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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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2 In Family/ Funny/ Raising boys

Funny things from the #Eglyboys

There are a lot of things happening in the world right now that are so very sad, but children have a way of reminding us to SMILE, to laugh, and to enjoy the simple things. Here are some things that my boys have said recently that made me smile – I hope it makes you SMILE too!

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I told George that we would be at the doctor’s office in “CUATRO MINUTOS.” Since he started learning Spanish this year, I asked him if he knew what that meant.  “Chicken wings?!” was his enthusiatic guess. (Why are boys always thinking about FOOD!?)

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Clark, age 8, who has ALWAYS been an EARLY riser, came downstairs later than normal and said, “Mom, the weirdest thing happened today. I woke up and was ready to get out of bed, but then I noticed how warm and comfortable my bed was so I decided to go back to sleep!” (Clark’s FIRST time sleeping in, and he had to tell me about how weird it was.)

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Paul, age 5, came home from kindergarten yesterday and was so excited to tell me about all the apples he tried at school. He said his favorite ones were called “Yellow Yummy!”

Me: Do you mean “Golden Delicious?”

Paul: Yes, that’s the one. My favorites are GOLDEN DELICIOUS!

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We were walking the older boys to the bus stop and Luke, age 3, saw a neighbor standing in his driveway. Luke said, “Hi, What are you doing today?” The neighbor responds, “I’m going to fix my doorbell today.” We continued to the bus stop, and I didn’t think any more about it. The next morning, as we were walking to the bus again, Luke sees the same man outside and asked, “Did you fix your ding dong?”  Thankfully, our neighbor didn’t hear him, so I clarified: “Luke wants to know if you fixed your doorbell?” “Yes!” our neighbor responded, “I fixed my doorbell!”

What’s something that’s made you laugh recently? Leave a comment!

October 4, 2017 By
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5 In Motherhood/ Raising boys

Don’t just survive Motherhood, THRIVE in Motherhood!

“Motherhood is a great honor and privilege, yet it is also synonymous with servanthood. Every day women are called upon to selflessly meet the needs of their families. Whether they are awake at night nursing a baby, spending their time and money on less-than-grateful teenagers, or preparing meals, moms continuously put others before themselves.” ~ Charles Stanley

As a new mother, I didn’t want to just survive; I wanted to THRIVE. Here are some things that helped me, and I hope they help you too!

Invite others into your home

In my first few weeks into motherhood, I reached out to some other new moms and invited them to my house for coffee and a breakfast casserole. We ate, laughed, shared stories and got to know each other. Another mom hosted the next month, another mom after that and ten years later, we are still friends.

Put “me-time” on the calendar

My husband was so kind. He could see I was tired and needed a break, so he told me to carve out time each month for some “Me Time.” I would just go to a coffee shop, slowly drink a cup of hot coffee, read and write, think and pray. It was amazing!

Join a group

Whether it’s a play group, a MOPs group, or a Bible study at your church – joining something that will REFRESH and inspire you to be a better mother.

Join a Gym

If it’s in your budget, this will be a life-saver! When I was a new mom without room to think or breath or shower – I loved dropping my kids off at the gym’s child care so that I could get a chance to work out and actually get a shower! I met new friends and even took a few minutes to read!

You be you

Don’t compare yourself to other moms. What you choose is your way – not the only way. I had so many ideas of what was the right way or wrong way before I had kids – and even after I had only one child. But I’ve learned that what works with one, may not work with another. Don’t judge other moms and don’t feel bad when you do things differently. Do what works for your family and for your child.

Get up before your kids

I know this is HARD when you are not getting much sleep, but get up a few minutes earlier than your kids. Having time to read and pray before your kids wake up will make a big difference in your day! My kids are EARLY risers (6 am) …but I set my alarm for 5:30 or 5:45, just to have a few quiet moments before they wake up. Having a morning ritual is important for your spirit, mind and body.

Spirit: Pray, read scripture, complete a day from my favorite Bible Study.

Mind: I write down 3-4 things I want to get done that day

Body: Do about a minute of exercise – push-ups, 1-minute plank, etc. I try to make time for more exercise later in the day.

When my kids get up extra early (before 6 am), they sit with me while I read and pray.  When I’ve had a rough night (the kids are sick or not sleeping well, or when I am sick, etc.), this morning routine gets skipped. However, as often as possible, I wake up before my kids to set our day on the right course!

Enjoy the little things

Those beautiful eyes that are staring back at you, the soft hair, the sunshine, a healthy baby, a good nap (for the kids, if not for you). There is ALWAYS something to enjoy and to be GRATEFUL for! A great book to read when you’ve got littles at home is Loving the Little Years. It was written by a mom in the midst of the “little years!” It’s very practical and encouraging.

Finally, never stop being grateful because:

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” ~ Melody Beattie

What helps you THRIVE in motherhood? Leave a comment!

Please subscribe so you don’t miss a post!

 

September 30, 2017 By
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4 In Faith/ Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

The power of the local church and how it changed the trajectory of my life!

As I reflect on my journey through life, one truth stands out: the immeasurable value of the local church and the impact it has had on my personal growth and development. I am incredibly grateful for the dedicated youth leaders and volunteers who selflessly invested their time and wisdom in my life during those formative years. Their guidance, coupled with the nurturing environment of the church community, provided me with a compass when I was navigating the tumultuous seas of adolescence, unsure of my identity and place in the world.

