Advent calendars have become such a HUGE part of Christmas these days – have you noticed? We’ve tried several variations over the years from our DIY Freezer Paper Stencil Advent Calendar and our Family Activities Advent Calendar to LEGO Advent and our Reading Advent Calendar. This year, though, with three kids including a feisty 1 1/2-year-old, I’m once again opting to go the super simple route.Our free printable Christmas Joke countdown (created last year by our contributor … [Read more...]
Free Printable: Thanksgiving Gratitude Conversation Starters
Gratitude isn't a new concept for us. We've talked before about regularly expressing gratitude toward our kids and putting our gratitude into writing.Do a simple search for gratitude on the blog and you'll see many ideas for crafts and thoughts about giving thanks.The benefits of being a grateful person range from being more optimistic, less materialistic and self-centered, to increasing our self-esteem and actually making us healthier. This is something we should be working on … [Read more...]
Free Printable: No More “Mom, I’m Bored!”
I absolutely adore the idea of hanging something on the wall that I can direct my kids to whenever boredom strikes- so I've got a present for you!It's a free printable and our contributor MJ included some cute icons next to each item so even my pre-readers can use it. Get your copy today and get prepped for a summer of fun. School is barely out and I’m already anticipating the inevitable, “Mommy, I’m bored!” This summer we’re fixing that complaint with this creative checklist that I … [Read more...]
Free Printables Pack: First Day of School Signs
I'm so excited to have our resident graphic designer, MJ, back today with an ENTIRE FREE PRINTABLE PACK that I just know you're going to love!The idea of these printables are to use them to start a new 1st day of school photo tradition that allows you to document not only the kiddos' super cute new outfits and excited grins, but also their changing dreams and aspirations. Great idea, right?!You could do some really interesting things with these photos - a coffee table book, a hallway … [Read more...]
Free Printable for Growing Bookworms: Kids’ Reading Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts and reading make the perfect pair. Discovering new stories, interesting characters, or a great series builds your child's love for literature as well as her motivation to become an independent reader.As parents we want to grow our children's interest in reading but sometimes feel like we've run out of ideas on how to do just that.To help, we've created a fun and simple way to challenge your child to read and discover outside of their comfort zone.It's a free printable … [Read more...]
Free Printable: Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day) Mad Libs Card
Before I became a parent, I had no idea of the role knock-knock jokes, mad libs, and the like would one day play in my home. With a 6 year old and a 4 year old - these things are the stuff of magic around here. My kids think they are absolutely hilarious and just cannot get enough - ever.Which is why I asked our contributor MJ to put together a colorful Mad Libs style card that can be used for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparents' Day, etc. Because I know the kids will want to fill them … [Read more...]
Spring Cleaning Sale & 4 Week Challenge Printable!
It's March and that can only mean two things. First, it's officially spring cleaning time. Second (and decidedly more fun), Spring Break is coming!Whether the idea of cleaning, sprucing and organizing fills you with glee or with dread - I've got two awesome offerings today to help you get it done quickly AND to enjoy all the extra free time with the kids.First on the list, MJ is here with a free "Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life" printable: our 4 week Spring Clean Challenge!It's a … [Read more...]
POYEL: Free Closet Sorting Printables
You guys went so crazy over this idea to get the kids to put away their own clothes, that we came up with another Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life idea aimed at getting the kids (and the hubby) to do even more to get those closets sorted.And, once again, this one comes with a free printable to help you do it!Here's MJ with the details... Maybe it's the new year or the winter snows, but my children are all going through growth spurts right now.Their drawers and closets contain a lot … [Read more...]
Free Printable: Family New Year’s Resolutions & Year-in-Review
Note: This post was initially written in 2014 but it was so popular we've updated it with a 2015 - 2016 version for this year! See below for the link.The time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve seems to get shorter every year. How is it possible that we can easily countdown the final days of 2014 already? Whether I'm ready or you're ready, the end of the year is quickly approaching.It's just about this time when I always ask myself: Should I make New Year's resolutions this … [Read more...]