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Tag: family

Backyard Tourist: Museum of Natural Curiosity

Before we left Utah my parents took us out to the new Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point. Oh, what a fun place that is. I watched as my children’s natural curiosities came to life in the world around them. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated when you click on and purchase through them.

We went to the Museum of Natural Curiosity on a Saturday morning which may not have been the best time since that’s when everyone else went, but it was still so amazing.

Upon first entering, we headed to the basement to check out the tower of climbing madness. Thank heavens my brother, and parents were with us. We would never have kept track of the kids in there. I probably would have had a panic attack otherwise. Also in the basement is a toddler area, some fun side carnival type games, and then there was the Chamber of Courage.

A pitch black tunnel you must navigate through by touch, a few hand holes filled with who knows what – I did not participate here, but I think my brother had some fun taking the kids through the tunnel.

After awhile the downstairs was just too much for Lincoln and me, so we headed upstairs to a water room. Oh we could have hung out there the rest of the day and this little boy was going to be in pure bliss. From the natural landscaping table to the whirlpool of water – any little kid that loves water and sand will have fun here. Once we started drinking the water though, I decided we should move on.

There were three other rooms, but we only made it to one more. In here we found trains going around the ceiling that we could control from the train room. A huge building block room. And of course a stage with dress ups for the kids to put on their own play.

Finally we headed outside where we found a zipline that the kids just absolutely loved. We were a little nervous Princess R might fly off the end, but she didn’t. What a blast. Head to 4:22 in the video to see the Zipline

If you ever have the chance to visit Lehi, Utah make sure to check out the Museum of Natural Curiosity. You will not regret it.

Find more things to do in your backyard

November 4, 2014
Lessons learned from a roll of old film

Do you know the beauty of taking pictures with a film camera? The surprise. You never know if the shot turned out like you hoped, or not.

I found some film that I’d forgotten to develop a few years ago, and have wrapped myself up in remembering this time with my kids. 4 years ago, fall by the look of the trees, when we only had the 3 girls.

I’m trying to take the essence out of these pictures and put them back into my daily life.

Simplicity. Joy. Family. Childhood. Fresh Air.

Blankets on the grass, so simple to do. You don’t need any special equipment to enjoy this bonding time with your kids. I’ve forgotten to do this the more crazy and busy our life became. It’s time to return.

It starts with a smile, and joy grows in your heart. Let it consume you, and push the trials away. There is no better feeling in the world then one of Joy.

There is nothing more important than family. Spend time with them. Connect with them. Love them. You can check out our family blog at The Greene Grass Grows.

Could there be anything more childlike than going down a slide? Let yourself live in the moment, take the slide, ride the swing, and get dizzy on a spinner.

Don’t forget to breathe, and take it all in. Get out of the house. Enjoy the air. Breathe. One thing I often tell my kids when they run into a problem, is to breathe. Take a deep breath. It just makes you feel better.

July 14, 2014
Fiesta to Feed Families and Twitter Party #Fiesta4Kids

*This post is sponsored by Champions for Kids and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own*

Giving back to our community is something I am extremely passionate about. So when The Motherhood reached out and asked if I could help spread the word on Simple service to help kids get the nutrition they need, I had to jump on board.

See, over the years we’ve periodically had to rely on the help of others to put food on our table. It’s frustrating, full of tears, and extremely humbling. It is also a wonderful experience to allow others to have the opportunity to serve. You see service does not just benefit those being served; it serves the givers as well.

Even when you don’t have a lot, it doesn’t take much to give back to others. Which is the message we’re sharing today. It’s SIMPLE! Want to know just how simple? Let me tell you about our Taco Party.

I used Facebook to let all my friends know we were having a Taco Party. Usually people will ask if they can contribute anything to the meal, so this time, instead of asking our guests to contribute to our meal, I requested they bring some non-perishable items to be donated to our local food bank.

So simple, plus for many this was even cheaper than contributing to our meal. Our friends, even though I know many of them are on limited incomes as well, simply went through their cupboards and brought cans and boxes of food they most likely would not be eating. You know we all have some of those. Some families brought a small bag of goods, others brought multiple bags full. It was truly a wonderful thing to see.

