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What do you do with the kids during summer break?
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Monday, May 18, 2015
Summer Schedule
We have 8 days left of school! I cannot believe how this year has flown by. For the last two years, we have followed a summer schedule. You probably have seen a few on Pinterest. I made a collaboration of the days I liked, and we have been using the following. We follow this schedule unless we are going somewhere with the church or on vacation. A schedule like this does take some planning, but the kids are eager to help. I do cheat a little by putting in a "Stay-Home Saturday" so I do get to relax some throughout the summer.
My son has already been asking what we are doing to Make-It Monday, and my older two kids are compiling their friend list for Friend Friday.
What do you do with the kids during summer break?
What do you do with the kids during summer break?
Monday, February 4, 2013
3. 13 Things I MUST tell my daughter
When I found out I was pregnant for the first time, I quietly prayed for a boy. They just seemed "easier" (little did I know). The truth of the matter is having a girl scared the mess
out of me. The irony does not escape me- a woman scared of facing the daunting task of raising a girl. But I am sure that this plagues most mothers. I just know I am not alone in this.
Since the day my daughter was born eight years ago, I have mentally rehearsed all kinds of conversations simply in preparation of "that day" when she asks about this, that, or the other.
There I was holding my newborn baby and all I could think about is how am I going to help her through so many things: crying over a boy, her first kiss, her first period, puberty, and so much more.
As much as I want to keep her locked away like Rapunzel (who ended up very well adjusted considering), I know none of these things can be avoided. She will continue to grow up, and while I cannot stop it, I can instill in her those values and beliefs that will allow her to grow in God. While there are so many things I want to tell my sweet baby girl, I think these are pretty high up there in term of importance.
1. God loves you. Don't EVER forget this.
2. I love you. Don't EVER forget this, either.
3. You are beautiful. No, I don't have to say this just because you are my daughter. You truly are a beauty.
4. I am so proud of you. Little things you do each day just makes my heart beam with joy.
5. You will mistakes. Do not let them define you. Oh, the lessons you will learn. Tomorrow is always new and without mistake.
6. There is nothing you can or cannot do that will change the way I love you. NOTHING! I may not always "like" what you do, but never will lessen my love for you.
7. You are enough. Basically, this is about confidence. You do not need another person do make you a better person.
8. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up. Enjoy your childhood. Miss it now and you will long for it later.
9. Don't ever be ashamed of your intelligence. Nothing is prettier than a girl with a smart mind. No really. I promise.
10. Never lose your love of reading. It can take you to worlds unknown. Besides it is just fun.
11. If it ever comes down to following God's plan or making people happy, follow God. He will not steer you wrong. You cannot fathom the wonders of God's blessings on your life.
12. Be yourself. Even though it may take you a while to truly understand what that means. Once you do learn, embrace it. There is only one you; why try to be someone you are not.
13. Taking care of yourself is important. Being physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy is vital. Once you know how to take care of yourself, you will be able to take care of others.
What would you add to the list?
out of me. The irony does not escape me- a woman scared of facing the daunting task of raising a girl. But I am sure that this plagues most mothers. I just know I am not alone in this.
Since the day my daughter was born eight years ago, I have mentally rehearsed all kinds of conversations simply in preparation of "that day" when she asks about this, that, or the other.
There I was holding my newborn baby and all I could think about is how am I going to help her through so many things: crying over a boy, her first kiss, her first period, puberty, and so much more.
As much as I want to keep her locked away like Rapunzel (who ended up very well adjusted considering), I know none of these things can be avoided. She will continue to grow up, and while I cannot stop it, I can instill in her those values and beliefs that will allow her to grow in God. While there are so many things I want to tell my sweet baby girl, I think these are pretty high up there in term of importance.
1. God loves you. Don't EVER forget this.
2. I love you. Don't EVER forget this, either.
3. You are beautiful. No, I don't have to say this just because you are my daughter. You truly are a beauty.
4. I am so proud of you. Little things you do each day just makes my heart beam with joy.
5. You will mistakes. Do not let them define you. Oh, the lessons you will learn. Tomorrow is always new and without mistake.
6. There is nothing you can or cannot do that will change the way I love you. NOTHING! I may not always "like" what you do, but never will lessen my love for you.
7. You are enough. Basically, this is about confidence. You do not need another person do make you a better person.
8. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up. Enjoy your childhood. Miss it now and you will long for it later.
9. Don't ever be ashamed of your intelligence. Nothing is prettier than a girl with a smart mind. No really. I promise.
10. Never lose your love of reading. It can take you to worlds unknown. Besides it is just fun.
11. If it ever comes down to following God's plan or making people happy, follow God. He will not steer you wrong. You cannot fathom the wonders of God's blessings on your life.
