Free Activities for Your Tikes

I've always enjoyed "activity", so as a mom of young children, I enjoy taking my children out to do fun things.  One of the drawbacks for a young mom is not having the extra money to do "memberships" or classes.  So I have learned to do free or inexpensive activities.  I wanted to share some ideas with you today.

Activities at the local Library

Libraries are a great source of fun and education for your kiddos.  You can borrow books, puzzles and videos, bring your kids to events, and even let them get their very own library card. 

Most libraries have events like...

1. Story time for toddlers and preschoolers
2. Summer reading programs
3. Crafts
4. Holiday events like puppet shows

Hiking

Most towns have bike paths or sidewalks where you can take walks.  Also check out the beach, the mountains, or a nearby wildlife sanctuary to go hiking with your kids.  It's a great time to point out and teach about animals and flowers.

"You Pick"

This is not exactly free.  If you buy fruit from the store, think about going to a local farm or orchard to pick your own.  The kids love this and it's a great tool to teach them all sort of things about plants, fruit and the great outdoors.  Growing up, I remember apple and peach picking. Now, where we live, we go berry picking.  We can also get fresh oranges as well.  Google your area and find the "pick your own" farms.

Fire house tour

Did you know that most of our local firehouses give free tours?  You can call ahead or just drop in and ask if your kiddos can see the fire trucks.  The fireman love to show off their equipment and vehicles to your kids.  Your kiddos might go home with their very own plastic fireman hats.  They might even be allowed to sit in the truck and see the lights. 

As an added bonus, bakes some brownies or cookies and take them with you to share your appreciation for our everyday heroes. Teaching your children to love and respect these guys is important!

Our fire stations in town had an event at the local park and "A" got to "tour" their helicopter. It was AWESOME! (See picture)

Local park

Check out your local parks.  Kids are ALWAYS up for a slide and swing. More than likely, you will get the chance to meet other moms this way as well.

Splash pads

Many towns are getting these so check out your area to see if there is one. Splash pads are fun water areas where the water shoots out of the ground. Bring a bathing suit or strip them down to their underwear.  Your kiddos will LOVE THIS.

Church events 

From Vacation Bible School to Harvest festivals and Christmas parties, A LOT of churches have fun FREE events.  Call or visit local churches and find out what they have going on. Even if you are already a part of a church, you can still visit events at other churches when they don't conflict with your church events. 

Nursing homes

Does your child enjoy singing?  Call ahead and ask a local nursing home if your child can come and sing for the older people. I'm sure the people would LOVE this. 

Holiday Events

During the holidays, most towns have a lot to do. From Easter egg hunts to firework displays to Christmas Parades, there is usually something fun for the kids. Check out events on your town's calendar. 

Building Workshops (Lowe's & Home Depot)

Depending on the age of your children, Lowe'' free workshop is amazing! Your child gets a free apron and goggles and a project. He get's to build this project and take it home with him AND he gets a patch (to put on his apron) for each project he completes. It's completely free and fun! Check out their website here -> Build and Grow. Home Depot does it too but I have yet to go to theirs. 

I hope this gave you some ideas.  Do you have any others????  Leave them below in the comment box. - Rejoicing in the Present

Lukewarm Tea

I am seriously a HOT-beverage drinker.  I love the feeling of hot liquid going down my throat.  It's like a warm blanket to the soul.  Especially on cold mornings.  I love to sit under a blanket and drink something hot.  I love coffee, tea, hot chocolate, choffee (chocolate coffee) and hot apple cider. 

Unfortunately, coffee doesn't like me anymore, so I only drink sips now and then. I've always drank coffee for the taste so it was a sad day when I had to stop. 

Right now, I am drinking a lot of herbal tea. We actually have a "tea" room in our mall. They have lots of different teas. You can order a cup or buy it by the ounce. A while back I was out shopping with J., I stumbled onto them and became hooked.

So anyway, A few days ago, I was running out the door to a doctor's appointment.  But before I actually left, I made myself a cup of tea.  It was super hot and I couldn't drink it so I poured it into a to-go cup.  I called a friend on my way there and hung up before I got to my appointment. When I hung up, I reached for the cup to drink some liquid goodness.  I took a large gulp and, immediately, was disappointed.  It was lukewarm! Yep that nasty, in between taste, not hot and not cold.  It was a sad morning!

It made me want to spit it out.  My expectations of that yummy hot-ness were immediately dashed. 

Most people do NOT like lukewarm.  When your coffee sits too long, when your coke loses its crispy coldness, it's become trash. 

Sweet friend, we are not the only one that dislikes lukewarm.  God says He will spit it out of His mouth.

Revelations 3:15-16 "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."

Don't be on the fence.  Not with God. We are either for Him or against Him. 

I am either actively following Him or actively fighting him. Lukewarm is nasty!

Lukewarm Christians ...

1. Are not on fire for God.
2. Are more afraid of what the world thinks then what God thinks.
3. Are followers of the "popular".
4. Are always harping on people not to "judge".
5. Don't really have a desire for God.
6. Are just "saved" because they are afraid of hell.

Does this sound like you?  

Dear friend this doesn't have to be us.  

God, our Father wants a REAL relationship with ME.  

Take your temperature.  Are you lukewarm? - Rejoicing in the Present

Taking a Break

Dear Friends,

I am taking a break from writing for a few weeks.  It's been overwhelming lately with a few different life situations so I need this time to be renewed.  I have never wanted to write just because I felt like I had to.  My writing comes out of my heart and what I am learning on my journey to Heaven...and at this time, I need a water break.  :) 

While I am on break, feel free to read some of my old posts.  Below are some of my readers' favorites:

Much love,
J.

Where Are Your Eyes?

Virginity Vs. Purity 1-4 (For singles and married woman)

Helping A Widowed Heart

Gifted To Be You

Religiosity and The Church

It Makes Me Happy

I Have A Secret

Taking The No-ah Approach