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Raising boys

2 In Family/ Giveaway/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations/ Raising boys

Buy this, NOT THAT!!! (Plus a GIVEAWAY!)

Six years ago, a box showed up at my front door. It had my name and address on it, but no return address, no card inside and I had NO idea who sent the box from amazon.

I opened it up, and it was a gift for my kids – ages 2 and 4.

And it was the absolute WORST GIFT EVER. I don’t want to sound ungrateful, it was very kind of someone to send a gift to my kids, but this gift was more than I could handle. It was a box full of (what felt like a million) small plastic BALLS. It came with a collapsible mesh “tent” that was supposed to hold all of said balls.

Over the next 4 weeks I did two things:

1. Awkwardly reached out to people to see if they sent my children a gift so that I could say thank you.
2. Spent every waking hour putting every single one of those balls back into the mesh tent….over and over….ball after ball.

I finally figured out who sent the gift and sent a thank you. This person had good intentions. They remembered how much my sisters and I loved the ball pit at Chuck E. Cheese when we were kids and wanted my kids to have fun with all those balls. And they did have fun…..they had fun throwing them all over our house.

I’d finally had enough. After the kids went to bed one night, I packed the balls into a black garbage bag and hid them in my garage. I listed the balls and mesh tent for a great price on craigslist. A couple of days later, someone came to pick them up. I discreetly handed the person the garbage bag.

George, who was 4 at this time, said: “Wait mom! They are forgetting something.” He ran to another room, found ONE MORE plastic ball…and handed it to the person holding the garbage bag!

I stood there dumb-founded.

How did George even know what was in the garbage bag?!?!?!?

Thankfully, the kids were NOT disappointed that I sold this gift (I put the cash in their piggy banks).

I was SO VERY HAPPY that every single ball (thanks to George) was out of my house. Well, actually, not every ball because 6 years later, I still come across those balls here and there! I seriously can’t get rid of them!!!

So please, DO NOT buy a child a gift with a million balls unless you are keeping it at YOUR house and YOU enjoy cleaning up messes all day long.

So….that is What NOT to buy.

I wasn’t very good at buying gifts for kids before I had my own children. I always wanted to buy them clothes. And clothes are fine, if you buy them something special to go WITH the clothes. I didn’t understand this until my young nephew would come over to me before he unwrapped my gift and say: “This isn’t another SHIRT gift, is it?” (Gotta love their honesty!)

Here are a couple of things I highly recommend buying for children in the 1-5 age range:

Luke – Age 1



The Plasma Car – my kids have spent countless hours riding this thing! I’ve ended up with 3 of them! My sons started using these about 18 months, and don’t really outgrow them – Ted and I even ride the Plasma Car occasionally!

 

Hot Dog Slicer –  Every time we eat hot dogs, my youngest son asks for this. It’s a hot dog slicer with a little cup for holding ketchup. This is a fun gift for children under 5.

GIVEAWAY!!! I will send a Hot Dog slicer (Seen in Pic above) if you:

  • share this post,

  • then comment and tell me that you shared the post and want the hot dog slicer.

  • I have TWO to give away! Winners announced Sunday!

No Stress Chess – this game not only taught us how to play chess, but instilled a love for the game into my oldest two sons! It’s on sale right now for only $11.99!!

(The above links are Affiliate Links which means, if you click on the links and decide to make a purchase, I may make a few cents. Thanks in advance)

These gift suggestions were taken out of the Holiday Gift Guide. For the top ten gifts for kids ages 1-10, click here to get your Guide!

Thanks for reading this to the very end! Comment and tell me a wonderful or horrible gift you or your children have received!

November 20, 2017 By
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0 In Book Review/ Family/ Free stuff/ Raising boys/ Saving money/ Things to do in Colorado

Holiday Gift Guide – Best Gifts for children and teachers!

 

As a former teacher, children’s ministry director, child enthusiast and mother to 4 Adventurous Boys –  I have spent the majority of my life ……….. PLAYING!!

I love finding EXCELLENT Toys and Gifts to stimulate and grow CHILDREN….plus… I do not like wasting money on toys that end up sitting on the shelf!

Using all of my experience, I’ve compiled a guide of the top 10 CHILD and PARENT approved gifts for Children ages 1-10. PLUS – a bonus TEACHER GIFT GUIDE!

