4 In 2020/ Christmas/ Family/ Free stuff/ Games/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Colorado/ Things to do in Minnesota

41 Final Wintertime Activities for Quarantined Kids (Part 3)

I’ve created 101 things to do in quarantine.

Click here for the first 30 (Part 1)

Click here for the second set of 30 – all FREE! (Part 2)

Today I bring you the final 41, for a total of 101 ideas for wintertime and quarantine fun!

1. Build a Marble Maze / Labrynth

George creating his game called “The Ultimate Maze”

Your kids can use an empty box.
Glue straws to the bottom to create a maze.

2. Card Games

Play a card game with your family after dinner.

A lady I enjoy listening to, raised four amazing sons and swears by the power of spending time with your kids around the table – not just eating, but staying to play games. She said the boys didn’t always want to play, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. Playing together opens up conversations you may not normally have. Games make you laugh and connect in a new way.

Some good options: Go Fish, Memory, Uno
My kids and I love Skipbo and Rat-a-tat-Cat (Best for ages 7 and up)
You can learn a NEW card game. My boys and I just started playing “Garbage” – it’s an easy game we learned on Youtube.
When I was a child, I entertained myself by playing Solitaire. Perhaps your kids can learn this one too!?
My kids don’t always want to play a card game, but I often ask them to play just ONE game. They forget how fun it is until they start playing.

3. Try winter gardening

Click here for ideas

4. Make snow slushees

If you have milk and sugar, your kids can make their own ice cream!
Click here for recipe!
Scoop fresh snow, pour any drink on top to turn it into a SLUSHEE!

5. Minute to Win it Games

Click here to read the ten fun games to play with your kids!

6. Create “Ramp Races”

A really fun and simple activity that can act as a physics lesson and opportunity for an experiment. Make a simple ramp using cardboard or a piece of wood, and roll different objects down: measure how far they go, how fast they roll, or hold races between different kinds of balls to see which wins!

7. Go Fishing With Magnets

Create “fishing poles” using pencils, string, and magnets.
Place a variety of items in a bin–some magnetic, some otherwise–and let them go to town exploring the concept of magnetism!

8. Draw self portraits

Have your kids look in the mirror and do a self portrait!
Be sure to have them write their name and age. It will be fun to look back on this when they are older.
You could have them repeat this every year around their birthday to see how their drawings improve!

9. Make a Flip Book Animation

Kids can learn how to make a flipbook animation in less than 5 minutes. All you need is a pen and a stack of paper, or even better, a sticky note pad. This video is a great and very quick tutorial

Here is one of my son’s first flip book, using index cards:

10. Create paper airplanes

Click here for ideas

11. Sledding

If you have snow like we do, this is fun for all ages!

12. Skiing

Skiing requires gloves, you can wear a mask, it’s outdoors and fairly easy to stay ‘socially distant.’ Many ski resorts have special rates and lessons for beginners.

13. Play with shaving cream

14. Have a make your own pizza and family movie night

Click here for some of our family favorites

Click here for a simple 3 ingredient pizza recipe!

15. Take a winter walk

16. Play Bingo! or Zingo!

17. Make one of a kind ornaments

Click here to read how!

18. Make a comic strip

Read the Sunday comics to your kids, then make your own!

Click here for this printable comic strip outline.

19. Stop Motion

Download a stop-motion app for your kids and let them make stop motion videos

Here’s a video my 10 year old made:

20. Learn and/or Practice an instrument

Piano, keyboard, xylophone, harmonica, recorder or drums…make it a family band.
Look on Youtube for free lessons.

21. Pour Paint

22. Rock Art

23. Play with marshmallows and toothpicks

24. Make Special Snacks

Take a cupcake holder and put a different snack in each section
Make Circus Sundaes – Ice Cream, Animal Crackers, Syrup, Whip Cream and a Cherry On Top!

25. Blow Art

Pour droplets of paint on paper
Allow kids to “blow” air through the straw to make a cool pattern

26. Play Follow The Leader

Have each child take a turn being the leader
Walk all around your house
Do jumps, turns, stop to hug dad, etc.

27. Mess Free Coloring

28. Playfoam Game

29. Go Retro with Lite-Brite

30. Become an author

My fourth grade teacher once gave us the title “The Entire City Lends a Hand” and had the class each write their own story. Read a rendition of that here.
Give your kids a title/prompt and let them write!
Title ideas:
- If I were President…
- Undersea Adventure…
- You Won’t Believe what Happened!

31. Got Toilet Paper?

Tape them up to create a “marble maze”
Click here for more ideas

32. Have your children create a scavenger hunt for each other!

Give them a treat to hide for their sibling
Have them create clues to search the house and find it!

33. Memorize a verse together

I find SO much comfort in knowing Scripture by heart and being able to quote it when I’m feeling fear.
Learn a verse together with your kids.
Click here for 12 great verses.

