Fun
Do You See Apple Slices or A Candy Cane?
It is the super simple things that can add an extra festive touch to a family snack or get together. The girls wanted a snack so I sliced up some apples, but instead of putting them in a bowl or on a plate I left them on the cutting board in the shape of a candy cane. I love it when I am thinking clearly enough to actually do the “little stuff” because it is so worth seeing them get excited over apple slices in the shape of a candy cane or something similar.
Think of 3 simple ways you can add a festive touch to things you are already doing. Not to mention it may coax your kids to eat more apples or other healthy foods around the Holidays! 🙂 You don’t have to make elaborate dishes to spark a smile in your family members!
Lounging in the Haystack
Karlie and Brina having fun outside
Karlie and Brina taking a break and relaxing in a pile of hay. They were having a grand time playing in it while we were working in the yard. Next thing I knew they both had their lounge chairs in the pile too.
It was cute listening to their conversations as they relaxed in the hay stack. Who knew that a haystack could be a such an awesome place to hang out together?! It was amazing how long they cheerfully played, talked, and giggled while lounging in that little stack of hay!
Sometimes it is the simple things already in the yard that can be the most entertaining for the kids. 🙂
Chickies hanging out on a pile of hay in their lawn chairs…….silly girls!
Creative Kids: Packing Peanut & Wallpaper Craft
Fun craft for the kids
There are many great uses for the styrofoam packing peanuts. Not only are the styrofoam packing peanuts used to protect items that are being stored or transported they can be a wonderful kids craft once they are no longer needed. The colorful ones are the most fun (at least according to the kids). You can also pick up a big bag of them at your local craft store.
When Jake’s sister and her family came to visit they spent one of their evenings here with friends. Their friends introduced them to this easy and entertaining craft for the kids. They brought home a baggie full of packing peanuts so I got out some wallpaper samples and the kids had a blast building all kids of items with the craft.
The kids used paint brushes and water to wet down the styrofoam peanuts. The wet peanuts would stick together and to the wallpaper like glue once they dried. They can use their imagination and build whatever they want. On the fireplace we had towers, houses, forts, pools and more fun stuff.
If your looking for a fun craft and have a few extra packing peanuts around you should try it.
Decorating the Christmas Tree
A picture of our spinning Christmas tree all decorated at night!
The girls LOVE helping us decorate the tree for Christmas and can barely wait for us to get all the stuff out of the attic. Over the years they really have become a huge help when it comes to decorating, not to mention that their excitement is contagious!
When we decorate the Christmas tree we like to turn on the Christmas music and have fun. While our tree will not win any award for the “most professionally decorated” or “color coordinated”, it is packed full of memories. Christmas ornaments I had as a baby, items the girls have made for us, and many other fun family treasures. In all fairness it is the perfect tree for our family because we did it together.
Karlie all smiles as she wears the “tree skirt”!
My little Brina helper! All smiles as she listens to music and helps put up the Christmas decorations.
Taking a break from tree decorating to drink some Eggnog!
Our Christmas tree, decorated by the whole family!
Throughout the Christmas Season you can often find our family reading a book together near the tree, sitting on the couch next to it talking about our days, or even enjoying a cup of hot chocolate while looking into the tinkling lights. I am thankful for my family and the opportunity to celebrate yet another wonderful season together.
CONGRATULATIONS to Our “Say Anything” Game Winner!
The name has been drawn for the giveaway!
CONGRATULATIONS to
Theresa
for winning a
“Say Anything“ Family Game by North Star Games!
Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!
An email has been sent to you with more information*
Enjoy your family game night!
Don’t forget to enter our next Giveaway (the next giveaway will be announced later this morning)!
*Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced. Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize. The actual gift may or may not be identical to the one pictured above.
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Days 29 & 30)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
How is it the LAST DAY of this activity already?! It is hard to believe we just finished our last day of our November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days because it went by so quickly. Doing this project these last few weeks have been a great blessing and wonderful experience for the whole family. It was awesome seeing how doing the activity made us think more about being grateful and expressing our thanks to people around us.
Many of the people were family, friends, neighbors, as well as people we interact with regularly while some we had met for the first time (store clerks). The purpose of this activity was to focus on being thankful and to be a blessing to the people around us. It was an activity that had a positive impact on our lives. There were several times I walked away from a task feeling more blessed, it’s amazing how making the choice to positive and grateful to others can uplifts your spirits too.
