Advertise on podcast: Helping of Happiness

Links mentioned in the episode: For $50 OFF Troomi Wireless cell phone, use code: HAPPY VidAngel - 30 day free trial with code: HELPING Lily & Thistle Art Makes Me Smart (just launched!) $100 OFF Lifetime Access with promo code: HELPINGOFHAPPINESS $5 OFF The Monthly Art Makes Me Smart Membership from @lily_and_thistle What’s inside the Art Makes Me Smart Membership? So many cool things, but our favorite is the Around the World section. Travel the globe through art! Explore 25+ countries with hands-on projects, music, recipes, book lists, and more. Each lesson helps kids connect deeply with cultures around the world, no passport (or planning!) required. Our family has LOVED learning from this Watercolor School for years!! Get 20% OFF Snail Mail Supper Club Subscription with coupon code: HILLARY Subscriptions and kits here! For a FREE TRIAL of Snail Mail Supper Club, contact Jessie: [email protected] Book Jessie Recommended: Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes on Amazon In This Episode We talk about: Why friendship can be difficult to maintain when life gets busy How Jessie turned a cookbook club with friends into the Snail Mail Supper Club Why you don't need a perfect house to host friends How gathering around the table can lead to deeper conversations Easy ways to make time for friends as a busy mom How a regular tradition can make friendship easier Using food to experience different cultures without leaving home Why our kids benefit from seeing us invest in friendships How friends can help carry the mental and emotional load of motherhood Simple ways to gather your friends next week

For a transcription of this podcast, watch on YouTube! Show Notes: Jenn’s Recommendations to Hillary for Hawaii: Jenn’s Recs for Kauai: TO EAT - Duke’s Kauai (Lihue), Jojo’s Shave Ice (all over island), & Keoki’s Paradise (Poipu) TO WANDER- Na Pali Coast (boat tour), Poipu Beach (snorkeling & sea turtles) Jenn’s Recs in Oahu: TO EAT: Seven Brothers TO WANDER: Polynesian Cultural Center (don’t miss the fire show at night!) - great place to shop as well! HELPING OF HAPPINESS BLOGS TO HELP WITH YOUR HAWAII TRAVEL: Why Kauai Will Steal Your Heart: Hawaiian Getaway for Adventure, Beaches & Amazing Food Oahu Family Vacation: Simple 5 Day Itinerary for Busy Moms Who Just Want to Enjoy the Trip! Want a Styling Session with Jenn? Contact Jenn Here: Instagram - WanderEatSleepInStyle TikTok Jenn’s favorite Sushi Restaurant that we LOVE in DFW: Oishii Sushi & Pan Asian Cuisine in Plano Get $50 off a Troomi phone with this code: hAPPY One of my family’s favorite ways to relax together is to watch movies together. Whether that also involves a big bowl of crunchy, buttery popcorn, or just snuggling in a cozy, fuzzy blanket, it’s fun enjoying something together after a long busy day.Nothing quite wrecks the experience by an unexpected spicy scene or an abundance of foul language.It seems there are so many great shows with “just that one part” that makes you cringe uncomfortably.That is why we were so happy when we discovered VidAngel!!VidAngel syncs up with our Amazon Prime and our add free Netflix account and then gives you the option of what filters you’d like to put on. These can be general filters such as all profanity and blasphemy, or individual for each particular instance.Cobra Kai is a favorite of my kids’ this past month, while my husband and I have been enjoying Night Agent, Fall Guy and Reacher. 30 days free VidAngel service when you Usecode:HELPING Try it out and see for yourself why we love it so much! Get VIP Access to our Freebie Library HERE! You’ll find packing lists, printable travel itineraries, recipes for holidays, meal planning sheets, and sooo much more!

