January 31, 2018 · in Activities For Kids

14 Days of LOVE for Families | Valentines Day Fun!

Isn’t this such a great time of year to celebrate LOVE in all forms? Love for our spouse, love for God, love for family and love for ourselves. If you’re struggling with low confidence then check out my 14 Days of Loving Yourself post I created a couple years ago. It’s part of the #WannabeConfident February challenge. I’ll be talking more about this topic on my weekly live videos this month on Instagram, or you can catch the replay audio versions on Sound Cloud. Here’s last weeks episode.

I really try to make holidays special for my kids. It doesn’t always happen every year and for every holiday, but I do my best. Most years we’ve done some kind of activity as a family for Valentines Day. So I thought I’d create this post to highlight some of the things we’ve done over the years to help give you some ideas for your family.

Dinner Drinks & Treats!!!

Decorating the table and making fun “heart” themed dinners seem to be quite the hit in our home. The kids think it’s so great to create as many heart shaped foods and LOVE potions as possible!

This year I found a few new items at Shop LC which is for sure my new favorite place to shop. Not only do they have great household items at affordable prices, but sooo many gift ideas for any holiday. You gotta check out all their beautiful jewelry, plus, these handbags? All under $20!!!

I found this cute tray and Mason Jar drink set on their website, PERFECT for our Valentines LOVE potion drinks.

We made some yummy healthy jello in this heart shaped pan, topped with vegan coconut whip cream and fruit! This is my favorite!

We made these fun frozen yogurt hearts out of home made strawberry Kefir. So they are low in sugar and full of probiotics. All you need is some nice Easy Flex Heart 24-Cavity Silicone Molds.

14 Days of Love Lessons

Festive dinners and foods are fun but mostly I want to teach my children the importance of LOVE. So with the inspiration of one of my friends, I set aside a little time each night in February leading up to Valentines to have lessons on love. I found these cute heart shaped containers at the dollor store but you can also find something similar on Amazon. Inside I’ve placed a piece of paper with a small list of things we will do and talk about.

Here is a free download with a list of activity ideas, scriptures on love, and our favorite videos “Love one Another” messages on YouTube! Just print it out and you’ll have all these ideas handy from now until Valentines Day!!!

PRINT

I love taking advantage of all the wonderful resources on YouTube. We’ve kind of made it a tradition now with each holiday we look up YouTube videos that tie into the season. Here’s a list below of some ideas you can include in your daily lesson and activity.

~Make Class Valentines and boxes together as a family

~Make special drinks you can call “Cupids Brew” In this drink below we put a little sherbet ice cream in Marinelli’s

~Play games: Toss candy hearts into cups

~Watch our own home videos

~Make fruit plates

~Play I love you game: have each person say what they love about each member of the family.

~Look through family photo albums and share favorite memories.

~Decorate heart shaped cupcakes or cookies.

YouTube Videos

~Love One Another

~Love Thy Neighbor

~Families Can Be Together Forever

~What Matters Most

~Bullying- Stop It

~Moments That Matter Most

~My Brother Hyrum

~Continue in Patience

Scriptures on Love

John 13:34-35

1 John 4:11

Mosiah 4:14-15

Moses 5:2

Matt. 16:19

D&C 110:13-14,16

D&C 132:15-21

4 Nephi 1:15

3 Nephi 11:22,29

Proverbs 15:1

Proverbs 17:17

Moroni 8:26

Honestly friends, these are the 2 best family valentines day activities our children love doing. What about you? What have you planned for your family valentines day? I’d love to hear about it!

November 29, 2017 · in Activities For Kids· Christmas

Wannabe Christ-Centered | December Challenge

Best time of year wouldn’t you agree? We all have magical memories surrounding the holidays, but despite this supposedly joyous season, I’m pretty sure most of us experience some negative emotions as well. Could be a bad memory, worry over money, stress about the millions of things we feel we need to do, anxiety around family parties (perhaps there is some family drama), feelings of homesickness, depression, or loneliness.

