family

8 Benefits of Musical Education

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post about musical education. As always, all opinions are my own.

I’ve always enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music. Country, top 40, pop, easy listening, jazz, and music from the big band era. From about the age of 12 I’ve absolutely loved music, and musical instruments.

musical education

I never learned to play one though.

In 5th grade Anika ( my eldest) had an opportunity that I never had, the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument. She’s now in 10th grade and on Friday night’s you’ll find her playing on the sidelines cheering our local high school football team on.

September 26, 2018 0 comment

family life

Our Weekend Wrap Up: Work, Baseball, and Monster Jam Review

written by Melissa Kaylene

Hello my friends! How was your weekend? The other weekend I worked, so like I mentioned before I wasn’t able to attend the Monster Jam this year with the family. I sent Wayne, Emma, Noah, and one of Noah’s friends on their way before I headed off to my other job. Before that happened though we had another big event happen: baseball tryouts. Up until now Noah has played in the local parks and rec leagues. This year is the first year he is old enough to tryout for our small town’s club.

Luckily the tryout timing worked out well and they were able to take off right afterwards to attend the Monster Jam! It was certainly a fun and eventful day for them.

monster jam review

Monster Jam Review:

March 6, 2018 0 comment

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A Simple Family Party Spread

written by Melissa Kaylene

Well my friends, the Big Game came and went. While our household doesn’t obsess over football, I still enjoy watching the game (and the half-time show). I enjoy any excuse that I can to make some fun little memories with the kids. Since it was just the five of us we kept it really low-key and made a little party spread. I cooked a few things, bought a few snacks, and set everything out on the table for us to nibble on. I really enjoy any excuse to do this really, it’s like a casual lunch/dinner buffet.

party spread

My husband Wayne went to work for a few hours in the morning, so I spent the earlier part of the day cooking and watching the Puppy Bowl with Emma and Noah. They really got into it! We each picked a team to root for and they made sure that our cat Smores had the best seat in the house for the kitty half-time show. It was pretty cute and quite funny.

February 7, 2018 1 comment

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Catching Up Together at The Coast

written by Melissa Kaylene

coast

I feel like my voice has been somewhat quiet on here lately. Partly it’s because we spent three nights at the coast last week, and also because sometimes my brain just needs a breather and I just can’t seem to formulate anything interesting to say. I suppose it’s a writer’s block in some sort of sense, but in reality it just feels like brain fatigue because it tends to happen when I’ve got a lot going on in life, and on my mind.

February 27, 2017 0 comment

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How To Go Glamping

written by Melissa Kaylene

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FallGlamping #Glamping #CollectiveBias

How to go glamping + a Simple Smore Mousse Recipe #fallglamping #glamping ad

Last weekend we had a blast. Emma had her first basketball games, we went and saw The Peanuts Movie, and we went on an overnight glamping trip to the beach.

Yes, I said glamping. If you aren’t familiar with the term, glamping refers to glamour camping, and it’s my favorite kind of camping.

November 10, 2015 5 comments

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Our New Kellogg’s #GoodNightSnack #Cbias

written by Melissa Kaylene

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Kellogg's #GoodNightSnack cereal ideas #shop #cbias

Last week was full of excitement as we had birthday parties, small town celebrations, exciting trips (for me!) and lots of fun moments. Friday night after we walked home from Dayton Friday Nights, we decided to let Emma and Noah stay up a little bit later because I had purchased some used DVD’s Friday morning – a whole set of Berenstain Bear cartoons. I’m not sure if you are familiar with the book series or not, but in my house they are a nightly favorite. The best part is that most of the books were my sister’s and mine growing up, so it brings back lots of memories for me when I read them. I let them get all cozy and decided to get them a little snack since we were having a special Friday night evening. Often times I’ll break out the usual popcorn, but sometimes I’ll do something a little different – Breakfast before bed with Kellogg’s® cereal. My kids could seriously munch on cereal all day if I let them, but I had just purchased a couple kinds from Walmart that we had never tried before – Blueberry Frosted Mini Wheats and Rice Krispies® Multigrain Shapes cereal, so I thought there was no better time to break out a special snack.

There is also a new Kellogg’s® Jif™ Peanut Butter Cereal that looks delicious that we will have to try next time!

Perhaps the Berenstain Bears had got me nostalgic because one thing I recall about my dad was his late night bedtime snack every night to satisfy his sweet tooth. Most of the time it was a bowl of ice cream, but on occasion he’d sit down with a bowl of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. I told my kids that story and they thought it was pretty cool that they were being “just like Papa”.

A lot of the time we will just eat our cereal dry – I’ll just load it all on to the cutting board and use that as a tray to keep them all on, but sometimes when the kids want it with milk I’ll pour it in a coffee mug so it’s easier to hold while watching their show.

I think that cereal will now be a #goodnightsnack in our house more often. It’s quick, easy, tasty, and a flavor for everyone. Thanks #CollectiveBias for letting me share our moments!

~Melissa

July 28, 2014 2 comments

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Family Time Idea: Design-a-Pizza Together

written by Melissa Kaylene

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

Family Time Idea: #DesignAPizza together! #Digiorno #shop

Last night was a late night for the kids – especially on a school night. Emma had practice and then Anika had a softball game that ran until 8pm, so we weren’t even home until 8:20 or so…and I had only fed them a snack before we left, so they were pretty darn hungry. I was going to grab something on the way home, but then remembered I had purchased two DIGIORNO® Design-A-Pizza kits the other day for us to make, so I just decided no time like the present since they were pretty quick and easy to prepare.

I had the kids put their jammies on and then they got thrilled when I said I was going to have them make us dinner! (Probably because they already knew they were up past their bedtime!) Sometimes spur of the moment little decisions are the most memorable.

The #DIGIORNO #DesignAPizza kits are pretty cool, because each pizza comes with a variety of toppings like pepperoni, chicken, sausage, spinach, tomatoes, cheese, peppers, and pizza seasoning. While pizza night in our house is always a fun treat, sometimes it turns into an argument with the kids on deciding which type of pizza to have, since we have our own favorite flavors. Well, last night the kids were thrilled to make their own sections of the pizza with what they wanted….and I let them design Wayne’s and my sections as well.

Emma, my little artist, was so intent on making the best pizza, and so proud that she got to design ours as well. We had lots of tasty spinach and onions on ours. 😉

When the kids were done we popped them into the oven for 22 minutes and patiently waited while the tasty aroma filled the kitchen.

Even though it was getting pretty late, we always do a little family night in conjunction with pizza night, like a special show with soda or popcorn, so I let them watch an episode of Full House (such a classic family show!) with a cup of strawberry kiwi soda.

We then had them brush teeth and hop into bed hoping that they wouldn’t be too tired for school today! Luckily everyone was smiles this morning.

Sometimes little impromptu family meals are my favorite.

You can easily find the DIGIORNO® Design-A-Pizza kits in the frozen pizza section at Walmart if you’d like the create your own spur of the moment family night too!

Do you ever do anything like this at your house?

Thanks #CollectiveBias for letting us have another amazing family evening together!

~Melissa

June 3, 2014 2 comments

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TGIF Family Time and Appetizers

written by Melissa Kaylene

I am a member of the #CollectiveBias ® Social Fabric® Community. This family time shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

Family time is something that I cherish more than anything. Little moments made now will create a lifetime of memories. Games on TV are sometimes big events with lots of company and excitement, but other times it’s nice to just have our little family at home relaxing together. Many times I’ll make a quick trip to a store like Walmart the day before to grab a few tasty snacks like T.G.I. Friday’s Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Potato Skins, or their Chicken Wings with Honey BBQ Sauce for the kids to nibble on.

When the game day arrives we break out the snacks, and we also take out some other forms of entertainment for when the kid’s attention spans start waning from the TV.

One of the things we like to do is get out our board games that rarely get played. Both Wayne and I will play with the kids while the game is on. Of course we like watching the big game on TV, but with kids you just can’t give the game your undivided attention, and that’s okay.

Family time always comes first.

Yummy snacks and games together are something that my kids will always remember, not the games on television; and that’s how it should be. It’s thing’s like this that are turning into our family tradition, and I hope that one day later on in their lives they look back and smile at the memories.

If you are heading to the store to stock up for the big game happening next weekend, Walmart has T.G.I. Friday’s snacks in the freezer isle as well as demos happening in many stores January 30th – February 2nd! Make sure to follow the hash tag #TGIFGameDay and find out if there is one happening near you!

What are some traditions that your have with your family during big televised games? I would love to hear!