Coolest idea ever RIGHT? …Ok well, one of the coolest ideas ever.

This guide will be your BEST FRIEND ( ok COFFEE is your best friend ) during the holidays!!!

We can all use LESS STRESS during the holidays RIGHT … It will Cost YOU ONLY 3 bucks!! … that’s less than a Starbucks latte  ( NO BIG DEAL …) A 3 dollar DE-STRESSOR …YESSSS PLEASE!!

Think of the TIME and HASSLE this book will save you during the holidays …and it will be in your hand about 90 seconds after you:

 A. Find 3 DOLLARS … Dang that’s cheap … should I raise the price?

 B. Click on this LINK   …https://gum.co/NMeTH

OR when you PRE-ORDER my Children’s Book – Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore! You get a copy for FREE!!!!

https://www.gofundme.com/kathrynegly

Thanks for letting me de-stress your holidays!!  Buy the Book Now! … Make a cup of coffee …. sit back and Get that Shopping DONE ….BOOM.
PS…. Hey My 4 Boys ( George Clark  Paul and Luke ) say thanks for spending the 3 BUCKS! They a get a cut and purchase and purchase one of the toys from this handy guide!!!

The Gift Guide Unwrapped:

 

November 8, 2017 By
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40 In Book Review/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Raising boys

I’ve written a children’s book – and I need your feedback!

The Magnificent Four who love to explore!

I’ve written a book about my boys climbing Pike’s Peak and encountering the animals that actually live on this mountain but I need your help with the title!

I want something easy to read and catchy. Here are my top picks – they are all similar –  but which wording do you like best? They allude to ADVENTURE and ANIMALS! Let me know your favorite!

1. CLIMB, EXPLORE!

                 SWIM, SOAR!

2. CLIMB, SOAR!

               SWIM, EXPLORE!

3. CLIMB, SWIM,

               SLITHER SOAR!

4. Climb, Explore, Splash, slither, soar!

  (subtitle –   A Pike’s Peak Mountain Adventure)

PLEASE leave me a comment (Little box in the top right corner beside the title) and tell me – what’s your favorite title?

October 31, 2017 By
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2 In Faith/ Family/ Raising boys

What is water baptism and why would you do it?

October 27, 2017 was a special night for our family. Our two oldest sons decided to get baptized!

Baptism is a way to let people know that you’ve decided to become a Christ follower. I’m SO proud of my boys for making this decision as young men. I decided to follow Christ as a young person, and that decision changed me. God is my Father, my Guide, my Friend, my Counselor – and provider of every good thing! I’m thrilled that my sons want to have a personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe and had the courage to be baptized at our church on Friday night!

What does “Baptism” mean?

Baptize means to “immerse” in water.

Baptism is an “outward” way to show others that you’ve made an “inward” commitment to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior.

It’s like SHOW AND TELL at school. By being baptized, you are showing others that you have decided to follow Christ.

It’s similar to a wedding ring. My ring is an outward symbol of a commitment I made to my husband. Baptism shows people you are a Christian like my rings shows others that I’m a wife.

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Why get baptized?

  • After you become a follower of Jesus, this is a way to make a “public declaration’ of your faith.
  • It’s being obedient to Christ.

    Matthew 29:19-20 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

  • Jesus Christ was baptized. If we are followers of Christ, we should follow in his footsteps. (Matthew 3:13-17)
  • It is a symbol of the resurrection. Just as Christ died, was buried and raised from death. We are quickly submerged under water, and come back up. We are “dead” to sin and alive to LIFE in Christ!  (Romans 6:1-7)

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Who should get baptized?

Anyone who is a follower of Jesus.

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What does baptism look like?

Churches do baptism differently. When I was young, I got baptized in a small pool the size of a hot tub. When I was in college in Florida, we baptized people in the ocean at the beach. When I was a children’s ministry director in Illinois, we baptized people in a local pool.  My nephew got baptized in a lake … my boys were baptized in a trough! Here is a picture of my boys getting baptized:

 

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How often do you get baptized?

Clark loved it so much he asked how often he could get baptized. I told him once was good. However, I have been baptized twice! I did it as a LITTLE girl, around 5, but didn’t truly grasp the significance of what I was doing. When I decided to follow Jesus as a young adult,  I got baptized again. This wasn’t necessary, but something I chose to do.