12. Be yourself. Even though it may take you a while to truly understand what that means. Once you do learn, embrace it. There is only one you; why try to be someone you are not.
13. Taking care of yourself is important. Being physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy is vital. Once you know how to take care of yourself, you will be able to take care of others.
What would you add to the list?
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Copy-Kids DVD Review and Giveaway
My first review and giveaway. WooHoo!
I am excited about telling you about a great way to get your
kids to eat more fruits and veggies. I think
I have the most finicky kids ever. I
have just about given up trying to get them to eat more veggies. I have since found Copy-Kids - a DVD with young
children modelling good eating habits. The
idea is simple but the concept speaks to kids' natural ability to mimic those around
them. To make it even better, the models looks just like them.
I watched this with my youngest child who is 2. It is a good idea to have the foods you want to
encourage in front of the kids. We started
with carrots and strawberries. I have to
admit that Tuck will occasionally eat a strawberry, but lately he won't touch them. I was hoping to get him to eat more strawberries.
The first thing
I did was put out the bowls on the floor in front of the TV then I turned on
the DVD and picked strawberries. There are 12 fruits and vegetables from which to choose, so the variety is great. Tucker grabbed the strawberries right away and began to munch along as soon as he saw the kids eat.
The kids were cute, and even I began to be mesmerized at how easily these kids ate those foods. It was easy to tell the kids enjoyed the fruit that they were
eating. After the strawberries, we tried the carrots.
I was a little nervous about
the carrots, because Tucker does not eat them at all. Here was the true test.
The first little girl was a
little funny, and Tucker just watched the kids, but he didn't grab a carrot. He just laughed at
the kids. He liked watching the kids, but was not interested in the carrots. In fact, he took the bowl of carrots and dumped them onto the carpet. So I picked up the carrots and pointed to the tv screen to show him that it
was something that he was supposed to eat. He took one and I thought yes! However, instead of eating them himself, he tried feeding them to me which showed me he at least understood the concept.
When the DVD segment was finished (each one only lasts about five minutes) he wanted to watch it again so we watched the carrot segment again hoping this
time he would eat them. When the segment started, I could hardly
believe it Tucker actually picked up one of the carrots that he had been feeding
me and begin to nibble on it!! It worked. I got so excited! It wasn't because of my prodding, he simply wanted to join in on the fun the kids were having.
I wanted documentation, so I
decided that I would take a picture. That was the wrong thing to do because he
became more interested in looking at my camera phone at this point and stopped eating a
carrot. After that he kinda lost interest and did not care to eat any more
carrots. However, when the segment was over again he got really upset that we did
not watch another. So I do think it is interesting how he wanted to
keep watch the kids.
I do think that I will continue to encourage these eating habits by watching Copy-Kids. I may even try it with my older children. It is such a laid-back, stress-free approach to handling a situation that often causes parents much angst.
Copy-Kids is gracious enough to offer one lucky reader her (or his) very own copy of this DVD. If you need more convincing of how great this DVD is, be sure to check out these other reviews or check out the awards Copy Kids has won.
Be sure to enter below!
*I am required to let you know that I received a copy of Copy-Kids DVD to review. I was not required to provide a positive review. It just worked out that way. All opinions are my own, and I wrote what I wanted to write.*
Copy-Kids is gracious enough to offer one lucky reader her (or his) very own copy of this DVD. If you need more convincing of how great this DVD is, be sure to check out these other reviews or check out the awards Copy Kids has won.
Be sure to enter below!
*I am required to let you know that I received a copy of Copy-Kids DVD to review. I was not required to provide a positive review. It just worked out that way. All opinions are my own, and I wrote what I wanted to write.*
Friday, December 21, 2012
The Small Things??
We have had a rough week, I won't lie: busted transmission in one vehicle, busted throttle something in the other, two kids with ear infections, one kid with a nasty cough and a bloody head, the list could go on.
After attempting to get one vehicle fixed, Dan went to pick it up, and it broke down in the dealership parking lot. Since the service department soon closed after returning the car for repairs (again), the dealership arranged for us to have a rental car at no charge to us. The guy from Enterprise asked Dan how he week was going, and Dan proceeded to tell him.
Ok, so where is this going?
Dan mentioned that despite all the troubles, he has been able to spend time with us and that is the good thing. "Yup," the Enterprise guy said, "it is the small things that matter."
People say this all the time, and maybe I am just interpreting it wrong, but since when did spending time with your family and enjoying each other's company become "the SMALL things"? I know there are sayings that it is the little things that matter in a relationship: the sweet notes, the random acts of love and kindness. I am not talking about that. I am not even talking about not sweating the small stuff- the everyday distractions that prevent us from living happily. I am concerned for those who think spending quality time together as a family is small. It is not small. It is HUGE.
