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Posted on March 18, 2022March 18, 2022

## 3 Products that are making life a little easier for me right now

I promised a fun post and this is the first of a couple that I’ve been wanting to share. Some products that have been making my life a little easier lately. My daughter and I just had a discussion about NEEDS vs. WANTS- I’m not one to spend money frivolously. It has to make sense, save me money (in the long haul) and be practical/useful/save me time! These three product do all of those things so I’m excited to share!

First Up: Dawn Power Wash

I can’t say enough about this product. I use it on EVERYTHING. Hard to scrub pots & pans, Kids Gatorade bottles, my Bubba cup straws, carpet stains, clothing stains, etc. In the pictures below you will see that I used it to clean my stove top and even a couple of drip pans. I spray and let it set for about a minute before I scrub with a sponge. I don’t let it sit too long or it will dry up but long enough to work itself into the mess/stain. Everything is so much easier with this stuff. Now I know this product is probably not going to win an award for “best clean product”. Pretty sure it probably has a couple of harsh chemicals. BUT this is saving me so much time from scrubbing. I honestly can oversee this. The pro’s outweigh the cons in my mind. I don’t use it for large spreads such as our floors and counter tops (unless there is a stain somewhere). So I’m okay to have this around. It saves me time and money and those are high commodities right now.

Before 1
After

Next: Malibu Hair Conditioning Treatment

I’ve used this one on the right multiple times
This is VERY similar to the Swimmers and I have used this one also

Swimming in pools with chlorine makes Lily’s hair course and VERY snarly. I have found these conditioning treatments to be a BIG game changer for us. So simple to use. Use 1/2 or full package and let sit on hair 5-10 minutes. Usually she plays in the bath while it sits in her hair. Then just rinse it out like a normal conditioner. It brings so much life back to her hair- it amazing! I haven’t tried it on myself because I just haven’t felt like my hair has needed it but its been really great for Lily. We usually do this maybe once every couple of months but in the spring now (with swim lessons-in the pool) and summer coming up- I’ll stock up. We will likely need to do it every 2-3 weeks. A conditioning treatment at a spa or hair Salon would run you on average $30 so I feel like this saves us money and gets really great results- winning!

https://www.amazon.com/Malibu-Miracle-Repair-Wellness-Reconstructor/dp/B07CX3R678/ref=sxts_rp_s1_0?crid=29VN206GUVBGP&cv_ct_cx=malibu&keywords=mailbou&pd_rd_i=B07CX3R678&pd_rd_r=650f5856-18cf-4da4-8822-b99a45efc651&pd_rd_w=T6SY6&pd_rd_wg=dK2VT&pf_rd_p=5d10c7b7-657f-44a1-8312-8b406103e1ce&pf_rd_r=9ZHR4X8HTQHQGW8HCXAV&psc=1&qid=1647467599&sprefix=milbou%2Caps%2C211&sr=1-1-f0029781-b79b-4b60-9cb0-eeda4dea34d6

Lastly: Hard Boiled Egg Cooker

Just add a little water to the base before you press the on button

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Spring-Shop/Kitchen-Picnic/Appliances/Rapid-Egg-Cooker/p/80967367

Our family eats a lot of eggs! This quick egg cooker is so great. I set the eggs in it with a little water and press a button. That’s it. I’m free to go about my business. It makes a dinging noise when it is done and automatically shuts off. I rinse the eggs in cold water and into the refrigerator they go. I have used this little machine about 50 times and love it. Eggs come out tasting perfect and easy to peel! I got mine at Hobby Lobby but I believe you can find them on Amazon too.

