Browsing Category

Raising boys

1 In Faith/ Family/ Free stuff/ Raising boys

EGG-ed by the EGLYs

Today the Egly boys EGG-ed their neighbor.

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,
  • Write a note to leave on their door,
  • Surprise a friend or neighbor!

Is there evidence to support the Christian faith? Click here to read!

3 In Family/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations/ Raising boys

Five FUN Easter Basket Fillers!

Easter is just around the corner, and my kids are so excited! I’ve been slowly collecting little things for their Easter Baskets. If you’re interested in any of the items for your family, click on the picture and it will take you directly to that item on Amazon. If you decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

  1. Socks

Do your kids go through socks as fast as mine do? This is why my kids are getting socks for Easter instead of candy. (I’m only halfway kidding) Thankfully, my boys still LIKE getting new socks, so this is FUN for them!

2. Drawing pad/sketchbook

I like for my kids to have a BLANK pad of paper somewhere close by at all times. Whether you have a child who is 2 or 22 – they will DRAW and draw and color and draw if given blank paper and pencils.  This set I’ve linked to below is a pack of four for only $7.99- perfect if you have more than one child’s basket to fill. 

 

3. New markers or crayons, or colored pencils

The erasable colored pencils below are something my son has asked for, and they are only $3.39 on Amazon right now – less than half of what they cost in the store. The twistable crayons are a great price too! I’m getting my bigger boys the pencils and the little guys the crayons.


4. LEGO Holiday Easter Egg Hunt Building Kit

For your son or daughter who loves to build – this is an Easter Lego set! My son George told me all he wants for any occasion are Legos.

5. Devotional for kids

In this post, I will recommend the best Bibles for different age groups. However, if your son, daughter or grandchild already has a Bible – perhaps you could add a devotional to their Easter Basket. Here are some recommendations:

Indescribable: A Bible Devotional for kids about God and Science:

This Devotional has amazing reviews Amazon and was written by a fantastic author and speaker: Louie Giglio. We just received ours in the mail and LOVE IT!!!! It’s got fascinating facts about Creation and such good insight into God’s word. It’s a book that my boys and I will enjoy together

3 minute devotional for boys (ONLY $3.56!!)

I just bought this for my son’s Easter Basket. 3 minutes sounds about right for my active boys!

3 minute Devotional for girls:

Purpose Driven Life Devotional for kids – Based on the Best Selling Devotional for Adults, this children’s devotional has tons of positive reviews!

And one final suggestion:

If you haven’t yet purchased a copy of “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!” …. then NO basket will be complete without this book! Find it on amazon buy clicking here. This book has all 5 star reviews and is a fun Colorado adventure story for kids ages 1-10. You will enjoy this story and learn some fun facts about Colorado Wildlife!

 

Or get a signed copy for only $10 delivered by clicking here.

 

Do you have other suggestions? Leave me a comment to let me know what your child is getting for Easter this year!

4 In Colorado Springs/ Family/ Raising boys

A Peek into our Week

Can you spot four hooligans?

Last Thursday:

I got a call from Paul’s teacher saying he wasn’t feeling good. I picked him and he and I cuddled on the couch most of the day. He threw up about 5 times!
That evening we had a Volunteer Gala at New Life Church – an evening set aside to celebrate all of those who volunteer at New Life.
I got all dressed up and even put on hose (does anyone remember those). The #eglyboys had never seen them. I walked down the stairs and Clark asked what happened to my legs and will it come off.
George said, “Mom, don’t wear those! Your leggings are SEE THROUGH!”
Paul told me I just looked weird. Luke comes over to touch my leg and looks at me sadly, like something terrible had happened to his mama and he wasn’t sure what do to. Well, I kept the panty hose on, in spite of all the protests, and attended the Gala for just one hour. It was so much fun and I really wanted to stay, but I had a sick son at home and knew I needed to be with him.