I’m sitting down with Chris and Jesse Koerner from the “How’d You Do It?” podcast, and we’re talking about what it really looks like to parent with intention- without holding so tightly to rules and expectations that we lose connection along the way. We get into the real stuff: how to stay flexible when life (and kids) don’t follow the plan, how to figure out what actually motivates each of your kids (because what works for one might totally flop for another), and why family travel has been such a meaningful way for them to build connection. We also talk honestly about raising kids in a digital world, learning from our mistakes (because there will be plenty), and why open, ongoing communication matters more than getting everything “right.” It’s a thoughtful, encouraging conversation that will remind you: you don’t have to parent perfectly to raise kids who feel deeply loved and secure. Links mentioned in the episode: For $50 OFF Troomi Wireless cell phone, use code: HAPPY find Chris & Jessie’s Podcast: “How’d You Do It” in your favorite podcast app: Apple & Spotify VidAngel - 30 day free trialwith code: HELPING Takeaways You can parent with intention and leave room for flexibility Many parents regret being too strict with their children What motivates one child might not work for another- and that’s okay! Mistakes are part of the process (for us and for our kids!) Family travel can create connection in really meaningful ways Giving kids a voice builds trust and buy in over time As kids grow, respecting their independence becomes more important (this can be a tough one!) Parenting isn’t one size fits all (even within the same family) Love, safety, and connection matter more than getting everything “right” There are no guarantees in parenting- just a lot of learning along the way Chapters  00:00 Introduction to the Koerner Family and Their Podcast 03:59 Parenting Intentions and Strategies 08:58 Lessons from Podcast Guests 15:04 Incentives and Rewards in Parenting 20:11 Family Travel and Recreation 24:49 Flexibility in Parenting Rules 30:03 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Show Notes Summary: Where you can find Whitney Archibald: Family Lab Podcast Family Lab Podcast on Instagram In this conversation, Whitney Archibald shares her journey of recovery and the profound lessons learned through adversity. She discusses the joy of regaining independence, the overwhelming support from her community, and the importance of connection with family and friends. Whitney reflects on her evolving identity post-accident, the new hobbies she has embraced, and the valuable life lessons that have emerged from her experiences. The conversation also touches on family traditions, travel adventures, and creative home hacks that foster connection within the family. Takeaways Whitney Archibald is a mother of five and creator of The Family Lab podcast. Family life is an experiment where different approaches are tried. Mistakes are part of being human, and it's important to forgive ourselves. A spiritual experience can provide reassurance during traumatic events. The importance of love and connection in life is paramount. Recovery from severe injuries requires immense physical and emotional strength. Family support plays a crucial role in healing and recovery. Finding ways to nurture relationships during hardship is essential. Podcasting became a lifeline for Whitney during her recovery. The experience of a traumatic event can lead to profound personal growth. Driving my kids to school felt amazing. People wanted to help during my recovery. My village became very clear and abundant. I had to learn to say no to many things. Spiritual and emotional connections matter most. We can simplify our lives significantly. Everyone has their own cliffs to climb. We shouldn't compare our struggles with others. Connection is fostered through shared experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Whitney Archibald and The Family Lab 04:07 The Rock Climbing Accident: A Life-Changing Experience 19:44 Spiritual Insights and Reflections During Recovery 23:25 The Journey of Recovery: Physical and Emotional Challenges 38:40 Family Support and Acts of Service During Healing 40:35 The Joy of Independence 41:28 Community Support and Connection 44:28 Navigating Recovery and Identity 48:25 Finding New Hobbies and Interests 51:31 Lessons Learned from Adversity 57:19 The Importance of Connection 01:00:18 Family Traditions and Senior Trips 01:04:16 Travel Adventures and Experiences 01:13:09 Creative Home Hacks for Connection Summary of Transcript Title: Navigating Life’s Uncertainties: A Journey of Resilience and Connection Introduction: In a world where parenting often feels like an experiment, Whitney Archibald’s story is a testament to the unpredictability of family life and the strength we find in connection. After a harrowing rock climbing accident, Whitney not only confronted her mortality but also rediscovered the profound importance of family and the lessons that come from our mistakes. Main Content: Section 1: The Family Lab - A New Approach to Parenting Whitney Archibald, a seasoned mother of five, has transformed her experiences into a valuable resource for families. With children ranging from 10 to 20 years old, she understands the evolving dynamics of family life. After her youngest began preschool, Whitney reignited her passion for writing, leading to her blog, "How She Moms," which eventually evolved into the podcast, "The Family Lab." She explains, "Family life is all an experiment, and we are just throwing things at the wall, trying to see what sticks." This refreshing perspective encourages parents to embrace the chaos and recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting. Section 2: The Unthinkable Accident On a seemingly ordinary day in July 2023, Whitney embarked on a rock climbing excursion with her children and nieces. Despite her cautious nature, a moment of oversight led to a life-altering fall. "I pride myself on being a safe climber," she recalls, but a simple mistake—failing to double-check her gear—resulted in a catastrophic 30-foot drop. As she lay on the ground, grappling with immense pain, her mind raced through a mix of emotions, including disbelief and regret. Section 3: A Moment of Clarity In the chaos following her fall, Whitney experienced an unexpected spiritual revelation. "I felt reassurance right away after I was feeling so much shame," she shared. Despite the physical agony, she found solace in knowing she was going to survive. This moment of clarity shifted her focus from despair to the practicalities of her situation. In the midst of pain and uncertainty, Whitney prioritized her family, even asking her sister to cancel upcoming appointments. Section 4: The Healing Journey Whitney's recovery was fraught with challenges, but her resilience shone through. With numerous injuries, including a broken pelvis and vertebrae, she faced a long road to healing. Throughout this journey, Whitney remained focused on her role as a mother and the lessons she wanted to impart to her children. Her experience serves as a poignant reminder that life can change in an instant, but our connections with loved ones can provide the strength to persevere. Conclusion: Key Takeaways Whitney Archibald’s story is not just about overcoming adversity; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, the value of vulnerability, and the necessity of embracing life’s unpredictability. As she continues to share her insights through "The Family Lab," she encourages parents to experiment with their approaches and to remember that mistakes are part of the journey. Life’s challenges may be daunting, but they also offer opportunities for growth, resilience, and deeper connections with those we love.

