Cultivating Kids' Community Service Through Gardening

Hi! It's Jilly. It's been fun getting to know our new hometown. A couple girls I've met started a non-profit organization called Little Hands Can. Their mission is for "service to be an easy, intuitive activity for you and your child. We provide quick, cheap, simple ideas for doing your own service as well as events where we all serve together. We hope that through service our children will become more loving, helpful world citizens." (from their Facebook page.)

A little while ago the kids and I were able to go to one of their events at the GrassRoots Garden.

The GrassRoots Garden is such a neat place. It is a magical 2.5 acre garden in the city, and the produce grown in the garden is donated to the local food bank.

Nature Trail Scavenger Hunt - FREE Printable

Hi! It's Jilly. Summer is a great time to go on hikes and explore nature! For Activity Days we went on a nature hike. I wanted it to be a little bit more exciting for the kids, so I typed up a Nature Scavenger Hunt.

Harry Potter Hogwarts Birthday Invitations

Hi! It's Jilly. My babies will be nine tomorrow. NINE!! As you know, they loooove Harry Potter, so of course we have to do a Harry Potter birthday party. 

I'm doing a whole "attend Hogwarts" thing, so I needed to come up with the perfect invitations. I was inspired by Pieces by Polly's Printable Hogwarts Acceptance Letters, but I put my own spin on them. It says: 

Baltimore: Port Discovery Children's Museum

Thank you Port Discovery for the tickets to review your amazing museum! For more info about reviews, see my disclosure policy.

Hi! It's Jilly. Today I'm excited to tell you about our visit to the Port Discovery Children's Museum  in Baltimore. The kids had SO much fun there! 

When you first walk in there is this HUGE climbing apparatus called Kidworks that spans all three floors of the museum!

10 Tips For Shooting Your Kids! {Photography Contributor}

Hi!  It's Kimmie!  Let's talk about shooting kids.  (ha!  No, not THAT kind.  Though I'm not one to judge... it's Spring break and it's getting crazy up in here.)  No, I'm talking with a camera.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and bet that the number one reason a non-professional photographer (professional as in that's their ONLY job and they make lots o' money) buys a fancy camera is kids.  (and I'm applying this to nieces, nephews, grandkids, immediate offspring, furry kinds, etc.)  They're important to us.  We want to document them and the many cute things they do.  One problem.  It can be REALLY REALLY hard.

Why?  Because they're uncooperative.  They won't sit still.  They look frozen or awkward in the frame.  They're fast little buggers.  They're just plain weird.

I'm going to make a confession right here, right now.  I should never, ever photograph my own children. They make me crazy when I'm not trying to capture their "absolute adorableness" - throwing us together with the express purpose of making sure I get semi-professional looking results that are not blurry, rife with screaming and tears or full of chewed up bribery candy is like asking a fish to fly.  Can't be done.

That Time My Kids Planned a Surprise Party For Me...

Hi! It's Jilly. Last week it was my birthday. I'm not one to make a huge deal about it being my birthday. I knew it would be especially low-key this year because Hubby was out of town for work.

A few days before my birthday the kids found out it was coming up and said we should do something. They ran to their bedroom and started whispering excitedly. The next day Katelynn told me she was planning a party for "a friend from church who asked me to plan a party for her." Okay...

They wanted to raid my card stash so they could write out invitations for this party. They handed out the invitations at a church activity the next morning. They told me that the friend the party was for was not at the activity. Curious...

They worked hard putting together games and crafts for the kids at the party. Katelynn made up a "pin the head on the shirt" game, where the kids would decorate faces, then try to pin them on a shirt she made out of cardstock. There was also a bowling-type game involving a ball and stacked cups.

She asked people to bring treats for the party, and asked me if I would make lemonade for it. Sure!

Pennant Banner Cards Using Scraps

Hi! It's Jilly. Need a cute handmade card that's fast, easy, and doesn't break the bank? Then you'll love these fun cards!

I'm in charge of Activity Days at church (midweek activities for 8-11 year olds). I needed a cute craft that would be easy for the girls to make, yet still use some of their own creativity. After eyeing my box of scraps I came up with these handmade pennant banner cards.

We made two different cards: "Happy Birthday" and "Thanks". They are reaaaaally easy to make and I love how each one is a little bit different, yet still "stylish".