Friday:

Paul was feeling good and back to his regular self, but I kept him home from school just to be sure.
That night I went to New Life Friday night. I love seeing so many new volunteers serving and loving on kids on the 250 kids that come each Friday night!
While I’m so incredibly thankful for the volunteers that are serving, when you have a growing ministry, you always need more hands serving and hearts loving the children who attend each week. Here are 17 reasons why! 
I was chatting with a dad at the end of the service. He let me know that their family was moving out of state and their kids were so worried that they’d never find a church like New Life where ‘the leaders let us serve!” This dad was so encouraged by the positive impact New Life had on his family and would really miss being a part of our church family!

Saturday:

In the morning Ted made the boys and I breakfast (and really strong coffee for me).
It was a gorgeous, sunny day and the boys played in the backyard for a couple hours. During this time, George created his very first video! (Check it out at the bottom of this post!)
Later we went on a hike on a new trail. We were on the hunt to find a deer carcass that my sister had discovered at this location.
The hike was incredible and at the end, Ted (Mr. Details who doesn’t miss anything) found the bones of the deer a little off the trail. The boys loved examining it and imaging what might have caused it to die. (A bear?? A snake?) Clark asked if we could bring it home. (Um, no!)

 

Mission accomplished: We found the BONES!

That night Ted and I got to go out on a date and try a new restaurant called, Odyssey Gastro Pub. It was a quaint little pub that had Uh-mazing brussel sprouts, really good wings, and tacos that were just okay. (After eating the world’s best tacos at Bien Trucha in Geneva, Illinois, nothing else compares.) Our server at the Gastropub was from Oswego, Illinois…just down the rode from where we used to live!

Date night with Ted!

After dinner we spent a little time wandering through Poor Richards book store. Have you guys been there? That place is SO cool! They sell new and used books and have a section for “local authors.” An employee invited me to bring some of my books to sell!!

Sunday:

I went to the New Life Young Adults service to invite them to serve (17 people said yes!). Yay! Ted met me at church with the boys and we attended the 11 am service together as a family. Pastor Brady is teaching a great series on the book of Psalms.

Monday:

I had a whole bunch of errands I wanted to run, but decided that we needed a SLOW day. So I stayed in my yoga pants all day and didn’t put on any make up. One of the ‘errands’ was to get to
the gym but since we were staying home, I just turned on some fun music and Luke and I just danced for 20 minutes. That was WAY more fun. I did most of my work out with him on my back and he giggled the entire time.
Monday afternoons the boys have Chess Club and they LOVE IT! Paul asks me to tell him how many more days til Chess!

Tuesday:

I took Luke to school, then went to volunteer in Paul’s class. After that I worked for about an hour, then drove downtown to drop off a few copies of “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!” They were excited to have them because they don’t have any children’s books about Colorado!!!
On the way home, I picked up food from El Taco Rey. I’d been wanting to try their food since before we even moved here and I finally had an opportunity! It was really good! Their chips and salsa were great, and the enchiladas covered in green chili were delicious! The restaurant itself is really small and simple, so I’d recommend taking food to go rather than eating there.
Tuesday night I took the boys to the park while George had his piano lesson.

Wednesday:

I went to work in the morning. I’m honored to be a part of such a great team and do work that I love!
 Wednesday night, George has his last Cotillion for this year. The last night is held at the Broadmoor and parent’s attend to see what their sons and daughters have been learning.
I loved getting an opportunity to dance with George!
Thanks for reading about our week – how’s your week been?
Below is the first video George made. They love playing with their nerf guns and made a movie of their ‘battle!’ They just launched their own channel and would love for you to subscribe!

2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Motherhood/ My Journey/ Raising boys

A Peek into our Week(end)

Today the weather is COLD, but we had a BEAUTIFUL weekend in Colorado Springs!

Saturday we went exploring in Garden of the Gods. Paul found a large hole and decided that, “a bear must live there…but he’s out hiking right now.” (Watch out for the hiking bear!)

Thankfully, we never found the hiking bear, but we did find a herd of Big Horn Sheep!

A purchaser from Garden of the Gods trading post asked me to drop off a copy of my book so that she could review it to consider selling in their store! We dropped it off and then went to our favorite spot to take in the view. George watched his VERY first sunset and was SO excited! He said, “Did you see that? The sun just dropped behind the mountain, that was SOOO cool!” I love experiencing things through my kids eyes!