~Melissa

January 27, 2014 1 comment

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20 Spring Break “Stay-Cation” Ideas

written by Melissa Kaylene

Oh my goodness….it’s almost here! Spring Break seems to always sneak up on me. If you are one of the lucky ones you have already planned and prepared a get-a-way with your family!

Others (like myself) either don’t get time off of work, or are learning the act of being frugal with their funds ( I have both strikes against me this year….but read about my financial accomplishment last month here.) So here’s a list I have compiled to help make your ‘stay-cation’ an exciting one. Pick your favorites and schedule your week of fun!

Spring Break Staycation Ideas:

1. Go to the Park. This is a no brainer! The park is free fun, and the weather is just getting warm enough to enjoy outside again! Check out 5 reasons why you should be taking your kids to the park HERE

2. Go to the Library. Seriously, I don’t know about your kids, but mine love looking at new books, even if your kid isn’t an avid reader, take them anyways, and encourage reading.

3. Have a craft day. Spend some time online looking through blogs for some fun crafts to make with the kids. Channel your inner child and participate as well…you’ll be surprised how happy it makes you feel!

4. Slumber Party!!! I know, I know, slumber parties are still a source of anxiety for me as well…but do it anyways. Sure your house will be completely thrashed when it is over, but you will be the coolest mom around 😉 Check out some Girl’s Slumber Party Ideas HERE and HERE.

5. Friday Night Movie Night. Let them pick out a movie, cuddle in their sleeping bags, stay up late eat lots of popcorn!

6. Chalk it up. Go grab a box of the brightest chalk you can find and create a chalk village together on the sidewalk or driveway!

7. Take them Bowling. This is a great one for a rainy day, and often times bowling alleys will have mid-day/mid-week specials.

8. Have a backwards day. You heard me right. The entire day. Backward. Let them put their clothes on backwards, and eat dessert for breakfast, than dinner. Have breakfast for dinner that night…do things that you normally do in opposite order! They’ll love it!

9. Go to a Children’s Museum. This is on my personal to-do list! There’s a couple great ones fairly close to me. Always make sure you check out the website online, because some of them have certain days of the month with reduced, or free admission!

10. Board Games and Floats. Break out the family games, and have game night. Get some vanilla ice cream ( if you are feeling extra creative make some! ), and buy some root beer and orange soda and have a fun family night!

11. Have a “Travel the World” week! I still have to try this one. Pick 5 places that you and your kids are interested about. Use the WWW and the library to learn some cool stuff about there, print some pictures, and make a ‘travel’ scrap book. Find authentic recipes to make, and create a themed dinner every night for those 5 days! Use your imagination….it will be fun to look back through the scrapbook, and you will all learn a thing or two.

P.S. You know Italy will be on the top of my list!

12. Go to the Zoo. Make sure you pack snacks and take pictures of all the baby animals!

13. Skating anyone? Skating rinks are fun, inexpensive, and great for rainy spring days.

14. Decorate Easter Eggs! Easter is just around the corner, make sure you let the little ones color beautiful eggs! You can also decorate plastic eggs with stickers, glitter, paint, etc!

15. Go out for Ice Cream Pick an ice cream shop that you have never been to before. I love the little local ones…have everyone pick a flavor for each other!

16.Have a Picnic in the Park. Or backyard, or even in the living room if it’s too cold outside!

17. Throw a cupcake bash! Pick out flavorings, toppings, different frosting’s…the works. It will keep the kids busy all afternoon! (Don’t be alarmed if they have a hard time eating all their dinner that night though! ) 🙂

18. Go Visit a Farmer’s Market. Or Saturday market. I am lucky that we have a fun Saturday market year ’round where I live. There are lots that open up during spring break though – go be a ‘tourist’ and check them out!

19. Head to the Local Pool. Obviously the beach would be the first choice, but if you are not lucky enough to live next to one, take the kids to the pool for the afternoon and let them burn off some energy.

20. Plan Your Family Summer Bucket List . I know it sounds like a long ways off, but it will be summer vacation before you know it. Now is a good time to all sit down together and figure out your ‘must do’s’ for this summer. That way when the time gets closer you can start to schedule your summer accordingly.

Remember, plan out your spring break, and let the kids be involved with choosing an activity! Most of all, take lots of pictures and have fun!

~ Melissa

March 12, 2013 30 comments