Supplies:
8x11 white or cream cardstock, or blank white cards
scrapbook paper scraps - non 'matching' colors are ok!
baker's twine, yarn, or jute
glue
scissors
stapler
a pen, or stamps & an ink pad

How to:

1) Make your card base by cutting the cardstock in half lengthwise, creating two 5 1/2" X 8" pieces. Fold in half to make a card. (You can skip this step if you started with premade blank cards)

2) Cut 6-9 small triangles out of various scrap pieces of scrapbook paper. You need enough triangles to fit across the longest part of the card comfortably to create your pennant banner.

3) Once you have them arranged the way you like them, clue your triangles onto the card to make the pennant banner.

4) Cut a length of twine, yarn, or jute to place along the top of your banner. If using jute or thick yarn, you may want to split the 'hairs' apart a little so it's not as heavy.

5) Glue your twine, etc along the top of the triangles. Cut off any excess twine hanging off the sides of the card. Staple the twine onto the card on each end. Be sure you don't staple your card shut! (This step is optional, but it helps the twine stay on the card and is a fun little touch.)

6) On the bottom of the card write or stamp your sentiment. I like how both options look!

7) Voila! Your card is ready to be enjoyed by your lucky recipient!



I love how these cards turned out! They have kind of a "vintage" vibe to them. And, did I mention they're easy?! All my Activity Days girls loved making them, and it was fun to see their creativity. Some stuck with an alternating pattern on the banner, and others mixed and matched. It was a fun activity!

Other fun crafts you might like:

    

Are you following me on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter yet? I'd love to see your cute face there! 

School Picture Déjà Vu

Hi! It's Jilly. On Friday the kids brought home their school pictures. I didn't buy any, of course. It was just the free collage of their class that they send every year.

When looking at Michael's picture we realized that he wore the exact. same. shirt in his picture last school year!! 

The evidence...

Last year's pic

This year's pic 

(Don't worry Lifetouch. I'm not scalping your photos. This is for demonstrative purposes only.)

Uhm...I guess he must really like that shirt. Ha ha! 

Blame it on the fact that I never know or care when school pictures are. I'm not paying those crazy prices x 3! I'd rather put that money towards a family photo shoot outside...or a vacation! ;)

When I noticed the repeat shirt Michael said, "I know! I did it on purpose!" 

Silly kids...

Any great school picture stories to tell? Share them in the comments! And follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for more from my crazy crew! 

Urban Infant Bowties & Headbands - Giveaway!

Hi! It's Jilly. Do you have a sweet baby on your Christmas list this year?! Then you need to check out my friend Julia's new Etsy shop- Urban Infant! Julia has the most squishable baby boy. I was sad when she and her hubby moved away. We had lots of fun together. I would always steal her little man and hold him during church.

  

In Julia's shop she sells the cuuuutest baby bowties and headbands. And, the price is unreal. All her headbands and bowties are $5.50, which includes FREE shipping. Amazing, right?! You can't go wrong with one of these sweet bowties or headbands. It makes me sad that I don't have any more babies. *sadface* She said she can size them for older kids though, so that makes me happy, happy, happy! Btw, who watches Duck Dynasty?! Totally love it! Ha! ANYway, let's get back to talking about cute kid accessories.

  

Julia has offered to GIVE AWAY one of her adorable headbands or bowties to one of my lucky readers! Yesssss! SO awesome! Just use the Rafflecopter widget below and enter to win! But, I would go ahead and buy a couple now so you're sure to get them before Christmas if I were you. ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Doctors and the Great Outdoors

Hi! It's Jilly. One day we were rollerblading and I was thinking about how we like to do a lot of things outdoors as a family. Most of our friends who are doctors also like outside recreation. Why is that?

Well, I think I've come up with the reason...because it's CHEAP!! Yes, being outside is good for you, you're getting exercise, blah blah blah. BUT, when you are in school for over a decade, up to your ears in debt, and living on student loans, you need some forms of recreation that aren't going to break the bank!

Hiking- FREE!

Baptism Day!

Hi! It's Jilly. I can't believe my kids are old enough to be BAPTIZED!! Where did the last 8 years go?!

