELY valuable in uncertain times. Thinking about our blessings and what we are grateful for is extremely helpful in building resiliency! I researched journals a few months ago and decided to purchase this simple one for George. I’ve loved watching him open this up (without prompting), and write what he’s grateful for!

Research suggests that keeping a gratitude journal can boost your health and happiness.

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2. Balloon games

  • It’s crazy how much joy a simple balloon can bring.
  • Use a string/rope/crepe paper across the living room and play “tennis” or “volleyball.”
  • This balloon rocket from Amazon has brought us so much joy! We’ve been using it for years – I bought refill balloons recently.

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3. Nerf guns and target practice

  • Make or buy nerf targets for your kiddos

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4. Read a book

  • I recommend reading Little House on the Prairie out loud. I was surprised at how similar the “Little House” life is to our life in quarantine right now.
  • I have a four boys and find it challenging to read to all four at the same time unless they are playing with play doh, eating, or have something that can keep them from wrestling.
  • I like finding a book my child will love and reading with them one-on-one.
  • Most early readers (and pre-readers) enjoy graphic novels. 
  • We enjoy the “Who Was” series!

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5. Blank Journal

I love using blank journals. They can use this as a gratitude journal, nature journal, or anything else!

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6. Dino Dig

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7. Puzzles

  • Do a Puzzle together
  • Puzzle races: 1. Time your kids and see how fast they can put a small puzzle together. 2. If you have two small puzzles, race to see who can put them together faster.
  • Optional Money-saving tip: Trade puzzles with your neighbors or buy some used ones!
  • Gift your family with a new puzzle from Amazon.

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8. Bocce Ball

My boys and I play this in our living room when it’s too cold to play outside.

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9. Don’t Eat Pete Game

What you need:

Any small snacks (cereal, candy, tiny crackers, peanuts, raisins)

1 piece of paper and a writing utensil

To do:

  1. On a sheet of white paper, draw a large grid – nine squares. 
  2. Put a number on each square.
  3. Put a small snack on each square. 
  4. Have ONE person leave the room. 
  5. Have another person choose which square is “Pete.”
  6. Ask the person who left the room to come back. He or she eats one snack at a time. When they grab the snack that is “Pete,” everyone screams: 

“DON’T EAT PETE!”

Their turn is over. 

Repeat as many times as your kids are interested!

Click here to watch and learn.

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10. Hot Potato Pig

This is a fun and simple games for all ages. Push the pig’s belly, then pass the pig around while he sings. Whoever is holding the pig when he TOOTS, is out. Prepare for lots of laughter as you play.  

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11. Make homemade gifts

Friendship bracelets are BACK!

These take time and creativity.

You can find lots of friendship bracelet string (floss) on Amazon by clicking here.

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12. Learn Creative lettering and calligraphy

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13. Paint by sticker

This sticker book has over 5000 5-star reviews! I am getting one for my son for Christmas.

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14. Build an arcade game out of boxes.

Clark created a game called “Hit It” – Targets for Nerf Guns

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15. Play with Cheerios

  • Allow your kids to string Cheerios or Fruit Loops for an edible necklace
  • Stack cheerios on Spaghetti noodles
  • With older kids – turn this into a race!

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16. Have a Spa Day!

Paint nails, do hair, give back or foot massages.

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17. Spike Ball

My son Clark just got this game for his 11th birthday. My boys love it. It’s best for ages 8 and up.

When it’s too cold to play outside, this game can be played in a living room or basement.

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18. Watercolor Painting or Paint by Number

If you have a budding artist, the paint by number kits are fun!

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19. Play a board game  

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20. Learn a few magic tricks

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21. Take an online class

George just finished a Chess class through Outschool and loved it. Next, they’ll be doing a class to learn how to invest in the stock market. Paul will try a nature class. Clark is going to take a class on investing.

CLICK HERE for for $20 off your first Outschool Class!

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22. Learn to Crochet, Cross Stitch or Knit

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23. Make or Buy Kinetic Sand or Play Doh

George created a giant play doh fidget spinner

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24. Have a conversation

Has 9 months of quarantine left you with nothing else to talk about than how bored you are? Then you NEED this set of cards.

Each card asks interesting questions for your family to answer or discuss. My kids ask for us to pull the cards out whenever we sit down to eat. One time my kids were eating alone and my oldest son pulled the questions out to ask his little brothers. I LOVED listening to their conversation!

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25. Make a blanket for your family or one to donate!

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26. Make stained glass window art

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27. Perler Beads

This Star Wars set has over 1000 5-star reviews!

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28. Laugh together

Get a joke book from the library, buy one, or search for kid’s jokes on the internet and entertain each other.

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29. Mad Libs

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30. Try an Activity Book

I just purchased this activity book: 101 Outrageously Fun Things To Do and plan to use it over the next several weeks.

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I hope this inspires you.

Click here to read 30 FREE quarantine activities!

Click here for part 3 – 41 final family actives for wintertime in quarantine!

If you want more, click here for a post I wrote in March that includes 55 quarantine ideas for your kids.

Share your ideas in the comments and I might include it in a future post.

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