34. Draw it

35. Butcher Paper Family Table

Roll a large sheet of paper across the dining room table or counter top or coffee table.
Set markers in a jar on top of the table.
Draw Christmas scenes, hand prints, rainbows, etc.

37. Fashion Plates or Action Plates

38. Make salt dough ornaments

My sister made these with her girls (ages 5 and 8). They turned out so cute. I am going to make some with my boys.

Click here for step-by-step instructions.

39. Get a job or Help a Neighbor

Both working and serving can boost your mood!

If you have kids who are 8 and older, they can earn money or serve their neighbors by shoveling, cleaning up leaves, or helping any other outdoor task.

40. Find a place to explore!

Though there are some places that are closed for Covid, you can still find a new place to explore with your kids!

You can look at the website “Only in your State.”

If you are in Tulsa, Oklahoma, check out The Gathering Place or RedBud Nature Preserve.

If you live in Colorado Springs, CO – click here for ten great places to hike with kids.

If you are in Minnesota, click here to discover the Arboretum, the Eloise Bird Sanctuary, and more!

41. If all else fails…let them be bored!

Being bored is a natural part of life as a kid. Try not to offer an immediate solution to their boredom and see what they come up with! It’s often in times of boredom that children show their greatest creativity!

Click here to read 20 gifts that Minnesota gave the world. I’m guessing most inventions were made during the long, dark winters in Minnesota.

Thanks for reading!

If you missed part 1 of this series, click here!

Click here for 30 FREE wintertime activities for kids!

Click here for 55 more ideas for quarantine fun!

Here’s a video I created to show you some great gift ideas for kids:

November 28, 2020 By Kathryn

7 In 2020/ Family/ Free stuff/ Motherhood/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Colorado/ Things to do in Minnesota

Summer Fun Unleashed: Beat Boredom with These 55 Kid-Approved Activities!

🌞☀️ Summer Fun Alert! 🌞☀️ Are you ready to banish those dreaded words, “I’m bored,” from your kids’ vocabulary this summer? 🎉 I’ve put together the ultimate list of activities guaranteed to keep young minds engaged, bodies moving, and creativity flowing all season long! From outdoor adventures to indoor escapades, there’s something for every kid to enjoy. Let’s dive in and make this summer the most memorable one yet! 🚀

Note: I put this list together during the 2020 lock down and it came in handy when my son and got Covid and had to spend two weeks in quarantine. When we were finally ‘free” he said:

“Mom, I’m sad that quarantine is done. We made so many memories.”
Luke, age 7

Thankfully, the lockdown is long gone, but this list remains incredibly useful for those moments when boredom strikes and you’re in need of some inspiration! Plus, it’s an added bonus that you’ll make ‘so many memories’ along the way!!

1. Draw a Picture and/or write a letter

Set out Pencils, markers, water color, or crayons and blank paper or coloring books.

Draw pictures and write letters to family and friends!

Click here to purchase a “How to Draw” book on Amazon.

2. Read a book

Go to the library and allow your kids to explore!
Find books that will pique your child’s curiosity.
Most early readers (and pre-readers) enjoy comic-strip style books.
Set a timer so your kids know that it’s “reading time.”
Ask an older child to read to a younger child – or –
Read a few pages of a chapter book to your kids. The “Who Was” series is great!
My 12 year old son and I recently finished Front Desk and he LOVED it and kept asking me to read more.
We read Little House on the Prairie in 2020 and laughed at how similar the “little house life” and “quarantine life” are!

3. Tell/ write a story

My fourth grade teacher once gave us the title “The Entire City Lends a Hand” and had the class each write their own story. Read a rendition of that here.
Give your kids a title and let them write!
Title ideas: The first day of school! Best Vacation Ever, If I were President, Undersea Adventure, You Won’t Believe what Happened!

4. Make a book

Buy blank books from amazon or use a notebook you have on hand.

Have your kids write a little each day about what they are doing during the summer. (It will be interesting to look back on these journals in the future!)

Another option: Have your kids write 1 thing they are grateful for each day.

Be sure to have them add the date and their name.

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5. Start a Gratitude Journal

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.

6. HOME EC – Cook together

My boys love helping make any type of dessert. But they are also good “sous” chefs – peeling potatoes and carrots, etc.
Teaching kids how to cook builds confidence in them and is a huge help once they know what to do.
Here is an easy recipe for – Personal Pizzas

Here’s a post about the benefits of cooking together

7. Balloon games

It’s crazy how much joy a simple balloon can bring.
Blow up balloons and work together to keep them from touching the ground.
Use a string/rope/crepe paper across the living room and play “tennis” or “volleyball.”
Use a tennis racket outside with a balloon.
My son’s love this balloon rocket from amazon!

8. Go Park Hopping!

9. Clean together

My sister’s daughters (ages 4 and 7) – She says the girls enjoy the tactile nature of finding the clips, reading them, and then putting them in the container when completed.