We are so caught up in the small things that we often think it adds up to the big things. I want my family to know they are important to me. I want them to know I will be there for them. How is that considered small? I consider small things to be doing the dishes or washing a load of laundry. Yes, it is important for my family to live in a nice clean house, but I would rather hang out with them watching tv, playing a board game, going to the museum. I want them to know they are more important than a clean carpet (which is evident, just come on over to the house).
When my kids are older, I want them to remember our time together, our lazy days in our pajamas or baking something in the kitchen. Maybe for others, these are considered small things, but I refuse to believe that the relationships I forge with my family are small.
After attempting to get one vehicle fixed, Dan went to pick it up, and it broke down in the dealership parking lot. Since the service department soon closed after returning the car for repairs (again), the dealership arranged for us to have a rental car at no charge to us. The guy from Enterprise asked Dan how he week was going, and Dan proceeded to tell him.
Ok, so where is this going?
Dan mentioned that despite all the troubles, he has been able to spend time with us and that is the good thing. "Yup," the Enterprise guy said, "it is the small things that matter."
People say this all the time, and maybe I am just interpreting it wrong, but since when did spending time with your family and enjoying each other's company become "the SMALL things"? I know there are sayings that it is the little things that matter in a relationship: the sweet notes, the random acts of love and kindness. I am not talking about that. I am not even talking about not sweating the small stuff- the everyday distractions that prevent us from living happily. I am concerned for those who think spending quality time together as a family is small. It is not small. It is HUGE.
We are so caught up in the small things that we often think it adds up to the big things. I want my family to know they are important to me. I want them to know I will be there for them. How is that considered small? I consider small things to be doing the dishes or washing a load of laundry. Yes, it is important for my family to live in a nice clean house, but I would rather hang out with them watching tv, playing a board game, going to the museum. I want them to know they are more important than a clean carpet (which is evident, just come on over to the house).
When my kids are older, I want them to remember our time together, our lazy days in our pajamas or baking something in the kitchen. Maybe for others, these are considered small things, but I refuse to believe that the relationships I forge with my family are small.
Monday, December 3, 2012
"Mama & Me" Journal
When I was goofing around on Pinterest one day, I came across a pin for the "Mama & Me" Journal.
I just fell in love with the idea. In school, I always wrote notes to friends. Heck, I know some people who still HAVE the notes from grade school. So, I followed the Pinterest link to HERE.
It is a cute little website, but she got the idea from THIS blog who got the idea from THIS blog. Since I like to give credit where credit is due, I wanted to give credit to all three.
So, if you are interested, here is what you do.
1. Buy a composition notebook: I got mine during school supplies sales events, so it wasn't very expensive.
2. Make the cover special. I followed the template that I found at the first website, but next time, I will probably just make my own. It is super easy to whip something up on the computer. I used a piece of scrapbook paper for my background, and then used clear contact paper to seal it.
3. Start writing. Even though I talk to my daughter everyday, when I was faced with starting a journal, my mind went blank, so I did kinda use the formula from the other sites:
Dear Melody,
I thought it would be fun if we became penpals. Would you like that? Instead of writing letters to each other, we would write them in this notebook. You can write anything you want: it can be serious or fun- just anything you want. Does that sound like fun?
When I write to you, I will leave it on your bed. Then you write in it when you want and put it back on my bed. Easy peasy.
Love you, Momma
4. Leave on bed. I actually straightened her room for her and put the book on her bed to find. It was really hard not to tell her to check her room as soon as she came home from school.
I just fell in love with the idea. In school, I always wrote notes to friends. Heck, I know some people who still HAVE the notes from grade school. So, I followed the Pinterest link to HERE.
It is a cute little website, but she got the idea from THIS blog who got the idea from THIS blog. Since I like to give credit where credit is due, I wanted to give credit to all three.
So, if you are interested, here is what you do.
1. Buy a composition notebook: I got mine during school supplies sales events, so it wasn't very expensive.
2. Make the cover special. I followed the template that I found at the first website, but next time, I will probably just make my own. It is super easy to whip something up on the computer. I used a piece of scrapbook paper for my background, and then used clear contact paper to seal it.
 |
| Our First Mama & Me Notebook |
Dear Melody,
I thought it would be fun if we became penpals. Would you like that? Instead of writing letters to each other, we would write them in this notebook. You can write anything you want: it can be serious or fun- just anything you want. Does that sound like fun?
When I write to you, I will leave it on your bed. Then you write in it when you want and put it back on my bed. Easy peasy.
