Category: Mom Life

DIY

Easter Basket Stuffer Ideas

/

Hey Loves!!!

So, really, how is your 2021 treating you? If I’m being honest, there’s still a lot of 2020 energy floating around and lots more Pandemic-style birthdays and celebrations are happening. So, on the with the show, right?

What isn’t changing is how I do any type of celebration or gifts to my kids- NO JUNK!!! I’m the mom that does needs and practical fun items and if you looking for some ideas that are my favorite things-easy, inexpensive and cute- you’re reading the right blog. Leggo!

Something to wear: Seriously, seasons are changing and wardrobes are changing too. If your kids are like mine, they definitely need some additions. I take this opportunity to do something I couldn’t find at consignment and they would enjoy. However, I stay under $15 and have high-hopes for reselling and hand-me-downs.

This category also includes shoes. For some reason, my kids’ feet feel the need to grow entire sizes in a matter of months. For spring/summer shoes, we keep them easy and light. I also keep them low on cost because why not? This year I went with some Vans to coordinate with their dad and I. These were $25 which is a good deal for this brand. 

April Showers Ready: It rains everywhere, some places more than others. I also know kids enjoy kid size umbrellas and throwing on rain jackets and rain boots. These make great additions or can even be the easter basket.

Books: If you know me at all, you know I have a problem when it comes to books. Simply put, I can’t say no. I am always on the hunt for quality books and my kids are budding book-a-holics. Books as gifts are always a hit here.

Crafts: This can be anything from crayons to a craft kit. My kids are getting personalized crayons to keep those hands busy when streaming church and a wooden box they can paint to store their watches and necklaces

Something they can do/use right away and/or Outdoor play: This is a biggie for me. There is no greater annoyance than having to drop everything to assemble something or deal with the emotions because it can’t be used. So, I get something they can use inside or out, rain or shine that doesnt require batteries or an exorbitant amount of my patience. I am pretty sure jump ropes will be a staple for the next couple years and this year I found kid-sized hoola hoops. I would also suggest skates, scooters, sidewalk chalk or card games.

Personalized Items: I mean, why not throw a monogram on a shirt ot bow? You can also add some personalized touches to items that doesnt include their name. I added these “biggie” and “smalls” caps to their easter baskets.

Summer Styling: Sunglasses, caps, swim suits, beach towels, you name it! Let’s get ready for summer fun and look cute while at it. 

Everyday Essentials: Because band-aids, body wash, sponges, character toothbrushes and toothpaste are essential and will be used!

Discipleship tools: This one is near to my heart. James accepted Chtist as his savior on Easter of 2020 and I gotto be there for it and walk hum through it. I will never forget that. I marked that occasion by getting him a cross necklace but I knew then I wanted him to have tools to grow his faith and deepen his relationship. I decided on this devotional for James and this book for Jude. 

I want to wrap this up by saying your easter basket will not be pinterest perfect and that is what makes it beautiful.

Love you. Mean it.

Family Activities

Advent Celebration Activity Pack

/

Let’s get ready for Advent Fun! This low-prep, ability-friendly and ethnically diverse pack walks families through the birth of Jesus with daily Bible verses and offers customizable activities for the entire family all through the Advent season. 

Purchase Advent Celebration Pack

What’s Included?

In 2 color schemes, blue and grey and red and green, each Advent Activity Pack contains the following in a digital download:

-30 Advent Activity Cards

-Blank Advent Activity Cards 

-24 Advent Bible Verse Cards that detail the birth of Jesus

-Pre-Filled Advent Planner

-Blank Advent Planner

Purchase Now!

Note: This download is for personal use. It cannot be sold, published, or hosted on other websites. If you want to share this product, please feel free to share this link shop with others. Thanks!

Graphics for this project were purchased from flaticon.com

about me

12 Days of Gifting-Ideas for Everyone In Your Life: Mom Stocking Stuffers

/

My dearest Loves,

We made it! Can you hear the bells ringing? Day 12 is here and I love that I am ending this series with my people-my biggest supporters, best friends and target audience, MAMAS. Whether you fill your own stocking or wake up to it filled, here are some ideas you can buy or ask Santa for.

  1. Spa Treatment- CAN NOT GO WRONG! anything from a manicure to a massage without kids will suffice.
  2. Quality Pens/Stationery- I feel like this is a staple.
  3. Devotional- Again, a staple for me but you will have to do some research here Not all are created equal. This one is everything.
  4. New book or Audiobook- Because moms deserve it. Also, I am famous for pre-ordering or spending $20 on a book for my kids but will go without or wait 7-14 weeks for the library loan to be available for a book I want.
  5. Personalized necklace- Her name, monogram, initial, kids’ names, mama- they all work!
  6. Kindle unlimited gift card- One month, three months, 40 months-again, mama deserves it.
crafting

First Day Teacher Gifts

/

Hey Loves!

To quote (and then add in to quote) the incomparable artist, Prince, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate a thing called” GRATITUDE. 

Note; This blog will be presented in two parts. 

Part 1: Here’s the thing, teachers, especially in this country, deserve all the things. I mean, I know after the last year some of you have decided to co to use to homeschool so you get it. You only have to educate your child(ren) and all that encompasses. You rightfully deserve your gratitude in verbal and physical gift form. As do teacher. 

I also know the last 1.5 years has been hard on everyone and there aren’t extra funds. You are trying to figure out how to get the essentials, and anything else is simply inconceivable. 

I GET IT!!!

As most of you know, my kids will be attending a full-day at our local homeschool program one weekly. As a homeschool mom, I know we are used to doing everything without any thanks. I’m not saying that’s right, just saying I sympathize. 