For the kids' baptism we flew out to Utah so we could do a combined baptism with their cousin who was born on the exact same day! My Mom and some of my sisters flew out from Texas, another sister flew out from New York (she miraculously got the week off and we found a ridiculous deal on her flight!), and Scott's parents flew out from Oregon. It was nice to have so much family there!

Before the baptism. Do you know how hard it is to get a decent picture of FOUR wiggly & excited eight-year olds?!



Emma chose to be baptized by Grandpa and confirmed by Daddy.
Katelynn chose to be baptized by Daddy and confirmed by Grandpa.
Michael chose to be both baptized and confirmed by Daddy.

Our little family together.



Scott's sister, Carol, and her family.

Chillin' before the baptism in their little white jumpsuits. (So cute!)



Emma, fresh out of the font. We let the kids come out in their towels and watch each other get baptized before they got dressed.

My mom and sisters with the kids after the baptism.

The Program
Pianist: Jillian
Chorister: Savannah (my sis)
Opening Song: "Choose the Right"
Opening Prayer: Liz (my sis)
Talk on Baptism: Mamaw (my mom)
*baptisms*
Special Musical Number: "When I Am Baptized" piano solo by Hailey (the kids' cousin)
Talk on the Holy Ghost: Grandma (Scott's mom)
*confirmations*
Welcome talks from a member of the Bishopric and the Primary presidency
Closing Song: "I Am a Child of God"
Closing Prayer: Carol (Scott's sis)

 It was a nice day. I'm so happy my kids have been baptized and are on the right path towards exaltation with our Father in Heaven! I pray they can learn how to listen to the Holy Spirit and strive to keep their testimonies strong!


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Friday Favorites: Father's Day Gift Ideas

Hi! It's Jilly. I'm starting a new series called "Friday Favorites". Every Friday I will share with you some of my favorite things, whether it be favorite "pins", YouTube videos, books...Whatever tickles my fancy!

Today I thought I'd share my favorite Father's Day gift ideas from my Pinterest board. Well, besides the bookmarks I shared with you Wednesday, of course. ;)

Most Dads love pictures of their cute kids. I thought this idea was so creative! This blog post is full of fun pics perfect for Father's Day!

source: It's Overflowing

Since Scott is a podiatrist, this picture would be super cute to put in his office someday.

source: Freckle Photo

Who doesn't like to hear they're the best in the world?! Love this free downloadable book!

source: eighteen25

If you don't want to print out a whole book, this one page printable is super cute.

source: Kinzie's Kreations

And lastly, load dear 'ole Dad up on sugar with this sweet bucket of gummy worms!

source: Lil' Luna

So, be sure to visit these great blog posts and give them some love for their great Father's Day gift ideas! I hope you all have an awesome Father's Day!

**Like this post? Then follow me on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, or Bloglovin'.** 

Father's Day Bookmark

Hi! It's Jilly. Need a fast, easy, inexpensive, AND meaningful Father's Day craft? Well, look no further!

I'm in charge of planning mid-week activities for the 8-11 year old kids at church. I wanted to think of something outside of the "coupon book" box for the kids to make their Dads for Father's Day.

I was inspired by these bookmarks my kids gave me a couple years ago. I love them so much that I have them taped to the inside of one of my kitchen cabinets so I can look at them all the time!

Wanna make one? Here's how.

1) Cut a piece of scrapbook paper the size of a bookmark.

2) Have the kids write on the "plain" side "I love my Dad because...", and have them fill in reasons they love their Dad. Don't forget to write the date on it!

3) The bookmarks I got from my kids a couple years ago had their pictures on them, but I was unable to do that with my kids from church. But, you could just glue a small picture on whichever side of the bookmark you'd like if you wanted to.

4) Laminate the bookmark so it stays nice.

5) Ta da! Give it to Dad with pride!



I love how cheap and easy this craft is! Let me know if you make one!