There are so many benefits to giving your kids household chores and teaching them to clean!
Some bigger things we are working on together – the basement, baseboards, and cleaning our cars.
Smaller things the kids can do – a junk drawer, the pantry, baseboards, wiping lower cabinets, all door handles, appliance handles, pulling weeds, folding and putting away laundry, bathroom, bedroom, their closet, and loading/unloading dishwasher.
I offered my kids a quarter to whoever could wipe down the baseboards and bring me back the dirtiest wet wipe.

Click here for a “chore chart” idea!

10. Dino Dig

My boys love uncovering a treasure, your kid will too!

11. Make some homemade gifts

Friendship bracelets are back! (Thank you T.Swift)

12. Play Hide and Seek

Take turns hiding – or – Hide a stuffed animal. Say “hotter/colder” when they are getting closer or further.

13. Play bean bag games

Toss back and forth
Toss in buckets, pans, or boxes
Play “keep away!”
For bean bag toddler games, CLICK HERE.

14. Scavenger hunt

Print the list pictured above for an indoor hunt
Write a list of things to find or print a list from Pinterest for an outdoor hunt
Kids can create their own hunt around the house with “clues”
Here’s a list I created.

15. 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 50-100 piece puzzles, race to see who can put them together faster.
Optional Money-saving tip: Trade puzzles with your neighbors or buy some used ones! Dollar store sells some too!
Get a new puzzle from Amazon, or trade with friends.

16. Paint by Sticker

This sticker book has over 5000 5-star reviews! I got this for my son for Christmas and I see why it has so many positive reviews. We love it! The pictures turn out so pretty you could frame them!

17. Sidewalk chalk

Lay down and trace each other – then decorate with clothes, faces, etc.
Write a verse or word of encouragement for passers-by
Use tape and color in the spaces like stained glass (pictured above)
Color rocks around your house

18. Create an Indoor or outdoor Obstacle course

Create one in your yard, basement or around your house.
There are tons of games you can play with cones and bean bags!

19. Have a Spa Day!

Facials, paint nails, do hair, etc.

20. Spot It

This is a fun game for kids ages 4 and up!

21. Don’t Eat Pete Game

Click here for instructions

22. Play games with a Jump Rope

Do competitions to see who can go the longest without tripping. It’s great exercize and FUN!
I definitely recommend you purchase the segmented jump ropes (pictured above). We bought several so we could all jump rope together.

23. Build with legos or megablocks

24. Do a craft together

Lots of ideas on Pinterest
Paint by numbers are for sale on Amazon and Hobby Lobby

25. Memorize a poem or verse together.

Click here for a list of our favorites
Print verses a nd hang around the house to practice and memorize.

26. Build an arcade game out of boxes.

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

27. 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!

28. Play a board game

How many board games do you have that you NEVER play? NOW is the time to blow the dust off and play!
The boys received “No Stress Chess” as a Christmas gift a few years ago. This set helps you learn how to play chess. Now my boys love the game!
We also enjoy Chutes and Ladders, Battleship, Monopoly, Life and Guess Who?
Click here for a list of our family’s favorite games.

29. 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.

30. Play charades or download the HEADS UP app

Even little ones can play this game. Whisper what you want them to “act” out and let the sibling(s) guess.
The Heads Up app is lots of fun.

31. Build a fort

Put blankets over your dining table – or
Use boxes, or pillows and blankets.
Read a story in the fort!
“Go on a Bear Hunt“
Decorate with Christmas lights!

32. Create or Buy Kinetic Sand or Play Doh

33. Exercise!

Follow a youtube exercise video
Family Bootcamp
Run around your house for 5 or more minutes. I don’t know about your kids – but my kids NEED to burn energy in a healthy way or they start getting mischievous!
If we are outside, I challenge my kids to a foot race so that we can BOTH burn energy and get exercise.

34. Play some backyard games

Duck Duck Goose
Balloon Bounce – Kids lay down (or sit down) and have to work together to keep balloon(s) in the air.
Red Rover, Red Rover
Red Light, Green Light
Tag

35. Have a unique conversation

Has months of summer 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!

36. Have a “What’s in the Box?” Challenge

Cut holes a in box
Choose an item to put inside
Allow someone to reach their hand inside the box and “guess” what it is.
Take turns finding items to hide, then guessing “What’s in the Box?”

Click here to watch the Egly boys’ challenge. They’d love for you to subscribe to their channel.

37. Homemade Tap Shoes

Sorry parents, this one’s noisy! It’s so easy, though, and will keep your kids busy.

Simply tape coins to the bottom of your child’s shoe. Voila, homemade tap shoes.

Get them to come up with a tap-dancing routine, rehearse it and record their final performance (bring your own earmuffs).

38. Look at old photos

Take out your photo albums or pull up pictures on your computer and enjoy!

39. Build a Marble Maze / Labrynth

Your kids can use an empty box.

Glue straws to the bottom to create a maze.

40. Card Games

Play “War” with the classic deck of cards.