I have so much to be thankful for not only during this Holiday season but throughout the entire year. May I continue to express thanks to those I encounter throughout my week. Several of the days we actually did several thankfulness activities (a few we listed, but most we did not). After the first week we had thanked over 30 people already (we have a big family) so it was neat seeing how many people we could touch with words and gifts of thanks throughout the month. I hope that this activity will continue to be on our minds for a very long time as we interact with people from day to day.
Day 30
Who: Strangers
The girls and I had to make a couple quick errands after school, including a stop at a store. We had the opportunity to help an elderly lady put some items into her cart. She was in a hurry, but was having a hard time getting the items she needed at the store. It was neat seeing the girls take initiative and help others from opening the doors, helping people get stuff from the shelf, and stepping aside so those in a hurry can pass. We even let the person behind us go ahead of us in the line. Sometimes taking a few minutes to show appreciation and kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others.
Day 29
Who: Bank Teller
Today we didn’t have a lot of extra places we needed to be but we did make a stop at the bank. The girls wanted to deposit the money they had earned over the past month into their savings account. Usually I try to go through the drive-thru at the bank because it is much quicker, but the girls like to bring in their money and watch the teller count it out. Plus, I needed to put items back in our safety deposit and make a deposit as well. Today we smiled, sincerely thanked our bank teller for helping us, and ask her about her day. Sometimes we get so busy with our lives and are in a hurrying to get to the next place we barely smile or talk with people that we encounter regularly. Taking the time to smile, be pleasant, and ask about someone else’s day doesn’t take any extra time but can be a great encouragement for them.
Day 28
Who: Jazz Instructor
A few months ago I got a Living Social deal for the girls to take Jazz lessons. We were within a couple miles of the studio several times a week already so we decided to try it out. They LOVED jazz and look forward to it every week. It is great exercise and has taught them some neat skills. In the spirit of the Holidays (Thanksgiving) the girls wrote their instructor a note of thanks and I picked up some sweet treats for them to give to her. She makes it a lot of fun and both of our girls really enjoy going to her class!
Fall Scavenger Hunt
We recently held a camp out for our Community Group from church at our house. It was great spending some extra time with friends. The kids all had a blast riding their scooters, bikes, drawing with chalk, blowing bubbles, crafts, going on a scavenger hunt and more.
I am thankful for an opportunity to spend extra time with family and friends. It was a wonderful experience for our girls. I am grateful for a big yard where we can host events and pitch seven tents!
The kids did really well hunting down the items on the list. I gave each kid a grocery bag, the list printed on bright orange paper and set the time for 20 minutes. They were off and running in no time. I was quite amazed at the items they were able to come up with in that short amount of time. Some kids worked independently while others stuck more in groups.
If you are looking for a fun, entertaining, and educational activity to do this weekend here’s a great place to start. There is a one page (with two columns) printable link at the bottom of the post so you can print it out as well.
Fall Scavenger Hunt
- Large Red Leaf
- Smallest Yellow Leaf
- Dry Brown Leaf
- Evergreen Leaf
- Jagged Edged Orange Leaf
- Bird Feather
- Rough Bark
- Smooth Bark
- 2 Different Types of Grass
- Smooth Pebble
- 4 Acorns
- Flower
- Most Beautiful Item
- Stick Shaped like a Letter
- Piece of Litter
- Ladybug
- Tiny bit of Moss
- Pine Cone
- Wood Shavings
- Caterpillar
- Coins
- Wiggly Worm
- 3 Leaf Clover
- Seed
- Dog Toy
- Piece of a Thorny Bush
- Animal Fur
- Aluminum Can
- Piece of Plastic
- Bug (any type)
- A Circular Item
- A Square Item
- A Triangular Item
- An Oval Item
- A Heart Shaped Item
- An Octagon Item
- A Soft Item
- A Fluffy Item
- A Fuzzy Item
- A Furry Item
- A Hard Item
- Something Blue
- Something Purple
- Something Black
- Something Gray
- Something Pink
- Something White
- Kids Toy
I have been asked by a number of people for a printable version of the Fall Scavenger Hunt so here it is for your family to enjoy as well:
- Fall Scavenger Hunt – I printed ours out on bright orange paper and let the kids have a blast searching for the various items on the list! 🙂
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 27)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 27
Who: Clients
I am thankful for so many things in my life. One of the fun activities I get to do throughout the month is work for various clients on projects. Some of the people are work for I do work for on a regular basis while others are more on a project by project basis at various times throughout the year. While I do get compensated for the work I do, there is a lot more to it, I really enjoy the people that I have had the privilege to work alongside. It has been neat getting know them and their families better while helping them tackle business projects. I am thankful for my clients and their willingness to let me be an active part of their lives and businesses. Today, I wrote a “I’m Thankful for you….” note as well as delivered a special treat for the ones I help regularly.