In a society where voices are screaming at us from every direction, the local church stands as a beacon of truth and stability. Beyond the influence of parents, it offers a unique platform for children and teenagers to encounter perspectives that shape their worldview and character. The significance of this cannot be overstated; it’s a lifeline in a world often fraught with confusion and uncertainty.

I’d love to share some examples of the truths that were lovingly poured into my life, altering its course in ways I could never have imagined:

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GOD IS MY FATHER and He LOVES me!

“My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it.” ~ Brennan Manning

To know that the CREATOR of the universe loved me and cared about every detail of my life changed me from the INSIDE out. It gave me a deep sense of peace, joy, and security. Because I knew that I was unconditionally loved and accepted by Him, I didn’t have to seek superficial love.

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COMMUNITY and BELONGING:

Within the walls of the church, I discovered a sense of belonging and acceptance. It wasn’t just a place I attended; it was a community that embraced me for who I was, and friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

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FORGIVENESS 

“Forgiveness is about empowering yourself, rather than empowering your past..” ~ T. D. Jakes

My parents divorced when I was young, and I was holding on to hurt and unforgiveness, allowing it to tear me apart inside. I learned to truly forgive my parents and let go of the hurt.

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SERVICE

“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

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The local church instilled within me a heart of service and sacrifice—a willingness to extend a hand of compassion and grace to those in need, embodying the selfless love exemplified by Christ Himself.

I learned the value in serving others.  I began by serving inside my church with our children’s ministry. Next I served with others in my community, working as a tutor and helping build houses with Habitat for Humanity. Finally, I traveled to other states and throughout the world to do mission work – helping repair dilapidated schools and homes, loving on orphaned children, and teaching others about God’s love for them.

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PURPOSE and LEADERSHIP

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” ~ John Quincy Adams

I learned that I had leadership capabilities and was given opportunities to lead.

The church empowered me to embrace my unique talents and passions, igniting a flame of purpose and leadership that continues to burn brightly to this day.

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DISCIPLESHIP

“Fortunately, God made all varieties of people with a wide variety of interests and abilities. He has called people of every race and color who have been hurt by life in every manner imaginable. Even the scars of past abuse and injury can be the means of bringing healing to another. What wonderful opportunities to make disciples!” ~ Chuck Swindoll

My youth leaders taught me what it looked like to live as a Christ-follower. I learned how to read my Bible and seek it for wisdom. How to pray and allow God to “speak” to my heart.

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PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU ARE CONSUMING

“These are decisions you make, and when you add them up, they create your life: What will you feed your mind? What thoughts will you dwell on? Who will you allow to influence your inner life? It’s your choice. Choose wisely.” ~ Ted Egly

I learned to pay attention to what I was consuming (reading and watching) and how it was influencing me. What we expose ourselves to, impacts us in a positive or negative way. There is a cause and effect relationship to what we take in and what comes out.

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As I reflect on these transformative truths, I am reminded anew of the invaluable role the local church plays in shaping lives and fostering communities rooted in love, truth, and purpose. It is a sanctuary in a fractured world, offering hope and healing to all who seek its embrace.

Regarding my kids, I am grateful to have other adults speaking grace, love, life, encouragement, and truth into their lives. I know my kids are not always listening to me, so it’s good to know they have other people providing wisdom and insight, guiding them towards living a better version of themselves, allowing God’s peace and grace to rule and reign in their lives.

I also know that churches aren’t perfect. They are made up of people like you and me that make mistakes. I am not going to forsake one of the best parts of my life because a handful of people get it wrong. I will choose to look for the good and forgive the imperfect. I also choose to serve and help when I see areas of need!

I’d love to hear your story. How have your been impacted by the local church?

CLICK HERE for a post I wrote on the importance of investing in others.

September 29, 2017 By
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5 In Faith/ Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

Finding Joy in the Journey of Motherhood

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen

Being a mom is wonderful. And hard.

I try to get the house picked up before I go to bed at night and then by 10 am, it looks a hurricane swept through. The breakfast is finished, but food is out, dishes are piled in the sink, milk is spilled and “sort of” wiped up. I look in the living room and my boys have pulled out every pillow and blanket we own to make a fort. I look around and feel overwhelmed.

Some thoughts that go through my head are:

  • I’ll never have a clean house.
  • I’m depressed.
  • I can’t do this.

I give myself about 60 seconds to feel that way then I PURPOSEFULLY stop myself. I CHOOSE to think different thoughts and my mood immediately changes.

I can’t do this is replaced with:

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

I am depressed is replaced with:

“Today is the day that the Lord has made and I will REJOICE and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

I’ll never have a clean house is replaced with: I have young children living here and I WILL eventually have a clean house again.

And then – I CHOOSE to be grateful.

I look at the breakfast crumbs and spills and think – my kids aren’t hungry! They have food to eat!

I look at the mess in the living room and think – they are creative! They are playing together!

Motherhood is a journey. A hard and joy-filled journey where life isn’t your own anymore. It’s about choosing joy in spite of the messes they make, the noise and the lack of free time. It’s choosing gratitude when it’s easier to be angry, frustrated, and depressed.

Today, stop and look around at the mess and be grateful for it! It means that LIFE is happening there.

I’m choosing joy one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time.

Stress is a CHOICE! Joy and Gratitude are choices too! Choose well.

What are you grateful for today? Leave me a comment!

For more encouragement – check out the JOY CHALLENGE for MOMs. A daily video on how to choose joy no matter what life brings you. And this study to go along with it.

September 21, 2017 By
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