At home, Clark built his own Bear Cave:

Sunday we went to the Cottonwood Creek Rec Center – it’s part of the YMCA, so as members of the Y, we get to use this awesome facility. It’s almost as nice as Great Wolf Lodge!

That afternoon lots of the neighborhood kids played in our cul-de-sac while the parents gathered to catch up and chat.

Monday the kids were out of school for President’s day so we met some friends and played at Monkey Bizness. Afterwards we came home and made some cookies. While Luke napped, George and I edited a video for their YouTube Channel – Free Range Eglys.

What did you do over the weekend!? Leave me a comment!

 

2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ My Journey/ Raising boys

A Peek into our Week

Saturday was a day we were going all different directions! I went to a friend’s baby shower in the morning, then took the 3 big boys to a birthday party at SkyZone. Luke and I ran errands while they were at the party. That evening I spent some time with my Help Club friends, celebrating their birthdays. We had a great dinner then made Bath Bombs together.

Can I give you moms a tip? If your kids fight you on bath time – introduce them to The Bath Bomb. All the sudden, bath time becomes the best time!

Sunday we went to church where Pastor Brady taught on Psalm 23. After church I made some snacks for the Super Bowl game. We set up a table in the living room (Clark’s request – he wanted to eat and not miss a second of the game). I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the game! I can’t believe that the Eagles beat the Patriots.

Monday the boys went to school and Luke and I went to the store, then I let him play and eat at ChickFila. That evening we did homework and the boys played outside. The weather here has felt like spring and I love it!

Luke Loves Chick Fil A – especially their ice cream.

Unfortunately, Monday night we lost a great man named Micah Flick. Micah is local police detective, a father, and husband and was shot while serving our city. He, his wife and two children attended New Life and are a precious family. I am heart broken for them. However, I have been astounded by how our community is gathering around them with love and support. One of our moms from church has created a spread sheet for Micah’s wife with information on every person who has expressed an interested in supporting her long term! The sheet includes our names, numbers and how we will help.  Our church and the local police force are setting aside money for the family as well. These are the times when I see how important it is to be a part of a community.

Tuesday I stopped by the Garden of The Gods Trading Post (the largest and oldest gift shop in Colorado) to talk to them about carrying my book. Unfortunately, the person I needed to speak to was not there. I got her info and emailed her and she said she does want to get a copy of the book to review for the store! After that, I drove over to New Life to get some work done until Luke was done with preschool.

 

Tuesday evening I took George to Cotillion where he’s learning manners, etiquette, and ballroom dancing. I love watching these young men and women learn to be leaders!

 

Wednesday I worked for part of the day, then picked the boys up from school. One of our favorite restaurants, Larkburger, was having a customer appreciation day. If you wore green, you got a free side item with your sandwich. We went during happy hour (3-5pm every day) – so the sandwiches are only $3! Then we got some incredible Truffle Fries and Edamame for free!! My friend Leah and her children met us there. We posted pictures on instagram with #LarkBurgerLove because they will choose one of the posts and give that person free food for a year! With four sons – I can use all the free food I can get.

After dinner, I dropped the kids and some food off for Ted, and went back to New Life for “First Wednesday.” It’s a monthly night of worship (and a few words from one of our pastors).  It was extra special this week as we mourned the loss of Micah and worshiped God in spite of the pain.

Thursday, George and I both woke up not feeling that well. We took some Tylenol and I felt completely better and it helped George a little. In fourth grade, they do most of their work on iPads and computers and he knows that being on electronics make his head feel worse, so I let him stay home and hang out with me. We took Luke to preschool and took copies of “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!” to the first store in town that asked to carry my books! Why Not Books? is a cute bookstore that specializes in used books and new books by local authors! George and I found a couple books to buy and left some to sell!!

Next, went to Safeway and George was so excited that the “monopoly” game is back. With every purchase you make at Safeway, you get little prize tickets. George is SURE that we are going to win a million dollars. (I like his positivity!) He’s also decided that we are going to divide it equally between the six of us since he’s the one taking care of the tickets. Clark is hoping we will win a sports car. I’m wishing for a family vacation (but I’d happily take a million dollars)!