If you were baptized as a baby or young child, and did not choose for yourself to get baptized, I would recommend getting baptized again. Baptism is NOT a requirement for heaven though! Only a relationship with Jesus will get you into heaven. 

Jesus answered: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV

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Parent FAQs

My child was baptized as a baby, does he/she need to be baptized again?

Yes. In the Bible, believer’s baptism was always for people who were old enough to understand and make their own decision about being baptized.

Is Baptism a requirement for heaven?

No. There is only one way to get into heaven and that is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Baptism does not forgive your sins. Baptism is a symbol of Jesus washing away your sins and you are washed in water.

How do I know if my child is ready to be baptized?

  • My child has made a decision to invite Jesus into their life.
  • You child understands what baptism means.
  • Your child asks to be baptized (and the above two statements are true).

How do I encourage my child in their faith after they are baptized?

  • I would recommend getting them a Bible, and or devotional.
  • Read WITH them.
  • Talk to them about what God is doing in your life.
  • Point out the beauty that God created all around you.
  • Pray together and talk about times when God answered prayers.
  • Go to church together.
  • As they get older, you may consider serving together or going on a mission trip together..

Have you been baptized? Let me know when and who baptized you in the comments! And if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

 

Click here to read my recommendations for Bibles and Devotionals for kids.

Is there any proof to the Christian faith? Click here.

October 29, 2017 By
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3 In Funny/ Raising boys

There’s a SNAKE in my CAR!

Clark finds a snake

After spending a day at the park, my boys and several friends piled into my minivan for the ride home.

A few minutes into the drive, Clark (age 7) says, “Hey mom, remember that snake we found at the park? Well, I snuck him in the car, and he got away from me.”

WHAT!? There’s a SNAKE slithering around my car?!

All I can think about is this snake laying babies under a mat, then eating all the crumbs in my car and growing six feet long before we can find it.

There is also a sweet little five-year-old friend, whose parents have entrusted to me, going into a full-on freak out! He hates snakes. He puts his hands straight up, lifts his legs off the floor and starts yelling:

“I’m SCARED of SNAKES!

I don’t like snakes!

Help!

I hate Snakes!

Don’t let the snake get me!!

I’m scared! Help!”

He’s freaking out … I’m freaking out (on the inside – trying to keep it together on the outside)!

Meanwhile, Clark is totally calm. George (age 9) is entertained. Paul (5) and Luke (3) think this is the best day ever.

I pull over into the first parking lot I can find and tell Clark to FIND THE SNAKE.

“We aren’t leaving until you REMOVE the snake from my car.”

After looking around for a few minutes, Clark finds the snake and puts him outside where he belongs.

Sweet and panicked five-year-old friend calms down. I calm down.

We all get home safely.

And this, friends, is just another day in the life of a #boymom!

If you want to know more about life with Clark, click here!

October 23, 2017 By
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4 In Faith/ Family/ Motherhood/ My Journey/ Raising boys

My Journey, Part 3 – Becoming a Stay-at-Home Mama (SAHM)

In 2011, our children’s ministry had grown from 25 kids to about 300 kids! Click here to read that story.

I was also the mother of a growing 3-year old, an extremely active 1-year-old, and very pregnant with our 3rd son!  My husband and I agreed that for this season of our lives, it would be best for me to be a full-time, stay-at-home mom.

Since 2011, we’ve gone from two to three, then FOUR little cowboys!

I’m incredibly grateful for the years of being home with my littles! Getting everyone the food they want, the drinks they need, their teeth brushed, nails clipped … getting them washed up, then dried off, making sure they go potty or get their diapers changed, getting all of their clothes, socks, and shoes on (why can’t I find all the shoes! Where do they hide the shoes?).

On days we have places to go, there are four different types of car seats or seat belts that need to be fastened – while at least one child is crying about something. In winter, I’ll get all extra layers packed onto each one, but when we’ve arrived at our destination, they’ve taken everything off. And so I start over. Let’s just say that I’m GLAD for the “STAY-AT-HOME” part of ‘stay-at-home mom.’