**Like this post? Then please share it on Facebook, Google+, or "pin" it on Pinterest. 
You can also follow me on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, or Bloglovin'.** 

Might be linking up with: Craft-O-Maniac, C.R.A.F.T, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, More the Merrier Monday, Make the Scene Monday,Serendipity and Spice, Home Stories A to Z, Titus 2 Tuesday, Take It On Tuesday, What We Wore, Read, and Made Wednesdays,  Show & Tell Thursday, The DIY Dreamer, House of Hepworths, Mom on Timeout,Pinterest Power Party, My Favorite Finds, Weekend Wonders, My Turn For Us, Fancy This Friday, Sew Crafty Angel , Friday Favorites, Sunday FUNday,

Trip to Utah- Day 1

Hi! It's Jilly. A couple weeks ago we flew all the way from New York to UTAH! It was quite the trip! We left after school on Tuesday and got into Salt Lake late that night. On Wednesday we went shopping, then went on a hike up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It was gorgeous!!

Then, we met my Mom and some of my sisters at the nursing home my Grandma lives in. It was good to see her. We haven't seen her in a very long time. Her health has really been deteriorating, so I'm afraid it might be the last time we see her. All my sisters are musical, so I played the piano and we sang songs for her. It was really sweet.



After that, we headed over to a park we used to live by to meet up with some friends of ours. Before we left on our trip I announced on Facebook that we would be at such-and-such park between 6-8 pm that night, and whoever could make it we would love to see them. I'm so happy people were able to come with such short notice!

There was a pond at the park, and the kids kept catching the ducks and ducklings. I bet they were glad to see us go! Ha!

The next day we went to Temple Square, then drove out to Roosevelt to visit my sister-in-law's family, and for the kids' BAPTISMS! I'll be telling you about the rest of our trip in upcoming posts. :)

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Summer Fun Schedule - Free Printable!

Hi! It's Jilly. My kids don't get out of school for TWO more weeks! Crazy, I tell ya! But, when they do (finally) get out, I want to be prepared!

I've decided we are going to do "school-ish" stuff and chores first thing every morning. The "school-ish" stuff will be a) read for 20 minutes b) do a math worksheet and c) write in your journal. I'll provide journal questions to answer every day.

After they get all that stuff out of the way, I want to have FUN! I need to be more of a fun mom!

SO, I whipped up this Summer FUN Schedule for us to follow. I'm super excited about it!

Feel free to print this puppy out and slap it on your fridge!

You might be wondering what the Field Trip is. Well, while we are living on the East Coast I want to see as much of it as possible! So, on Fridays we will go on a field trip, either to a local museum, zoo, etc OR visit a city not too far away and possibly spend the night! We live only an hour's drive from Ithaca, Syracuse, and Scranton (check out Dunder-Mufflin. Hee hee!). And, we're only a few hours from NYC, Philadelphia, Boston, Albany, Rochester, Atlantic City, etc. There are SO many awesome places to see! Aaah! Can't wait!! 

Now we just have to make it through the last two weeks of school! ;)

**Like this post? Then please share it on Facebook, Google+, or "pin" it on Pinterest. 

You can also follow me on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, or Bloglovin'.** 

Might be linking up with: Craft-O-Maniac, C.R.A.F.T, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, More the Merrier Monday, Make the Scene Monday,Serendipity and Spice, Home Stories A to Z, Titus 2 Tuesday, Take It On Tuesday, What We Wore, Read, and Made Wednesdays,  Show & Tell Thursday, The DIY Dreamer, House of Hepworths, Mom on Timeout,Pinterest Power Party, My Favorite Finds, Weekend Wonders, My Turn For Us, Fancy This Friday, Sew Crafty Angel , Friday Favorites, Sunday FUNday,

Pre-Baptism Photo Shoot

Hi! It's Jilly. Last week I gave you a little preview of the pre-baptism photo shoot my sweet friend, Jenni, did with the kids. Well, I finally have them all watermarked and ready to post. I love, love, love how they turned out! They capture such a special time in their lives. Thank you SO much, Jenni! You are quite the budding photographer! ;)

For more photo ideas, follow my Photography board on Pinterest. To catch the next post, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Bloglovin'. 

Might be linking up with: Craft-O-Maniac, C.R.A.F.T, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, More the Merrier Monday, Make the Scene Monday,Serendipity and Spice, Home Stories A to Z, Titus 2 Tuesday, Take It On Tuesday, What We Wore, Read, and Made Wednesdays,  The DIY Dreamer, House of Hepworths, Mom on Timeout,Pinterest Power Party, My Favorite Finds, Weekend Wonders, My Turn For Us, Fancy This Friday, Sew Crafty Angel , Friday Favorites, Sunday FUNday,