That evening we tried out Prime Jui Juitsu. George, Clark and Paul all got to participate in a class together. They loved it. I loved it! Not only do they teach self-defense, but they work with them on respect, team work, and your attitude. The teachers were incredible and if it weren’t so dang expensive, I would have signed them up that night! (However, if we win that million…)

Friday Luke and I stayed home and cleaned. Ugh, I hate cleaning. I mean, I LOVE a CLEAN house, but don’t like that it’s a NEVER-ENDING JOB! Thankfully, a sweet girl named Idera came and helped me to earn money for an upcoming missions trip she’s taking.

That afternoon we went to Clark’s school to watch his 2nd grade performance.

George and his friends, waiting at school for Clark’s performance

Friday night I trained several new volunteers for New Life and then heard Andrew preach on Psalm 22 – a great message on mourning. So timely for this difficult week.

Saturday was Deputy Micah Flick’s funeral at New LIfe Church. I was overwhelmed to tears with the number of Police Officers that came to show their love and respect for him (thousands!). The staff at New Life set up every room in the church with breakfast, snacks, lunch, pastries and hot coffee for all of the officers. I had the honor of hosting a room set up for Micah’s team – the men and women who were his partners – who were there on the night he died. Please pray for them as you pray for Micah’s family. They considered Micah a brother and are hurting. The service was powerful and I was so thankful to be a part of such a beautiful day.

 

Thanks for stopping by! I’d love for YOU to share with me something about your week. You can leave a comment by clicking on that little box beside the title of this post.

6 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Colorado

Our Saturday adventure at the Siamese Twins!

Saturday was a beautiful, sunny day and we wanted to get out and enjoy it!

We went to Garden of the Gods and found our favorite spot … well, we have lots of favorite spots…so we went to ONE of our favorite spots…the Siamese twins.

Siamese Twins (and can you spot Ted?)

It’s an easy hike, but off the beaten path!

Here are more pictures from our hike around Siamese Twins:

 

My favorite grown man and four little men!

Being outside feeds our souls. We love living in Colorado!

What feeds YOUR soul? Leave me a comment!

0 In Faith/ Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

The Awesome Jar

Tattling. Tattle-telling. Whatever you want to call it – it’s been around since the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:12-14). I haven’t found a way to stop my boys from pointing out what their brothers have done wrong, but my husband and I found a tool that helps them watch for a what they are doing RIGHT!

We use something called the “Awesome Jar.”

We stumbled upon the idea of the Awesome Jar and have used it in our family to help us live out Philippians 4:8. To notice and call out things that are excellent, praiseworthy, right, noble and admirable.

The Awesome Jar is just a glass container that sits on our counter. My husband and sons decorated it with stickers and some duct tape!

Awesome Jar

We use this Jar to celebrate the good things in our day. When something happens that is admirable, excellent or praiseworthy, my kids, my husband or I will write it down on a slip of paper and add it to the Jar. You’d think we’d remember all these good things, but somehow we forget. This “AWESOME” Jar is a like our “remember the good” Jar. It’s a way to highlight the small wins and bright spots that occur throughout the day.

Recently on my son George’s 10th birthday we put a note in our family’s Awesome Jar that simply says: “Clark’s birthday Surprise for George.” Let me tell you about it. Clark, my 8-year-old, gathered the neighbor kids and gave them each a gift bag. Each of the kids put random (used) toys in each bag, placed them by our front door, rang the door bell, then hid. When George answered the door, they all jumped out and shouted, “SURPRISE…Happy Birthday!” George opened the silly gifts, and we all laughed about each one and enjoyed a few minutes there on our porch – brothers and neighbors. It was awesome!

Every few weeks we sit down and pull out the notes from our Awesome Jar and “relive” those sweet moments. It also reinforces to my kids what they’ve done right. It encourages them to keep thinking about these things, doing these things, and looking for times when their brothers are doing these things!