There were days in those ‘little years’ that I’d be so tired by the end of the night, I’d just cry. I knew I’d be up with a baby through the night and have another long day ahead of me with four busy little boys. Ted is an amazing daddy and husband, but for a few of those ‘little years’ he was working full time – plus going to school full time to earn his master’s degree. When he finished school, he commuted to Chicago every day for work – making his long days even longer with an hour-long drive each way! Many days each week he would leave as the boys were waking up and get home when they were going to bed. (Which was one of the things that inspired our move to Colorado – a better work-life balance!)

Being a full-time mama is hard, and I’ve talked about the hard. But it’s actually more wonderful than it is hard. The good far outweighs the bad! It’s hard to understand unless you’re in it!

Some of the things I love about being a mom:

  • being there for each of the ‘firsts’ – first step, first word, first food,

  • all of the snuggles, hugs and kisses,

  • hearing the sweet mis-pronounced words my boys say (lemonade is pronounced “little maid” at our house)

  • kissing their ‘owies’ and putting on all of the band-aids (so.many.bandaids!)

  • holding them and being there when they are sick,

  • watching them love, help, and protect each other,

  • laughing with them and enjoying the funny and creative things they say and do,

  • experiencing the world through their eyes! Life takes on new meaning and you begin to appreciate the little things.

What a privilege to be a mom!

Though it felt like they’d be tiny and completely dependent on me forever, I now have four boys who SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT. They are all potty-trained! My oldest son can make his own food – and helps cook for the family as well! They all know how to do so many things ALL BY THEMSELVES!! They make their own beds and help with other chores around the house.

After years of not having five minutes alone all day long, I now have time to do things like  START a BLOG and consider opportunities outside the home.

I worked part-time role at New Life church in Colorado Springs Click here to read about it! And I currently substitute teach at my children’s schools.

Others told me it goes by fast, and that was hard to believe when they were all babies, but now I see how TRUE it is.

To read more about my days at home, read this!

October 19, 2017 By
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2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Food/ Raising boys/ Saving money

How to Eat for FREE at Carabba’s, Flemings, Bonefish Grille and Outback!

I am raising FOUR boys.

Four constantly hungry boys.

I am ALWAYS looking for ways to save money on FOOD!

And honestly, who doesn’t like free and delicious food?

I’ve found a few ways to save money on food and wanted to share those with my readers.

If you like the following restaurants:

  • Outback Steakhouse,
  • Carrabba’s Italian Grill,
  • Bonefish Grill or
  • Fleming’s Steakhouse.

Then you should sign up for Dine Rewards!

With Dine Rewards, you earn $20-40 worth of FREE FOOD after every 3rd visit to any of those 4 restaurants!

All you do is sign up, then give the person your PHONE NUMBER at check out! After 3 visits, you earn FREE FOOD!

Have you tried the chicken dishes at Carrabba’s?  They are incredible! In fact, Ted and I love to share the Chicken Trio. Three different and equally delicious pieces of chicken. Yum.

https://www.dine-rewards.com/referral/ejMcambfcAdkHHBpEMMdDBjLLECfBNLBa

This is not yet a NATION-WIDE program, but I know it’s valid in the Chicago area and Colorado Springs. Click on the link above to see if they do this awesome program in your area!

Don’t forget to subscribe so that you don’t miss the other FREE FOOD opportunities I’ll be posting about soon!

October 14, 2017 By
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2 In Colorado/ Family/ Raising boys/ Traveling

The 10 BEST things to do Manitou Springs, Colorado

Manitou Springs…what a quaint little town! I had no idea this gem was hidden just next to Colorado Springs.  There is so much culture, history and beauty in this town. Here are my ten most favorite parts of Manitou Springs:

1. Play at the historic Penny Arcade.

              

I love Skeeball!!

Compete with your friends and family in Horse Racing!

There are some really OLD and unique games!    

Flying airplanes like his Poppy!