Love you, Momma
4. Leave on bed. I actually straightened her room for her and put the book on her bed to find. It was really hard not to tell her to check her room as soon as she came home from school.
 |
| After I finished, I put it on the bed for Mel to find. |
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Thirty Days of Thanks
November is here! Life really begins to crank up at our house in November. With four out of five birthdays occurring between now and the end of the year, plus two major holidays, it is really easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the happenings. I have learned that the busier I am, the less focused I am on the God's blessings. This year I want to slow things down and truly focus on those blessings.
Many people like to take on the challenge of Thirty Days of Thanks. I will be declaring one thing I am thankful for each day in November. I will post each one to Facebook as a way to share, and I will collect them in this post. If you have never taken on this challenge, join me. I am thinking I will be pleasantly surprised at all of my blessings by the end of my month.
1. Today I am thankful for the good health of my family. We have managed to steer clear of stomach bugs and major colds. *Knock on wood*
2. Today I am thankful for the opportunity to sub at my kids' school.
3. Today I am thankful for sweet friends from church for taking care of my baby girl during a GA sleepover. She had a great time.
4. Today I am thankful for the safe return of my hubby from his band trip. So glad he is home.
5. Today I am thankful for the school holiday that allowed me to spend some time with my children. I often forget that they are growing up so quickly.
6. While this may sound trite to some, today I am thankful for the coupons I had that allowed me to save 44% on my grocery bill.
7. Today I am thankful for the short, quiet, kid-free time I was able to spend with my dear hubby tonight.
8. Today I am thankful for my parents safe arrival to Macon. I know they will have a good weekend seeing the kids.
9. Today I am thankful for clothing and car heaters that keep me warm. It was cold at the football game.
Many people like to take on the challenge of Thirty Days of Thanks. I will be declaring one thing I am thankful for each day in November. I will post each one to Facebook as a way to share, and I will collect them in this post. If you have never taken on this challenge, join me. I am thinking I will be pleasantly surprised at all of my blessings by the end of my month.
1. Today I am thankful for the good health of my family. We have managed to steer clear of stomach bugs and major colds. *Knock on wood*
2. Today I am thankful for the opportunity to sub at my kids' school.
3. Today I am thankful for sweet friends from church for taking care of my baby girl during a GA sleepover. She had a great time.
4. Today I am thankful for the safe return of my hubby from his band trip. So glad he is home.
5. Today I am thankful for the school holiday that allowed me to spend some time with my children. I often forget that they are growing up so quickly.
6. While this may sound trite to some, today I am thankful for the coupons I had that allowed me to save 44% on my grocery bill.
7. Today I am thankful for the short, quiet, kid-free time I was able to spend with my dear hubby tonight.
8. Today I am thankful for my parents safe arrival to Macon. I know they will have a good weekend seeing the kids.
9. Today I am thankful for clothing and car heaters that keep me warm. It was cold at the football game.
10. Today I am thankful for my sweet baby boy, Tucker, who turned 2 today. He is a sweet-hearted little boy who keeps me busy. He gives the best hugs ever and has made our family complete. Love me some Tucker.
11. Today I am thankful for lazy afternoons watching VeggieTales with the kiddos and thumbing through magazines.
12. Today I am thankful for sleeping children. The last couple of nights have been rough. Hopefully everyone will sleep soundly.
13. Today I am thankful for my sweet baby girl who is growing to be a young independent little lady. She is so kind with a grateful and giving heart. While she does fight with her brothers, she is always little mama to them also. She is so smart and loves math. She enjoys soccer and has a beautiful voice. I know she will continue to love the Lord as she grows and matures, and I am thankful. to be a part of her life.
14. Today I am thankful for my kids' school Tattnall. We had Thanksgiving feasts this week, and I have just loved how we are one big family growing together as friends and in Christ.
15. Today I am thankful for my inlaws. They love me and my children, don't mind us hanging out at their house, and willing to feed us almost all the time.
16. Today I am thankful for Fridays at home with my children. Hope my other baby gets home soon. Then we can enjoy our week off from school.
17. Even though I have been sick as a dog today, I am thankful for my hubby for taking the kids to Memas giving me time to rest.
18. Today I am thankful for doctors.
19. Today I am thankful for my children's giving hearts. We always go through their toys and books and no longer used items and donate them in hopes that someone else can use them. Both Melody and Judson filled up a big 'ol box.
20. Today I am thankful for my hubby. I finally got to see him on our holiday. He has been running around taking care of everybody when they were sick, but today we actually got to hang out together.
21. Today I am thankful for my bed. I am tired.
22. There are so many things to be thankful for today: family, food, God's love, forgiveness, blessings, and grace, and of course, chocolate. It has been a great Thanksgiving day.