I would love to help you let go of some of the stress and negative emotions that come with the “most wonderful time of the year”. My hope is that this blog post series will serve as a great resource for you to first get your thoughts in order, and second, make this year memorable and Christ-centered for you and your family. This week I’ll be sharing our December challenge and next week I’m going to get into some thought work and teach you some things that have really helped me soooo much when it comes to anxiety and those unpleasant feelings.

I’ve planned out the whole month of December for my family. It’s full of Christ-centered lessons and activities adapted from the book, Christmas Without Santa Creating a Christ-Centered Christmas. Print off this daily task list and cut it into strips so that you can customize your month to best fit your family schedule. Then just pick up an advent calendar on Amazon or maybe you already have one. If not then the other option is to slip the tasks into numbered envelopes. Below I will explain each activity in more detail as well as provide a small list of items you might need.

PRINT YOUR TASK LIST

Last month we did the Wannabe Fearless challenge and this month I’m calling it the Wannabe Christ-Centered challenge. Just like all the monthly “wannabe” challenges, I would love to create a community around this and have you post each day on social media, a picture of what you’re doing together as a family. Use the hashtag #WannabeChristCentered and tag me too. I’d love to see all your fun and creative ways of doing this challenge. Be sure to join the Wannabe Balanced community on Facebook (it’s free) and get to know other women who are participating in these monthly challenges.

Items You Will Need:

The book Christmas Without Santa Creating a Christ-Centered Christmas (You don’t need the book in order to do these activities, but if you want more ideas and details then having the book would be ideal. I’ve included the page numbers below for easy reference).
Advent Calendar
Mini Lighted Christmas Tree for Jesus
Colored Clay
Mistletoe

Check out the YouTube video HERE.

Christmas Commitment: Write out a family commitment detailing ways you can maintain a peaceful home where everyone is being helpful, and kind to one another. (pg. 60)
Watch YouTube Videos about Christmas. Here’s a Playlist of all my favorites.
Gift for Jesus: Wrap up an empty box and cut a slit in the top. Throughout this month encourage everyone to do random acts of kindness for each other as a gift for Jesus. Write it down on a small piece of paper and slip it into the box. (pg. 44)
Fun Family Outing: For example, go ice skating, visit Santa at the mall, skiing, sledding, go see Christmas Lights or Christmas in Color if you’re in Utah (for 15% off use coupon code: BALANCEDINCOLOR).
Christmas Tree for Jesus: Get a small christmas tree designated for Jesus (pg. 50). Have the kids make symbolized ornaments using colored clay. Share the scripture story that coinsides with each ornament. Halo: Angel visits Mary (Luke 1:26-38) Baby: Mary visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45).
Invite a neighbor or friend over for dinner.
Mistletoe Fun: Hang a mistletoe in a doorway of your home. Each time someone passes under the mistletoe they must say “I love you” to someone in the house. (pg. 134)
Write a Thank You letter to Jesus.
Jesus Tree: Make more ornaments out of clay for the Jesus tree (pg. 50). Coin: The census (Luke 2:1-5). Manger: The birth of Jesus (Luke 2:6-7).
Family Christmas Gifts: Help each child decide on a gift for their siblings and for dad. I like to take my kids to Savers or the thrift store to pick out something for each of their siblings using their own money. Or I encourage them to make something thoughtful.
Make a Wish List : Not just a list of things you want from Santa, but a list of your biggest dreams and wishes for your life. Then you can talk about ways to make those dreams come true. (pg. 63)
Christmas Treasure Hunt: Hide a gift like Christmas jammies, or a new Christmas book or movie. Or you can even hide a note saying what fun outing you are about to go do with the kids like, breakfast with Santa, train ride, sleigh ride, ect. Then stick clues all over the house, one leading to the other until the find the “treasure”. (pg. 156)
Make Gingerbread or houses. Watch our YouTube video sharing 3 fun ways to use the new PEEPS marshmallows.
Jesus Tree: Make more ornaments out of clay for the Jesus tree (pg. 50). Sheep: Angels appear to Shepherds (Luke 2:8-15). Star: Magi follow the Star (Matt. 2:1-10).
Write a list of all the things you DO have.
Birthday Party for Jesus: Have a party with balloons, streamers and a birthday cake for Jesus. (pg. 47)
Family Talent Show: This is the chance for everyone to show of the gifts and talents God has given us. It could be something as simple as doing a cart wheel, playing a song on the piano, or singing a song.
Hot Cocoa and Christmas Movie Night
Read Nativity Story
Christmas Cards: Have the kids write out their own Christmas cards for friends, cousins, neighbors, and grandparents.
Jesus Tree: Make more ornaments out of clay for the Jesus tree (pg. 50). Gifts: Magi give gifts to Jesus (Matt. 2:11)
Read Christmas books
Make Christmas Cookies
Open the gift for Jesus and read all the notes inside.
Merry Christmas!!!!!!

