Nikki

Pack an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox on Amazon Prime

As we start planning for the holidays, I start to get excited about our annual traditions. Setting up the advent tree, breakfast with Santa, and getting all our decorations out of storage are just a few things on my agenda for the next week. The thing I’m most looking forward to is when we get together and pack an Operation Christmas Child shoebox.

What is an Operation Christmas Child shoebox?

Operation Christmas Child is a really cool ministry by Samaritan’s Purse. The organization delivers shoeboxes of Christmas toys to kids all over the world. The kids don’t have to do or say anything to get the box of gifts. However, Samaritan’s Purse if happy to share the gospel with the children who want to hear it! Many of these kids live in third world countries, so this is an incredible treat for them.

Click here for my mega list of Operation Christmas Child Shoebox items on Amazon Prime!

What goes in a shoebox?

Because the shoeboxes have to go through customs, there are certain things you can’t send. Candy/chocolate, toothpaste, and liquids/lotions are on the list of things to avoid. Each box should have one item that stands out from the rest, called a “wow” item, and the rest of the space can be filled with personal care items, clothing, craft stuff, and school supplies.

This is our 4th year packing an Operation Christmas Child shoebox, and the one problem I always have is that I don’t have time to go shopping. Well, friends, this year I’m making things a little easier on myself and packing my shoebox with gifts from Amazon Prime. That way I don’t have to go to multiple stores to find just the right stuff. Since I was already adding toys and things to my cart online, I thought I’d share some ideas so you can pack an Operation Christmas Child shoebox using Amazon Prime as well! I put a ton of ideas in this mega list.

“Wow” Items for an Operation Christmas Child shoebox on Amazon Prime

Suggested “wow” items are a doll, a stuffed animal, a soccer ball with a manual pump, a small musical instrument, or a backpack.

Personal items for an Operation Christmas Child shoebox on Amazon Prime

Kids just love getting new personal items. Some things you can pack in a shoebox are a comb, hairbrush, toothbrush, washcloth, bar soap, cute bandaids, plastic containers such as a water bottle or plate, blanket, lip balm, and solar-powered flashlight. Older kids might enjoy a compact mirror, nail clipper and file, or deodorant. Or you might consider adding some fun accessories like sunglasses, hair bows, or a wristwatch.

School supplies that can go in a shoebox

Send your shoebox with some fun school supplies, like pens or colored pencils and a sharpener. Or tuck a combination of school stuff into a pencil case. Add a notebook, some tape or a glue stick and scissors, and you’ve got a mini school kit!

Other fun ideas for your shoebox

It’s so much fun to play with brand-new craft stuff and to imagine all the things that are just waiting to be created with them! It’s easy to find craft supplies for an Operation Christmas Child box on Amazon Prime. You can also add puzzles, a jump rope, playdough, binoculars, a kaleidoscope, or marbles (for older kids).

Being a part of Operation Christmas Child is so important to me. It’s an opportunity to spread joy to kids all over the world. If you made it this far, I want you to know that I’m praying for you and the child who receives your shoebox. Be sure and check out my mega list of ideas for packing a shoebox on Amazon Prime! I put a ton of things on it besides what is mentioned on this page, for kids of all ages. It took hours because I was looking for things that were both good quality and low cost. Basically, I did the hard work for you!

As I was building the list I felt drawn to sending our box to a teen/preteen child. Maybe I’m just feeling extra sentimental about my own oldest child who is on the brink of adulthood. In the end, I let the kids decide who to send the box to and they chose a boy age 2-4. I picked out most of our gift items from this list, adding a washcloth and a single bar of soap from Target, which are impossible to find on Amazon in single-use sizes! Thank you for blessing children in need around the world.

Cracker-Crumb Breaded Chicken

This is a tasty version of breaded chicken that our whole family loves. It’s easy, no-fuss, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

When I first moved out of my parents’ house, I knew how to cook 2 thing: Spaghetti and Shake ‘N Bake chicken. I thought I was pretty hot stuff for knowing those recipes down pat, too. Now, many years later (not gonna say how many), I’ve modified the Shake ‘N Bake recipe a bit. The crackers give it a sweet, buttery flavor, while the garlic salt and pepper give it some zippy seasoning.