Find a container and make it your family’s AWESOME Jar. Make it a habit to add one thing each day. It might be something like:

“(My son) cleaned up the play room without being asked.”
– or –
“(My daughter) befriended the new girl at school.”

If it was a really hard day, then you have even more reason to pause for a moment, reflect on the day, and identify at least one thing for which you are grateful. Was it an event, a moment or a person? Write it down and put it in the jar.

When you look for the GOOD, you will find it! And the more “good” things you notice today, the more you will notice tomorrow. Not only YOU, but your CHILDREN as well. My sons have started to say, “Mom, did you see/hear that, it should go in the Awesome Jar!

Do they still tattle? Yes. But they are also noticing and calling out things that are excellent, praiseworthy, right, noble and admirable! And that is AWESOME!

____________________________________________________________________________

I was honored to be asked by Homefront to write an article for their magazine. Homefront Magazine equips parents to create fun, spiritually forming times in their homes. This magazine helps re-center our focus and align our priorities to what is best! It’s filled with helpful articles and activities that equip us to become the parents that we want to be!

Check out the Homefront website for good articles, game suggestions, and printables. You can also subscribe to the magazine or buy a digital copy from their site. I love receiving my copy each month! It’s the only magazine that I read cover to cover.

3 In Family/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations/ Raising boys

Power of a Praying Mom

Mama, are you tired?
Do you ever wonder if you are failing?
Do you feel like you just aren’t enough for this ‘mom’ job?
Jesus understands what you are going through! He had 12 disciples and I imagine it felt to Jesus like having 12 children. Now granted, they were all potty trained and dressed themselves but still…
  • they didn’t always listen to him,
  • they fought over who was his favorite
  • they fell asleep when he desperately needed their help.
  • one ultimately betrayed him.
Jesus gets it. He understands our exhaustion and frustrations. He wants to help us.
Here are some ways to partner with him throughout the day.

MORNING:

Start the day with “Help.”

Help me to be the mom you want me to be. Speak through me. Love through me. Help me to be PRESENT and engaged. Holy Spirit fill me. (Holy Spirit is God in us!)

Try to start the day by getting up a few minutes before your kids. If that’s a struggle for you (it is for me!) Ask God for help! He will help you get up so you can have a few minutes to spend with Him, to fill YOUR tank, before you give all day long.

AFTERNOON:

Just like we prefer a mid-day cup of coffee…don’t forget your midday cry for HELP! 

God is available all day long. When you are tired, He gives your Strength. When you need wisdom, ASK! The Holy Spirit will reveal things you need to know about your children.

NIGHT:

Start the night with “HELP!” 

Night can be so hard. I am so exhausted by the time I put my four boys to bed. But bedtime is an important time to invest in your children. Kids are most vulnerable at bedtime. They will suddenly share things that they haven’t said all day. I take time to climb into bed with each of my boys – to listen, sing a song and say a prayer.

My mom did the same thing with us and it brings back such sweet memories.

Me in the center, my mom on the left, & 3 of my 4 sisters.

Let me share an awesome story about how our nightly prayer time had an impact on one of my boys.
Each night when I prayed with George, I prayed 5 Ls. I asked that God would help him to be:
–       a strong LEADER,
–       a good LISTENER,
–       a fast LEARNER, and
–       to know God’s LOVE and show God’s LOVE.
I got his report card and his teacher wrote that George has “Enthusiasm for LEARNING, is a superstar LISTENER and is a Kind to his classmates!”
 It thrills my heart to see how God is answering our prayers.
Not only do our prayers cause heaven to work on our behalf; we are inspiring our kids and reminding them of who God has made them to be!
Through our nightly prayers, my boys are reminded that that are Leaders, Listeners, Learners – boys who know God’s LOVE and show God’s Love!

What NOT to pray: SHAMING PRAYERS!

“Forgive my son for being a BAD boy!”

Pon’t do that! That will make your children feel ashamed and NOT want to turn to God when they mess up.

What TO PRAY:

  1. Pray prayers that inspire and encourage your children. Prayers that give them something to live up to! “Thank you Lord for making my son Strong and Courageous, Kind and Bold!”
  2. Pray Scriptures with them and over them!