What are some of your favorite family traditions?

October 19, 2017 · in Activities For Kids· Video's I've made

Fall Bucket List and Festive Halloween Meals

You guys! I get so giddy this time of year I can’t even stand it. I just love everything about the fall season. The crisp cool air, the colors, the excitement of all the holidays to come and most importantly, it helps me focus on creating fun memories for my little ones.

We got the house all decorated, fall bucket list created (see our list below), costumes picked out, and Christmas lights scheduled to be put up by November first, is that too soon? lol. By the way, if you too want to hire someone to put up your Christmas lights then you must call Refresh Detailing. They are a mobile car detailing service but also wash windows and install Christmas lights. Tell them I sent you and they will give you 10% off.

I LOVE making fun and festive meals for the kids so I thought I’d share a week of festive meals. Dinners AND Lunches. I have these printables available in my Free Resource Library. Plus I made a YouTube video for the Dinners and one for the Lunches, demonstrating how to make everything.

Products we used:

Waterproof LED Lights for the witches brew and fun drinks.
Bentgo Lunch Boxes and Soup Containers
Whiskware for the Pancake Art
Whiskware snack containers
Pumpkin Spice Protein Powder
Letter Board for dinner table setting
Face Paint

Fall Bucket List:

Make carmeled apples
Lily’s Scary Birthday Party (see video)
Face Painting

Make Witches Brew with dry ice
Hayride
Carve Pumpkins
Apple Picking and make apple pie
Gardner Village Witch Fest

Watch Hokus Pokus
Make Chili on a cold and cloudy day
Haunted House
Roast Marshmallows
Buy new fall candles
Cornbelly’s Corn Maze (for $3 off use coupon code: BALANCE)

Paint Pumpkins
Make Pumpkin Spice Kefir Protein Pancakes (see video)
Collect Fall Leaves for our Gratitude Tree
Make Halloween Treats

What are some fun things you like to do this time of year? I’d love to get more ideas to add to my fall bucket list.

September 19, 2017 · in Activities For Kids· back to school· Making Dinners

5 Simple Back to School Dinners

Ever since I first became a mom, I’ve known the importance of family meal time. Have I been very good at making it happen? NOPE

Having all these babies has given me plenty of excues NOT to do it, since babies don’t let you sit for very long, and I feel like I’m constantly making separate meals for each child based on their pickiness and moods.

This year I REALLY want to make an effort to make family meal time more meaningful and fun. So I’m getting myself a little more organized and have found some great resources to help me out (I’ve listed them below). I also LOVE getting festive, and so do my kids. I’ve decided to create one of these blog posts with meal ideas for each month of the year. This month being the Back to School Theme. I have a lot of fun and festive ideas for next month too so be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter in order to be notified when I post.

First of all, I created this free printable for you. It’s 5 simple dinner ideas with a grocery list included. You can find all my free printables in my RESOURCE LIBRARY. Also, be sure to watch my YouTube video demonstrating how I make all these meals.