So, using $.50 markers, $.25 wooden key chains, old vinyl, a free printable and ribbon I had on hand, I put these together. I’ll be adding a little treat and BOOM! First day gifts completed for literally $1 each. 

You can substitute these fine tip markers for dry-erase markers, colored pencils, flair pens, etc. 

You know what you can also do?

Part 2: 

Again, the focus is gratitude here. It’s also great to practice a little empathy. 

Wouldn’t you want to feel seen and supported, especially after the last 18 months?

Instead of buying things, take the time to write this teacher a thank you note and include the days/times you are available to help. 

After the first week, kindly asks what it is they could use in her classroom and asses what you provide. 

Y’all, I was convicted putting these gifts together. As simple as they were for and as economical as they were for me, both could be way out of reach for another family but our gratitude and empathy remain the same. 

If you are going to give anything, my top suggestion is it needs to be useful. If you are unsure, your time is an amazing gift!

For future gift ideas, I put together these info sheets to really get all the deets on their likes, allergies, and needs. Hope this helps. 

Holiday Activities

Our (Projected) Homeschool Rhythm

/

Hey Loves!

This summer is way easier than last summer and for that, I am thankful. It is also easier to plan for homeschool and, again, I’m thankful. 

I wanted to share our homeschool Rhythm with you. Please know this will ebb and flow and is a work in progress. It’s also very far from perfect. If you want to know about our rhythms, check this out. There’s a whole blog and video detailing why do a rhythm and not a schedule.

On Tuesdays and Thurdays, we will do a little car school. Mostly science and bible using podcasts , audiobooks and call and response. On Thursdays, I would also love to do some park school, lunch outside and some good fun This is due to our enrichment activities now that we can finally safely participate in them. 

Every day we will use a loop schedule for our subjects and curriculum. You can grab a blank printable here. It really helps us all to see all we need to achieve and how. 

Every morning, (except tuesdays) James will do his morning starters and Jude will do morning baskets. 

We will journal in the evenings, switching from the mornings. I think this will allow us to get more school work done quicker and enjoy our day. 

Mondays and Wednesdays will be heavy school days, meaning, we will get through all of one loop, some review and make sure our foundation is solid. 

Monday and Wednesday James will do his science and history with me solo while Jude naps. 

Again, this is all proposed. Nothing is set in stone and will likely have to change or be adjusted. That is ok!!! 

We are continuing with a loop schedule because that is what works for us. 

Again, you can grab that template here. 

Let me know how it works for you!

Homeschool

Prime Day Wishlist-Ideas and why it’s important to have a list.

/

Hey loves!

Prime Day is set for June 21 and if you haven’t participated before, there are crazy deals! It can be a little overwhelming so I always make a list.

A list helps me stay on track mentally and stay in budget. It also helps decrease distractions. My favorite reason for a list is I can share it with my husband and friends and we can tag-team. Team work makes the dream work!

What to put on the list? Well, I don’t have limits. Anything I can get from Amazon goes on my list. I also add things I’ve seen other people get on previous Prime Day deals.

I do try to organize my list by sections: Home, school, me, gifts, etc.

Here is my list! Happy shopping!

Family Activities

Our Favorite Easter Traditions

/

Hey Loves!

If you are new here, I love a holiday. I love traditions. Why? Traditions are what make you remember. Growing up, I had very little traditions, like little to none. I am so glad my kids will not have that and they’ll have a slew to help them remember. So, today I am sharing some of my favorite Family Easter Traditions. Let’s hop to it! (Pun very much intended.)

Easter Outfits: I know this may be the least important of all but man, do I love a coordinating family and cute photographed memories. True story, I have always had an easter dress. Even as a married adult mama, my mother always bought me an Easter dress. So, I also love how this tradition continues with my boys.

Communion/Last Supper Story: Since my kids were 4 and 2, we have re-enacted the last supper story and it is so powerful. I love explaining to them the meaning of the bread and wine (juice, elderberry syrup or water and food coloring) and reading them the words of Jesus. It is so sweet and special.

Good Friday Service: This one’s for me. Pre-covid, I would get up and head to a sun-rise Good Friday service and honestly, just feel. I would feel everything, big and small. I would remember that Jesus, while fully God, was very human and it was that human body that broke and bled for me.. My pride, my selfishness, my anger. I would worship. I would pray. With Covid, and the following restrictions, I’ve resorted to ensuring the same at home. I would stream a powerful word and do the same thing I did when I attended in-person… feel all the feels, worship and pray.

Washing Feet: Later in the day on Good Friday, I consecrate a special time to wash my sons’ feet. I think it is a great humble submission to show your children how you, in all your authority, can meekly kneel and wash their feet. It is even more powerful when you explain the true story of Jesus doing this for his friends. I got this idea from a veteran boy-mom when I had a 2-year-old and an infant, swimming in depression and anxiety, and this was one of the few moments I was truly present for. It is timeless and so special.

Easter Baskets: I guess this would be the second on the list of “least important” but again, I love this tradition as  always had an easter basket and now I get to ensure that joy for my sons and husband. I don’t do junk though. Everything must be sustainable. You can get some ideas for kids here and for your boo here.

Staircase Photos: What can I say? It had good lighting and the best way to get us all in a selfie? What ever the reason we started this tradition, it continues today and I am so thankful when those memories pop up on my phone. You can see how we have all grown over the years, physically and mentally. No matter the weather or what is happening outside our home, we are together and we are filled with a great great love.

The Food: Y’all. As just about every holiday before Easter is on or very close to a person I live with birthday and I am spent and tired, Easter I can feast without making sure we have a theme or it is someone’s birthday request. Yes, I make sure my mouth waters as I plan the menu and I am not mad about it at all. I mean, to date, I haven’t gotten a complaint so it is a good strategy.

What is your favorite Easter tradition? 

Love you. Mean it.