Thanks to Jennie-O we had a delicious Taco Bar set up so through out the party everyone could get fill their plates as needed. Truly the night could not have been more simple to throw together. We did it open house style, since our apt is fairly small and we were planning on around 50 people – both adults and kids.

Friday morning, the kids and I headed out to the Provo Food Bank – find your local food bank – to drop off the many bags our friends and family willingly shared with us. We had about 6 grocery bags full of canned vegetables, soups, tuna, pastas, meal kits, and peanut butter.

I wasn’t entirely sure who to talk to when we arrived, since the inside was just like a large warehouse. But we found a bell to ring, and someone came out and helped us get the food inside to the correct bin. Before he left though, I asked if he would take a moment and tell the kids what exactly they do with all the food that is donated, and how it helps.

Bless her little heart, while the worker was talking, Princess V pulled out her wallet and donated some coins. When it comes to giving to others in true need, this girl is always forefront in helping out. He then let the girls all grab a small box of food and try out the night time drop off chute. They thought that was a ton of food seeing the food drop into the bin after dropping it through the chute.

What kind of Simple Service will you do?

Join us for ideas and kid friendly recipes at a TWITTER PARTY

When: Tuesday, June 24th at 1pm ET

Hashtag: #Fiesta4Kids

Sponsor: @Champions4Kids

Hosts: @theMotherhood, @theMotherhood25, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann

Prizes: 5 $25 Walmart Gift cards and coupons for Jennie-O products

So what are you waiting for?! RSVP to the party

June 21, 2014
For the Beauty of the Earth

On this beautiful Memorial Day, we decided to take a family trip up to Heber Valley and walk around the Cascade Springs. It is a beautiful area. If you live in Utah, or ever have a chance to visit, I recommend taking some time to visit this natural beauty. While walking around and taking photos of the scenery and the kids, I couldn’t help but think of the words to For The Beauty of the Earth by Folliott Pierpoint.

For the Beauty of the Earth

For the Beauty of the Skies

For the Love which from our Birth

Over and Around us lies.

For the Beauty of Each Hour

Of the Day and of the Night

Hill and Vale, and Tree and Flow’r

Sun and Moon, and stars of light

For the Joy of Human Love

Brother, Sister, Parent, Child

Friends on Earth, and Friends Above

For all Gentle Thoughts and Mild

I hope on this Memorial Day, you’ve taken a little time out to spend with your families. They are the reason men and women fight for our country, to protect our homes, families, and freedoms. To them I say Thank You – from the bottom of my heart, you are appreciated and not forgotten.

May 26, 2014
Reconnect with Friendship cards and a #tbt Photo Display #ConnectingFriends #shop
I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and it’s advertiser. #ConnectingFriends.

So here’s a little update for you all – back in January I made a resolution. One big important resolution that I decided was my ultimate goal for the year. Everything else would just be on the side. What was that goal you ask? Here’s a little hint – Hallmark’s helping me achieve it!

My ULTIMATE Resolution this year has been to reconnect with my family, mainly my siblings. As we’ve all grown up and flown the coop, we’ve also lost touch with each other. Not completely out of touch, but enough that I haven’t felt I really know my siblings anymore. When I think back on our childhood, it makes me cry a little on the inside to see how out of touch we are now.

So the goal has been made…it’s now May….and I’m not doing so swimmingly. With May however, comes Mother’s Day and two of my siblings’ birthdays! Big Brother Nate, and little sis Megan. Since I don’t feel I know what they like anymore, it makes sending a birthday gift a bit more difficult. Sure sure I could call them up…but well….it’s been awhile. Actually little sis Megan has been in more touch lately, she even helped edit this post.

Trying to reconnect with people you once were really close to can be hard. Harder than I thought it would be at least. It could just be my personality – a little more reserved, thoughtful, and a dislike for talking on phones – or it could be the large distance separating some of us. Either way, I thought the best place to start my reconnection was with a good old #TBT(that’s Throwback Thursday for the non hash tag users).

As I started reliving a bunch of memories from my photos, an idea began forming. The best way to begin a reconnection, is with our old connection. We are siblings after all with plenty of memories to share. So I headed to my scrapbooks and old photo albums, had a couple kids join me, and we looked through those captured memories. I pulled out a couple of my absolute favorites featuring Little Sis and my Mom, then headed out to Walmart’s photo lab to make copies.