41. Play “Minute to Win It”

Click here for 10 fun games to play with your family

42. Practice an instrument

Piano, keyboard, xylophone, harmonica, recorder or drums…make it a family band. Look on Youtube for free lessons.

43. Blow bubbles

Make some bubbles using dish washing soap, water, and sugar (for consistency).

Or check out these “bubble gloves” on amazon.

44. Make a flip motion animation book

Kids can learn how to make a flipbook animation in less than 5 minutes. All you need is a pen and a stack of notecards, paper, or a sticky note pad. This video is a great and very quick tutorial.

45. Play Simon Says or Follow The Leader

Have each child take a turn being the leader
Walk all around your house
Do jumps, turns, stop to hug dad, etc.

46. Ice excavating

Place some toys in a bowl of water and Freeze. Let the kids dig them out.

47. Build a volcano

Click here for instructions

48. Make Ice Cream

If you have milk and sugar, your kids can make their own ice cream! Click here for the recipe!

49. Nerf guns

Shoot at targets – I made some targets with construction paper and held them in place with play doh.

50. Jokes

Get a joke book from Amazon, or search for kid’s jokes on the internet and entertain each other!

51. Create Salt Dough Figures

Click here for instructions

52. Play “Would you Rather?”

Click here for questions!

53. Create “Ramp Races”

54. Leaf or Texture rubbings

Find leaves, grass, and other flat-ish items and put them under paper. Color over them.

55. Take an aimless drive.

Listen to a podcast or the radio.
Go through the drive through for ice cream or dinner.

CLICK HERE FOR 20 more ideas

Bonus Idea: Create a “I’m Bored” Jar:

Print the 55 options listed above, cut apart each idea, and put them in a container. If your kids say ‘I’m Bored’ – have them pull a paper from the jar and complete that activity.
It’s OKAY for your kids to be bored and figure it out too! Boredom leads to creativity! Clark was bored when he created his own Cardboard Arcade!
Boredom leads to new inventions. I look forward to what will be thought up during this quarantine!

Do you have an idea? Leave a comment!

Please subscribe so you don’t miss a post!

*I am an Amazon Affiliate, so I make a small percentage off of Amazon links I share if you click through and purchase, without any additional cost to you. Thank you for your support in this way!

March 22, 2020 By Kathryn

0 In Book Review/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Free stuff/ Giveaway/ Things to do in Colorado

A peek inside Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!

Because I’m a teacher at heart – I wanted my first children’s book to be FUN and EDUCATIONAL!

Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore takes you on an ADVENTURE to the top of Pikes Peak (a Colorado mountain) and teaches you fun facts about the animals who live there.

I worked with a talented local artist who hand painted each illustration.

You can purchase a copy for $10 shipped!

Click here for PayPal, add $10, and I will send you signed 1st edition!

Prefer Venmo? Scan this:

Thanks for your support!

December 12, 2019 By Kathryn

2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Faith/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Memories/ Moving/ My Journey/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Colorado/ Traveling

My Volunteer Vacation

One year ago, New Life Church was hosting an amazing children’s/family ministry conference called The Gathering. It was during this conference that my husband accepted a job with Target, which meant we’d be moving to Minnesota.

I love Colorado, and I also loved working with this team at New Life. I was struggling with the idea that this chapter would be ending soon.

On the last night of the conference (last year), each person who helped lead the conference was given a box of cereal from Dr. Michelle Anthony – my (former) boss and Family Ministry Pastor. She gave me a box of S’mores and told me that she would like S’more of me. It took everything in me not to burst into tears right then. Just a couple days later, I’d be sharing the news that we’d be moving and she’d be getting S’less, not S’more.

I went home from the conference and shared how I was feeling with Ted. He encouraged me to come back to the conference in 2019 and volunteer.

So this year, I went to Colorado for a Volunteer Vacation! I came to assist, learn, and connect with my New Life friends!

When I first arrived in Colorado Springs – tears filled my eyes. This city has such a special place in my heart, and I was so happy to be back.

The morning of the conference, I drove over to New Life Church with my friend Holly, and helped with the last minute details. All morning I was greeted with love and hugs from friendly faces. It was pure joy.

Because my kids weren’t with me, I got to focus my whole week helping wherever needed … AND catching up with SO many dear people. I loved every minute of it.

In a season of all things new, spending several days in a place that holds so much familiarity & treasured relationships, felt like a well-timed gift.

Though I didn’t sleep much, I came home from my Volunteer Vacation refreshed and full.

If you have some vacation time coming up and aren’t sure what to do – consider a “Volunteer Vacation!” Take the opportunity to go somewhere and help with something. Every non-profit organizations can use an extra set of hands. And when you make time to bless someone or something, you always get blessed in return!

Here is an (affiliate) link to a book filled with ideas on short term adventures that will benefit you and others!

July 9, 2019 By Kathryn

3 In Book Review/ Inspiration/ Things to do in Colorado/ Things to do in Minnesota

Little ways to make a BIG difference

Each of us are here for a reason. We have opportunities, every day, to make an impact on people and our world. Usually it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Little bits of kindness add up to a whole bunch of goodness.

Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.
Robert F Kennedy

Keep doing little things, and together, we can make a big difference.

Here are 21 fun and easy ways we can make the world a brighter place. Perhaps you can add one of these to your calendar, or set a reminder on your phone to do one small act of kindness this week.

1. Smile and brighten someone’s day.

When I walk past a stranger who is smiling, my mood lifts. Imagine the impact if we all smile and say hello to every person we encounter today.

Did you know that smiling not only has a positive impact on others, it positively impacts YOU too. Smile and your body responds accordingly.

2. Leave a dollar bill at the Dollar Store for someone to joyfully discover.

Oh the happiness that fills a child who has a dollar to spend at the Dollar Store! You could even hide out and wait for someone to find the dollar you left behind :).

3. Pray for a foster child by name.

(Click here to see Minnesota foster kids)

Pray that God’s love would permeate every part of their lives. Pray that they would have positive influences in their lives. Pray for their foster parents and teachers to have patience, wisdom, and unconditional love for them. Pray that they would find a permanent home and family.

4. Buy an extra item at the grocery store and drop it off at a food pantry.

Did you know that families in the suburbs are often struggling more than inner city families? Items of greatest need: Peanut Butter, Canned Meat and Toilet Paper.

Click here to see what and where to give: https://theopendoorpantry.org/how-to-give/donate-food/

5. Drop a penny into the McDonald’s Ronald Mcdonald donation box.

If every customer in the US donates just ONE PENNY every time he or she visits Mcdonald’s, more than $62 Million dollars would be collected to support children and families in need. Wow!

6. Provide a meal or groceries for a single mom.

When I was young, there was a season when my mom was trying to provide for 5 young girls as a single mom. I remember what a delight it was when someone left a bag of groceries for us. Many single parents are living on a very slim budget and every bit helps.

7. Donate snacks or make a donation to an organization that gives children food to eat over the weekend.

There are children in each community who don’t have enough food to eat over the weekend.

Many local schools and churches collect snacks to give to children in need – ask your child’s school and church. If you live around Lakeville, Minnesota, here are three places that collect and provide snacks for kids:

Hosanna church, 9600 163rd Street West Lakeville, MN 55044
952.435.3332
Kenwood Middle school -17630 Juniper Path
Lakeville, Minnesota 55044 Phone: 952-232-3800
Edge Real Estate Services at 18472 Kenyon Avenue (near 185th &35W)

Another organization is The Sheridan Story – a project designed to fight child hunger by providing a weekend’s supply of food to hungry children.

8. Keep $5 gift cards to Walmart or McDonalds to give to a needy person you pass on the street. Or bring an extra sandwich to share.

9. Invite someone to church

9 out of 10 unchurched people said that they would come if someone invited them. My friend, Terri, buys pizzas from Little Caesars every Wednesday. She invites the neighbors over for pizza and takes a car load to youth group on Wednesday nights. The teenagers in her neighborhood know if they want to have dinner and go to church, she’s the one to see. She’s also built a mentorship and rapport with these teenagers. Every neighborhood needs a “Terri!”

10. Look for an opportunity to help ONE person today!

Every person you encounter is fighting some sort of battle. It may be a new mom who needs a NAP! Someone else needs a hug. Another person needs you to ask them how they are REALLY doing. Create margin in your day to be able to help someone.

My friend Nanette told me she invited a recently widowed father and his children to eat with her family on Valentine’s day. What would normally be a hard holiday for this hurting husband was a night filled with joy, laughter, and happy memories.

11. Visit a nursing home

Have your kids draw pictures, sing a song, play an instrument, or just give a hug to the elderly.

12. Provide respite care for foster families

Give foster parents a break for the weekend or occasional help when needed. Childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/services/respite.cfm

13. Volunteer at a Food bank

You can volunteer once a year or once a week. If you are in the Minneapolis suburbs, click here to volunteer at The Open Pantry Food bank in Eagan or Apple Valley.

14. Donate needed supplies to a woman’s shelter

Call your local women’s shelter and see what their needs are. Click here to find a women’s shelter near you. https://www.womenshelters.org

In my area, Dakota Woodlands Women’s Shelter is currently needing baby items, personal items, and waterproof mattress pads!

15. Donate diapers to a pregnancy clinic

https://www.amnionpc.org

https://www.burnsvillepregnancyhelp.com/services

16. Do you have a friendly pet? Consider taking it to the hospital to cheer up sick patients.

17. Donate toiletries to a homeless shelter

I always grab the extra shampoo and soap from my hotel rooms. These are the perfect size for donations to your local homeless shelter. homelessshelterdirectory.org

18. Play with your kids or spend time with your grandkids!

For parents – take just 5 minutes to PLAY with your kids! The benefits of PLAY are endless – two benefits include improved behavior and learning. Play Tag, a board or card game, chase, throw a ball…anything! Play creates incredible bonds between you and your kids. Click here to read about more benefits.

