Joy's Fun Stuff

I'm pretty sure when you have a child, they should come with a remote. Think how sweet that would be: you could pause, rewind, and (being real here) fast forward. It would be amazing. First laugh? Relive 212 times. Major diaper blow out at Costco? Fast forward so fast. At around 5 every night, the button I'm praying for is the mute button. My ears just get so dang tired. Everyone's hangry and it leads to arguing and disagreements and people just not being kind. But I stumbled

Back in the day I was sitting in one of my college education classes when I noticed the teacher subtly slipping a couple of my classmates cards. She would occasionally write notes to members of the class, expressing her gratitude for who knows what. I certainly don't because I was never a recipient of one of her cards. Probably because she wasn't writing cards to thank people for turning in term papers a day late. Whatever. But the idea is brilliant and one that I used occasi

So a few years ago a friend made a comment in church about how they have a prayer board at home they use with their kids. Huh? They keep the names of those that need extra help on it and then at family prayers ask a blessing for those people. <mind blown> How did this never occur to me? I’m not sure. But it was completely revelatory. Up until then I had relied on my horrid memory to remind the kids (and myself) who needed extra support. And that wasn’t a good idea. (I once re

After the big boys were out of school I cut a bunch of paper in half and asked them to decorate them with things they were grateful for. So

Three year olds give the best prayers. I love listening to all the things they're grateful for: the fork in front of them, their bed, the fly on the window, their socks, their beautiful headband, the grass, a pencil. They name any and everything. It's equal parts hilarious and sweet. What a better life I would live if I could be thankful for everything I interact with! This Thanksgiving activity is an oldie but a goodie and embraces that idea of gratitude for everything: writ

I love Thanksgiving. It's a humble holiday, sandwiched between the glamorous Halloween and Christmas. It gets glossed over, poor thing! I have I-won't-tell-you-how-many boxes of both Halloween and Christmas decorations and poor Thanksgiving shares her box with like 3 other neglected holidays. I just really love this day where we focus on the great abundance we have. That and eating delicious food: stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls... Rolls. That's why we're here today.