God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind! 2 Tim 1:7

My favorite prayer book is The Power of a Prayer Parent. I received this book as a gift from my sister Kara when I was pregnant with my first son in 2007. I’ve read it over and over since then. It gives you specific and powerful prayers to pray over children. It teaches you how to pray for your children. I love this book.

Remember that God chose YOU to be the mom to your children and wants to help you be the best mama that you can be! If you have a bad day, that’s ok, we all do. We get a new start every day. Please know that You are loved by your heavenly father, you are chosen! You have what it takes. You’ve got this!

Please feel free to leave me your prayer request in the comments section (the little box to the right of the title) and I will pray for you!

Don’t forget to subscribe (in the column on the right) so that my posts come directly to you via email!

Love,

Kathryn

(The link to the book is an affiliate link, which means if you choose to purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!)
2 In Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys/ Traveling

Peek into our Week

A Peak into our week before Christmas 2017

Friday, December 15

Every year, my husband’s company (The Center for Creative Leadership) host a Christmas event and Santa comes to visit. I picked up the kids from school a little early to spend some time with them at the event.

 

Santa and Luke

The boys got to hear Santa tell a story, sang some Christmas songs, opened a gift, and ate together while headed over to New Life (where I work on Friday nights).

At church, I had a two meetings with two new volunteers and helped a couple of others get connected with the people with whom they’d be serving. Once the service started, I noticed a mom standing in the lobby with her kids. I found out that her son didn’t want to go to class because he wasn’t sure if he knew anyone. I asked if he would go with me and told him I’d help him get to know some other boys. We walked into his class and two boys came over, gave hugged him and told him they’d missed him! You could see the smile grow on his face. Then, one of the boys remembered he had severe food allergies and asked if they could pray for him. The two 9 and 10 year old boys gathered around this young man and prayed that God would heal him! From there, the boys spent the rest of the evening together! This is why I love working with kids!

Saturday, December 16

We had a little family Christmas.

  • Clark was SO excited about his “Heely’s” (shoes that have “rollers”) and new Bible,
  • George loved his soccer shirts/jerseys,
  • Paul enjoyed his new games,
  • Luke loves his new running shoes because the make him SO fast!

 

Sunday, December 17

We went to church, then I had coffee with a friend. That evening I went to a Volunteer appreciation dinner at Holly Newman’s hone. It was an incredible evening. I got to know volunteers better over dinner, and then we gathered in the living room and reflected on what God has done in New Life Kids in 2017. There was SO.MUCH.GOOD that happened this year and I’m so grateful to be a small part of it!

 

Monday, December 18

We enjoyed a day where we didn’t have to go anywhere or do anything! Then the doorbell rang…and on the porch sat two large boxes ….

In the boxes were my books!!!!!! It was thrilling. Like Christmas had arrived at my door. (I wrote a little bit about it on instagram)

 

That evening I signed books, dropped some off at the post office, and made personal deliveries.

 

Tuesday, December 19

I had 7-8 kids at my house all day. I watched 3 kids for a friend and a neighbor spent most of the day with us too. We played in the morning, then jumped in the “Egly Sleigh” and delivered a few books, then played some more.

 

Wednesday, December 20

I went to a volunteer meeting at church, then got to drop off a bunch of books and gifts at the Hope and Home Foster Care. Every year they have a day where foster parents can come pick up gifts for their foster children! We’ve donated gifts for this event for the last two years, and I as excited to donate a bunch of books this year too! Each book was personally signed with a note of love and encouragement inside.

We were planning to leave for Tulsa on Thursday, but bad weather was coming our way and we decided to stay ahead of that and left as soon as I got home.

(Playing with a Rubix Cube to pass the time on the drive to Tulsa)

Thursday, December 21

I got to spend time with my sisters Brooke, Rachelle and Rachelle’s family. We took the kids to explore an old engine and see the Tulsa Driller. That evening, we went to look at Christmas Lights.