2. Taste the healing mineral water.

3. Hike Rainbow Falls  

4. Climb the Incline

  • A mile high staircase up the side of Cheyenne mountain. Or you can bail out at the halfway point for a pretty walk back down.
  • Gorgeous views at the top! (Well, that’s what I’ve been told by my husband, I’m not sure I’m tough enough to hike all the way to to the top! Honestly, my legs hurt just thinking about it.)
  • Manitou Incline

5. Drive to the top of Pikes Peak

This drive is magnificent! Breathtaking … fantastic! You must take the drive to the top of America’s Mountain at least once in your lifetime. Thankfully, my husband drove so I could just enjoy every mile. I recommend visiting in the summer time – the Peak gets COLD! And bring LOTS of water – elevation sickness is a real thing. Add this drive to your Bucket List!

6. Get a treat

  • Patsy’s is a 100 year old snack shop. Try something from there or one of the other fantastic coffee and ice cream shops around town!

7. Shop

8. Soak in the warm mineral water at the Sunwater Spa.

9. Visit the Cliff Dwellings

“Is this where the Cliff Dwellers watched movies?” Asked by my 4 year old.

10. Eat

Eat & Shop

Don’t forget to take a souvenir home with you! Grab a copy of my Pikes Peak Children’s book.  All artwork is painted by a local artist. Click here to purchase a signed copy!

What’s your favorite thing about Manitou?

Leave a comment (in the little box to the right of the title).

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE (in the column on the right) so you don’t miss a post!

For the 10 best things to do in Colorado Springs…

CLICK HERE!

October 12, 2017 By
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3 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Raising boys

Hiking with Kids – Pulpit Rock!

Last week I happened to get a couple of hours with just my three big boys (ages 5, 8 and 10), so I decided we should go on an adventure!  I’ve been wanting to conquer Pulpit Rock since the first time I drove past it in June 2015 and now had the perfect opportunity to check this item off my bucket list.

I looked at my Google Map and drove around until I found the closest spot to park near Pulpit Rock – inside a beautiful neighborhood I had never seen before. We parked near a trailhead and started our hike. Just 20 minutes later – we were on top Pulpit Rock – with incredible views!

View of Pikes peak from Pulpit Rock

The boys did great … they loved the “climbing” part of this adventure more than the hiking.  I loved every bit of it.

Only Paul, my 5-year-old, complained at the very end. “My legs are SOOO tired…I can’t walk ANY MORE!”  I showed him how close we were to our car and he made it back (with energy to spare)!

As always, the great thing about hiking in Colorado is that it is so beautiful and so natural … but they are also dangerous. We talk a lot about safety on our adventures.

Paul at Pulpit Rock

George and Paul at Pulpit Rock

Clark at Pulpit Rock

I would recommend it for ages 5 and up. It would also make a fun and inexpensive day date (or SUNSET date). Pack a lunch or dinner and take time to enjoy the spectacular views!

Where do you like hiking? Leave me a comment!

Click here for more FREE things to do in Colorado Springs! 

October 11, 2017 By
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6 In Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

Luke Washington – Our sweetest surprise!

It was October 2014, I sat with my girlfriends and told them a secret:

“I think I’m pregnant.”

I’d been feeling this way for about 3 weeks but had not said anything to anyone until that night. They convinced me to get a pregnancy test and take it first thing in the morning. The test confirmed what I’d been feeling; I was pregnant with my fourth child.

Now I had to decide how to tell Ted.  He would not be expecting this news. We had three young sons – we were busy, sleep-deprived, and money was tight. The news of this fourth child made us nervous. We knew we’d be missing a lot more sleep and buying a lot more diapers. I had just given away most of our baby stuff. And our boys were begging for a puppy. Instead, they’d be getting a baby brother.
I purchased a delicious pie and made a card that said: “God decided to add another cutie to our pie.” When Ted got home that night after a busy day at work, he dug into the pie without even noticing the card.
I handed him the card to read and he was shocked. We both were!
However, once we got over the shock, we remembered that this surprise pregnancy was a gift. Though we knew we’d be losing even more sleep, spending more money, doing more laundry and be busier than ever trying to balance four kiddos – God had a plan for this sweet life growing inside me.
When Luke Washington joined our family in May 2014, it was true. He has been such a gift to our family. The love we have for him is undescribable. We can’t imagine life without him. I’m so thankful that God blessed us with this SURPRISE!
Now, when anyone says they’re considering having another baby, I always say ‘go for it!’ Yes, it will cost you something, however, what you’ll gain far outweighs any cost!

We love you Luke! You are our sweetest surprise!
October 6, 2017 By
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