Tips for Taming the Family Schedule
THE BUSY FAMILY. Books have been written on it, news segments have reported about it. The American life looks quite different than it did when our parents were growing up. More opportunity, more variety, more technology. I will admit while I love all that our...
Banana People: After-School Snack for Kids
Looking for a simple and fun after-school snack for kids? Today, we're skipping the granola bars and fruit snack pouches! We'll engage creativity and craftiness as we make Banana People. Your kids will love designing their own little man and you'll love the healthy...
Beauty in the Moment: A 21 Day Challenge
Do you stop and smell the roses? Ok, you know I'm not talking about the literal roses. I don't even have roses in my yard . . . and if I did, they would probably die before I could smell them. What I am after is IF you take time to enjoy the special moments of the...
Back to School Prayers for Moms
Being a mother is a beautiful, God-given role. Rocking that precious gift in your arms, spending a rainy afternoon cuddled up on the couch reading books together, kissing their sweet head when asleep. Motherhood definitely has those picturesque, savory moments. But...
8 Lessons Learned from 3 Days in Bed
Aside from two doctors appointments, I have been in bed for the last three days. Minutes, hours and days in bed. Even today, I am improving but after getting breakfast for the kids, I felt the need to go back and lay down. You see, I have a herniated disc in my back...
FREE Scavenger Hunt Printable for a Football Game
Recently in a guest post on Motherhood On A Dime, I mentioned that when my family heads out to an athletic game, my kids lose interest pretty quickly. Does this happen to your younger children, too? We end up spending more time out of the stands focused on hot dogs...
Free 8×8 Shutterfly Book
First week of school for us . . . done! How many pictures did you snap on your children's first day of school? I got a bit carried away . . . One thing I love is capturing special moments with my camera and then as you probably know, making photo books and re-living...
“Back to School” Supplies Giveaway
Back to School brings a flood of emotions for me. On one hand, I'm grieving the loss of unscheduled mornings, lazy days and unlimited time with my kids. On the other hand, I'm looking forward to a little structure and something I love about this time of year . . ....
Involving Young Sports Fans in the Game with Free Scavenger Hunt Printable
Last Friday night, my family went to a minor league baseball game. We usually go to one or two games a year and we have a blast eating hot dogs, birthday cake ice cream, but the time actually sitting in the stands is . . . well, short. Young kids (at least my young...
Save up to $20 with Kiwi Crate
Every month, a little green box appears on our front porch. My kids make me immediately grab the scissors to cut through the tape for a glance of what is inside. Secretly, I'm just as curious and excited. I know I'll find something fun, creative and...
Photo Friday ~ No. 6
Today is our final summertime Photo Friday and this picture is my own, taken from my back deck. We are treated to so many gorgeous summer sunsets. Billowing clouds, rich colors, each uniquely painted across the vastness of the sky. It is one of the things I...
Build-A-Bear Workshop Newly Imagined!
If you have been to Build-A-Bear Workshop, you know how fun and enchanting of an experience it can be. Well, the good news is that it just got better! This year, Build-A-Bear Workshop is re-imagining 25 of its stores across the country with "a bold new design that...
Simply Organized Life: A Cleaning Routine That Works!
Can I be honest with you? I've been dreading this month's task more than any other. When I sat down to write this post last week, I actually thought about scrambling to find someone to guest post for me. Why I've Been Dreading This: Finding 15-20 minutes in my day...
Photo Friday ~ No. 4
Who needs art camp when you have old paint sitting in your basement? That is exactly what Missy thought when she grabbed the cardboard and paint for a day of artistic fun. * I am totally doing this once I don't have to worry about house showings (did I tell you that...
Confetti Pudding Popsicles
Looking for a yummy treat on a hot summer day? These confetti pudding popsicles are not only delicious (they kind of taste like birthday cake!), but they are so easy that your kids can make them too. What You'll Need: Prepared Vanilla Pudding (we used two...
Struggling to Teach Your Child to Serve?