We’ve got one picky eater in the family, and even she loves this cracker crumb breaded chicken recipe. It’s got a very kid-friendly flavor and is so easy to make! Pair it with some brown rice and steamed veggies and dinner is served!

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 sleeve (about 1 ½ cups) of crushed buttery snack crackers
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Beat eggs in a shallow bowl.

Place cracker crumbs in a large Ziploc bag with garlic salt and pepper.

Dip chicken breasts in egg, then shake (1 at a time) in the Ziploc bag of cracker crumbs. Arrange breaded chicken in a greased baking dish and bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°. Serve it with your favorite sauce or by itself-it’s got enough flavor to stand on its own 😉

Seriously, how easy is that? I hope you enjoy this recipe, and don’t forget to check back for more family-friendly meals!

What Mommies Do

The sweet smell of a baby’s hair, the softness of their little cheeks, and big belly laughs are my favorite memories of my little ones. As the days turn to years and those little ones grow up, my love for them remains the same.

Our littlest still has some maturing to do. His preschool teacher is helping him to write his name and solve problems by himself. But at night he still wears a pull-up to bed, and sometimes needs help to dress himself. We’re taking things day by day, one load of bedding at a time.

It was while I was washing his sheets one day that I realized how literally everything I do for my children springs from a heart overflowing with love for them. Because that’s what Mommies do for their kids. I am 100% not nearly as thoughtful and considerate towards other adults. You’d never see me sacrifice as much for one of my neighbors. But because I love these tiny humans with every bone in my body, I give all I have without complaint.

What do Mommies do for their precious children? Well here’s what I’ve done recently:

What Mommies Do

-Re-stuff a teddy bear after all his fluff came out in the washer, and then sew its tattered fur back together.

-Scour the house to find a 5-inch plastic Wonder Woman action figure that by no standards qualifies as a bedtime toy, but that nonetheless must be taken to bed each night.

-I consistently stay up late in the evening to wash dishes or fold laundry just so I can spend more time with my kids while they’re awake.

-Sneak into their room at night, and swap a tooth for money in true Indiana Jones-style.

-Stand in shin-deep water at the beach to teach them how to ride a boogie board even though I’d rather be flaked out on a towel reading People magazine.

-I have to wear sunglasses on the first day of school every year to hide the inevitable tears (mine, not theirs ). Oh, how they grow up so fast. Every new grade at school is a reminder that the years are racing by.

-Peek in on them while they’re sleeping. I mean, could I really get away with that if they weren’t my own babies?

-Read, read, and read again the same scribbled-on, taped-up book about a hungry caterpillar.

-Show kindness to people who don’t deserve it. Because darn if our kids don’t imitate our behaviors, especially our worst ones. The best way to raise a kind human is to be one.

Yes that is my oldest and he’s SO much taller than me!

But here’s the thing, friend. While I can’t stress enough the importance of making wonderful memories with your children, there are some things that Mommies just shouldn’t do. One of the biggest destroyers of our joy in this season of motherhood is when we get swallowed up in raising our children… And we lose sight of what used to make us feel alive.

I love my four babies tremendously, but I’ve found that they will still love me just as much if I

-Go to a friend’s house for a spa night. A cute little foot spa and peel-off face mask are all the pampering I need.

-Take up a hobby that they can’t be a part of, like playing the guitar or learning hand lettering.

-Keep a tight budget but not so tight that I have to wear the same 2 hole-y bras over and over every day.

-Let them play in the Kids Club while I work out at the gym.

Because let’s face it. The years are short. But when these little birds fly, will I even know what to do with myself? I can’t let who I am become swallowed up in my kids. My identity has to stay me, the girl who loves hiking and rock climbing and snowboarding… plus the mom that loves her kids.

On Instagram, I shed light on the need for moms keep sight of who they are. I know I can’t be the person I was before kids, but I can still bring that same fire and energy and passion to things that light me up inside. Use the hashtag #MomPlusJoy as you share your photos on Instagram.

Live well, friend.

Nikki

Now We Are 7

Last year I thought I’d write a blog post all about the adventures the girls would have when they turned 6, and I’d title it “Now We Are 6” like the A. A. Milne book. But that didn’t happen. Instead, this year I’ll look back at six full years of raising twins. We have all grown so much in such a short amount of time. So now we are 7. 7 years of enjoying life and the blessings that come with raising twins.

