the polar express night: a holiday family tradition
The Polar Express is more than a book for some people. It's a holiday family tradition that has become an eagerly-anticipated December event!
The …
gratitude
holiday note gift idea for families: unique, thoughtful, and FREE
These holiday notes may turn out to be one of your family's most coveted and meaningful traditions!
It's so easy for our little ones (and even adults …
gifts that give back: ideas for kids and family #givingtuesday
Did you know that today is Giving Tuesday?
It's a really simple concept: give.
Any way you are able, to anyone. Give.
The concept of giving is …
5 ways parents can show thanks for teachers and schools
Between Election Day, parent-teacher conferences, and field trips, it always seems like things get nutty in November.
The novelty of the new year has …
thank you delivery people: free printable for families
This time of the year is insane.
We're moving so quickly, our to-do lists are nuts, and often we're totally forgetting to breathe.
At least I …
create summer sparks with everyday acts of kindness
Sponsored by author T.A. Barron and the Spark Goodness Program.
If you want my expert opinion, teaching our kids about the importance of being a …
teacher appreciation gifts for all of your kids’ teachers
Friends.
Teacher Appreciation gifts can sometimes break the bank, and I know that can be hard.
But being a teacher myself, I can tell you …
books about kindness — must-have’s for older and younger readers
How can you start to spread a little kindness now? At your home? With your kids? In your community?
I've got a few great books about kindness for …
advent activity calendar for kids and family: 2017
We do this every advent season.
And the kids love it.
I actually contemplated switching things this year--finding another advent activity …
gifts that teach kids the power of giving: animal gifts from heifer international
The more ways that we can teach our kids that holiday time should be a time for giving, the better.
I mean, when it comes down to it, don't our …
top secret ‘happy day’ notes for the whole ‘hood
Originally published September 1, 2010, but republished today because, well, friends, everyone could use a lift.
Last week, we ran into a …
host a FUNdraiser for schools or non-profits at Chuck E. Cheese’s: 3 reasons to do it
Host a fundraiser for schools or non-profits at Chuck E. Cheese's? I mean. Fundraisers are often difficult. Laborious. So time consuming.
Did I …
the only black friday deals you need for kids and family
Friends.
I'm not sure if you're a wild and crazy Black Friday shopper or not, but in case you are, happy …
syrian refugees: what families can and should do NOW
What is happening in our world right now with Syrian refugees is insanity.
Absolute insanity.
Heartbreaking.
Awful.
Sad and …
teaching kids to say ‘thank you’ to everyday heroes
Too often those important people who do everyday jobs are forgotten.
Even though they work hard to make our days …
teach kids workforce appreciation: celebrating those who make our day brighter
We have always taught our kids to be thankful for each and every person who makes our day a little brighter.
And those people include family and …
finding time for what you love: The Fringe Hours
It's funny how things work out sometimes.
When I first started this blog seven years ago, I was creating, photographing, …
new year’s family plan: 100 good deeds
I've long stopped creating New Year's Resolutions because, well, they always seem to be broken.
Instead, we, as a family, try to make some positive …
holiday traditions that make our family rock: what matters most
One of my favorite parts of being a parent is establishing and celebrating traditions as a family.
And …
homemade ornaments for digital kids
My kids are getting older.
At 11, 9, and 7, they needed a little something different this year in order to get them …