Here are some great resources I’ve found on Amazon. My goal is to make meal time, festive, spiritual, and fun! So with these two books and dinner games, I’m finding it that much easier to do.

Family Time Fun Dinner Games and Activities

One Year of Dinner Table Devotions

Mealtime Devotions: 90 Faith-Building Ideas Your Kids Will Eat Up! (Adventures in Odyssey Books)

&nbs

July 20, 2017 · in Activities For Kids· back to school· homeschooling· Life of a Wannabe· List's and Schedules· Mom Stuff· organization· routines

Back to School Ready ~ Being Organized and Making it Fun

Hey my lovelies! I know we still have a month left of summer, and nobody really wants to start thinking about school just yet, buuuuut, it’s always good to plan ahead and be prepared right? Today I’d like to share with you my back to school ready list. Just a few ways to get organized and make this time of year super special and fun for you and your family.

Get Supplies Early

We all want to save money right? Getting your supplies early will not only ensure you GET them, but you will also save a little cash. Prices go up as the school year gets closer, plus, I just hate ramaging through the left overs. Yes, I’ve been that mom who does the school shopping a month after school started. Which means the supplies I need are not always available and I end up having to spend more and order them online.

Teachers are always in need of Kleenex boxes and I found this great deal on Kleenex boxes at Sam’s Club. Sixteen boxes for $16!!! Pretty awesome if you ask me.

I always love buying new backpacks for the kids. There are always so many fun designs out every year. Jujube is my favorite place to get backpacks because they have the biggest selection, best quality, and they are the most organized bags you’ll ever find. There is a pocket and zipper for everything imaginable.

They have lots of fun matching mommy daughter bags too. I love their new floral print, it’s absolutely darling!!! Check out their whole selection HERE.

New water bottles are always fun. Especially these cute personalized ones from Etsy. For sure go for the stainless steel, keeps water cold for HOURS!

Organize Your Homework/ School Station

Last year I completely revamped my homeschool room/ homework station. Check out all the before and after pics HERE.

Studies have shown that physical clutter increases stress, overloads your senses, and impairs your creative abilities. So it’s important to take the time to get organized BEFORE school starts.

It’s a good idea to create an organized DROP ZONE! Most of the newer homes have mud rooms, but since my Draper house was built in the 80’s, I had to create a make shift one in my garage. Just hang some hooks, get a few baskets and there you go. A place for the kids to drop their shoes, coats, and backpacks in an organized fashion.

After School Charts & Boredom Busters

I know that after school can be a bit chaotic at times, with extra cericular activities, playdates, getting kids to practice their music, and homework. But there are also those days when nothing is going on and you’re kids will be tempted to veg out in front of an iPad. I try to encourage creativity first and use the ipad as a last resort. I came up with a creative way to recycle my empty Kleenex boxes. A simple “I’m Bored Box” to inspire creative fun instead of mindless video games.

Since reading the book The Power of Pause I have cut back dramatically on my overzealous “to do” lists and routines, but I understand that there must be some sort of structure in our home. So I put together these charts to help remind the kids what they should be doing in the mornings, after school, and at bed time. They are not the prettiest and defintiely not Pinterest worthy, but hey, it gets the job done.

Plan and Prepare a Special Family Dinner

Last year we had this really fun family dinner the night before the first day of school. See the short YouTube video I made. I gathered up some school supplies picked up a large sheet of school bus yellow poster paper from the party store. This way the kids could draw on the paper. This year I think it would be fun to have the kids write down some goals, and or positive affirmations next to their plate. Then we could all take turns sharing what we wrote. This could also be a fun first day of school breakfast.

*Disclosure~ I was compensated for the mention of Kleenex at Sam’s Club.