One day your child is being super friendly to the new kid, picking flowers for his sister and helping set the table. You're feeling pretty good about this parenting thing. Your child is thinking of others and being helpful. Then the next day, you glance over and he...
The Thankful Tree
Are your kids facing a little summer boredom? Is there a little too much complaining going on? Would you like to inject a dose of thankfulness? Then join us as we create a Thankful Tree! Today, I am over at Motherhood On A Dime doing a simple, yet fun activity for...
Photo Friday ~ No. 2
Today, you're getting two great and inspiring photos for more summer fun. Check out these clever moms (and kids), enjoying a little twist on their ordinary playground slide. What a fun and slippery way to stay cool this summer! Thanks to Lorrie for sharing this...
Encouraging Reluctant Readers
I am very excited to welcome Emily Whitten of Redeemed Reader as our guest today. If you are struggling with a reluctant reader or even want to encourage a continued love of reading in your child, you will enjoy Emily's post today. I sure did! Most parents...
5 Great Places to Find Free Local Events
Just a few short weeks ago, we spent a wonderful afternoon decorating the kids' bikes with patriotic garb, listening to family-friendly music, riding in a firetruck, eating ice cream and watching Sweet Boy participate in a pie eating contest. It was July 4th and my...
Photo Friday ~ No. 1
Can you imagine THE FUN? I wonder if these boys knew they were going to be spending their day jumping off a front-loader tractor into a pool when they woke up. Just goes to show, you never know what fun may be in store for your day! Thank you, Melanie, for sharing...
A Simply Organized Life: Retirement & College Planning
I know this isn't the most exciting of topics to talk about. Even now as I write this, I am tempted to hit snooze. But that is not going to help us on our way to a Simply Organized Life. No, if there is anything we've learned, a well-ordered life doesn't happen...
The Story of our Annual Ice Cream Day
A happy (but messy) child eating ice cream on a long, hot day. Is there any image more symbolic of summer? So you can imagine how thrilled a group of kids would be to spend a day filled with ice cream shops and parks . . . Well, the moms were just as excited...
They Love Your Laugh!
I am going to ask you to stop for a minute and think about something. I'd like you to think through the course of yesterday. How many times did your kids hear you laugh? How often did they see you smile or hear you chuckle? When I am busy, I realize I...
Water Balloon Ambush
Picture This: Daddy leaves work after a long, exhausting day. Things have been a bit stressful and he is in need of some fun. And you and the kids are about to deliver! He knows something is up because he found this waiting for him. >> I'm...
Writing Your Summer Bucket List
I don't know about you, but for us this is the first week of true summer weather. Until now, it has been cold and rainy. And since summer has officially arrived, I thought we better put together our Annual Summer Bucket List! This year, I thought we'd do...
28 Clutter Busting Tips
(This post is part of the Simply Organized Life Series. To start our 12 month journey at the beginning, please go here.) There is something that makes me feel as if I can't breathe, that makes my temperature rise to insanity and changes this happy mama to one...
A Simply Organized Life: Estate Planning is a Gift
Get your coffee, a notebook and a pen . . . ok, and a lot of chocolate because what we're talking about today is by no means fun. But it is crucial to a simply organized life. Losing a loved one is hard. Whether it is a surprise or somewhat expected,...
“Babies Don’t Keep” Children’s Photo & Handprint Keepsake
On Monday, we talked about how time flies by and our children are growing up so fast. I almost can't stand it! We shared five important reminders to help us savor and celebrate the moments. Which one did you need to hear most? Today, I've got a fun and easy...
Kids Grow Up Fast
Is it happening too fast for you? Are your children growing up too quickly? There was a time when I used to be able to hold my babies snug in my arms. Now when I pick them up, they take up more than half my body length. (Oooh, I love those bodies!) Dan...
Welcome!
My name is Kristen. I'm a former Wedding & Event Planner blogging about fun ways to celebrate each and every day and the special occasions of life. Here you'll find inspiration for family fun, children's activities, party planning and a faith-filled life. 
