WOW! From Wisconsin Point to Billings Park to Sweeden Sweets candy shop, the city of Superior Wisconsin lives up to its name.I was able to visit that lovely area because we went there on a family mission trip sponsored by YouthWorks. We stayed at Zion Lutheran Church. (I admit, even I couldn't resist the fact that Culver's was RIGHT NEXT DOOR!) During the day, we helped at Catholic Charities where we weeded and planted flowers for one of their residential sites. We also visited the Golden Living Senior Center. There we passed out snacks, played piano for the residents, and helped with the weekly Yahtzee tournament. (the winner gets a whole dollar!) Anyway, it was really fun. At Zion took turns with general chores and even we made our meals, including spaghetti, pulled pork, and mac `n cheese. In the evenings he had Family devotion time at Wisconsin Point one night and dinner at Billings park another. That was a time for us to focus on why we were serving others and our … [Read more...]
Summer Planning Binder Free Printable
My Mom has always had a "Summer Bucket List" for the family. Her list was something the entire family contributed to and, even though we knew we wouldn't get to everything on the list, we had something to work off of when we had free time. That is why I have a Summer Planning Binder Free Printable, so you can whip up a bunch of great plans to check off as you work your way through those no-longer lazy warm days. I LOVE checking a box and showing that I had something accomplished -- so this FREE set from me will help you all make a rough plan of what you want to see, read, do and visit over this summer. Ask for help to fill out "quiet time" or Acts of Random Kindness that you could do. It is great to focus on making other people smile! Like reading and want to avoid the summer "slump"? Make a reading list and visit the library! You can have a book or two for family car trips or when there isn't anyone available to play. I hope it helps you to not only look forward summer, but … [Read more...]
Make Your Twin Cities Trip Memorable for the Kids!
Living just outside of Madison Wisconsin means a Twin Cities trip is a simple drive for us -- and road trips can be incredibly fun if you take a little bit of time to do it. Our Twin Cities Trip: On the way to Minnesota, you might want to stop in the Wisconsin Dells and spend a night at the Kalihari...everyone loves a water park, and it is a great way to unwind. The next morning, as you head back out on the Interstate, make sure you time it right so you end up at Osseo's Norski Nook for their delicious soups and yummy pie! I personally am a fan of their seasonal Fresh Strawberry Pie. Soon, you are crossing the border over into Minnesota and working your way to the Raddison Blu hotel in Bloomington. It's super easy to find as it is attached to the Mall of America by a walkway. The Mall of America is about so much more than shopping! Any kid would be beyond excited to spend some time in the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park. Parents and kiddos alike will enjoy Fly … [Read more...]
Summer Planning – CAMP!
My Mom is awesome -- she finds so many cool things for me to do and is very creative about it! This summer shapes up to be incredible --she has outdone herself. It's time to talk about Summer Planning - CAMP! We planned on being fairly low key as we were bringing back (and paying to do so) the girl who we had two years ago from the Ukraine in the Circle of Love project through our church. Diana is 2 years older than me and just like a big sister! SO....the rest of the summer plans were a total surprise until we reviewed the family calendar: Final Exams are over for me on May 18th...but I am going to still be in elementary school for 3 more weeks...if my Mom's trip to Cuba works out, then I only have 2 weeks of school because I would get to skip one for traveling! The week after school is out, we have Camp Invention. My Mom is the camp parent and working NOW so I can attend FREE! (More on Camp Invention HERE!) The day after camp ends, it is my birthday AND Diana arrives … [Read more...]
20 Things Kids Should Do Before They “Grow up”
I think that when the movie "The Bucket List" was released in 2007, the term became a whole lot more popular. If you don't already know what the term bucket list means it is basically where you create a list of things or goals that you want to do and achieve before you die. Well, I was thinking about creating a childhood bucket list for kids! So obviously this is not a list of things to do before you die, but more or less a list of 20 things kids should do before they grow up. This is not a set list of things that every kid needs or has to do in their lives, but it's just a list of fun things to do as a kid. 20 Things Kids Should Do Before They "Grow up" 1. Go to Disney Land/World: Disney is known as "The Happiest Place on Earth" and I think every kid dreams of visiting Disney at one point. Whether they get one chance to go or several chances to go, going to Disney is a once in a lifetime experience. 2. Go to an Overnight Camp: Going to an overnight camp … [Read more...]
Summer Chore Lists For Children
The kids are out of school and now it is time to whip out this Summer Chore List For Children to keep them busy! Summer is the perfect time to work with you kids on growing more responsible with their belongings. It is also a great time to teach them to be a part of a team. Summer chore lists for children aren't designed to make your kids become your slaves They are designed to give you the ability to train your children for the future. As much as we want to think thy will be our babies forever, one day they will have to go out into the world and by giving them these tools now they will be ready when that day comes. Summer Chore Lists For Children Learn to do the laundry. This basic chore in life is one thing that your kids will all need to understand how to manage. For the youngest of your family, simply putting their dirty laundry in the basket may be their chore. For preschool and younger school aged children this would include sorting darks and lights before washing. We … [Read more...]
What Visiters Had To Say