Day 26
Who: Waitress
Our family doesn’t go out to eat very often (we typically eat meals at home or take a lunch to work / school) so it is a real treat when we can go out or meet a friend for lunch. I had the opportunity to meet a friend for lunch today, it was wonderful having a chance to catch up for a little bit. One of the jobs I had in High School and College was waitresses. I loved doing it because it was great exercise, I got to meet a lot of neat people, and it helped pay the bills, but it was lower paying and at times exhausting. After working at a couple different places over the years I have learned to appreciate those in the restaurant industry. As a way of showing my appreciation and thanks to the person serving us today I gave a generous tip at the restaurant, hopefully it will be a blessing to the person waiting on us.
Day 25
Who: Ministry Team Leaders
There are some people within the church and community who spend a lot of their time and energy helping others. They are involved in several ministries and their dedication to the body as well as outreach shines. I am part of a ministry at church called Alms & Legs, we do multiple activities within our church and community from providing a food pantry for people in need, clothing, helping with bills, repairs, free GED tutoring, Operation Christmas Child, Heart of Christmas, Shoes for kids in need, and many more activities. The person who leads this group has a real passion for others and it shows. I feel like it is important to say thanks to those in ministry leadership positions because they volunteer to do the work and often go above and beyond in their service to others. Today I wrote a note of thanks to the person (and her family) who leads this great ministry. She does a lot to make this ministry a success so we can make a positive impact on the lives of many within our body and community.
Squeezing in a Little Fun
Sometimes we need to get out for a little bit and have fun! Our family loves our time at home and on road trips but every once in awhile it is nice going out for a special treat. On this particular day the girls were being troopers while we were on a short road trip so we decided to stop for a few minutes for a quit treat at McDonald’s.
While Jake ordered the girls and I headed to the play area. The girls burned off some extra energy for a few minutes. They were all smiles when we returned to the van. Thankfully the girls travel well and were content spending only a few moments playing. Even though the difference between going through the drive through and walking into the restaurant probably only was a few minutes (if that) it was worth it to allow our girls some time to run around.
November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Days 25 – 26)
As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough. The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).
It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day. For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge. It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days. Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.
Day 26
Who: Waitress
Our family doesn’t go out to eat very often (we typically eat meals at home or take a lunch to work / school) so it is a real treat when we can go out or meet a friend for lunch. I had the opportunity to meet a friend for lunch today, it was wonderful having a chance to catch up for a little bit. One of the jobs I had in High School and College was waitresses. I loved doing it because it was great exercise, I got to meet a lot of neat people, and it helped pay the bills, but it was lower paying and at times exhausting. After working at a couple different places over the years I have learned to appreciate those in the restaurant industry. As a way of showing my appreciation and thanks to the person serving us today I gave a generous tip at the restaurant, hopefully it will be a blessing to the person waiting on us.
Day 25
Who: Ministry Team Leaders
There are some people within the church and community who spend a lot of their time and energy helping others. They are involved in several ministries and their dedication to the body as well as outreach shines. I am part of a ministry at church called Alms & Legs, we do multiple activities within our church and community from providing a food pantry for people in need, clothing, helping with bills, repairs, free GED tutoring, Operation Christmas Child, Heart of Christmas, Shoes for kids in need, and many more activities. The person who leads this group has a real passion for others and it shows. I feel like it is important to say thanks to those in ministry leadership positions because they volunteer to do the work and often go above and beyond in their service to others. Today I wrote a note of thanks to the person (and her family) who leads this great ministry. She does a lot to make this ministry a success so we can make a positive impact on the lives of many within our body and community.
Day 24
Who: Mailman
We have lived in our house now for ten years and during those ten years we have had the same mailman. His name is Sam, he has two black labs, and he only lives a few streets away from us. How do we know all this information about our mailman you ask? Well, first we try to make a point to talk with him whenever we see him and leave random gifts / notes of appreciation for him during special Holidays. We figured out where he lived, quite by accident, when we were out going to garage sales one Saturday morning and happened to go to one at his house! He stays busy delivering mail so the best way to show our thanks for all the mail he has delivered to our house is to stick a note of thanks and goodies directly in our mailbox for him to pick up when he drops off the mail that day. We try to do something little around the Christmas Holidays for him as well. It only takes a few moments to write a note of thanks and/or put something nice in the mail yet it brightens the day of the person who comes to our house almost every day to deliver our mail.