Posted on March 8, 2022March 8, 2022

## When You Feel Unseen; He See’s

One of my most painful memories is from my high school prom. I wanted to go to prom SO bad. I watched my brother go to prom 3 times and I had a twin sister I knew would have no problem catching a date. I was a junior in high school and I knew I didn’t stand a chance of being asked. I think people liked me. That was always my mission anyhow. Get them to like you! I think to an extent this thinking is okay. Paul said “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people that I might save some” 1 Corinthians 9:22

I did this ALL of the time though. So much so that I neglected myself and became a doormat. I started to elevate others and became entrenched in a gross lie. I hated myself. Hated! Such a big word but very true. I lost myself. I did not see myself as God seen me. My heart loved Jesus and simultaneously believed satan’s lie that I was a mistake.

I remember it took all the courage I could muster to call a friend from church who I thought might pity me enough to agree to take me to prom. Unfortunately he said no. Said he didn’t want to go to prom, had no interest in prom. Once again that lie I believed of myself grew. Why would I think for a moment He’d take me? He would not want to be seen by all of his friends taking me to prom. Yeah I’m an idiot I thought. It took weeks to brush this experience off. Later that month I agreed to myself that I would try one more person. This person also didn’t have many friends and certainly he’d be willing to be seen with me. So after class one day I asked him. “Would you take me, as friends?” I was shocked when he said yes!

I was excited that I could finally be part of a BIG day like this. I didn’t think this would actually be possible for me. I was a chunky 200+ pound girl with red hair. There was a sliver of me left that wanted to be/feel beautiful. I couldn’t wait. Was I excited about who I was attending with? Honestly no. We were friends but not close friends definitely this was going to be/feel awkward but I didn’t care. I Noelle Dalen was going to prom!! Eeeek!!! I did all of the shopping with my sister and we did tanning, nails and hair- the whole gamut. So fun. Days before the actual prom I recieved a call from him. He explained that he started dating someone and asked me if it was ok if he went with her? I said sure. The next day he apologized and said that he didn’t feel right about it. He had made a promise to me and he will still take me. Okay so I had a rollercoaster of emotions going into prom.

The day had arrived. Despite the emotions earlier-I was very excited. I got fancied up, we took all of the pictures. It was great. When we got to the grand march I realized that the girl he was seeing was there. I was so confused. We walked through grand march together and then he asked me if he could go find her. I said sure. Of course. Go. When we piled on the bus- I sat alone. I sat alone most of the night at the dinner. I watched everyone dance. I sat alone on the bus ride home. It was probably one of the loneliest times of my life. I felt like I didn’t exist. People didn’t see me. I was invisible.

BUT GOD. God uses EVERYTHING! Is this a sad story? YES. BUT-it honestly helped shape who I am today!! That bis the beauty of it now. I will always remember the 200 lb, red head who walked around feeling invisible to the world. AND I have made it my mission that NO ONE ever feels invisible! My life’s mission has been to shine Jesus and tell them the TRUTH about WHO they are in Him. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” 1 Peter 2:9. I will teach my daughter to be the one who SEE’s that kid sitting alone. I will teach my son to be the one who asks that lonely girl in the corner to dance. It doesn’t take much. It just takes someone willing to SEE and maybe look a little DIFFERENT/ stand out. I hope we can all teach our children these things because no one should feel unseen.

My husband learned about this very painful memory of mine years after we had been married. In the recovery world they have several different events happening all of the time. He was so sweet. He heard there was going to be a Sober Adult Prom and he went all out. The boutonniere’s, opening my car door, random pics-all of it!! The actual prom was pretty lame- but we even laughed about all of that. He’s my prince charming and I can look back now and say God had a plan even in my darkest of days.

Do you know that God loves you SO much? Not 1 tear your cry is wasted! What a phenomenal thing to think about!!

“You have kept count of my tossing; put my tears in your bottle”. Psalm 56:8

Do not think for a moment you are a mistake. That is an ugly lie!