For grandparents – There are ENDLESS benefits to the child/grandchild relationship – reduced depression and improved immune system are just a couple. Click here to read an awesome article for more on the topic of benefits of being a grandparent.

I remember a time in my life when I thought to myself: My grandmother is the only person in this universe who loves me. Obviously, that wasn’t true but I’m grateful that when everything hit the fan, I knew I was unconditionally loved by my grandmother.

I have so many good memories with each of my grandparents and am grateful my boys have amazing grandparents who love them and invest in them.

Click here for a list of fun activities to do with your kids or grandkids!

19. Donate feminine products to a high school.

The Open Door Food Pantry delivers donated feminine products to a local alternative high school. The girls who are given these items often cry in gratitude because they have no money and no one to purchase these for them. Call your local high school to see if there are girls in need. I imagine that every middle or high school has girls that will be completely grateful for this simple donation.

20. Provide clean water.

Did you know that 80% of illnesses in developing countries are caused by lack of clean water? A gift of $10 to thewaterproject.org provides clean water for one person for 10 years!

21. Pick up trash

What’s the #1 thing our kids say when we ask them to pick something up around the house?

“I didn’t do it” – or – “It’s not mine!”

Guess what? We, as adults, do the SAME THING when we walk by a piece of trash on the ground and ignore it. Imagine if each of us picked up not only our own stuff, but random pieces of trash we see along sidewalks or in parks? Our homes and communities would be so much cleaner.

Each of us can make a little difference that will add up to a big change.

I’ve provided twenty ideas for you! If you have an idea I haven’t mentioned, leave me a comment and share it with us! What is ONE little thing you will do THIS week that could make a big difference?

I’m currently collecting:

snacks for kids,
peanut butter and other food items,
diapers and wipes.

I’ll be donating them to the organizations listed above on June 10. Send me a message if you have something I can give on your behalf!! I’d be happy to come pick it up if you live in my area.

Thanks for reading all the way to the end… ideas for this post came from the book: A Cup of Cold Water in His Name: 60 ways to care for the needy.

May 19, 2019 By Kathryn

0 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Memories/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Colorado

A PEEK into our WEEK: Breckenridge, hiking, time with friends, and racing!

Our Fourth of July

We took some red, white and blue pictures in Colorado Springs, but spent the 4th in Breckenridge! The boys loved the Parade and playing in the huge pile of snow that’s still on Peak 8. Ted and I enjoyed getting one last visit to Breckenridge before our move. We always enjoy the drive there – you never know what wildlife you’ll see. We stopped to watch some Buffalo roam on this trip.

Spent time with a childhood friend

Becky, a childhood friend, and two of her kids came to visit from Broomfield, CO. It was so fun having them spend 24 hours with us!

We hiked and explored, cooked together, and enjoyed catching up. We’re both Indiana girls and been friends all of our lives. I’ve enjoyed spending more time with her since we moved to Colorado.

Overdrive Raceway

The #eglyboys have been begging me to take them to Overdrive Raceway! We finally made it there, and they LOVED it! Clark drove as fast as he could – speeding around corners and weaving in and out between other drivers. George was slow and steady; cautiously driving around corners, and leading Paul “safely” around the track.

Hiking

We explored the Starsmore Nature Center and hiked in Cheyenne Canyon with friends. There are all kinds of trails you can follow in Cheyenne Canyon. However, Clark remembered one specific hike from a field trip and insisted we follow him. He promised us it would be beautiful! Somehow, he found the right trail, we followed him up a narrow passageway and from the top, we had an incredible 360 degree view of mountains and The Broadmoor! He makes an amazing tour guide for an 8-year-old.

The trail Clark insisted we follow.

One of my favorite things to do in Colorado is hiking and exploring with my boys!

Admiring the view!

That was our final ‘regular’ week in Colorado.…now we are packing and wrapping things up at home before we head to Minnesota! What did you do this week? Leave me a comment!

July 11, 2018 By Kathryn

0 In Colorado/ Product Recommendations/ Things to do in Colorado/ Traveling

10 Best places to eat in Breckenridge

1. Crown coffee

We love their “breck coffee” and overall environment.

2. Mi Casa

Stop by Mi Casa if you are craving Mexican food! We loved the enchiladas, and the salsa was so good! Super quaint atmosphere inside and nice patio outside!

3. Duggans Deli

This place has fantastic sub sandwiches. It’s a hole in the wall, so don’t plan to eat inside. I recommend picking up subs, walking to the Gondola, taking the ride to the very top, and eating on the patio at Peak 8.

4. CB Potts

This restaurant is right in the middle of all the action with great seating in the front on Main Street or in the back, on the patio. The burgers are great!

5. Eric’s Downstairs

Eric’s has good pizza, burgers and wings but I only recommend going if you are willing to drop some ‘dough’ on video games. Half of the place is food/half is a gaming area. My kids like coming here – not necessarily for the food, but because of the games!

