Joyfully Thriving

Grace-Filled Frugal Living

Announcing the Arrival of Lily Grace

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Babies have their own time tables, don't they? I know many of you have been waiting for this baby update, so we are excited to announce the arrival of Lily Grace Whirrett - born on Monday, March 12. Here's a bit of Lily's story (and pictures) from the past 10 days! After 2 babies and 2 C-sections (for different reasons), I knew early on that baby number 3 would also be a C-section. My wonderful doctor confirmed that the risks were too high for me to deliver any other way. All 3 of our babies have also been due right around the National Lutheran Grade School's Annual Tournament Weekend in … Read More...

Everything You Need to Know about Preparing for Baby

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Before I became pregnant, I started scouring books and blogs for all sorts of advice about preparing for baby. When I became pregnant the first time, my research increased. I knew a lot would be learned by experience but I wanted to be as prepared as I could be. Does this sound familiar to any other moms out there? My first baby arrived and I learned so much! Baby number two arrived and I learned even more. Baby number three arrives later this week and I know will continue to learn more. Here are a couple of the lessons I have learned about preparing for a new baby. Babies don't have … Read More...

Ultimate List of Baby Things to Buy Before Birth

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I'm in the final weeks before our third baby is to be born. I am one of those practical, planner moms, and this pregnancy has focused me even more. Considering I have an (almost) 4 year old son, an (almost) 2 year old daughter, and a baby on the way, I know our life is about to change dramatically! It does with every baby. That's why I want to share my ultimate list of baby things to buy before birth with you.  When your new baby finally arrives, it is a time like no other! You don't get these first days back, exhausting as they may be. Your days and nights will be spent feeding the baby … Read More...

20 Free No Prep Valentine Activities for Preschoolers

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As a former preschool teacher, I love incorporating the holidays into our learning activities! As a busy mom, I love incorporating the holidays into our daily activities as simply as possible. Complicated projects? Not for me. Simple things that don't require a lot of time or special supplies to set up, but that my kids still love? Yes, please! It's one of the reasons I compiled this list of free, no prep Valentine activities for preschoolers. Like I said, I am a trained early childhood teacher so I admit that I am choosy on the activities I do at home. I want Nathan and Emma to have fun … Read More...

12 Tips for a Smooth Road Trip with Kids

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When I think of summer, I think of road trips. I grew up traveling thousands of miles every summer in our mini-van with my parents and 3 siblings. Now that I'm married with 2 children of my own, my husband and I are the one planning the road trips with our kids. Of course, we want to have smooth road trips with our kids. It takes careful planning and preparation but it can be done! Are you planning a road trip with kids? If so, here are some tips from a mom who has done many a long road trip with kids - and plans to keep making them for years to come!  Last year, our family took a 3800 mile … Read More...

How to Make DIY Family Magnets Your Little Ones Will Love

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I absolutely LOVE this idea of making family magnets! What a great idea for preschoolers to help them learn family names, especially if they live far away!

I love magnets. I owe it in large part to the fact that I was an elementary school teacher for 10 years - 7 of which were spent teaching Kindergarten and Preschool. Magnets are kid friendly and so easy to change out. It was due to this magnet love that I came up with this idea for family magnets. Everyone who sees these magnets on our fridge asks about them so I figured it was time to share this diy family magnet post. This post contains affiliate links. You can read more in my disclosure policy.  I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. What mom doesn't? Nathan and Emma tend to follow … Read More...

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