Posted on January 23, 2022January 23, 2022

## Trusting God in Hard Times

“When my heart is faint, lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.” Psalm 61:2,3

This is going to be a hard post to write, a hard post to share and probably a hard post for you to read. I make no apology- life is hard. We were never promised as believers an easy life. In fact Jesus warned us “In this world you WILL have tribulation. BUT take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

I will spare you the laundry list of things that weigh on my heart today because there are so many. I know that you all have things your facing today as well. Instead I will just share the biggest thing (right now) that is heavy on my heart. My sister. She has been no saint and I know that she will attest to this but watching her fight cancer while she fights an ugly divorce/child custody battle is OVERWHELMING. I have to say as I watch her do this I have never been so proud of her! She is 7.5 years older then me so we really have never been very close. Beyond the age gap though we actually had a hard time ever really getting along. We bumped heads a lot and I probably fostered some pretty harsh feelings towards her. Its crazy how fast PERSPECTIVE hits when cancer comes on the scene.

I have come to realize that none of that (past trauma) really matters because my sister has cancer. In the last 2 years since she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer our friendship has blossomed and I hate that it took cancer to wake us all up! So many regrets but now all we can live for is today.

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1

Jamestown Jimmies!

This fall my sister and I went to my nephews football game. My sister LOVES watching football. It was honestly the highlight of my year- watching her watch her son play college football. Yes I’m on the floor bawling right now as I write this. I have finally learned to appreciate all of the small moments in life. When I get the opportunity to be with her I find myself making these visual programs in my mind and storing the memory/moments so that I can recall it out if or when needed. I may not see eye to eye with her and we may have had our moments but beyond all of that- she is so much fun. She loves life. She loves her kids. She has a beautiful heart. She was dealt a lot of tough stuff in this life and it seems unfair but she has LIVED, she has LOVED, she has been LOVED and she is a STRONG, FIERCE woman.

I want my sister to know whether she lives or dies: death does NOT have the final say! Death is imminent. Its going to happen to us all. What is important is how we lived while we were here on earth. What did we do with our time?

1. Did you know Jesus?
2. Did You make Jesus known?

In John 11: 25,26 Jesus tells Martha “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall NEVER DIE.”

Sister I am praying you through this battle. I want to see us have MANY MANY more moments together. I am believing for a miraculous healing in your life!! If you leave us I will rest in knowing that death is not the end and you are living in a better place- free of pain. I want you to rest in knowing that I will do everything in my power to honor your memory and love your kids so that one day they too will be with you. Please don’t give up. KEEP FIGHTING! JESUS WINS NO MATTER WHAT!!!!

Posted on December 8, 2021December 8, 2021

## Father to the Fatherless

Todays blog is actually taken from a post I wrote in December of 2015. I hope you are blessed by it!

Had a great time at church. Met a new friend who helped us out in the 3 year old room. We had kind of a deep conversation after church. This lady watched us as we led the class and she shared with us after class. She especially enjoyed how David was with the kids. I explained to her that he wasn’t always like that and becoming a Dad really softened him. He then had tears and talked about how not having a father really jaded him. He really didn’t know what a father looked like until he had the hands on experience. My heart has been in meditation today. Just thinking about our Heavenly Father. Father to ALL. If you were neglected and or abandoned like my husband was I want you to know that there is a man out there that loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. He is not like any earthly father. Far greater! He came in the form of a baby and his birth is nothing short of a complete miracle. He is still in the business of miracles!!! Do you need a miracle today? Look no further. I would love to share with you and help you to know Jesus! He is just a prayer away.

Posted on October 9, 2021January 21, 2022

## All Things PUMPKIN Please!

I know know all of you are fans of pumpkin but if you are I want to share a few of my recipes. In my family I’m the only one who adores pumpkin. The kids love carving them but that is about as far as their fascination goes. Mine goes BEYOND and I’m not afraid to say it. Two of my new favorite recipes are a single dish baked pumpkin oatmeal and a single serving pumpkin protein pancakes. I’ve been messing around with pumpkin for the last month and some things turned out and some things did not. Pumpkin can definitely be tricky to bake/cook with. Too much and things fall apart quickly. Too little and “whats the point?” If you can’t taste it that no fun either. Pumpkin is a great source of fiber. Fiber is SO to our diet. Now I’m no nutritionist but I have done enough research on fiber that I’m convinced next to water, Fiber is the next best thing we consume and we don’t get nearly enough. We should get 30-50 grams of fiber everyday. A 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree has 7-9 grams of fiber (depending on if its fresh or canned). Pumpkin is also rich in vitamins and minerals: A, C, B2, E, potassium, copper, manganese, Iron as well as small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, folate and several B vitamins. Its a great antioxidant.

Sometimes finding HEALTHY ways to include pumpkin in your diet can be tricky. I love to make my own pumpkin puree. It can be a lengthy process but 1 pie pumpkin (done right) can produce up to 3 cups of puree. The best trick I can give on making your own pumpkin puree is to use a cheese cloth to strain it. I sometimes will just let the cheese cloth filled with pureed pumpkin sit in a colander over the sink for an hour or two just to get as much of that excess water and liquid out.

Onto some wonderful tried and true HEALTHY Pumpkin recipes. Both recipes are single serving- 1 serving.

Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

1/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree

1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Oats

1 TBLS Stevia (cup for cup Stevia)- can also substitute maple syrup

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

1/4 cup oat milk – can substitute almond milk

Mix all ingredients and place in a greased baking dish such as a Ramekin (I just use my small sauce pan that is oven safe). Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. I like to add some whipped cream to the top before I eat. YUMMY!

Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

Perfect Saturday morning breakfast

1/2 Cup Kodiak (or similar) Protein Pancake Mix

3 TBLS Pumpkin Puree

1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 TBLS Stevia (cup for cup Stevia) or substitute maple syrup

1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup water

Mix all ingredients cook on stovetop over medium heat. Think low and slow. These pancakes are very dense (and keep you full for a LONG time) so you want to make sure they rise up and cook through the middle. A dollop of whip cream is perfect- no syrup needed on these!

Posted on August 31, 2021August 31, 2021

## Our Experience with COVID

–No Politics, just a detailed series of events

We had a great week at our annual MN Family camp hosted at Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria, MN. If I had known however what was about to hit us I might have chosen to skip this particular camping trip. We had gone into this camping trip pretty exhausted emotionally and physically. We had a traumatic experience just a couple weeks prior that ended with the death of our beloved family dog Ida. David, Theo and I were all still feeling emotionally distraught. It was the perfect set up for a virus to take hold (likely our immune systems were not functioning at 100%).

We drove home from Alexandria on a Sunday. That Saturday evening I had a slight cough as I went to bed. The next day the cough became more pronounced and I was feeling a headache. I figured it was honestly just exhaustion from all of the camping we had just done but that evening (Sunday evening) I knew something was not right. Sunday and Monday I thought it was livable. Just a cold. Tuesday I had a fever, aches and my nostrils were on fire. I have to admit I still didn’t think this was COVID. Mostly because in the past year David and I had been in meetings, at church, and in car’s with people who later had tested positive for COVID. We had taken so many tests that came back negative. We started to believe we just had great immune systems. David had a guy who he took to the food bank. This guy waited in his car for 45 minutes before getting out and going into the food bank one morning. Later that day the guy called him and said that his COVID test was positive. We freaked out! Why would he not have disclosed the fact that he took a COVID test before getting in Davids car with him?! Still none of us got sick and Davids tests all came back negative. On another occasion I had been in a 3 hour meeting at work where the following day several people started having symptoms and ultimately tested positive for COVID just days later. My 3 tests all came back negative!

So I believed with all my heart that this was a cold or quite possibly the flu. I had had both A and B Flu simultaneously when I was pregnant with Lily. It was absolutely miserable. So I had myself convinced maybe this is what I had. Then Thursday David woke up with a fever. His fever broke in just a few hours and by the next day he was feeling pretty okay. I was feeling completely miserable for about 3 days with body aches, nostrils inflamed (the amount of snot being produced was insane- I went through 2 LARGE boxes of tissue in 3 days) and headaches. By day 4 I was feeling much better. I was completely better within 5 days and David was better within just 2. David also claims his symptoms were not that bad. He also felt it was just a cold or the flu. The following week Wednesday David was supposed to take Theo to Kids camp in Devils Lake. David was going to be a counselor there for the 3 night stay. I decided that David should “take one for the team” and go get a rapid COVID test done before he leaves- just to be safe. When we got the POSITIVE test we were both floored. Theo was sad to miss out on this camp experience but the fact that he had been around us- it just wasn’t going to happen this year.

Nearly a week after my symptoms passed a new one began. I couldn’t taste anything for 2 days. I also couldn’t smell. The smell lasted far longer then the taste. I couldn’t smell ANYTHING for like a month and I still can’t smell everything. I can’t smell certain things like the stinky bathroom (which I’m grateful for) but other things to like some of my oils are very subtle smells that used to be much stronger. I never realized how much as a mom I used my sense of smell. Laundry, dishes, kids hygiene, refrigerator spoils, cooking, etc. I feel lucky in that this is really the only remaining side effect that I have experienced. Some people complain of not ever receiving their full taste back. That would be awful because I love food.

Many people have asked if the kids got sick. The kids both got tested and those tests came back negative. Neither of them exhibited any symptoms of COVID either. Theo did get sick about 6 weeks later with a stomach bug but the doctor said this would not be considered a “close contact” since it was such a long time ago that COVID was in our house. We still had him tested (because school was going to start soon) and that test came back negative. I’d like to say that the kids will “never get COVID” because they haven’t thus far but I know better then to assume. Never say never. BE prepared. I honestly wish that I had taken a little better care of my physical, mental, and emotional self. I let everything go because of grief. The other thing I feel that could have helped me avoid this was if I had noticed my decline in self and how tired I was- and just decided to stay home for a while – not go on another trip surrounded by so many people. Sometimes these things are actually what we need to feel stronger- surround ourself with people. BUT I had this feeling of dread going into this trip. Mostly because I was so exhausted from the last camping trip we had been on (that trip actually did feel like a healing for my soul since the loss of our dog had JUST occurred). We had only a week off between the two camping trips. In that week I had to wash all the bedding in the camper, clean the camper, get groceries, plan meals, etc. all while I was under a cloud of exhaustion and grief. I wish I had payed more attention to what my body was saying. I also wish I had taken and been more consistent with vitamins – c, Zinc, elderberry. We started taking these vitamins when we got sick and now have just made it part of our daily routine. I knew that we were bound to get sick sooner or later and now my body has a layer of protection that I’ll enjoy for some time. I really can’t complain when others have it so much worse. I learned a valuable lesson in “listening to your body”. I also feel like it is SO SO important to eat right, get adequate sleep, exercise, take vitamins and be ready for when any virus attacks our home.

Have you had COVID? What tipped you off that it was COVID and not the Flu? Eager to hear about your experiences as well!

Posted on July 31, 2021July 31, 2021

## Pandemic Life: Two Things that Kept Me Sane this Year

No better way to start my morning

I have not blogged in months. Its been a crappy year. Can I say that? I think God can handle me saying that so I’ll just leave it there. Homeschooling kids through a pandemic, working 2 jobs and watching my sister battle cancer has been almost more then I can bare. I say that and immediately I feel guilty for feeling sorry for myself because- my sister is having to battle cancer and do all the things. I don’t get to feel sorry for myself. At least this is the battle that wages in me every-other day. What has kept me sane this year?

1. Gods Word

“His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105)

“All scripture is God-breathed and is USEFUL for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be THOROUGHLY equipped for EVERY good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17

“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are SAFE.” Proverbs 18:10

2. Self Care

Baths, coffee, gym and books. These things help me breath.

This year is the first year I believe I have given a book a 5 star review and I believe I gave 3 books a 5 star review! I can be very critical and I reserve those 5 stars for books that just completely blow me away. The 3 books I gave 5 stars to are: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkeurst, and Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi.

I did read a few books that I gave 4 stars too: What are the Odds? From Crack Addict to CEO by Mike Lindell, The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson, Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan, and The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer. All great reads. Mostly absurdly inspirational.

I’d love to hear from you. What has kept you sane this year? All comments ON this post will be entered into a $5 Starbucks gift card drawing- in honor of Pandemic- SELF CARE!

Posted on June 28, 2020July 28, 2020

## Bloom: how God is continuing to use our family where we are

At the start of the year I felt the Lord gave me the word bloom. I was ready for a beautiful year. A year that I would be able to see beauty come to the surface after years of hard work. Turns out Im not being called to sit and watch at all. Turns out God needs me to roll up my sleeves and get into the dirt. There are scary times ahead. The kids need me now more then ever as they have grieved (in their own ways) the loss of friendships and social interactions. They have missed so many family, church and school celebrations. They have fallen behind academically. This scares me the most. I am not a good teacher for them. Someone else needs to teach them! PLEASE! The kids pull the wool over my eyes and I fall for it. Every single time. The at home learning this past spring may just have been the beginning of our steep climb.

Additionally in recent news; I have accepted another part-time job as the Children’s Pastor at Heartland Community Church in West Fargo, ND! I am equal parts nervous and excited. My heart is excited and SO happy. My head is screaming “what are you doing?” “You may have to homeschool next year, you have a non-profit to help your husband run, you just started a blog and want to write a book???!!!” All of those things are true I do have a lot on my plate. BUT GOD. My life belongs to Him and He will use me as He see’s fit.

Do you ever feel as though you are unqualified? I don’t know why I keep finding myself trapped by this lie. All that God needs is a willing spirit. He doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. He uses what we have. Two great examples: Moses; God used his shepherds staff (a simple staff) and the boy with 5 loaves & 2 fish (I imagine a simple lunchable).

God has called me and equipped me for a purpose. Now more then ever children need to know that they are NOT alone. They have a God who loves them so much he gave his one and only son. They have a friend who will never leave them. We are living in historic times. Times that make my adult head spin. I can not help but have compassion for children in these very dark days. How can I NOT jump into the dirt? In a post from February I wrote:

“So my overarching goal this year is to dig in right where he has planted me and allow his work to bloom in my life!

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither- whatever they do prospers.” Psalms 1:3

So this is me and my family “digging in” and allowing GOD to DO HIS work! Let the beautiful flowers (I picture a pot full of Gerber Daisies and Lilies because although completely different flowers they seem to represent my heart and my families unique calling) BLOOM! We believe in the message of the Gospel and like Heartland Community Church we will not rest until the WHOLE WORLD has heard the GOOD news of Jesus!

Posted on March 22, 2020March 22, 2020

## 30+ Affordable or FREE Apps/Books/Programs for children during Quarantine

So on Wednesday last week we had quite the day. The quarantine has been hard on us all! The one thing that has been nice is that the kids have been able to go outside everyday for some play time (except Thursday it was a bit chilly with the wind). Well on Wednesday my husband came home during lunch time and allowed the kids to play outside while he was dinking around in the garage/workshop. Apparently he wasn’t watching the children too closely because they all came storming in the house. By the looks of it Lily had gotten into some acrylic paints. She was lathered from head to toe in it. We had just bought her a beautiful new NorthFace coat that we had gotten the week prior at the outlet store. It was a winter coat we were really trying to save for next year. Her coat had paint all over it (I was able to get it all out PTL). Her hair was a disaster too. It looked as though she was purposely trying to paint her hair whereas the coat just got splatters.

David came in apologizing profusely. While I was yelling at him Theo got in the middle of the argument and said “mom it was my fault.”

I said “oh yeah how so?”

He said “I was supposed to be looking after her.”

Oh my sweet sweet boy.
All of this to say: we need each other right now. Especially now. We can still pick up the phone and make a call. We can write a letter. I know all very “old school” stuff. We need to check in on each other. There is a great app I like to use to do this. Called Marco Polo. Its a place where you can leave a video for a friend. Its a great app!

Lily’s Hair we scrubbed and did 3 or 4 washes-it came out!

Since for most of us school is now going to be at home (for a while anyway) I thought I would give you a list of some of the Apps/Books/Programs that I have either used personally or heard great reviews on. I will highlight each of the apps/programs I have personally used. That way you can feel free to message or comment any questions you have on those. I know right now there is an over abundance of resources. So many programs that used to cost money are now letting us join in for FREE (not all I list are free but many are)!! Don’t be overwhelmed. I’m putting these out there so that you have a reference point. I have been making it a goal to try 1 new thing each day. That keeps things fresh and fun!! I’m not sure what our distance learning plans will look like but these programs might be a nice complement. Enjoy. Be safe & stay strong!

Affordable or FREE Educational Apps/Books/Programs:

ABC Mouse

Scholastic Watch & Learn

Adventure Academy

Monarch Homeschool

Libby App (just need a library card to attach to account): this app allows you to Check out books online

Reading IQ (Another digital library app for kids)

Audible Books For Kids: I have experience with Audible but I have never used the kids version. I’m excited to check this one out especially since its my understanding that while school is not meeting audible will be free for kids and teens to use!!

Epic: Reading App with a huge library of kids books. Theo loves the read to me books and I like those too because the words are highlighted as they are read.

PBS Kids

Khan Academy

Foundations Memory Work: my understanding is the fee to use this is normally $15.99 but will be waved during the pandemic.

Abeca Classical Conversation App: 7 subjects- 24 weeks of learning

Freckle Education: this looks like its very user friendly and makes great progress charts for parents to monitor their child’s learning.

Teach Your Monster to Read: Another app that the fee is being waved right now

ABCya Games

Free STEM activities on invent.org/at-home-learning-resources: Camp Invention has some resources they’ve put up for this tough time in history.

YouTube:

How To Draw & Cosmic Kids Yoga

Familytime- we made leprechaun’s using the youtube -Learn to Draw

FACEBOOK:

Step2 FB Live Crafts, Fargo Park District: Live Take 5 Activities, Cincinnati Zoo: Home Safari, The Red River Zoo: Animal Encounters & Activities, Valley News Live FB Science Class with Hutch Johnson @ 2pm each day

Disney + has National Geographic!

Christian Learning/Bible Resources for Kids:

Adventures in Odyssey

Bible App for Kids

Superbook

Podcast: Kids Bible Stories

If you have a dollar store that is open and you feel comfortable going to- they have a ton of learning books I usually stock up on before summer hits. See top photo of some of my Dollar Store Finds.

Another idea is to have your children make cards for their friends and either mail them or drop them off at their friends homes. We all need each other right now. This may help your kids process this time as well (PBS has some great resources for parents on how we can talk to our kids about the pandemic). Include a little bubble gum or toy and do a “drop & dash”. Have fun with it. Try to think outside the box and still bless others during this tough season.

I hope this long list doesn’t overwhelm you. Take each day one step at a time. Feel free to email or comment on this post. Also don’t forget to subscribe so that you get email reminders when I write a new blog post! Thanks for your support and I pray God Bless and Keep you all healthy & STRONG.

## Contact

Address

Fargo, ND

Email

vernoynoelle@gmail.com

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## About This Blog

This blog is intended to encourage mothers. We all need Grace, and Grit to get through the tough days, and coffee well that represents JOY which is what I intend to weave throughout my posts. This is about the crazy mom life. We need each other!

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