23. On this day, I was thankful that pulling teeth does not make my hubby squeamish. Melody lost her second tooth (finally).
24. Today I am thankful that my parents made it home to Nicholls safely despite holiday traffic. We had a great visit.
25. Today I am thankful for a slow afternoon to spend with family before school started again.
26. Today I am thankful for my sweet children. They truly are a blessing to me, and I cannot imagine my life without them.
27. Today I am thankful for routines. They seems to keep my life busy but organized.
28. Today I am thankful for imaginations. My kids use them frequently and that always makes for interesting conversations.
29. Today I am thankful for friends.
30. Today I am thankful for Christmas trees. We went and picked one out tonight, and it is beautiful. Now if we can just find the time to decorate it.
So there you have it. A month full of thanks and gratitude. Did you write or type or tell all of yours?
11. Today I am thankful for lazy afternoons watching VeggieTales with the kiddos and thumbing through magazines.
12. Today I am thankful for sleeping children. The last couple of nights have been rough. Hopefully everyone will sleep soundly.
13. Today I am thankful for my sweet baby girl who is growing to be a young independent little lady. She is so kind with a grateful and giving heart. While she does fight with her brothers, she is always little mama to them also. She is so smart and loves math. She enjoys soccer and has a beautiful voice. I know she will continue to love the Lord as she grows and matures, and I am thankful. to be a part of her life.
14. Today I am thankful for my kids' school Tattnall. We had Thanksgiving feasts this week, and I have just loved how we are one big family growing together as friends and in Christ.
15. Today I am thankful for my inlaws. They love me and my children, don't mind us hanging out at their house, and willing to feed us almost all the time.
16. Today I am thankful for Fridays at home with my children. Hope my other baby gets home soon. Then we can enjoy our week off from school.
17. Even though I have been sick as a dog today, I am thankful for my hubby for taking the kids to Memas giving me time to rest.
18. Today I am thankful for doctors.
19. Today I am thankful for my children's giving hearts. We always go through their toys and books and no longer used items and donate them in hopes that someone else can use them. Both Melody and Judson filled up a big 'ol box.
20. Today I am thankful for my hubby. I finally got to see him on our holiday. He has been running around taking care of everybody when they were sick, but today we actually got to hang out together.
21. Today I am thankful for my bed. I am tired.
22. There are so many things to be thankful for today: family, food, God's love, forgiveness, blessings, and grace, and of course, chocolate. It has been a great Thanksgiving day.
23. On this day, I was thankful that pulling teeth does not make my hubby squeamish. Melody lost her second tooth (finally).
24. Today I am thankful that my parents made it home to Nicholls safely despite holiday traffic. We had a great visit.
25. Today I am thankful for a slow afternoon to spend with family before school started again.
26. Today I am thankful for my sweet children. They truly are a blessing to me, and I cannot imagine my life without them.
27. Today I am thankful for routines. They seems to keep my life busy but organized.
28. Today I am thankful for imaginations. My kids use them frequently and that always makes for interesting conversations.
29. Today I am thankful for friends.
30. Today I am thankful for Christmas trees. We went and picked one out tonight, and it is beautiful. Now if we can just find the time to decorate it.
So there you have it. A month full of thanks and gratitude. Did you write or type or tell all of yours?
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Kids Eat Free: Macon Edition
I don't know about you, but we often try to plan our eating out adventures (believe me, it is definitely an adventure) on where kids can eat for free. I can google it all day and still have to wade and sift through numerous sites to find this information. Even after all of that, most of my info is word of mouth. This list is for the restaurants in Macon, GA.
Sunday:
Not free, but still really cheap:
Sunday:
- Firehouse Subs (Forsyth Rd,. Presidential Prkwy, & Riverside Dr.)- Two free kid's meals for every one adult purchase- all day- dine in only
- Teriyaki House (Riverside Dr)- Kids Chicken Teriyaki Meal with adult purchase
- McAlister's Deli (Zebulon Rd. & Presidential Prkwy) One free kid's meal with adult meal purchase from 5pm-9pm for ages 12 and under
- Buffalo's (Zebulon Rd.) One free kid's meal with adult meal purchase- all day
- Barberitos (Riverside Dr.) One free kid's meal with every adult entree after 3pm - 12 and under
- Mellow Mushroom (Bowman Rd) One free one topping pizza for every $7.50 spent. Kids will make own pizza a table before cooking. Drink included. All Day.