6. Starbucks

We love this place because it’s so darn cute. It’s an old YELLOW house with such history inside. And if you want to know how to get your Starbucks for FREE, read this.

7. Crepes a la Cart

I thought I didn’t like crepes…until I tried one from Crepes a la Cart. This place ALWAYS has a line out the door! Our family devoured the cinnamon roll crepe in 3.5 seconds.

8. Extreme Pizza

This place has some really creative (and delicious) pizza creations! I recommend the “Kickin Chicken!”

9. Kenosha Steaks and Burgers

Kenosha is a great place to go with family and friends when the weather is nice. You can sit on the back patio and enjoy the backyard “games” while you wait for your food! My boys like the burgers and wings! I ordered the Bison burger – it was great! My husband enjoyed his Caesar salad. We also shared a plate of nachos with Bison Chili – one order is enough to feed the whole table.

10. Pho Real

This is a great place to get a hot bowl of soup on a cold day. It’s very small without much seating, though. I recommend ordering Pho to Go. Take it up the Gondola and eat at one of the tables at Peak 8.

Honorable Mention – Fuzziwigs candy shop

Obviously, this isn’t a place you’d go for dinner unless you want a SUGAR RUSH, but it’s gotta go on my list because it’s my kids favorite spot for a treat in Breckenridge. They give you a little bag and you can add as much or as little of the 400+ options. My kids eat something right away and save some for the drive home.

There are so many quaint restaurants along Main Street. Please let me know in the comments where you love to eat in Breck!

For all my favorite FREE things to do in Breckenridge, CLICK HERE!

July 7, 2018 By Kathryn

4 In Colorado/ Family/ Free stuff/ Memories/ Things to do in Colorado

Breckenridge, Colorado – 12 FREE things you’ve gotta do!

Breckenridge, Colorado.

This town.

So quaint. So much history. Such beauty.

I love that it’s just a two-hour drive from Colorado Springs, and only 90 minutes from Denver or Boulder!

If you live in Colorado, or are here on vacation, it’s absolutely worth taking at least ONE day to spend in this magnificent place.

The drive is phenomenal. Your day will be magical. Your soul will be refreshed.

This town must be on your bucket list.

Here are 12 FREE things we recommend doing in Breckenridge.

Play downtown!

There are two parks right on Main Street that our kids love. They can also splash around in the river on a warm day. The views are beautiful and the people are friendly – we all have a good time!

2. Visit the museums!

Breckenridge is the largest historic district in Colorado. Once home to gold mining, Breckenridge’s history dates back to the 1850s. With that said, there are a handful of interesting, free museums! Take a tour, learn about the history of this great little town. I recommend starting at the Welcome Center. It’s a museum filled with lots of interesting information about the city, plus, the staff will provide free maps, and recommend all the best places to go in town!

Blurry view outside the Gondola – prettier in person!

3. Take the Gondola

It’s free and PHENOMENAL! This is one of our favorite things to do when we come to town! We LOVE the beautiful ride up the mountain. You can get off at the top, walk around, and play in the snow!

4. Hike

There are spots all over town perfect for family hikes! As I mentioned before, stop by the visitor center/museum. You will get a map and recommendations. The guides inside the welcome center will tell you all about the different hikes – lengths, whether they are hard or easy, and what you’ll see!

5. Walk Main Street

Walk all the way down one side, cross over and walk all the way back. It’s probably 8 blocks each way and so many quaint stores to see. I love that many of the stores are old homes. In summer, you can find AMAZING deals on winter items. I found a hooded Patagonia coat for my son for just $20! In winter, find great deals on summer items!

6. Ride the trolley

Breckenridge provides a free trolley for you and your family. It will take you from one side of town to another. Just stay on and do a loop to enjoy Breckenridge from another point of view. My kids enjoy this unique experience.

7. Visit the Breckenridge Sunday Market

If you come on a Sunday (from June 17 to September 2) don’t miss the Farmer’s Market! You’ll hear band’s playing music, taste local food, and see/experience some of what makes Breckenridge so special.

8. Bike Ride

Bring your bikes and enjoy a bike ride along the river. (Bikes are available to rent as well)

9. Riverwalk Concerts

Throughout the summer, you can enjoy a free concert from the lawn on the Riverwalk!

10. Find the Fairy Forest

This is a hidden gem found at the base of the Snowflake lift. Hike the Sawmill Trail that follows alongside the river. Once you get to the top of the trail, hike around the corner to the right, and you’ll see a rocky path headed up towards Four O’Clock. Don’t step off the trail just yet, or you’ll miss the magic. Stay on the lower part of the trail that leads behind a few beautiful homes off Four O’Clock Road.

11. Go Sledding!

In the winter, we bring our sleds to Breck. There is a FREE sledding hill in Carter Park, which is located at the south end of High Street adjacent to the Breckenridge Elementary School. My kids and I have so much fun sledding this large hill!

