Set yourself a reminder to visit Lowes.com on April 1st and sign up to receive a FREE Spring Kit.  We have participated in a variety of workshops and family-friendly kits with our local home improvement stores in years past we can't wait to see these Spring Kits by Lowe's.  

PRNewsfoto/Lowe's Companies, Inc

From the Lowe's Press Release here is some info: 

Beginning April 1, customers can register on Lowes.com for free Garden-to-Go kits. The first curbside event will be held on April 8 and then occur each Thursday through the rest of the month. These family-friendly activity kits can be reserved on Lowes.com starting one week before each event and kits include:

  • April 8: Garden-to-Go kit sponsored by Miracle-Gro with exclusive recipes from professional cook and food stylist Amanda Frederickson.
  • April 15: Lowe's Mystery Garden Pinata with mystery seed packets.
  • April 22: 500,000 tree saplings given out in honor of Earth Day.
  • April 29: Lowe's Butterfly Quest which helps families create a butterfly garden.

From SpringFest celebrations to fresh ideas for home this spring, Lowe's is also inspiring households to make "Home" their destination by inviting them to embark on a Hometrip.  You can check out the full Lowe's Press Release here https://low.es/3ssZuMX. (SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.

We love Spring, it is the perfect weather, not too hot, not too cold.  We are so ready to soak up some sunshine and enjoy the outdoor weather.  We love enjoying dinner outside and lately we have been doing quite a bit of bird watching.  Well, the boys jump on the trampoline, and play basketball, while mom does the bird watching.  We definitely plan on participating and will share the kits we receive on our Instagram Stories, be sure to follow us @BlogAboutItAll.

Have you checked out the hummingbird that has been visiting us in our backyard?  See it in action, fluttering its beautiful wings on our TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@blogaboutitall.  I am so glad we did this hummingbird feeder.  We found ours at the Dollar Tree and to make the hummingbird food all you need is two cups of water and a half cup of sugar, melt down the sugar in the boiling water, let cool and add to the hummingbird feeder, super easy and it is one of the highlights of our day spotting the hummingbirds that visit. 

Happy Spring to you all! Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.

SpringFest with Lowes - FREE Spring Kits!

Set yourself a reminder to visit Lowes.com on April 1st and sign up to receive a FREE Spring Kit.  We have participated in a variety of workshops and family-friendly kits with our local home improvement stores in years past we can't wait to see these Spring Kits by Lowe's.  

PRNewsfoto/Lowe's Companies, Inc

From the Lowe's Press Release here is some info: 

Beginning April 1, customers can register on Lowes.com for free Garden-to-Go kits. The first curbside event will be held on April 8 and then occur each Thursday through the rest of the month. These family-friendly activity kits can be reserved on Lowes.com starting one week before each event and kits include:

  • April 8: Garden-to-Go kit sponsored by Miracle-Gro with exclusive recipes from professional cook and food stylist Amanda Frederickson.
  • April 15: Lowe's Mystery Garden Pinata with mystery seed packets.
  • April 22: 500,000 tree saplings given out in honor of Earth Day.
  • April 29: Lowe's Butterfly Quest which helps families create a butterfly garden.

From SpringFest celebrations to fresh ideas for home this spring, Lowe's is also inspiring households to make "Home" their destination by inviting them to embark on a Hometrip.  You can check out the full Lowe's Press Release here https://low.es/3ssZuMX. (SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.

We love Spring, it is the perfect weather, not too hot, not too cold.  We are so ready to soak up some sunshine and enjoy the outdoor weather.  We love enjoying dinner outside and lately we have been doing quite a bit of bird watching.  Well, the boys jump on the trampoline, and play basketball, while mom does the bird watching.  We definitely plan on participating and will share the kits we receive on our Instagram Stories, be sure to follow us @BlogAboutItAll.

Have you checked out the hummingbird that has been visiting us in our backyard?  See it in action, fluttering its beautiful wings on our TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@blogaboutitall.  I am so glad we did this hummingbird feeder.  We found ours at the Dollar Tree and to make the hummingbird food all you need is two cups of water and a half cup of sugar, melt down the sugar in the boiling water, let cool and add to the hummingbird feeder, super easy and it is one of the highlights of our day spotting the hummingbirds that visit. 

Happy Spring to you all! Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.

Read more »

A huge congratulations to the family and fans of Selena Quintanilla! I am so happy to hear that she was honored at the 2021 Grammys.  Selena was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

According to the Recording Academy’s description: “The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates performers who have made outstanding contributions of artistic significance to the field of recording.”

Selena won her first Grammy for Best Mexican-American Album for Selena Live! at the 36th Grammy Awards in 1994, this was the first time a female Tejano artist won in the category.

I love this post pictured below shared by her husband Chris Perez on Instagram. Chris writes "Lifetime Achievement Award! To say that I'm proud of all that Selena represents and so proud of her accomplishments would be a HUGE understatement. Special thanks to the Grammy organization and especially all of you (her fans) that continue to listen, watch, and support all the amazing things she left behind for us to treasure. I'll be watching the awards tonight with the biggest smile on my face...just knowing that she'd be so honored AND HAPPY!"

The official Selena Instagram page also shared this post below with some photos of Selena getting ready before the 36th Annual Grammy Awards in 1994.  

Verified

"In 1994 hours before the 36th Annual Grammy Awards held in New York, Selena was with her sister Suzette having her hair styled in what would become one her most iconic timeless looks. This was Selena’s first Grammy experience and she was very excited. So excited that she took her camera with her so she can take pictures with other artists at the ceremony. However, they didn’t allow her to bring her camera with her but she jokingly said, “They didn’t allow me to bring my camera with me however, I left with this!”, holding her Grammy in a 1994 interview."

