Joyfully Thriving

Grace-Filled Frugal Living

Free Summer Reading Programs

Published May 27, 2019 Updated May 27, 2020 2 Comments

It's that time of year! Summer is here and the kids are finishing up school. One of my favorite parts of summer as a kid was working through all the reading programs we could find. Free summer reading programs are a frugal source of fun while encouraging reading. Really, what's not to love about free summer reading programs? I love that so many of the free summer reading programs are available for babies and toddlers now because creating a good reader starts long before they enter school. As an avid reader myself, I am also glad that several of the book programs include adults now. Yes, the … Read More...

When Going to Church with Kids Feels Pointless

Published March 11, 2019 6 Comments

Words of grace filled truth for every parent who struggles in the pew! It may be difficult and feel pointless at times but it is important. Here's what to remember when going to church with kids feels pointless. Written by a Lutheran mom who's right there with you!

Dear Mom with the Restless Little Ones in Church, I see you. I get it. I really do. Going to church with kids - especially little ones - is not easy. There are times when I honestly feel like going to church with kids is pointless. But here's the grace filled reality that I cling to. I am a mom who is sitting in the pews, just like you are, with a 5 year old, 3 year old and just turned 1 year old. This past Sunday was one of those Sundays that made me question my sanity. My son fought me about getting dressed for church and complained the whole drive to church about why we … Read More...

Pine Cone Christmas Trees

Published December 15, 2018 Updated November 19, 2019 Leave a Comment

Pine Cone Christmas Trees - Such a cute and simple Christmas project for kids! What a fun Christmas idea!

I like simple and festive projects children can do for the holidays. When my sister shared her idea of making pine cone Christmas trees, I knew it was an idea I wanted to do myself - and share with others. Thankfully, Liesl shared her pictures of her adorable kids with their trees. These pine cone Christmas trees are a festive decoration that are simple enough for kids to make. That's what makes a winning project in my book! Side note. Does anyone else stumble over whether to spell pinecone as one word or two? I looked it up in the dictionary and learned it is actually correct both … Read More...

Best Musical Books for Children

Published September 24, 2018 Updated August 17, 2019 5 Comments

Best Musical Books for Children - Love this list! Love starting with musical books for babies and beyond!

I love reading to my children. I love singing to my children. Books that allow me to do both? These are my favorite! I love when we can read and sing together - and my kids love it too. I've shared our favorite rhyming books and now it's time to share our favorite musical books for children.  Noticing how much my children enjoyed musical books had me searching for more. I'll be honest that the search has taken me longer than I anticipated! It is actually a challenge to find musical books that are written with the exact lyrics we sing. Thanks to Amazon and our local library, I am slowly … Read More...

Encouragement As You Send Your Kids Off to School

Published August 20, 2018 Updated August 17, 2019 2 Comments

Dear Fellow Mom, This is it. This is the day you've known is coming. It's the day you've told been simultaneously anticipating and dreading. The first day of school. Whether you are sending your first child off to school for the first time (that's me!) or you are sending your last child off for the last time or anywhere in between - first days bring a lot of emotions for Moms. We have to let go. We have to entrust our child to another teacher. Now it is my job to entrust my son to another but it is not time to let go. Oh no! Mamas, we are always Mom! Remember this as you … Read More...

How to Find Cheap Audio Books for Children

Published August 06, 2018 Updated December 28, 2019 Leave a Comment

Love this idea for getting audio books for kids! Here's a great list of how to find cheap audio books for children.

Nathan and I love reading our chapter books together. After finishing up the long Farmer Boy, I decided to read some short chapter books next. We started reading some of the Magic Tree House books. They are short enough that we can read one book a day. Even so, my eyes were attempting to close during our reading time the other day.  I then remembered I had a couple Magic Tree House cds. Nathan happily finished the rest of his chapter book that day by listening to someone else read and I was reminded how much I love audio books. There are so many amazing audio books for children available! Why … Read More...

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