Show Notes: So many Great Takeaways!!! Katherine has been writing since childhood, illustrating her first book at age seven. The publishing process is often more challenging than writing itself. Support from friends and family is crucial in an author's journey. Katherine's writing is influenced by her personal experiences and those around her. Editing is a vital part of the writing process and should be embraced. Katherine's characters often reflect real people and their experiences. Researching settings and details enhances the realism of her stories. Writing can be a journey of discovery for both the author and the characters. Katherine emphasizes the importance of finishing what you start in writing. Persistence and hard work are key to achieving publishing success. Where you can find Katherine: @authorkwalters https://www.katherinearmstrongwalters.com Order Katherine’s Books! https://amzn.to/4a32ci9 AQUA promo video youtube AFTERSHOCK promo video ABYSS promo video youtube

Mentions in Podcast: The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron (book) Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe from our cookbook! Christmas movie watch list for families Rome travel itinerary Takeaways Heidi's app Consumed is in pilot mode and seeks user feedback. The app aims to organize and enhance media consumption experiences. Heidi emphasizes the importance of user-driven development. Faith plays a crucial role in Heidi's journey and decision-making. Resourcefulness and grit are key to pursuing dreams. Heidi shares insights on balancing personal and professional life. The conversation highlights the power of community in media. Heidi discusses the challenges and rewards of app development. The episode encourages listeners to act on their dreams. Hillary and Heidi share personal stories of growth and learning. Sound bites "Dream big, dream girl dream." "God is in the details." "Feedback is pure gold." "Consumed is like Goodreads on steroids." "Resourcefulness is our time to shine." "Community is key in media." "Faith guides my decisions." "Momentum is blessed by God." "Act on your dreams, don't just dream." "Media connects us all." Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and Background 00:03:00 The Birth of Consumed 00:06:00 Faith and Personal Growth 00:09:00 The Power of Feedback 00:12:00 Community and Connection 00:15:00 Dreams and Resourcefulness For a transcript of this episode, click here