We like to dress up fancy.

We mostly get into mischief together.

We don’t like to sleep alone.

We are best friends.

This weekend my little unexpected dizygotes rounded out their sixth year of life on this earth. And what a fine six years we have had! I look forward to many more adventures with these silly bugs. Happy birthday, babies.

Love, Mommy.

Check out these other posts on raising twins:
When I was Expecting Twins I wondered…
Raising Adventurous Children
A Mom can Always Tell Her Twins Apart
Advice from a Twin Mom (Who’s Been There)

Tips for Parenting a Shy Child

In one family, you’ll find that no two children are alike. When I was young, my best friend’s mom frequently referred to my BFF as “the grownup of the house”. While her brother was strategically tying up our stuffed animals for ransom money, my bestie would be pointing out to her mom all the ways her brother was breaking the expected norms. Not in the same language, of course. But one thing that I remember most about my dear sweet friend was that she was shy. Incredibly shy, even around people that we had known for years. Of course there is nothing wrong with being shy. It’s a trait that has unfortunately become a negative description for some really brilliant individuals. However, sometimes extroverted parents of kids who are shy struggle with their child’s completely opposite way of experiencing life. If this sounds like you, here are some tips to follow:

boy wityh backpack walking to first day of kindergarten

Identify the Triggers

Start by recognizing the reason for your child’s shyness. Knowing where the timidity is coming from will help you be able to provide better support. Is your child shy meeting new people? Playing with other children? Making presentations in front of people or just shy everywhere?

Children can be shy for a variety of reasons. Learning disabilities may make children shy as they might be unable to read properly or answer questions. Some children may have advanced levels of anxiety while others have much difficulty engaging with other people. It’s a good idea to talk with your pediatrician and your child’s teacher to gauge whether the behaviors you see at home are within the expected range for your child’s peers.

Work as a Team

Children will often mimic the behaviors of the people around them, especially their parents. If you are more confident you can help put your child at ease in social situations. You can introduce yourself first and then your child, or you can be the one to begin a conversation.

Some children do end up outgrowing shyness over time but for many their shyness carries on into their adult life. Parents can encourage a shy child to make friends and become more confident, but they should not try and change who their child is as a person.

Together with your child, you could set some goals. The two of you could create a list of things that your child wants to feel more comfortable doing. He may want to initiate a conversation with a peer, ask for help, or make phone calls to friends. Come up with a plan for what he will do and how he will do it, and practice the skill together.

Take Classes

Children aren’t the only ones who feel awkward in social situations. Many adults have similar concerns about socializing. Through your pediatrician or counselor, you can find classes or group sessions to help develop social skills and confidence. You can enroll by yourself or take your child with you. Everything you learn should be practiced with your child outside of the class.

What you should avoid doing is embarrassing or rebuking your child publicly. Don’t make a big deal out of mistakes and failures. Always encourage your child to try again.

Plan Play Dates

The younger you start to teach your children social skills, the better it is for their socio-emotional development. You might encourage your child to invite other children to your home to come and play or let him go to another child’s home. Indoor playgrounds and outdoor parks are also fun places to meet up for play dates.

Professional Help

Parenting books are a great resource, but you don’t have to follow every author’s suggestions. Keep in mind your family’s values, and filter what you read through them. Parenting a shy child is a common pain point for parents, so there are plenty of helpful guides on the market. Check Amazon or the parenting section of your local library, and ask for recommendations from your counselor. Not only do these books provide helpful tips and techniques for you and your child to use, they often include behavior logs and reward charts to make the process more engaging.

You should definitely consider going with your child to talk to a marriage and family counselor. You could both benefit from the wisdom of a professional, and it may be just the thing your child needs to boost your child’s confidence in himself.

Whatever techniques you decide to use, approach your child with love and compassion. Try to see the world through his eyes, and make sure you communicate that you are there to support him with whatever he needs.

Raising Adventurous Children

Peeking in on my babies while they sleep, I wonder at what adventures they’re having in their dreams. Some parents want to give their kids everything that money can buy, and that’s great. For me, I want to give my kids a joyful childhood filled with the experiences that dance in their memories while they sleep. We’re raising adventurous children one exciting day at a time.

7 Things You Do When Raising Adventurous Children

Take Note of the Little Things

The ladybug without any spots. The leaf that’s shaped like an ice cream cone. The hole in the ground that may or may not contain a playful gopher. Kids see them, these little details all around us. Open your eyes to nature’s nuances, and share the excitement of wildlife with your kids.

Encourage Imagination

That’s not just a discarded piece of brown paper sack. It could be an invisible treasure map! Give their little imaginations space and freedom to think beyond what they see and create unexplored worlds.

Make Time

The hard truth is that in order to live out great memories, we as parents have to make time for them in our complicated, important lives. Vacations are the ideal place to experience free-spirited fun, but you don’t have to have a lot of time to foster new experiences. You just need enough time to stop and think about what adventures could be had right where you are.

Set an Example

Get out there and try new things yourself. On our walls we have photos of Mommy and Daddy riding river rapids, and posing at the top of a mountain.We are no strangers to adventure, and our kids know that. It’s easy for children to be courageous if they know their parents are right there with them.

Praise, Praise, Praise!

Every little step of adventure is something to celebrate. When I’m on a hike with my kids, I know they’re going to love our end destination. But the trek there loses its novelty pretty quickly. The kids can only get excited about forests and moss for so long. So I shift their focus to things that keep them moving and having fun while they’re doing it.

“See that fallen log over there? Can you walk across it and keep your balance? Hooray! You did it!”

Take Lots of Pictures and Tell Lots of Stories

We relive our adventures in the pictures we take along the way. In fact, my most solid childhood memories are the ones that have stood the test of time in photographs. Kids love when you retell the stories of their experiences because they get to have the leading role in the familiar tales of their past. Telling them stories of the things they have done and they places they’ve been to is also a great way to soothe them at bed time.

My hope for you and your family is that you seize whatever day you have in front of you. Find the joy in the little things and be the first to try something new.

Want your kids to have a joyful childhood filled with memorable experiences? Here's how to raise adventurous children, one exciting day at a time.

Face your Credit Score with Confidence and Come Out a Winner

Thank you CreditRepair.com for sponsoring this post. CreditRepair.com’s team understands that a credit score is not just a number; it’s a lifestyle.

Let’s talk credit scores. Without getting into details, of course. Because isn’t your personal credit score such a private thing? People only share their credit score if they have something to brag about, which leaves the rest of us feeling a little bit uneasy about our credit. It’s probably everyone’s wish to have a better credit score, but I bet most people don’t have what it takes to make that happen. Just like dieting or any other life change, building better credit requires an accountability partner. A healthy relationship with your credit is the key to meeting your financial dreams.

A few years ago, one of our kids needed to go to the hospital at a time when I had just started a new job and our medical insurance hadn’t kicked in yet. Talk about bad timing! When you’re dealing with medical bills or other unexpected expenses, it feels like you can never get your good credit back again. Thankfully, CreditRepair.com gives you the accountability and support you need to get on track to a better future. When you get your free consultation from one of their credit professionals, you’re taking the first step to becoming educated and empowered to reaching the credit scores you deserve.

Better Credit can Help Us Meet our Financial Goals

How could better credit improve your future? Staying out of debt is a big goal of mine. I hate to think about how much money gets eaten up in interest payments. Better credit could save literally thousands of dollars in high interest rates. In fact, past CreditRepair.com clients have seen an average score increase of as much as 40 points in just four months (* Not all clients saw such a result as all legal cases are different. You should not expect to see the same result and it is not guaranteed.) With good credit and little to no debt, our family could enjoy many more opportunities. Like trips to amusement parks, weekend getaways, and maybe one day a home of our own!

The Right Tools for Better Credit

When you have CreditRepair.com on your side, you don’t have to worry about what’s going on with your credit. CreditRepair.com is one of the top providers of credit report repair services in the United States. A dedicated member advisor can offer you peace of mind, and with the mobile apps you can tap in to your credit journey 24/7. CreditRepair.com members also receive a personal online dashboard with a credit score tracker, credit monitoring, and access to credit bureaus and creditors.

Do you really know what’s on your credit report? I printed mine out not long ago. It was over 10 pages long! Processing all that information is overwhelming if you’re not used to reading credit reports. The best way to feel confident in your credit score is to seek the help of a CreditRepair.com professional.

Your free 10-minute credit analysis can provide you with a game plan to put your goals into action. Imagine how good it will feel to be able to say, “I have good credit”. Now that’s winning.

It’s Possible to Enjoy a Budget-Friendly (and Healthier!) Family Trip to Chuck E. Cheese

This post is sponsored by Caulipower but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

It’s been a while since we’ve been to Chuck E. Cheese. Have you visited lately? My friends, it has changed SO much in the last few years! We took the crew there on a family outing, and found out that it’s possible to stick to a budget AND find healthy dining options at Chuck E. Cheese.

During a rainy spell last week, we were desperate to burn off some of the little guys’ energy. We spent one afternoon at an indoor trampoline park, which was great and definitely wore the little people out. However, this particular trampoline place had far more games requiring tokens than it had trampolines. The kids were just itching to play games, so we made a deal: If it was still raining the next day, we’d hang out for an hour or so at Chuck E. Cheese.

Sure enough, it rained the following day too. Cue the ecstatic little people.

How to Save on Good Food and Games

The key is to take advantage of the All You Can Play games. You can load your play card with a minute or a dollar amount, and the kids can enjoy games nonstop without having to bother Mom & Dad for quarters! This is also a great way to keep kiddos occupied while they wait for their pizza.

We’ve been pretty awful at making healthy eating choices this summer. I blame the seasonal need for snacks 24/7 during the summer that somehow wasn’t a thing during the school year. So I jump at any meal option that’s healthy, especially if I don’t have to cook it myself. Chuck E. Cheese now offers a Super Cauli Crust pizza powered by CAULIPOWER®. It’s a better-for-you pizza because it’s gluten free, made with vitamin-packed cauliflower. The Super Cauli Power pizza is nutritious, it tastes great, and best of all it gives kids (and parents) with dietary restrictions a way to share in the yummy experience at Chuck E. Cheese!

Use this exclusive promo code to save ½ off the Super Cauli Crust pizza powered by CAULIPOWER with $10 or more All You Can Play games purchase though 8/4/2019! The CAULIPOWER pizza from Chuck E. Cheese is the same trending gluten-free dish at the grocery store. Now that it’s available at Chuck E. Cheese, you can also order it for nationwide delivery through DoorDash, UberEats and GrubHub.

Of course, pizza is nice but the games are the kids’ favorite part of Chuck E. Cheese. And don’t judge me but I’m pretty sure to be found at the Skee Ball lanes trying to sink a ball in the corner pocket. By the end of our playing time we had enough tickets to get each of the kids 2 small toys. Not too bad for a family trip to Chuck E. Cheese!

Make sure you go before August 4, and grab this promo code to save ½ off on the Super Cauli Power pizza when you purchase at least $10 All You Can Play games!

Best Early Access Deals for Amazon Prime Day 2019

My favorite shopping season isn’t Black Friday, it’s Amazon Prime Day. What is Prime Day, you ask? It’s a massive annual event on Amazon with savings and deals just for Amazon Prime members. Every year I tell myself I’m going to rock those Amazon Prime Day deals, but I usually end up aimlessly clicking around and missing out on all the good stuff. Not anymore, my friends. I’ve done a good amount of research on Amazon Prime Day 2019, which is actually 2 days this year – July 15 & 16. I’m ready to rock this party, and you can too. Savvy shoppers, read on for info on the best early access deals for Amazon Prime Day 2019.

amazon prime day 2019 — Image via Amazon

While we don’t know yet what specific items will be on sale for Prime Day, we can kind of get an idea of what deals to expect based last year’s deals. There are always great sales on books, electronics, Amazon devices, and toys. Keep an eye out for great Christmas gift ideas!

Amazon Prime Day Deals on Home and Electronics

There are guaranteed to be amazing deals on electronics, especially Amazon products and devices. If you’ve been considering adding an Echo Dot or Alexa Show to your home, this is the time to do it. Last year, the Fire TV Stick was the #1 best seller worldwide. We have one of these and we just love it! If your family has Prime, I highly recommend watching this item for Prime Day 2019. We also expect to see some competitively low prices on 4K TVs. And don’t forget to watch home appliances. Pressure cookers were the most popular Prime Day deal last year in the U.S.

So what deals can we expect this year? The masterminds behind Amazon Prime Day 2019 haven’t told us everything, but they have given us some details.

New Product Launches for Amazon Prime Day 2019

We are looking forward to some fresh new product releases this Rime Day!

How about these organic, apple cider vinegar gummies that support weight loss? Um, yes, please!

I plan to snag this car mount that has Alexa built in. You don’t even know how many times my kids have been in the car calling out for Alexa to play their favorite KidzBop song. Now Alexa will actually answer! It works with both my iPhone and John’s Android phone.

I’m also drooling over this gorgeous 4-piece cookware set, an adjustable Coleman canopy tent, and this adorable tropical baby playmat! And these are just a few of the literal millions of deals that Amazon guarantees on this 2-day discount celebration.

Ok, for those who are still holding out on getting your own Prime membership – there’s still a way for you to score some great deals. Take advantage of the 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime! Use it to shop your favorite products on Prime Day 2019! You could cancel it before the free trial is up and still get free shipping on all your Prime Day shopping. College students get an amazing bonus opportunity with this free 6-MONTH free trial of Amazon Prime Student.

Amazon Prime Day 2019’s Sneak Peek Starts July 8

Amazon is giving us sneak peek only in the app, starting July 8! From the app sneak peek page you can get notified when new deals go live. This is a great place to watch for your perfect deal.

Extra Savings Starts Now

There are a couple deals already available that can offer a head start on Prime Day shopping:

Get a $10 Amazon credit when you sign in to the Amazon App for the first time, and get an additional $10 credit after your first in-app purchase.

Get $10 to spend on Amazon when you spend $10 at Whole Foods.

These sitewide shopping deals are all available NOW!

One final tip for the budget-conscious:

To avoid over-spending, make a list of things you want to buy during the Amazon Prime Day celebration. Stick to those items as you browse the Prime Day deals!

Toy Story 4 Activities and Coloring Pages

You guys, the Pixar movie from our childhoods has a new sequel and it is all you dreamed it would be. I mean, how could it not be great when one of the starring characters is a spork! Hurry up and print out these Toy Story 4 activities and coloring pages so you can savor every joyful moment of the movie once you get home.

Toy Story 4 Coloring Pages

Parents and kids will all enjoy filling in these toy story 4 coloring pages with bright, happy colors. Click a link to download coloring pages of your classic friends like Woody, Buzz, Rex, Bo Peep, and the Aliens. We also have new friends from Toy Story 4: Ducky and Bunny, Duke Caboom, and Gabby Gabby.

Toy Story 4 Recipes

Let’s see whose snack mix recipe is better: Duke Caboom’s Carn-Pop Caboom or Bo Peep’s Billy, Goat & Gruff Grub! You can print out these recipes in color or black and white. Or just pin this page for future reference! Don’t you think these would be so fun to have at a do-it-yourself station for a Toy Story themed party?

Toy Story 4 Printable Activity Pages

Get crafty and make your own Forky using this tutorial. If you don’t have a rainbow sticker you could always draw one on. 😉

Test your knowledge of all the Toy Story movies with a “Who Said That? trivia game. Can you match all the quotes to the characters? Don’t worry, the answers are at the bottom, printed really small and upside-down.

Help Bo Peep get through the maze and reunite with her sheep in this colorful Toy Story printable activity.

Bring this road trip bingo activity page on your next car trip. Little travelers don’t even have to be able to read to win at this game! Be sure and use this link to grab all 4 bingo pages.

Draw like a Disney Imagineer as you connect all 131 points in this Bunny and Ducky connect-the-dots printable.

Make your own set of 20 memory cards. Print out all 5 of these bright pages on cardstock or plain copy paper. Cut out all the squares and glue a “Toy Story 4” square to the back of each character square. Lay the cards character-side down and see if you can match all 10 pairs!

Toy Story 4 hits the big screen on June 21, 2019 in theaters everywhere. Are you going to see it this summer?

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