12. The Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Championship

Towards the end of January people from around the world come together to compete at making snow sculptures. Just like the World Championship of Sand Sculpting, the snow sculptures are works of art and take hours to complete. If you would like to look at these marvelous works of art in the flesh, check your calendar and make sure that your trip aligns with the snow sculpture dates. This is one of the BEST things to do in Breckenridge during the winter months.

Four fun things to do that are not free:

Epic Discovery – If you ride the Gondola up to Peak 8 you will find an extremely fun place to play. There’s an alpine slide, a zip line, a roller coaster. The park is not free (its about $60 a person) and I have not done it yet, but it’s on my list of things I want to do!
Ski – it’s beautiful, but gets crowded and is quite expensive for a beginner like me.
Children’s Museum – This museum has good reviews and is reasonably priced (Kids $6) but we have yet to visit. There’s so much to do for free, we haven’t made time for this museum yet.
Walking History Tour – Enjoy a two hour walk around town while learning about the history of this charming place from an expert.

CLICK HERE for the best places to EAT in Breckenridge!

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Have you been to Breck? What do you love about this town? Leave me a comment!

July 4, 2018 By Kathryn

2 In Book Review/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Free stuff/ Giveaway/ Product Recommendations/ Things to do in Colorado

You are invited … to a book signing and a chance to win a $40 and $50 gift card!

Colorado Friends!

I’d like to invite each of you to Ted and my first ever duel BOOK SIGNING!

In the last few months, my husband and I have both published our first books.

Mine is a children’s book is entitled “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore: A Pikes Peak Adventure Story. (click here to read more about my book).

Ted’s book is entitled “Conversations with a Billionaire.” His book is an amazing story on life and leadership (click here to read more about his book).

Till Kitchen has invited to come do a book signing at their beautiful coffee bar/restaurant. We’d love to meet you and sign a book for you and your children! PLUS, for every book you purchase, your name will go in a drawing to win a $40 gift card to this fabulous restaurant! (which is on my list of best places to eat in Colorado Springs!) Also, Till Kitchen has offered to give away a $50 gift card for “Tillivery” – their delicious meal delivery service!

Here are all the details:

What: Ted and Kathryn Egly’s book signing

When: Saturday, June 29th from 9-11AM

Where: The Roost Coffee Bar inside Till Kitchen – 9633 Prominent Point | Colorado Springs, CO 80924 | 719 282-8004

Why: Have a cup of hot coffee and a delicious pastry, meet your neighbors and local authors, purchase a book that we will sign with a personal message, and be entered to win a prize!

For each product you purchase, your name will go into a drawing for a $40 gift card to Till Kitchen OR a $50 gift card for Tillivery!

PS – If you mention the secret word “KathrynEgly.com,” you will get $2 off my book – making it only $8 for you! The is the best price you’ll find anywhere, ever!

Ted’s book is available for the low price of $12 – the best price you’ll see anywhere as well!

Hope to see you there!!!

UPDATE: Giveaway winners: Mary Kathryn S. ($40 gift card), Pam ($50 Tillivery)

June 25, 2018 By Kathryn

5 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Things to do in Colorado

In-laws, not outlaws

“In-laws” have a bad rap. In fact, I went to Pinterest and Google and searched “in-law quotes” and could not find one GOOD quote. They were all negative. So, I’m here to put some positivity out there and say that GREAT in-laws do exist in this world! Let me tell you about two of them.

Kevin and Shirley Egly (my in-laws) are as good as they get! When people talk negatively about their in-laws, I for one, can’t even comprehend it. And two, have nothing but good things to say about mine.

Let me brag on them a little bit!

First of all – the raised Ted Egly! I could just stop there…but I won’t…

They love their grandsons and me so well. They encourage us and help whenever possible.

They watch (aka: wrangle/chase/spoil) all four of our boys so that Ted and I can get away! OHHH SOOO NICE!

While we are gone and when we get back, they help with lots of stuff around the house. Kevin completes household projects and Shirley helps me clean and organize.

Not only does Papa do yard work, he teaches our sons how to do it too!

They also play lots of “UNO!” I love that all four #eglyboys can all play now! (Luke is on “my” team)

We do take breaks to eat and explore. For instance, I had to take Kevin and Shirley out to experience King Chef’s Diner.

Voted best breakfast in Colorado. It’s that good!

After breakfast at King Chef’s, we hiked at Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

Every time I go to Red Rock, I spot different types of wildlife. Once, a deer crossed the trail right in front of me. On this visit, we discovered a big Hawk’s nest with baby hawks inside.

Luke didn’t want to hike, he wanted me to hold him. Since this will probably be the last summer I can “hold” one of my babies while we hike, I held him for the first half of the hike. Then we crossed paths with a kind lady and her adorable dog. Luke wanted to walk alongside the dog and followed him through the second half of the hike and all the way to the parking lot. (This made me want a dog.)