I love Selena, it is so sad that her life was tragically cut short at the age of 23.  I have been meaning to share my thoughts on the Netflix series.  I have heard mixed reviews from many people about the new Netflix series.  Some people hate it and some people loved it.  One thing I am grateful for the series is the awareness it has brought about Selena and her life.  I am still amazed at how many people I meet who have never heard of her.  So regardless if everyone likes the Netflix series or not, as Selena fans we should celebrate the light it shines on her life and life story.  

I will say this Jennifer Lopez will always be my favorite, since she was the first one we watched portray Selena I think that plays a huge part and and she did a fantastic job.

Although I do agree with some that the wigs, and certain parts of the Netflix series were not up to par.  I will say I love the family dynamic and the peek they gave us into the struggle the family went through. 

I know a lot of people do not like Abraham Selena's father, and don't appreciate how Chris Selena's husband has been cut out of the picture.  While I do agree, I hate seeing Chris not involved. It is sad, it is another reminder of how toxic unforgiveness, and bitterness is.  I wish I could see this family heal and partner together including Chris in her legacy.  

No matter, what happened to cause the breach, the truth is none of us will really know.  I've heard a statement, there is his side, her side and the truth. Each side has a bit of truth or what they see as truth from their perspective and let's be honest in every family there are hurts, disappointments, trust that is tested, broken and the list goes on.  One thing I hope to instill in my children and one thing I admire about my mom and her side of the family is that I have seen is NO MATTER WHAT, we are family.  

Photo by @YourCreativeCounterPart

I could tell you stories of betrayal, hurts, I won't because it doesn't help by pointing out my wound is bigger than your wound, I will say life is short and if you step back and look at the big picture, think generational, think about breaking generational curses yes, and also realize, as you heal your heart, work on your life and your actions, the only thing you can control is you, as you heal and grow you also help bring healing to the other people in your life.  Freedom flows both down a family tree, but also flows up.  

While you cannot control what others do, you can make a huge impact in living a life of kindness and forgiveness with your family and extended family.  While I believe in the importance of setting boundaries and not staying in toxic environments, I think you can still be kind, you can still send a Christmas card, you can still at the very least send a text to them on their birthday. For your own healing and peace of mind and heart, you should aim to live with no regrets.  

Forgiveness is more for you than for the other person, so if anything forgive for you, forgive and foster family for future generations. I am not saying it is easy, it is a process.  Sometimes it will feel like you take one step forward and five steps back. I get it.  I understand everyone is on their own personal journey of healing, forgiving, and restoration, I just encourage you, no matter what part of the journey you are on, don't quit, keep going on the healing process.  Life is too short and relationships are so essential.  

I love this Selena sweatshirt I bought, it is my favorite Selena merch from a local Sacramento artist, I purchased this beautiful Selena sweater I am wearing in the photographs below, from my friend Erica's husband.  Erica is a local Sacramento creative over at Eraeholland.com.  You can find this beautiful Selena sweatshirt and more of Erica's husbands gorgeous artwork and apparel at theDopeOnes.com.


Again a HUGE congratulations to the Quintanilla Family and Selena's husband, they must be so proud of the huge impact Selena has made and continues to make.  I can only imagine that they are grateful that her memory is kept alive and her life is being celebrated. Her music is timeless and brings joy to so many.  

I shared a post last year on the 25th Anniversary of her death if you would like to read more about Selena check out that post here http://bit.ly/3tgLVAm.  Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.  

2021 Grammys: Selena Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

A huge congratulations to the family and fans of Selena Quintanilla! I am so happy to hear that she was honored at the 2021 Grammys.  Selena was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

According to the Recording Academy’s description: “The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates performers who have made outstanding contributions of artistic significance to the field of recording.”

Selena won her first Grammy for Best Mexican-American Album for Selena Live! at the 36th Grammy Awards in 1994, this was the first time a female Tejano artist won in the category.

I love this post pictured below shared by her husband Chris Perez on Instagram. Chris writes "Lifetime Achievement Award! To say that I'm proud of all that Selena represents and so proud of her accomplishments would be a HUGE understatement. Special thanks to the Grammy organization and especially all of you (her fans) that continue to listen, watch, and support all the amazing things she left behind for us to treasure. I'll be watching the awards tonight with the biggest smile on my face...just knowing that she'd be so honored AND HAPPY!"

The official Selena Instagram page also shared this post below with some photos of Selena getting ready before the 36th Annual Grammy Awards in 1994.  

Verified

"In 1994 hours before the 36th Annual Grammy Awards held in New York, Selena was with her sister Suzette having her hair styled in what would become one her most iconic timeless looks. This was Selena’s first Grammy experience and she was very excited. So excited that she took her camera with her so she can take pictures with other artists at the ceremony. However, they didn’t allow her to bring her camera with her but she jokingly said, “They didn’t allow me to bring my camera with me however, I left with this!”, holding her Grammy in a 1994 interview."

I love Selena, it is so sad that her life was tragically cut short at the age of 23.  I have been meaning to share my thoughts on the Netflix series.  I have heard mixed reviews from many people about the new Netflix series.  Some people hate it and some people loved it.  One thing I am grateful for the series is the awareness it has brought about Selena and her life.  I am still amazed at how many people I meet who have never heard of her.  So regardless if everyone likes the Netflix series or not, as Selena fans we should celebrate the light it shines on her life and life story.  

I will say this Jennifer Lopez will always be my favorite, since she was the first one we watched portray Selena I think that plays a huge part and and she did a fantastic job.

Although I do agree with some that the wigs, and certain parts of the Netflix series were not up to par.  I will say I love the family dynamic and the peek they gave us into the struggle the family went through. 

I know a lot of people do not like Abraham Selena's father, and don't appreciate how Chris Selena's husband has been cut out of the picture.  While I do agree, I hate seeing Chris not involved. It is sad, it is another reminder of how toxic unforgiveness, and bitterness is.  I wish I could see this family heal and partner together including Chris in her legacy.  

No matter, what happened to cause the breach, the truth is none of us will really know.  I've heard a statement, there is his side, her side and the truth. Each side has a bit of truth or what they see as truth from their perspective and let's be honest in every family there are hurts, disappointments, trust that is tested, broken and the list goes on.  One thing I hope to instill in my children and one thing I admire about my mom and her side of the family is that I have seen is NO MATTER WHAT, we are family.  

Photo by @YourCreativeCounterPart

I could tell you stories of betrayal, hurts, I won't because it doesn't help by pointing out my wound is bigger than your wound, I will say life is short and if you step back and look at the big picture, think generational, think about breaking generational curses yes, and also realize, as you heal your heart, work on your life and your actions, the only thing you can control is you, as you heal and grow you also help bring healing to the other people in your life.  Freedom flows both down a family tree, but also flows up.  

While you cannot control what others do, you can make a huge impact in living a life of kindness and forgiveness with your family and extended family.  While I believe in the importance of setting boundaries and not staying in toxic environments, I think you can still be kind, you can still send a Christmas card, you can still at the very least send a text to them on their birthday. For your own healing and peace of mind and heart, you should aim to live with no regrets.  

Forgiveness is more for you than for the other person, so if anything forgive for you, forgive and foster family for future generations. I am not saying it is easy, it is a process.  Sometimes it will feel like you take one step forward and five steps back. I get it.  I understand everyone is on their own personal journey of healing, forgiving, and restoration, I just encourage you, no matter what part of the journey you are on, don't quit, keep going on the healing process.  Life is too short and relationships are so essential.  

I love this Selena sweatshirt I bought, it is my favorite Selena merch from a local Sacramento artist, I purchased this beautiful Selena sweater I am wearing in the photographs below, from my friend Erica's husband.  Erica is a local Sacramento creative over at Eraeholland.com.  You can find this beautiful Selena sweatshirt and more of Erica's husbands gorgeous artwork and apparel at theDopeOnes.com.


Again a HUGE congratulations to the Quintanilla Family and Selena's husband, they must be so proud of the huge impact Selena has made and continues to make.  I can only imagine that they are grateful that her memory is kept alive and her life is being celebrated. Her music is timeless and brings joy to so many.  

I shared a post last year on the 25th Anniversary of her death if you would like to read more about Selena check out that post here http://bit.ly/3tgLVAm.  Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.  

Read more »

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post our family was gifted an Osmo Kit in exchange for our honest opinion. Although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own. Thank you Osmo for the #OsmoSocialClub.

Looking for an Easter Basket goodie?  Check out Osmo! There are so many options for a variety of age groups, we love Osmo and I am sure you will to! 

We are so grateful to have Super Studio hop over our way just in time for Easter, we were so excited for the Learnament of Champions, we are ready to warm up our Spring Learning.  We took on the #OsmoEasterChallenge to make Easter Cards that come alive. 

Right now you can save 30% off ALL Kits and Games and hop on the Learnament of Champions.  With Osmo's Genius Starter Kit, kids get to learn Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands on learning.  That is how we first started with Osmo is with the Genius Starter Kit.  

If you already own the base and reflector you can add additional games. Our kids have been playing with our new Super Studio all weekend, they love it. Osmo is not like any other game, Osmo uses physical games pieces with digital technology, it is hands on, interactive and educational! Osmo transforms your iPad to a hands on learning device.

This Super Studio Osmo game is a really fun and interactive way for your kiddos to discover their artistic side. Osmo Super Studio is perfect for kids ages 5-11 to discover the creativity of drawing through connecting with characters and stories they love. We have the Mickey Mouse and Friends edition, there is also a Princess Edition, Incredibles Edition and more.  

With Super Studio, you can draw characters with the book that is included, you can also take a picture of an item and draw that item.  A really neat feature that our kids were excited about was, after you finish drawing your creation it creates and shows a time lapse video of your artwork.  They can also e-mail their artwork to friends and family.  When they took a picture of the bunny and carrot we have, it made their artwork look 3-D.  

I love that many App components, and I love the parent updates I receive.  At the end of the day I am sent a report of how much time was spent learning with Osmo, what art creations were made and an overview of all they learned.  

Osmo Super Studio comes complete with the Super Marker, Super Sweeper, and most importantly, the Super Sketchpad — filled with over 30 pages for you to create with! Check out this Super Studio Kit and more here https://bit.ly/2Oz9VzZ.

Thank you for reading we hope Osmo hops into your Easter Baskets this Easter, and your kiddos enjoy all the fun of Osmo, like we have.  If you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.  

Osmo Perfect for Your Kids Easter Baskets

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post our family was gifted an Osmo Kit in exchange for our honest opinion. Although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own. Thank you Osmo for the #OsmoSocialClub.

Looking for an Easter Basket goodie?  Check out Osmo! There are so many options for a variety of age groups, we love Osmo and I am sure you will to! 

We are so grateful to have Super Studio hop over our way just in time for Easter, we were so excited for the Learnament of Champions, we are ready to warm up our Spring Learning.  We took on the #OsmoEasterChallenge to make Easter Cards that come alive. 

Right now you can save 30% off ALL Kits and Games and hop on the Learnament of Champions.  With Osmo's Genius Starter Kit, kids get to learn Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands on learning.  That is how we first started with Osmo is with the Genius Starter Kit.  

If you already own the base and reflector you can add additional games. Our kids have been playing with our new Super Studio all weekend, they love it. Osmo is not like any other game, Osmo uses physical games pieces with digital technology, it is hands on, interactive and educational! Osmo transforms your iPad to a hands on learning device.

This Super Studio Osmo game is a really fun and interactive way for your kiddos to discover their artistic side. Osmo Super Studio is perfect for kids ages 5-11 to discover the creativity of drawing through connecting with characters and stories they love. We have the Mickey Mouse and Friends edition, there is also a Princess Edition, Incredibles Edition and more.  

With Super Studio, you can draw characters with the book that is included, you can also take a picture of an item and draw that item.  A really neat feature that our kids were excited about was, after you finish drawing your creation it creates and shows a time lapse video of your artwork.  They can also e-mail their artwork to friends and family.  When they took a picture of the bunny and carrot we have, it made their artwork look 3-D.  

I love that many App components, and I love the parent updates I receive.  At the end of the day I am sent a report of how much time was spent learning with Osmo, what art creations were made and an overview of all they learned.  

Osmo Super Studio comes complete with the Super Marker, Super Sweeper, and most importantly, the Super Sketchpad — filled with over 30 pages for you to create with! Check out this Super Studio Kit and more here https://bit.ly/2Oz9VzZ.

Thank you for reading we hope Osmo hops into your Easter Baskets this Easter, and your kiddos enjoy all the fun of Osmo, like we have.  If you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.  

Read more »

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day we made this fun St. Paddy's Day themed snack, perfect for a family movie night! The boys were happy to help make this in anticipation of snacking on all this goodness.  If your kiddos are in school, save some in a sandwich bag to send with them for a school snack.  I also made this simple March themed coloring page for my boys too, you can download a PDF printable here http://bit.ly/3ckINN6.

Anytime there is a holiday, we love to cook, bake and look into the history of the celebration.  Another fun way we have celebrated St. Patrick's Day is to eat all green food that day.  We have done this in years past and my kiddos loved it.  Enjoy green pancakes in the morning.  Use some food coloring to make macaroni and cheese green for lunch and let your kids come up with ideas for green snacks throughout the day (grapes, kiwi, apples, celery, chips & guacamole).  You could use green tortilla's and make green quesadillas.  Those are some kid-friendly ideas, of course if you have veggie eaters, I do not, you can do asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, all things I as an adult love, but probably not enjoyed by your kiddos.  If your kids are like mine, green veggies are probably not considered as a fun way of celebrating. 

Back to this simple and festive St. Patrick's movie night snack the entire family will all agree on.  You have to have a yummy snack for family movie night, and this is perfect because it includes popcorn. There are little bits of sweet and salty in this snack. 

What you need:

Popcorn

Pretzels

Lucky Charm Cereal - The Green Special Edition if you can

Mini Marshmallows

Rainbow Candy

Gold Coin Candy or Rolo's 

Combine everything together and you have a yummy family movie night treat, or school lunch snack.  This serving tray pictured below worked perfectly to hold everything we wanted to mix in to make sure we had an even amount of everything, I picked up this tray at the Dollar Tree.  If you do not have a similar tray, you could use a measuring cup.  


Here are some family friendly St. Patrick's Themed movies to go with your movie night treat.

I am Patrick - You can stream on Netflix.  We actually were planning on going to watch this movie right when the lockdown took place, this movie is about the Patron Saint Patrick.  Our family enjoyed watching this later when it came out on DVD.  It was an excellent historical viewpoint. 

If you have Disney+ a old Disney classic to watch is Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959) and or The Luck of the Irish (2001).

If you are like my hubby and I and you love to dream of traveling to Ireland and are a fan of Samantha Brown check out her visit to Ireland, you can watch online here http://bit.ly/3lguNrK.

Here are some more great finds on YouTube.  If you like to watch scenic views: 

https://youtu.be/4w-29piYhas

If you have younger kids we love the videos by Homeschool Pop check out this video on St. Patrick's Day facts https://youtu.be/ckRcNbYQD9k.

Here is another short clip by PBS Kids https://youtu.be/0xyhc3S9RPw.

I hope you enjoy this St. Patrick's Day weekend and find fun ways to celebrate and enjoy family time.  Wear some green clothes, eat some green food and soak up the memories with your kiddos, even your older kids, don't let them fool you, they enjoy all these things too. 

Remember to download our festive March themed coloring page if you are looking for something easy to do with little ones.  Coloring is such a great stress reliever even for adults. so whip up this yummy snack and get your coloring on.  Click here to download http://bit.ly/3ckINN6 or click the image below.  Enjoy!



St. Patrick's Themed Movie Night Snack

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day we made this fun St. Paddy's Day themed snack, perfect for a family movie night! The boys were happy to help make this in anticipation of snacking on all this goodness.  If your kiddos are in school, save some in a sandwich bag to send with them for a school snack.  I also made this simple March themed coloring page for my boys too, you can download a PDF printable here http://bit.ly/3ckINN6.

Anytime there is a holiday, we love to cook, bake and look into the history of the celebration.  Another fun way we have celebrated St. Patrick's Day is to eat all green food that day.  We have done this in years past and my kiddos loved it.  Enjoy green pancakes in the morning.  Use some food coloring to make macaroni and cheese green for lunch and let your kids come up with ideas for green snacks throughout the day (grapes, kiwi, apples, celery, chips & guacamole).  You could use green tortilla's and make green quesadillas.  Those are some kid-friendly ideas, of course if you have veggie eaters, I do not, you can do asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, all things I as an adult love, but probably not enjoyed by your kiddos.  If your kids are like mine, green veggies are probably not considered as a fun way of celebrating. 

Back to this simple and festive St. Patrick's movie night snack the entire family will all agree on.  You have to have a yummy snack for family movie night, and this is perfect because it includes popcorn. There are little bits of sweet and salty in this snack. 

What you need:

Popcorn

Pretzels

Lucky Charm Cereal - The Green Special Edition if you can

Mini Marshmallows

Rainbow Candy

Gold Coin Candy or Rolo's 

Combine everything together and you have a yummy family movie night treat, or school lunch snack.  This serving tray pictured below worked perfectly to hold everything we wanted to mix in to make sure we had an even amount of everything, I picked up this tray at the Dollar Tree.  If you do not have a similar tray, you could use a measuring cup.  


Here are some family friendly St. Patrick's Themed movies to go with your movie night treat.

I am Patrick - You can stream on Netflix.  We actually were planning on going to watch this movie right when the lockdown took place, this movie is about the Patron Saint Patrick.  Our family enjoyed watching this later when it came out on DVD.  It was an excellent historical viewpoint. 

If you have Disney+ a old Disney classic to watch is Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959) and or The Luck of the Irish (2001).

If you are like my hubby and I and you love to dream of traveling to Ireland and are a fan of Samantha Brown check out her visit to Ireland, you can watch online here http://bit.ly/3lguNrK.

Here are some more great finds on YouTube.  If you like to watch scenic views: 

https://youtu.be/4w-29piYhas

If you have younger kids we love the videos by Homeschool Pop check out this video on St. Patrick's Day facts https://youtu.be/ckRcNbYQD9k.

Here is another short clip by PBS Kids https://youtu.be/0xyhc3S9RPw.

I hope you enjoy this St. Patrick's Day weekend and find fun ways to celebrate and enjoy family time.  Wear some green clothes, eat some green food and soak up the memories with your kiddos, even your older kids, don't let them fool you, they enjoy all these things too. 

Remember to download our festive March themed coloring page if you are looking for something easy to do with little ones.  Coloring is such a great stress reliever even for adults. so whip up this yummy snack and get your coloring on.  Click here to download http://bit.ly/3ckINN6 or click the image below.  Enjoy!



Read more »

I want to share with you five reasons why you want to serve and volunteer in your local church.  Parents if you have children one of the best things you can do is first serve and lead by example and train your children in serving and volunteering. The life skills serving provides your children, teens and young adults is priceless.  You also want to serve as a couple, it will strengthen your marriage, I'll save that for another post.  A little background I was not raised going to church consistently, my parents grew up with a Catholic background, growing up we usually only attended church on Easter and Christmas Eve.  

I was invited to a Christian Church by a friend in High School when I was fifteen.  Christian Church was completely new to me, I fell in love with Jesus and serving in my local church.  

As a teenager I had fun volunteering and helping with the kids classes, serving in the snack bar after church, our youth group had a variety of serving opportunities, and I am extremely grateful for the experiences serving provided me.

After growing in my involvement in my local church and serving over the years I have learned so much and have grown as a person. Serving has strengthened our marriage and our family. 

Here are five reasons to serve in your local church: 

1. What is my purpose?  This is a question a lot of people ask and search for.  In volunteering at your local church you will discover your purpose.  In working with a variety of people and being willing to do anything, you will find your strengths and weaknesses, you will find what you are great at and what you need to work on.  You will discover things you enjoy doing that you would have never tried if you did not volunteer. 

2. Get rid of selfishness.  We all have a selfishness in us. When you serve and volunteer you will see areas where you need to yield.  Yield to your way of doing things, in serving and working with people you don't always get to do things your way.  In serving in your local church you often have to arrive early and stay late, this will help get rid of selfishness in you.  Often, your commitment to church will collide with "your weekends", "your time", serving will definitely provide you opportunities to get rid of selfishness. Serving causes you focus on the needs of others. 

3. Bigger Thinker. In serving at your local church you will be a bigger thinker.  Serving will cause you to think of the big picture, look through a new perspective. Serving will have you be a problem solver, many times having you not rely on just what you know but thinking outside the box and including others. 

4. A happier, healthier you.  Serving in church will have you realize you are making a difference and give you a sense of purpose that your life and what you do matters.  When you feel you are making a difference, you end up feeling better about yourself. Serving provides a huge confidence booster.  In serving and volunteering, you have opportunities to grow in public speaking, team building, all making you a better and happier you.  

5. Relationships.  In serving in your local church you will make new friends.  You will meet and work alongside people you never would have.  You will also strengthen connections with those who you were already friends with but serve alongside.  You will get to know each other in a whole new way serving together.  I can think of so many fun times and late nights, doing inventory at our local church bookstore, I would have never pulled all-nighters with certain people if it wasn't for volunteering with them.  I have volunteered and helped people move and again, your friendship is strengthened when you are invited into the personal lives of people.  I have built lifelong friendships through serving overseas on missions trips.  When you serve in your local church, those you serve with see you when you are having a good day and when you are not having a good day, people I have served alongside have seen me laugh, cry and everything in between.  

I strongly encourage you to serve and volunteer in your local church, you learn new things, you'll grow in people skills, and so much more.  Don't wait until someone asks you to help, sign up to help, call the church office, e-mail the staff, reach out to someone who is a leader in your local church and volunteer, be willing to do whatever is needed.  

Even in this season with a lot of churches doing more livestream services, there is something you can do even from home, writing thank you cards, making phone calls, checking in on the elderly congregation members.  I am certain there is something you can do. 

Over the years I have volunteered in the church office, I would type, make copies, do whatever was needed.  Volunteered for fundraisers, car wash, cleaning, and more.  Before I had children I volunteered in the Church Nursery, this was a great way to gain experience in changing diapers and hands on experience feeding and caring for babies.   I also have taught in other ages the toddlers, 4-5's and the 5-12 year old's.  Working in the kids classes is a lot of fun, crafts, puppets, skits, and kids really do say the funniest things. 

Another great aspect of serving in my local church is opportunities to step out of my comfort zone.  I am currently very involved in our Audio/Visual Department.  When I first started helping operating a camera I would have never imagined where it would lead. I am so grateful for the people skills, leadership skills, and tech and innovative skills I have been introduced to as a result of serving. 

I believe there is a difference between volunteering and serving, volunteering is you offering some of your time to help out, serving is giving of yourself and taking ownership.  I have done both, there are times when I come in and volunteer for a project, offer some time, but it is not "my baby", then there have been other times when I have served and made it my own, followed through to make sure it was completed.  When you serve fully committed to the project no one has to ask you to stay till it is finished or come back, you take on the project, task, department as your own. 

I know as a result of serving in my local church I am the one who has ultimately been blessed.  Yes the church receives your help, your skill, I receive eternal reward that goes far beyond my knowledge as well as every area of my life is impacted as a result of serving, I am a better person, better friend, better wife, better mom, better employee and the list goes on. 


If you are in the Sacramento area and looking for a great church to attend I invite you to our church Family Community Church, 6331 Watt Avenue, North Highlands, CA 95660, you can stream services online at Familycc.org.  We have services on Sundays at 11 AM and 6 PM and our mid-week service is on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM.  

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.

5 Reasons to Serve in Your Local Church

I want to share with you five reasons why you want to serve and volunteer in your local church.  Parents if you have children one of the best things you can do is first serve and lead by example and train your children in serving and volunteering. The life skills serving provides your children, teens and young adults is priceless.  You also want to serve as a couple, it will strengthen your marriage, I'll save that for another post.  A little background I was not raised going to church consistently, my parents grew up with a Catholic background, growing up we usually only attended church on Easter and Christmas Eve.  

I was invited to a Christian Church by a friend in High School when I was fifteen.  Christian Church was completely new to me, I fell in love with Jesus and serving in my local church.  

As a teenager I had fun volunteering and helping with the kids classes, serving in the snack bar after church, our youth group had a variety of serving opportunities, and I am extremely grateful for the experiences serving provided me.

After growing in my involvement in my local church and serving over the years I have learned so much and have grown as a person. Serving has strengthened our marriage and our family. 

Here are five reasons to serve in your local church: 

1. What is my purpose?  This is a question a lot of people ask and search for.  In volunteering at your local church you will discover your purpose.  In working with a variety of people and being willing to do anything, you will find your strengths and weaknesses, you will find what you are great at and what you need to work on.  You will discover things you enjoy doing that you would have never tried if you did not volunteer. 

2. Get rid of selfishness.  We all have a selfishness in us. When you serve and volunteer you will see areas where you need to yield.  Yield to your way of doing things, in serving and working with people you don't always get to do things your way.  In serving in your local church you often have to arrive early and stay late, this will help get rid of selfishness in you.  Often, your commitment to church will collide with "your weekends", "your time", serving will definitely provide you opportunities to get rid of selfishness. Serving causes you focus on the needs of others. 

3. Bigger Thinker. In serving at your local church you will be a bigger thinker.  Serving will cause you to think of the big picture, look through a new perspective. Serving will have you be a problem solver, many times having you not rely on just what you know but thinking outside the box and including others. 

4. A happier, healthier you.  Serving in church will have you realize you are making a difference and give you a sense of purpose that your life and what you do matters.  When you feel you are making a difference, you end up feeling better about yourself. Serving provides a huge confidence booster.  In serving and volunteering, you have opportunities to grow in public speaking, team building, all making you a better and happier you.  

5. Relationships.  In serving in your local church you will make new friends.  You will meet and work alongside people you never would have.  You will also strengthen connections with those who you were already friends with but serve alongside.  You will get to know each other in a whole new way serving together.  I can think of so many fun times and late nights, doing inventory at our local church bookstore, I would have never pulled all-nighters with certain people if it wasn't for volunteering with them.  I have volunteered and helped people move and again, your friendship is strengthened when you are invited into the personal lives of people.  I have built lifelong friendships through serving overseas on missions trips.  When you serve in your local church, those you serve with see you when you are having a good day and when you are not having a good day, people I have served alongside have seen me laugh, cry and everything in between.  

I strongly encourage you to serve and volunteer in your local church, you learn new things, you'll grow in people skills, and so much more.  Don't wait until someone asks you to help, sign up to help, call the church office, e-mail the staff, reach out to someone who is a leader in your local church and volunteer, be willing to do whatever is needed.  

Even in this season with a lot of churches doing more livestream services, there is something you can do even from home, writing thank you cards, making phone calls, checking in on the elderly congregation members.  I am certain there is something you can do. 

Over the years I have volunteered in the church office, I would type, make copies, do whatever was needed.  Volunteered for fundraisers, car wash, cleaning, and more.  Before I had children I volunteered in the Church Nursery, this was a great way to gain experience in changing diapers and hands on experience feeding and caring for babies.   I also have taught in other ages the toddlers, 4-5's and the 5-12 year old's.  Working in the kids classes is a lot of fun, crafts, puppets, skits, and kids really do say the funniest things. 

Another great aspect of serving in my local church is opportunities to step out of my comfort zone.  I am currently very involved in our Audio/Visual Department.  When I first started helping operating a camera I would have never imagined where it would lead. I am so grateful for the people skills, leadership skills, and tech and innovative skills I have been introduced to as a result of serving. 

I believe there is a difference between volunteering and serving, volunteering is you offering some of your time to help out, serving is giving of yourself and taking ownership.  I have done both, there are times when I come in and volunteer for a project, offer some time, but it is not "my baby", then there have been other times when I have served and made it my own, followed through to make sure it was completed.  When you serve fully committed to the project no one has to ask you to stay till it is finished or come back, you take on the project, task, department as your own. 

I know as a result of serving in my local church I am the one who has ultimately been blessed.  Yes the church receives your help, your skill, I receive eternal reward that goes far beyond my knowledge as well as every area of my life is impacted as a result of serving, I am a better person, better friend, better wife, better mom, better employee and the list goes on. 


If you are in the Sacramento area and looking for a great church to attend I invite you to our church Family Community Church, 6331 Watt Avenue, North Highlands, CA 95660, you can stream services online at Familycc.org.  We have services on Sundays at 11 AM and 6 PM and our mid-week service is on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM.  

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.

Read more »

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Jonathan Park Audio Adventures, we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our affiliate link, although we receive these benefits the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

With March being National Read Across America Month, we wanted to share an audio adventure series that our boys have enjoyed. If you have children who struggle with reading, or the desire to read, audio books are an excellent resource.  Our boys love listening to audio books on road trips and when they go to sleep at night.  

Audio books are an excellent tool for parents, to help your children wind down at the end of the night and settle in for bed.  If you have an afternoon quiet time, audio books are perfect to help with that.  Our boys also love listening to audio books when they are Lego building or working on a puzzle.  

Even more so during this season when you may have everyone at home with distance learning, and you may be working from home, audio books are a great way for the kiddos to spend some quiet time, still being entertained, and learning while you are working.  

The Original Adventures were produced for kids ages 7-13, but are enjoyed by the entire family.  The New Adventures are produced for kids ages 10-16 and are also enjoyed by the entire family.  

Jonathan Park Audio Adventures are all-original stories created with actors, composers, engineers, and writers, just like a movie! That's why we say, the Jonathan Park Audio Adventures are like "Movies For Your Ears"!

As parents, we know that there is so much audio and visual content at our kids fingertips in this day and age we live in.  We also are big believers in "garbage in, garbage out".  We aim to equip our kids with resources that are faith building, encouraging and wholesome.  In this technological world we live in kids are exposed to so much through entertainment, and media. We love tools such as the Jonathan Park Audio Adventures that help equip kids with the truth of God's Word and provide them with evidence they need to back it up!

The Experience: With over 2,000,000 albums sold, Jonathan Park has been heard by countless families from all over the globe. Episodes range from 20-26 minutes per episode, each Album contains three episodes and each series contains four Albums or 12 episodes. 

Who is Jonathan Park for?  Jonathan Park action-packed audio adventures are for kids ages 7-16 and really the entire family. The stories are full of faith-building and educational evidence for a Creator. If your family enjoys imaginative and immersive stories packed with biblical truth, then Jonathan Park is for you!

We highly recommend you experience Jonathan Park faith-building audio adventures for yourselves. We know that they will ignite your kiddos imaginations and equip them to defend their faith!

You can purchase Audio CD's, or a Digital Download version, as well as experience online unlimited listening of The Jonathan Park Audio Adventure series, to learn more click here: https://bit.ly/3kknQ8x.

If you know someone with children who would appreciate this post please pass it on.  Thank you for reading we are grateful for all of your support and sharing with friends. 

Jonathan Park Audio Adventures

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Jonathan Park Audio Adventures, we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our affiliate link, although we receive these benefits the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

With March being National Read Across America Month, we wanted to share an audio adventure series that our boys have enjoyed. If you have children who struggle with reading, or the desire to read, audio books are an excellent resource.  Our boys love listening to audio books on road trips and when they go to sleep at night.  

Audio books are an excellent tool for parents, to help your children wind down at the end of the night and settle in for bed.  If you have an afternoon quiet time, audio books are perfect to help with that.  Our boys also love listening to audio books when they are Lego building or working on a puzzle.  

Even more so during this season when you may have everyone at home with distance learning, and you may be working from home, audio books are a great way for the kiddos to spend some quiet time, still being entertained, and learning while you are working.  

The Original Adventures were produced for kids ages 7-13, but are enjoyed by the entire family.  The New Adventures are produced for kids ages 10-16 and are also enjoyed by the entire family.  

Jonathan Park Audio Adventures are all-original stories created with actors, composers, engineers, and writers, just like a movie! That's why we say, the Jonathan Park Audio Adventures are like "Movies For Your Ears"!

As parents, we know that there is so much audio and visual content at our kids fingertips in this day and age we live in.  We also are big believers in "garbage in, garbage out".  We aim to equip our kids with resources that are faith building, encouraging and wholesome.  In this technological world we live in kids are exposed to so much through entertainment, and media. We love tools such as the Jonathan Park Audio Adventures that help equip kids with the truth of God's Word and provide them with evidence they need to back it up!

The Experience: With over 2,000,000 albums sold, Jonathan Park has been heard by countless families from all over the globe. Episodes range from 20-26 minutes per episode, each Album contains three episodes and each series contains four Albums or 12 episodes. 

Who is Jonathan Park for?  Jonathan Park action-packed audio adventures are for kids ages 7-16 and really the entire family. The stories are full of faith-building and educational evidence for a Creator. If your family enjoys imaginative and immersive stories packed with biblical truth, then Jonathan Park is for you!

We highly recommend you experience Jonathan Park faith-building audio adventures for yourselves. We know that they will ignite your kiddos imaginations and equip them to defend their faith!

You can purchase Audio CD's, or a Digital Download version, as well as experience online unlimited listening of The Jonathan Park Audio Adventure series, to learn more click here: https://bit.ly/3kknQ8x.

If you know someone with children who would appreciate this post please pass it on.  Thank you for reading we are grateful for all of your support and sharing with friends. 

Read more »

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Entenmann’s®. Although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own. #MiniActsofKindness #SocialSpotters #Ad

It is the desire of most parents to raise their children to be kind, generous and overall good people.  I am so grateful for my parents, I remember them not just telling us to be kind but showing us how to be kind.  My mom has always had a heart for the elderly, she would help clean their house for free, that is actually how she started her own cleaning business.  She would run errands for our elderly neighbors and lend a helping hand as often as she could.  My dad with his construction background was always willing to help our neighbors with miscellaneous home repairs.  Growing up my parents would often volunteer us kids to mow the neighbors lawn, babysit their kids or go along with my mom and help dust and clean.  

As parents we must know the importance of being INTENTIONAL in portraying kindness and shining the light of goodness everywhere we go.  My husband and I aim to exhibit kindness and believe in doing mini acts of kindness as an example to our children.  We have paid for random strangers meals, we have cooked meals for neighbors and friends, we volunteer in our community.  Just as I look back and remember fondly, doing mini acts of kindness with my parents, I hope my children remember and do likewise as they start families of their own. 

I spotted these Entenmann’s® Minis at my local Walmart and I knew these would be perfect to spread some mini acts of kindness.  We picked up the Entenmann’s® Minis Apple Snack Pies and the Brownie Chocolate Chip Cakes.  You know a simple mini act of kindness can go a long way in brightening someone's day, making them smile and letting them know they are seen.  


I love surprising people around our neighborhood like our lawn care guy, our mail carrier, my boys teachers, and our local dry cleaner owners and these mini treats are perfect for this. 

We printed and colored these mini notes to go along with the perfectly portioned and absolutely delicious Entenmann’s® Minis.  You can download these mini notes of kindness we made for FREE click the link to print: http://bit.ly/37V4j9x and tape them right on the mini treat.


Next time you are at your local retailer look for Entenmann’s® Minis, they are individually wrapped, so they stay fresher, longer allowing everyone to eat them over time, encouraging moderation.  They have a variety of flavors to satisfy your cravings and are available nationwide. 

Follow Entenmann’s® on social media to see what is up and coming, on Instagram @Entenmanns and over on Facebook @Entenmanns.

Thank you for reading, I would love to see and hear about your family spreading mini acts of kindness, please tag us on social media @BlogAboutItAll so we can follow along, you bringing smiles to faces. 


Mini Acts of Kindness with Entenmann’s® Minis

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Entenmann’s®. Although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own. #MiniActsofKindness #SocialSpotters #Ad

It is the desire of most parents to raise their children to be kind, generous and overall good people.  I am so grateful for my parents, I remember them not just telling us to be kind but showing us how to be kind.  My mom has always had a heart for the elderly, she would help clean their house for free, that is actually how she started her own cleaning business.  She would run errands for our elderly neighbors and lend a helping hand as often as she could.  My dad with his construction background was always willing to help our neighbors with miscellaneous home repairs.  Growing up my parents would often volunteer us kids to mow the neighbors lawn, babysit their kids or go along with my mom and help dust and clean.  

As parents we must know the importance of being INTENTIONAL in portraying kindness and shining the light of goodness everywhere we go.  My husband and I aim to exhibit kindness and believe in doing mini acts of kindness as an example to our children.  We have paid for random strangers meals, we have cooked meals for neighbors and friends, we volunteer in our community.  Just as I look back and remember fondly, doing mini acts of kindness with my parents, I hope my children remember and do likewise as they start families of their own. 

I spotted these Entenmann’s® Minis at my local Walmart and I knew these would be perfect to spread some mini acts of kindness.  We picked up the Entenmann’s® Minis Apple Snack Pies and the Brownie Chocolate Chip Cakes.  You know a simple mini act of kindness can go a long way in brightening someone's day, making them smile and letting them know they are seen.  


I love surprising people around our neighborhood like our lawn care guy, our mail carrier, my boys teachers, and our local dry cleaner owners and these mini treats are perfect for this. 

We printed and colored these mini notes to go along with the perfectly portioned and absolutely delicious Entenmann’s® Minis.  You can download these mini notes of kindness we made for FREE click the link to print: http://bit.ly/37V4j9x and tape them right on the mini treat.


Next time you are at your local retailer look for Entenmann’s® Minis, they are individually wrapped, so they stay fresher, longer allowing everyone to eat them over time, encouraging moderation.  They have a variety of flavors to satisfy your cravings and are available nationwide. 

Follow Entenmann’s® on social media to see what is up and coming, on Instagram @Entenmanns and over on Facebook @Entenmanns.

Thank you for reading, I would love to see and hear about your family spreading mini acts of kindness, please tag us on social media @BlogAboutItAll so we can follow along, you bringing smiles to faces. 


Read more »

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