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nauvoo and Becca Williamson 02:10 The Unique Charm of Nauvoo 05:00 Insider Tips for Visiting Nauvoo 07:48 Hidden Gems and Family Fun in Nauvoo 11:02 Dining in Nauvoo: Local Favorites 16:47 The History and People of Nauvoo 20:00 The Legacy of Nauvoo Restoration 21:51 Family Ties and Ancestry in Nauvoo 22:54 Year-Round Activities in Nauvoo 24:27 Memorable Experiences in Tourism 25:05 The Emotional Journey of the Saints 26:34 The Trail of Hope and Its Significance 29:06 Finding Peace at the Riverwalk 30:43 Helpful Tips for Families Visiting Nauvoo Takeaways: Nauvoo is a charming town with a rich history. The sunsets in Nauvoo are spectacular and a must-see. Visitors can tour over 30 historic homes for free. Local dining options are family-owned and unique. The town has hidden gems like fairy doors and herb gardens. Understanding the pioneer experience adds depth to visits. Fall is a particularly beautiful time to visit Nauvoo. Where you can find more about Nauvoo: Visiting Historic Nauvoo With Kids!! The Itinerary Your Family Will Love Beautiful Nauvoo - City of Nauvoo Tourism Website Boston Travel Itinerary mentioned in podcast: Visiting Historic New England: 4 Days Boston to Maine

Show Notes: For a transcription of this podcast, watch on YouTube! Get $50 off a Troomi phone with this code: HAPPY One of my family’s favorite ways to relax together is to watch movies together. Whether that also involves a big bowl of crunchy, buttery popcorn, or just snuggling in a cozy, fuzzy blanket, it’s fun enjoying something together after a long busy day.Nothing quite wrecks the experience by an unexpected spicy scene or an abundance of foul language.It seems there are so many great shows with “just that one part” that makes you cringe uncomfortably.That is why we were so happy when we discovered VidAngel!!VidAngel syncs up with our Amazon Prime and our add free Netflix account and then gives you the option of what filters you’d like to put on. These can be general filters such as all profanity and blasphemy, or individual for each particular instance.Cobra Kai is a favorite of my kids’ this past month, while my husband and I have been enjoying Night Agent, Fall Guy and Reacher. 30 days free VidAngel service when you Usecode:HELPING Try it out and see for yourself why we love it so much! Recipes mentioned in the Episode: Crepes - Our Favorite Food from the Streets of Paris!! Shrimp Summer Rolls with Thai Peanut Sauce These are the Air Tags we used for our Son’s luggage when he was traveling internationally without a phone: Drew Scarbrough and Carson Brownlow are hosts of Peace in Christ Podcast. Some of their favorite episodes: Drew’s: The Faith That Drove Jeremy Guthrie’s MLB Career Carson’s: Pirates, Chaplains, and a Better Tomorrow: A Story of Radical Change and Faith in Schools - episode with Rocky Drew & Carson’s tips for Winning the Morning: Making faith a daily choice Waking up and reading your scriptures, whether it’s a full chapter or just a verse, just getting it done Making regular visits to the temple Exercise Where can you find Drew and Carson? Podcast: peaceinchristpodcast.com Instagram TikTok YouTube

Yesterday, my son began his two year missionary service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he will be inviting and teaching people how to come closer to Jesus Christ. I though it was only fitting that today we are talking about how to help support our missionaries while they are away. On our podcast today, we have guests: Lindy Shock and Jen Wright fromMy Missionary Box. Lindy served as as missionary, and Jen has had 3 of her children serve missions.They are going to teach us a bit about how to prepare our children for missions, be a support to them while they are out, what items you may need to gather or prepare before they leave, give some suggestions for how to support during home MTC (missionary training center), give gift ideas for missionaries, as well as share ideas for how siblings of missionaries can best stay connected during the time apart. My Missionary Boxhas amazing resources for families and loved ones supporting the loved ones back home. For missionaries they provide tools, inspiration, and ideas to help study and teach while on a mission. They also have tips for helping your local missionaries with tips and products that help missionaries teach and build relationships. First off - what are missionaries and what do they do?? Missionaries are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who leave their homes for 18 months-2 years to serve others and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The single men are 18-25 and single women are 19-39. Married couples or adults in their retired years can also serve a mission. During their time as young missionaries, they consecrate their lives to God. They have one day per week called “preparation day” (or P-day) where they can call their family back home, email family land friends, run errands & grocery shop, and do some more relaxed activities with other missionaries. Missionaries are all volunteers and pay their own way ($400/month). You will usually see them in pairs. They have a companion with them at all times to keep them safe and focused. What do Missionaries do? Teaching missionaries help you feel closer to God by showing you how to pray & receive answers to prayers, teach about Jesus Christ, guide you to understand scriptures, support you through your personal challenges, encourage faith, repentance & baptism, and introduce you to a community of others striving to build their faith. Service missionaries live at home, and give personalized service to others in many different ways such as serving locally in clinics, non profits, community outreach centers, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temples. They help with, family history, provide help to refugees, homeless and at food banks. Sometimes they also have companions for study. How to best prepare for a Spiritually, mentally, & Physically for a mission: Have a scripture study routine - try to make this happen at least 6 months to a year before you leave (online resources for scripture study) Take a mission prep class Attend the temple often (More about the temple here) Get the tools you need to navigate your mental health Learn to work hard - yardwork, being on your feet for long periods of time, being in good physical shape to be able to walk or bike a lot each day Practice being away from home for short periods of time such as a church campout, FSY (For the Strength of Youth) camp, flying to see grandparents or cousins, going on an HXP humanitarian trip How to clean their home and space Learning how to cook, menu plan, and grocery shop - (Check out our resources HERE you can also grab our cookbook here- delicious and tasty recipes that are easy to make!) How to budget (two podcast resources for you: 5 Money Lessons All Kids Need to Know and Family Finances Refresher) Practice using public transportation Learning to drive Making phone calls Talking to adults