Friday, December 22

My boys played all day with one of their favorite Tulsa friends (Caleb Blonsky)…then Ted and I went our with some of our favorite Tulsa friends that night – the Blonsky brothers and their wives. We’ve been friends since before we were married and always pick up right where we left off when we are together. It’s as if no time has passed and we cherish our time with them. We were all together 16 years ago for Craig and Robin’s wedding (the couple on the far left) and we all got to be together again to celebrate their 16th anniversary!

 

 

What have you been up to this week? Leave me a comment!

5 In Colorado Springs/ Family/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations/ Raising boys/ Saving money/ Things to do in Colorado

Best Inexpensive Christmas stocking ideas!

If you are like me, stockings are an afterthought. I put the presents under the tree and then those stockings are hanging there…staring back at me…begging me to stuff them. I’ve usually already spent my Christmas budget on REAL gifts, so I don’t want to spend much on the stocking stuffers. So, I decided to make a trip to the Dollar Tree to see what I could find. Would you believe that I found enough to fill all of my kid’s stockings – for under $10 each!! Here are things I found!

My #1 favorite idea EVER for Christmas stockings:

  1. JOURNAL

Put a journal in your child’s stocking with the following questions (one question per page):

  • What was your favorite book or movie this year?
  • What is one happy memory from this year?
  • What is one thing you learned?
  • What did God do in your life this year?
  • What are you looking forward to in 2018?

After everyone answers the questions, do two things: FIRST: Have each person share their answers and SECOND: Put the journal back in their stocking for the next year.

Not only will we get to reflect on good memories from THIS year as we talk about our answers, but we will also get to look back on all that we’ve learned, relive the happiest memories, and remember what God has done YEAR AFTER YEAR!!!!!

(Can you see why this is my favorite stocking stuffer idea EVER!!!!????)

There are LOTS of options for journals at the Dollar Store – I found a unique one for each person in our house!

 

2. CHAPSTICK OR LIP BALM

It doesn’t seem like we can ever have enough of these. Especially in the winter or dry climate of Colorado!

 

3. PAINT WITH WATER BOOKS

I LOVED these as a little kid and was so pleased to find them at the dollar store for my youngest boys!

 

4. DRAWING BOOKS

My kids enjoy drawing and I was so happy to see that the dollar store had books that will teach us how to draw animals and sea life!

5. BOOKS TO READ

There are tons of books for all reading levels.

 

6. ACTIVITY BOOKS

These are handy for holiday road trips. My kids also keep them beside their beds to work on puzzles when they can’t sleep.

 

7. LEARNING GAMES AND BOOKS!

These are perfect for 3-8 year olds who are just beginning to learn letters and numbers, or who are learning to read and write.

 

8. PUZZLES

Honestly, the puzzles at the dollar store aren’t my favorite, but they do make a simple and inexpensive stocking stuffer. Your kids can do this once, and you don’t have to feel guilty about throwing it away.

9. PLAY MONEY

My kids love to ‘set up shop’ in our house and sell their toys to each other. This gift idea a little too wide for our stockings, but I still wanted to add it to the list because it’s an expensive gift you can put in a gift bag!

 

10. GAMES

There are so many to choose from – Checkers, Mini Jenga, TicTacToe, Card Games, Ball Games and more!

      

 

11. LEGOS

I can’t say what the quality of these are, but I went ahead and put one of these in each of my kid’s stockings so we could try them out.

12. CANDY or SNACKS

They have a ton of snacks from which to choose.

 

 

13. CUP OR WATER BOTTLE

Encourage your children to drink more water by adding a special cup to their stocking.

 

14. HAIR ACCESSORIES

I have four boys, so the only one in our house that uses most of this stuff is ME. However, I grew up with FOUR sisters, and I know how handy it was to have extra bands, bows, clips, combs and brushes!

 

15. CRAFTS

Lots of items to put in the stocking for the child who loves to draw, paint and color!

 

 

BONUS – If you are filling a stocking for your family pet – they have stocking stuffers treats for dogs and cats too!

 

 


 

 

Do you have a favorite item that you add to the stockings in your house? Comment and let me know!