- Marco Ristorante Italiano (Forsyth Rd.) One free Homemade Pasta meal Per adult adult entree. Ages 8 and under
Tuesday:
- Moe's Southwest Grill (Vineville Ave) One free kid's meal with one adult purchase from 4pm-9pm for ages 10 and under
- Locos Grill (Riverside Dr.) One free kid's meal with every adult meal purchase
- Polly's Corner Cafe (Zebulon Rd.)- One free kid's meal with adult entree.
Wednesday:
- Georgia Bob's Barbecue (Riverside Dr.) One free kid's meal with adult meal purchase for ages 10 and under.
- Guitarras Mexican Grill (Off Northside Drive) One free kid's meal with adult meal purchase.
Thursday:
- Captain D's (Thomaston Rd) 2 free kid's meals for every adult purchase- dine in only
- Barberitos (Riverside Dr.) One free kid's meal with every adult entree after 3pm - 12 and under
- Moe's Southwestern Grill (Zebulon Rd) One free kids meal with each adult entree purchase from 4pm-9pm for ages 10 and under.
Saturday:
- Georgia Bob's Barbecue (Riverside Dr.) One free kid's meal with adult purchase - 10 and under AFTER 5pm
Everyday:
- Doughboy Pizza (Cherry Street)- Free slice of cheese and drink for kids under five. Must ask for free slice upon ordering.
- S & S Cafeteria (Riverside Dr.) EVERY DAY: Kids eat for only 99 cents.
- Texas Roadhouse (Shoppes @ River Crossing) SUNDAY: Kids eat for $1.99. 12pm-5pm
- Applebee's Neighborhood Grill (Riverside Dr.) WEDNESDAY: Kids eat for 99 cents.
- Miss Hattie's Kitchen & Bakery (Bolingbroke) WEDNESDAY: Kids eat for 99 cents.
- Bearfoot Tavern (Cherry St.) MONDAY-FRIDAY. Kids Meals half-price 4pm-7pm.
During Ball Season for VineIngle Participants (a little specific, but hey, free is free, right)
- Twang Southern Tastes & Sounds (Payne City): MONDAY & TUESDAY: a free hot dog or chicken and waffle dinner to VineIngle players under 12 if wearing uniform (only during ball season)
If you know of some other places that offer free kids meals OR if you know that a listed offer no longer exists, please let me know so I can update my list.
C
Updated as of September 2015
Updated as of September 2015
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Preparing for Rain
Once there were two farmers. During a severe drought, each farmer prayed to God asking for rain. After praying, one farmer went about his day; the other farmer went into his fields and started preparing his crops. Which farmer had faith in God?
This story, albeit paraphrased, is from the movie Facing the Giants. I hadn’t seen that movie in a few years when it happened to be part of the lesson plan on a day I subbed at my daughter’s school. Although there are so many good lessons within that movie, this one has stuck in my head for several weeks.
My family has undergone some major life changes in the last four years. I decided to stay home with my children, then three-and-a-half and six-months. Number Three came along two-and-a-half years later cramming five people into a home that only comfortably fits four. My hubby left a part-time job that truly was our “living” money- groceries, gas, etc. Now, my husband will be going to a new job that is better for the family, but not for our bank accounts. We are now going to be living on about one-third of what we had just four years ago. I am having a hard time adjusting. Well, let's face it- I am Freaking! Spazzing!
My FAITH and my DOUBT (which I believe is the opposite of faith) have been in constant battle.
My DOUBT is telling me:
- that no family can survive on our new budget
- that we have too much debt (Dave Ramsey can’t even help)
- that there is too much output and not enough input
- that not good things are going to happen to our family
- that our world will fall apart
- that we will be living in a van down by the river.
The Slippery Slope to our family’s destruction!
My FAITH is showing me:
- that God will provide (Philippians 4:19)
- that God keeps his promises (Joshua 23:14)
- that God will not forsake me and my family (Deuteronomy 31:6)
- that God is more powerful than me (Luke 18:27)
- that God will bless our family more than I could ever imagine (James 1:17)
- that God will give me the strength to overcome my doubt (Isaiah 41:10)
I do believe that my faith is strong, but there are times when it wavers and doubt fills my soul. Still, I do believe that God will take care of our family. His blessings come in all shapes and sizes and through conventional and unconventional methods. I just hope that I can be a pillar of faith for my family as we venture through this new and exciting time in our journey.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Faithful Fridays: "Good Morning"
If the radio is on in the car, it is tuned to K-Love. I have listened to K-Love for about five years now (maybe longer), and I love it. One of my favorite songs right now is "Good Morning" by Mandisa. I cannot tell you how much I LOVE this song. When it comes on, I dance and dance and dance. In fact, you pull up beside my car when it is playing, you would be a little afraid that I was having a seizure. I have to admit I do look a little ridiculous.