Show Notes: Where is a good place to start when we are managing our family finances? Start with a budget! What if I have a variable income? The money coming into our family is different every month. How do I manage that? First step is to just start writing down your money in and your money out each week Take 30 mins on a Sunday (or whichever day is best for you) to go through your receipts. You need to build historical data. You are creating your own personal cash dashboard As you go through the months, notice where you are at. You can start to see where the lean times are and the months you may have extra. Make some averages. Where can you find more from Hilary Nielsen: Instagram: @MomHandlestheMoney Money Management Blueprint - A step by step guide made for busy moms wearing all the hats and no time to spare. Go to sleep at night knowing you've covered all your bases and haven't left any precious futures to chance. Money Management Dashboard - See EXACTLY where your money should go What you'll get: Step by step instructions will walk you through the simple template so that you have a personalized dashboard month after month  Customized graphs to SHOW you how to allocate your money each month between monthly expenses, emergency fund savings, college savings, retirement savings, and more! Peace of mind that your money has a plan and is being put to work at its highest and best use.  Other Podcasts about money matters: Marriage & Money (#94) with Jonathan & Meredith Rotz 5 Money Lessons All Kids Need to Know with Jonathan & Meredith Rotz (Episode #38) Family Dinner Time: 3 Ways to Save Time & Money Meal Planning (Episode #139) with Hillary Hess Debt Free Dreaming with Adam & Amanda Walsh (episode #73) Budgeting for Single Income Families with Jessica at Wise Little Hoots (Episode #46) Must have!! 12 Budget Friendly Healthy Dinners!!

Show Notes: A little about our guest leigh Lincoln… Leigh is an advocate for people experiencing homelessness. As a single mom, she raised and homeschooled her son who is now in his twenties. Leigh herself was adopted. Through the example, and from the love and care she received from her adopted parents, she always knew she wanted to help those less fortunate than she. “As an adopted child, I had been given the gift of a home. I was literally chosen by someone to be their child. It’s beautiful and special and you know that YOU were PICKED.” How can we help???? volunteer in soup kitchens serve or donate to shelters participate in a street feed (when groups get together and bring food to the camps of those experiencing homelessness hop on Facebook or another social app to find groups in your community that are helping and get involved there participate in prevention programs with a community development organization or a church that helps people get jobs or into their own homes From Leigh’s experience, she has found that going on welfare tends to be a trap, not a help. She has see that neighbors helping each other builds a better sense of accountability and community. Want to know some other ways you can Light The World this season? check out this resource for 50 ways to serve. Another resource I really love year round, is JustServe.Org . Find service projects near you by putting in your zip code. There are also remote service options listed. Another fun way to help!! Giving Machines - Where are they?!! Melissa McKneely, Area Public Relations and Collin County Director for the Texas Dallas East Communications Council, came on our podcast to tell us about these amazing Giving Machines that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has created. How do these machines work? They are a service vending machine: “Give clean water, goats, meals, toys, and more to those in need through a unique giving experience. Your donations go directly to global and local charities to help change lives around the world.” Find a machine near you!! Some machines are traveling machines and are only at a location for a short amount of time. