Lenexa Great BBQ June 26th and 27th

This event is Free on Saturday but admission is on Friday. So to make it more affordable for you BBQ'ers check it out on Sat...

HOURS:Friday 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more info.
http://www.ci.lenexa.ks.us/parks/bbq.html

Stay at home mom's credit

To all you who stay at home... You are doing a great thing! The other day I had someone tell me that staying at home must be so easy. They continued on saying that you dont even have a job. Well I let them know staying at home is harder than working. I told them all the things I do in just a single day. They could not believe it! So for all you moms who struggle with this battle. You are doing the right thing! Your kids will know you love them! Keep up the good work and strive to do better tomorrow. We all could use improvement, including myself! Don't compare yourself to the amazing mother next door we all have one of those. Be happy with who God made you! You were made by the most amazing creator, and He knows what your kids need. Follow him and you will succeed!

Todays is the day to hang with family

We have extended family in from town so I am down here in southern Kansas just chillin with my hubbies family. This weekend we get to go to the lake for a family reunion. This should be a good time. I am hoping that it does not rain like the one time it did a few years ago. So if you do not here from me in a few days that is why. Next week is Vacation bible school so I am limited in my time available. So I hope you have a great week if I do not post. Who knows...

Things to do while its raining

I know its can get so boring with it raining days after days. Here is a list of indoor activities that can keep your dollar the same and your kids from killing each other.


1. Go to a local mall and find the kid play place (in Olathe there is a place called zonkers in the great mall and they have a large free kids play place in the mix of all their other things.)
2. Go the library for a story time or to play on the computers
3. Have a movie day.. Where you pop some popcorn and get into pjs and make it fun... You could even invite some friends to watch too!
4. If there is no lighting and its warm let the kids play in the rain, I know when I was little playing the rain was a blast...
5. Play games indoors
6. Make homemade playdoh and play with it afterwards
7. Make homemade cookies or cakes or brownies
8. Find a craft that you have always wanted to make the kiddos and have fun!
9. Pick a day called yes... This is the day while one kid can ask you to do whatever they want within reason of course. You can make meals of their choice and do it with them. Whether its barbies to movies, to playing games. You will find your childs interests that day and help with bonding
10. Organize and clean out a room, I do this with the kids bedrooms. This allows them to declutter, I rearrange furniture and redecorate and clean the entire room including the ceiling fans and windows. My kids love the look afterward. I ask them to help accordingly, whether its just sorting toys.

Kansas City Chalk & Walk Festival

This is somewhere I would like to go, I now personally crown center is very nice. However I have not been to this event. Unfortunatley would not be able attend so if you are there please let me know your thoughts on this event.

Friday, June 19 - Saturday, June 20

Admission: FREE
Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Crown Center Square

Kansas City River Market

This is a free attraction for the whole family to enjoy. The farmers market is a great experience for kids to see all different types of vegetables and maybe you can pick some out to make something wonderfully homemade with your kids. Usually a vendor will work with you on prices which can make this trip a win win for all to enjoy. If this is not close to you then check for a local farmers market however I feel this trip is well worth it. There are also many other attractions there that do cost money however. Totally try to stay in budget! Thats the key, if you want to enjoy have a budget before you go. Here is the link, so you can check out the attraction before you go. Have Fun!

http://www.kcrivermarket.com/index.php

Vacation Bible Schools

Vacation Bible schools are a great way to get your kids to have a great fun filled week for free. Not only do they get to learn about Jesus, but they teach them how to accept them into their hearts. This free activity could be the most life changing event for kids. Don't miss out on the fun.... If you do not have a local church, look around at your signs on your churchs near your home and see if its something your kids could enjoy. Who knows you may find some great friends and great church home this way. Pray about where God wants your kids and he will lead you! Have a great time!

Free sippy cup or water bottle with Juicy Juice

Check below to register and recieve your free sippy cup or water bottle. http://www.juicyjuice.com/Login/Register.aspx

Free tampax pearl sample

Click below to get your sample:

http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid71900.aspx

Check your local library

I personally was checking our local library and found tons of educational or fun things to do with my children during the summer. They had movie nights for the whole family to spanish classes for kiddos. Even if you do not find what you are looking for check with other neighboring towns and make it a field trip for the kids. Could be great day filled with the library and a picnic at a new park. Free ideas for the wonderful summer filled with little adventures for the kids!

Deanna Rose Childrens Farmstead

As I have talked about previously, this is one of my favorite free places to visit with my kids. We all seem to enjoy it tremdously.

Dairy Day - June 13

For more info:
http://www.opkansas.org/_Vis/Farmstead/index.cfm

Music in the Park Overland Park

Bring your family! Bring a picnic! Bring a chair! But leave your wallet at home because these concerts are always FREE!
Music in the Park is offered each Sunday, in the summer, from:
7 to 8:30 p.m. Santa Fe Commons Park81st and Santa Fe Drive

2009 Music in the Park Series - Sunday nights
June 7 Overland Park Orchestra Classical
June 14- July 5 Overland Park Civic BandShowtunes, Variety
July 12 The 312th US Army Reserve Band Patriotic, Standards
July 19 The Dixie Doodlers Dixieland
July 26The Rain Dogs Modern Bluegrass
Aug. 2 51% Blues Band Blues and Jazz
Aug. 9 Jim Cosgrove and the Hiccups Children’s Music
Aug. 16 Heart of America Barbershop Chorus A-Cappella Barbershop

http://www.opkansas.org/_Res/Things_to_Do/Arts_and_Music/music_park.cfm

Children's Concerts, Storytime Overland Park

It’s wigglin’ Wednesdays at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty.

Children's Concerts
June 10 10 to 10:30 a.m. Funky Mama
June 24 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Dino O’Dell
July 22 10 to 10:30 a.m. Dino O’Dell
July 29 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Funky Mama
Jim Cosgrove and the Hiccups, aka Mr. Stinky Feet, will perform Aug. 9 at Music in the Park.

http://www.opkansas.org/_Res/Things_to_Do/Arts_and_Music/kids_concerts.cfm

Mahaffie Stage Coach Free Thursday Evenings

I totally suggest going and visiting these grounds if you have never visited before. There is tons of history about kansas right here in the city of Olathe. They have different events going on throughout the summer, they also have a flyer describing the different events.
http://www.olatheks.org/Mahaffie/Events

Mahaffie Stage Coach Family Fun Event

Tuesday June 9th in Olathe, this event is Free to all from 6-8P.M. The olathe civic band will be playing that night as well.
Click below for more info:
http://www.olatheks.org/Mahaffie/Events

Cedar Lake Fishing Derby FREE!

June 13th Fishing Derby in Olathe is Free!

Here is the info:

FREE EVENT & FREE GIVEAWAYS!Saturday, June 13* Rainout Make-up Date June 20Cedar Lake (South of 151st on Lone Elm Road)Ages 3 to 15 and 60 plus (Participation limited to the first 600)
Gates open at 7:30amParticipants must register in personRegister from 8am to 10amFish from 10am to 12pmFree lunch from 12pm to 1pm (Hot Dog Lunch for the entire family)Trophy presentation from 1pm to 1:30pm

http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/Fishing

Cabelas

June 13th: The kids fishing derby is going on. They are also providing hot dogs for the kids that participate. They have different age groups for each child. To have fun click the button below for more info. This is only in Kansas City as well. So double check your area.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/community/aboutus/retail-detail.jsp?detailedInformationURL=/cabelas/en/content/community/aboutus/retail/retail_stores/kc/kc.html&cm_re=retail*left*kc

Bass Pro Shop

Free Summer camp at Bass pro shop. May 30 through July 5 on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6pm. They are allowing kids to have free laser shooting in the gallery, free casting pond, free shooting range, free crafts, free photos and so much more. Please check your local Bass pro if not in Kansas to make sure. Great family outing. Click below for more info...

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPageC?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&appID=163&option=3&template=circular.cfm&catalog=jun1_insert_tab&rfx_versioningid=036&storeID=49

5 Tips for getting out of debt

1. I use cash for almost everything I can. I have been doing this for at least 9 months now and have paid off thousands in debt. Yes I make mistakes, actually I made one last month with thinking I can handle the debit card. Boy was I wrong... Its okay to make mistakes just start again. Keep trying!
2. If you do not have the cash for it do not buy it! This is hard, especially for me... I want stuff now, but we all can wait!
3. Find friends who are doing the same thing, do not try to hang out with people who try very hard to blow their paycheck before they get it! It will be very hard to stay on budget around them.
4. Find older people who spend their money wisely, I do not mean grandpa who still has car loans either. I mean grandma who stores money in her sugar container for a rainy day.
5. Google ways to save money... There are tons of ways to save money that you have not even thought of yet.

I know this is hard, but you can do it! Do it for your family! You could change your whole family tree!

Dancing

Today I got to watch Big A. dance and her dance show. Man it was so weird to see my little girl with make up on. I did her hair all up. To see your children grow up is so amazing. I feel so blessed to be able to stay at home with her and see every precious moment of her life. I am feeling very thankful for her and little A. Can't wait to see the recital tomorrow night!

Reasonable priced snacks for kiddos

Yes most of these are homemade. I have found that homemade is much more affordable than buying prepackaged or made for you.

1. Graham crackers with icing
2. Jello (you can even add fruit to make it healthier)
3. Pudding
4. Chocolate chip cookies (homemade of course)
5. Fruits
6. Yogurt
7. Applesauce
8. Icy pops
9. Ice Cream (yes you can make this homemade as well)
10. Saltine crackers with Peanut butter


I would love to hear of more ideas on this... These are my kids favorites so that is why I chose to post them.