Before we made it to the photo lab, we stopped to grab some Hallmark Cards. I knew they would have exactly what I needed to rekindle these important connections, and I was right. Of course with Mothers Day this past weekend, it was easy to find one of those for my mom – finding the right one for little sis Megan took a bit more searching…and possibly a shattered “cupcake bank” by a 4 year old… I knew though as soon as I had it, that it was THE card for her.

We then headed over to the photo lab to get the photo’s copied, but when I got there….my ideas changed and morphed because guess what?! You can actually print more than just photos…I almost got little sis a canvas, but decided to go with a mounted picture instead. Since she’s in college and all, I just figured it would be a better choice for her living situation. I was just thrilled I could get it all done within a few minutes, and have the mounted photo in my hands as I walked out.

My mom’s gift I decided to make a #TBT display of her photo’s. The card I found for her mentions the memories and things a mom does. It fit so in line with all the memories shared in the picture display. Here’s a quick run down of this super simple craft you can make for anyone, anytime of the year!

Supplies you’ll need:
- poster paper
- scrapbook paper
- 4×6 photos (3×5 would also work)
- poster board
- glue stick
- other stickers, glitter, embellishments as desired
Cut a strip of the poster paper 6 inches deep down the longest side of the paper. Then fold it accordion style every 6 inches. You should now have a 6×6 inch square accordion folds. Cover each square in a different color scrapbook paper that looks good to you.

Cut a 6×6 inch square out of the poster board. glue this to the front end of your accordion book. Decorate how you will. On the inside of your book you can now attach the photo’s in any way you choose to create a fun display full of memories.

I’m so excited with how these turned out, that I can’t wait to send little sis Megan her birthday present this week! I just know she’s going to love the card, hopefully she’ll wear the button…and the photo is one she told me she loves of us together. She doesn’t remember Dad taking the photo, but I do. It was a good memory indeed.

Mom got her card and #TBT photo display already, and loved it. Looking through old memories, and then thinking of all the new ones we still get to make – that is what I’m striving for. Of course, Hallmark’s going to help us make some of those memories, because did you know there is a Hallmark Card Rewards Program?

Hallmark Card Rewards Program

For every 5 Hallmark cards you purchase you can earn a reward! Just make sure you “redeem” each card before you send it out – Hey Mom, I’m going to come by and grab the UPC off your card, OK?
Take a look at some of the current rewards you can earn!

Make sure you check out http://www.connectionsfromhallmark.com/?utm_source=cbias&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=momday to sign up for Hallmark Rewards, and to see great content from other bloggers. Join in the #ConnectingFriends conversation on Twitter!
May 12, 2014
Backyard Tourist: Provo Spring Festival

Saturday night we headed out to Provo’s Spring Festival at Rock Canyon Park. Our first impression was to not even try and find parking, but I was determined to get out of the house as a family and have fun! So slowly we drove through the myriad of parked cars looking for some place relatively close. We managed to park right next to the playground – complete luck there!

Princess C loves to let her voice be heard outside. She’s not scared here, just letting out a good ole scream of joy that slides can bring to kids.

Once we got the kids away from the playground we headed down the hill into the bowl of the park. I need to remember to come here to go running while the kids can also get some energy out. It’s so perfect! The hills make for great sledding in the winter as well (or so I recall from my teenage years).

We ended up wandering the food tents first, but since we had already eaten, we made a turn about to go find the activities.

First place we stopped was a series of tents with different activities and Easter Eggs for the kids. Each area inside the tent had a little spring history from a different country, and spring type decor. We loved the big butterfly. but the kids had a whole lot of fun coloring an Easter Egg, making Japanese paintings, and paper kites in China.

After leaving the Spring around the world tent, I noticed the May Pole! I’ve always loved may poles, and thought it was such a fun springy activity. The girls thought it was pretty cool too, and got a little more energy out. I have to hand it to the workers at this activity, 10ish little kids running in different directions with ribbons, they did pretty awesome.

Wasn’t that fun? Of course since it was the day before Easter, we got to meet the Easter Bunny while there as well, and even found a few extra special friends.