The other morning on the way to take Melody to school, she says, "I hope that 'Good Morning' doesn't come on."
"Aww, sweetie, why not?"
"I don't like it."
"What?! Girl, you just don't know what it good."
Ironically, the next song really was Good Morning. I laughed; she groaned. I turned up the music, told my kids to dance, and started grooving. Tucker started swaying back and forth before I even said anything. Judson reluctantly started dancing simple because he wanted to look as silly as I did. Melody sat there, almost stone faced, looking like she wished she could disappear. Then, it dawned on me- she didn't NOT like the song, she didn't like me dancing. I was embarrassing my daughter.
Lots of things started going through my brain:
The thing is Melody will dance when we are at the house. No one can see her except her family. We often fall into a similar situation. In the safety of our home surrounded by family, we have no problems defending our beliefs and faith. The true test is when we are surrounded by those who may not believe. We will often find ourselves in a situation where we have to choose: to "hide" for fear of ridicule or to "dance" along and embrace our God. "So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord." (2 Tim 1:8a) I think this fits this problem. We should not be embarrassed by our Heavenly Father. He loves us, died for our sins when He did not deserve it, and is alive today proving that He defeated death. That is a message that we cannot keep to ourselves. His Spirit lives in His believers, and by our actions we show His love and share His word.
I will still continue to dance and sing when "Good Morning" comes on the radio, and for a while, Melody will still be embarrassed by my spastic dance moves. However, hopefully, along the way, she will listen to the words of that song, and understand that I dance for the Lord, too. She will see that I am not embarrassed by my Creator. Then, maybe, she will start dancing, too.
The other morning on the way to take Melody to school, she says, "I hope that 'Good Morning' doesn't come on."
"Aww, sweetie, why not?"
"I don't like it."
"What?! Girl, you just don't know what it good."
Ironically, the next song really was Good Morning. I laughed; she groaned. I turned up the music, told my kids to dance, and started grooving. Tucker started swaying back and forth before I even said anything. Judson reluctantly started dancing simple because he wanted to look as silly as I did. Melody sat there, almost stone faced, looking like she wished she could disappear. Then, it dawned on me- she didn't NOT like the song, she didn't like me dancing. I was embarrassing my daughter.
Lots of things started going through my brain:
- the mom in me- payback for all those top-of-the-lungs potty announcements
- the little girl in me- empathy for all those times my mom embarrassed me (sorry, Mom)
- the realist in me- she is going to be embarrassed by me- just a part of growing up
- the mean girl in me- good grief, she'll get over it.
The thing is Melody will dance when we are at the house. No one can see her except her family. We often fall into a similar situation. In the safety of our home surrounded by family, we have no problems defending our beliefs and faith. The true test is when we are surrounded by those who may not believe. We will often find ourselves in a situation where we have to choose: to "hide" for fear of ridicule or to "dance" along and embrace our God. "So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord." (2 Tim 1:8a) I think this fits this problem. We should not be embarrassed by our Heavenly Father. He loves us, died for our sins when He did not deserve it, and is alive today proving that He defeated death. That is a message that we cannot keep to ourselves. His Spirit lives in His believers, and by our actions we show His love and share His word.
I will still continue to dance and sing when "Good Morning" comes on the radio, and for a while, Melody will still be embarrassed by my spastic dance moves. However, hopefully, along the way, she will listen to the words of that song, and understand that I dance for the Lord, too. She will see that I am not embarrassed by my Creator. Then, maybe, she will start dancing, too.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Saturday Sum-Up
So, the first week of April has been a success.
While my sweet hubby had to return to work from his Spring Holidays, Mel and Jud started theirs. Most days, who am I kidding, everyday we slept in late. We just kinda planned as we went along.
Sunday:
Of course, Melody was still home bound due to her surgery, so she and I played hooky from church. She really wanted to go, because it was the church Egg Hunt. We promised her a special one later in the week. I hated to miss it, because our interim preacher is really good. I have been truly enjoying his Lenten series.
Monday:
The kids and I went to the bank- fun! Even though my children do know how to behave, sometimes their noise level is a direct inverse to the noise within a building. Banks are very quiet. I was worried. However, it is amazing to what a purple lollipop can accomplish. (Thanks Brook) After, we went to Kroger. Normally, I go shopping only with Tucker. He can't talk yet, so there are no "I wants." Today, everyone got to go. We had fun and came under budget. Go them! Go me! Go us!
Melody wanted to plan crafts throughout the week, so after taking Judson to gymnastics (yep, and Melody missed hers), we made a bunny picture. She planned it out and everything- it was cute.
Bonus of the day: Dan brought me a Frappachino. YUM!
Tuesday:
I had MOPS. MOPS stands for Mothers Of Preschool Students. Moms get together, eat a homemade breakfast provided by the selected mothers of the month, and have actual grown-up talk. I love it. I try not to miss it. But better yet, Tuesday was SPA DAY!!! Local massage therapy students came in to give free back rubs. Cosmotologists gave free eyebrow waxing (THANK YOU!) and hairstyling, manicures. Wonderful relaxing moments to pamper ourselves. I don't know about you, but most of there things aren't making it into our monthly budget, so this was a God-send. Did I mention the massages? Ahhhh. (Shhh, I had three.) Of course, after MOPS, I returned to the everyday happenings. I went to Aldi (LOVE IT) because I didn't get to it on Monday.
Wednesday:
The kids and I had another lazy day. We cleaned the house. Super fun! Melody had her piano lesson and we had another craft- we decorated a paper egg that Melody cut for us. Dan even got the chance to decorate one. For the life of we I can't remember if we did anything else. One of those days.
Thursday:
We decided to go to the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Melody got to go with Dan at the Daddy/Daught Dance, but it had been awhile since the boys got to go. Afterward, we went to Mema's for a picnic. Melody still can't get hot and sweaty, so we couldn't stay out long.
Friday:
Another lazy day. We finished cleaning whatever was left over from Wednesday. The Easter Bunny can't come to a dirty room. Dan needed to work on his Yukon so we headed over to Mema's again to hang out so Dan and I could go run some errands.
So that brings us to Saturday. Dan, his brother, and his father went to the car show in Perry. All day event. The kids and I headed back over to Mema's again, so we could decorate the Easter Eggs. Judson has a birthday party to attend, and we have Easter dinner to prepare. It has definitely been a productive week.
That is what is happening to us...
While my sweet hubby had to return to work from his Spring Holidays, Mel and Jud started theirs. Most days, who am I kidding, everyday we slept in late. We just kinda planned as we went along.
Sunday:
Of course, Melody was still home bound due to her surgery, so she and I played hooky from church. She really wanted to go, because it was the church Egg Hunt. We promised her a special one later in the week. I hated to miss it, because our interim preacher is really good. I have been truly enjoying his Lenten series.
Monday:
The kids and I went to the bank- fun! Even though my children do know how to behave, sometimes their noise level is a direct inverse to the noise within a building. Banks are very quiet. I was worried. However, it is amazing to what a purple lollipop can accomplish. (Thanks Brook) After, we went to Kroger. Normally, I go shopping only with Tucker. He can't talk yet, so there are no "I wants." Today, everyone got to go. We had fun and came under budget. Go them! Go me! Go us!
Melody wanted to plan crafts throughout the week, so after taking Judson to gymnastics (yep, and Melody missed hers), we made a bunny picture. She planned it out and everything- it was cute.
Bonus of the day: Dan brought me a Frappachino. YUM!
Tuesday:
I had MOPS. MOPS stands for Mothers Of Preschool Students. Moms get together, eat a homemade breakfast provided by the selected mothers of the month, and have actual grown-up talk. I love it. I try not to miss it. But better yet, Tuesday was SPA DAY!!! Local massage therapy students came in to give free back rubs. Cosmotologists gave free eyebrow waxing (THANK YOU!) and hairstyling, manicures. Wonderful relaxing moments to pamper ourselves. I don't know about you, but most of there things aren't making it into our monthly budget, so this was a God-send. Did I mention the massages? Ahhhh. (Shhh, I had three.) Of course, after MOPS, I returned to the everyday happenings. I went to Aldi (LOVE IT) because I didn't get to it on Monday.
Wednesday:
The kids and I had another lazy day. We cleaned the house. Super fun! Melody had her piano lesson and we had another craft- we decorated a paper egg that Melody cut for us. Dan even got the chance to decorate one. For the life of we I can't remember if we did anything else. One of those days.
Thursday:
We decided to go to the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Melody got to go with Dan at the Daddy/Daught Dance, but it had been awhile since the boys got to go. Afterward, we went to Mema's for a picnic. Melody still can't get hot and sweaty, so we couldn't stay out long.
Friday:
Another lazy day. We finished cleaning whatever was left over from Wednesday. The Easter Bunny can't come to a dirty room. Dan needed to work on his Yukon so we headed over to Mema's again to hang out so Dan and I could go run some errands.
So that brings us to Saturday. Dan, his brother, and his father went to the car show in Perry. All day event. The kids and I headed back over to Mema's again, so we could decorate the Easter Eggs. Judson has a birthday party to attend, and we have Easter dinner to prepare. It has definitely been a productive week.
That is what is happening to us...
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