July 11, 2017 · in Activities For Kids· balance· happiness· Inspiration· Life of a Wannabe· motherhood

Cherish the Moments ~ Being More Present as a Mother

Motherhood is overwhelming. And although it can be the most fulfilling and joyful job in the world, it’s hard to remember that when dinner burns on the stove because you were cleaning up yet another diaper blowout and moderating an argument between two bickering siblings. The days feel like they never let up. But eventually we notice that our baby has grown out of toddler clothes and we wonder where all the time has gone.

Every mother has her own style and her own approach to parenting. However, it’s important to take time to appreciate the small moments of motherhood and be grateful for what we have instead of berating ourselves for what we lack. This can help us to think clearer, reduce stress, and create a more nurturing environment for our family. Does that sounds like too tall of an order? Well, here are a few ways that we can try practicing gratitude in motherhood, and appreciate the precious and limited time we have with our children while they’re still little.

Take Easy Family Trips

A full family vacation might feel like more than you can handle with the whole family. However, a small day trip with the children is never really out of reach. It doesn’t have to be a huge deal! In fact, it’ll be easier on you if it’s close by. Take the kids to a new park, to an event at the library, on a small hike, or out to see an interesting landmark or historical site in your area.

Sometimes it takes getting out of the house and out of our normal routines to really focus on each other. Taking opportunities like these create great memories for both you and your children.

Unplug

We spend a lot of time blaming the rising generation for their dependence on technology, but we forget that our children learn their behavior from us. How often are you distracted from your children because you’re browsing social media, or having 5 texting conversations at once? That’s why I put together the #WannabeHandsFree summer challenge. It’s not too late to join me on this challenge. See all the details in the blog post and YouTube video. Plus, I’m giving away a Jujube bag at the end of the summer to one lucky participant. Enter HERE!

Counter this by making more of a distinction between tech time and family time. When you’re doing an activity with your children, put your phone away.

Momma Time

This is one of my kids favorite things. At bedtime, one of the kids get special momma time, while the other kids went to sleep. Each child gets their turn of completely undivided time with mom, telling stories, reading, watching a movie together, or just chatting about life.

Mother/Child Dates

Similar to the principle of momma time, set aside time now and then for a “date” with one of your children. Hire a sitter or get your spouse to watch the other kids and spend time just having fun away from the house with your child. This can be especially fun as your child gets older, between ages 8 and 13.

Turn Off the Car Radio

Why is it that some of the most important discussions with your children happen in the car? I believe that it’s something that you should embrace. It can be frustrating when arguments or important discussions arise when you’re trying to focus on road safety, but you can enable them instead of snuffing them out when you decide to use car time to focus on your children. Instead of talking on the phone, or listening to the radio, listen to your child and whatever it is that they want to talk about.

Step Away

That’s right, one of the best ways to enjoy time with your children is to have less of it. Not always, just sometimes. If you’ve hit that point of burnout where you struggle to find patience and appreciation for your job as a mother, maybe it’s time for a bit of a break!

This can be as minor as assigning one child responsibility over the others (or telling your spouse he’s in charge) while you take some time alone in another room to meditate, do yoga, paint, read, or do something else that you know helps you feel restored. On the other hand, it might be something bigger, like hiring a sitter while you go on a trip with your girlfriends or your spouse. Needing to get away now and then doesn’t make you a bad mom; it makes you human. You’ll be a better mother for the time away.

Make Eye Contact and Listen

How many times a day does your child call out for your attention? How often do you have them trailing you around, tugging on your clothes, as you try to accomplish something yourself? Well, make a decision here and now that you will never be divided and half-hearted in your interactions with your children. Instead, put down what you’re doing, make eye contact with your child and converse with focus. If, on the other hand, it’s not time for you to be concentrating on them, be very clear that now is not the time for you to answer their endless “why”s.

Have Daily Rituals

Do you have a daily ritual with your children? Often, these moments hover around bedtime, mealtimes, or in the mornings. It might be the time you spend helping your child brush his or her teeth, reading bedtime stories, or asking the same question every night around the dinner table. In any case, daily rituals help the whole family re-center on each other, and it can be a wonderful time that your child ends up looking forward to each day.