We had so much fun! Mark stood in line after these pictures to get balloon swords with the kids, and I took little Prince to the pony rides. Unfortunately we were told they were putting the ponies away soon, and would not get a turn. So off we went to check out the Humane Society and the dogs they brought. I’ve never been much of an animal person, but ever since we had to give up our dog to move last fall, I feel like we need a dog. My kids could use that little extra unbiased love from a furry friend. One day…one day.

Awe! Isn’t that the sweetest.

It was starting to get late, and although the kids really wanted to stay and watch Frozen outside – Mark and I decided we really need to get our kids to bed. So we compromised and let them set up beds on the couch and watch Frozen at home until they fell asleep. Maybe this summer we’ll find another outdoor movie to go to.

Thanks PROVO for a Kid Friendly Spring Festival! We really appreciate free events like this!

If you are going to be in Utah this year, here is a pretty comprehensive list of Utah Fairs and Festivals.

I plan on attending at least the Strawberry Festival and hopefully one of the Scottish Festivals this year.

April 21, 2014
Seeking Joy

On Monday I shared with you what I’m calling my word of the year – Joy. I’ve been giving it a lot of thought since hanging my Joy display about what in my life gives me Joy. So I want to share those things with you, and then pose the thought to you to consider finding more Joy in your life.

My Joys

1. Family. We all have a family. Husbands, wives, children, Sister, Brother, Mother, Father. We all have one or more of these titles. I am lucky to enjoy so many of these aspects in my life, but to also have a close bond with them. My parents, my in laws – I truly feel I’ve found and been blessed with some of the best people to call family. But my kids and husband bring me the utmost Joy day in and day out.
Tip: Connect with your family – close or distant and allow being a member of a family to bring some joy into your life. You are part of something bigger.

2. Food. I didn’t mean for it to happen, but I found myself posting more about food here than other topics. I enjoy what I eat. The way flavors and textures meld together is magical to me. So when I prepare food for my family and friends, it does bring me great joy. I’ve always loved reading but have never considered writing a book until I thought about a cookbook. Having a dream that you can see happening, that is also cause for joy.
Tip: Look past calories, carbs, and weight. Sit down for a meal and really enjoy your food. Taste the flavors in what you’re eating, and take the time to truly enjoy it.

3. Shelter. This is something I think many of take for granted. We’ve moved so many times both in my childhood and married life. That I’ve begun to really understand the Joy that comes in having a roof over my head, and a place to call home. The whole reason I began Home Maid Simple, was to convey the joy that can be found no matter where your roof is.
Tip: is there a tip for this? No matter what enjoy the place you live, and when you move somewhere else, love it there too. Find joy in your surroundings.

4. Reading. There is a simple joy that comes in reading a good book. You can transport yourself to another place, another time when reading. It is a simple pleasure that my parents gave to me as a child, and I hope I am giving to my children. I believe there is no such thing as too many books…as the numerous boxes solely filled with books would attest to.
Tip: Make time for reading. Just do it. You will enjoy life more.

5. Optimism. I’m not sure if this is just another word for Joy, but I live my life with optimism. There is always the could have beens, the would have beens, and the should have beens – but I try to see past those. Instead focusing on the here the now and making the best of what I do have. I wish it was easy for more people to live an optimistic life, but I know it’s not that easy for most. So I find Joy and gratitude that I have this optimism.
Tip: Whatever may be going on in your life, try and find one small thing to be optimistic about. Slowly it will grow and you’ll find more and more to be optimistic about.

Are you actively seeking JOY in your life?

Will you start now?

March 27, 2014
Save with Healthy Essentials and Join me for the #Moms4JNJConsumer Twitter Party #ad

This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® wants everyone to start the year off healthy. To help get you started they offering some amazing printable coupons, tips, tools and more! You can save over $45 by visiting www.HealthyEssentials.com in January and signing up for the extra-special HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® coupons and offers.

HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® has savings for the whole family. Now is a great time to save on products to help you stick to your 2014 health goals.

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Do you love soccer? Want to scream GOAL from the stands in Brazil? All you have to do is share a story or picture on www.HealthyEssentials.com about a moment of caring in your life.

Ring in the New Year with Healthy Essentials at the #Moms4JNJConsumer Twitter Party

When: Tuesday January 14, 1 p.m ET
Hashtag: #Moms4JNJConsumer
Prizes: We will randomly award 15 prizes throughout the party, from all eligible correct responses to trivia questions. Each prize includes an assortment of Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® products with an estimated retail value of $50.
Prize Eligibility: No purchase necessary. Entrants must be legal residents of the 50 United States + D.C. 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited.
Hosts: @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann, @TheMotherhood25

See you all tomorrow!!

January 13, 2014
Family Fun at CornBelly’s

*I received tickets to CornBelly’s to facilitate this review. All opinions and fun times are my own*

Family Fun Time! Last Friday I braved the sudden cold weather and took the kids to CornBelly’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Fest. I sent Mark off to watch a football game with the guys, and then I picked up my sister to come with me and the kids. What a BLAST!!

Check out all the fun we had, and then enter to win 2 Screamin’ Passes to CornBelly’s at the bottom of the post.

There are so many fun attractions at CornBelly’s. I wasn’t sure where to begin, so we just followed the kids for a bit. What kid can resist big bouncy blow up toys? None that I know of.

The Jumbo Jumper Pillow looked like fun, but with the ages of my kids I contained them to the bounce houses. Call me paranoid, but I didn’t want to start off our fun with an injury.

Princess Playland was an obvious hit with my 3 Princesses. Aunt A kept an eye on Princess R for me, because she was like a kid in a candy store – here, there, over here, that, FUN!

The Princesses loved dressing up and waltzing across the Princess Playland stage. It was made more special when they got to meet the Pumpkin Princess and she helped pick out dresses for them.

Once I pulled the kids away from the Princess party, we decided we should grab some food. I knew the kids would enjoy the hot dogs, but my sister and I went for some warm soup.

Oh my word, this was some really good Corn Chowder!

Finally we headed over to the corn maze! A 12 acre maze of corn featuring the BYU – UofU rivalry. 12 Acre’s is A LOT of corn. We headed in on the BYU side, but quickly found we wouldn’t make it far with our double stroller. I know the older girls would have made it through, but I needed the stroller for the other two, but we encountered a bridge that had to be crossed.

That was a little disappointing, but we found plenty of other fun things to do still – like the cow train (and there is a 5 minute maze easy for kids of all ages).

and the duck races!

and horse races!

Looking back I wish I’d bought the Bounce Pack passes as we left, but I wasn’t sure it would fit in our school and work schedule again. I think we could have and should have made room though, since we hardly scraped the surface of everything CornBelly’s has to offer.

Follow CornBelly’s on Facebook to keep up with special events this fall.

GIVEAWAY

2 Screamin’ Passes to CornBelly’s at Thanksgiving Point

Screamin’ passes include all 40 main attractions, the 12 acre corn maze, and entry into Insanity point.

Insanity point is recommended for ages 12+

-Giveaway is open to Utah residents age 18+ or those able to visit CornBelly’s at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi before Nov 2nd. This will be verified before tickets are sent.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

October 7, 2013
An Invitation to Learn more about the LDS Church

This weekend I would like to invite you to come listen, and learn more about my religion and who I am the core. Twice a year we gather as a church to listen to our leaders – people we believe have been ordained with the holy Priesthood from God. I personally have a strong testimony of their calling as a prophet, seer and revelator.

For 8 hours I will sit with my kids, parents and sisters as we tune into the televised broadcast of General Conference. It seems like a lot I know, but I invite all of you, if you have a moment during your days this Saturday or Sunday to visit lds.org where you can watch the conference live. Even if you only watch a single talk, or listen to one of the hymns sung, I promise if you come with a desire to really understand who Mormon’s are, I promise you’ll feel something.

To prepare myself spiritually to listen to our leaders, I have been re-listening to past conferences online as well. This particular quote stuck out to me this week as I was listening again to the amazing talks. I don’t recall hearing it last April, so I was glad I took the time to listen again.

I hope we may all seek acceptance from those who encourage us, motivate us, and see the best in us. This is just a small sampling of some of the wonderful things I will be listening to this weekend.

We are a worldwide church, so this broadcast is available in many different forms to reach everyone. There is a list here of all the different ways you can view this conference.

October 4, 2013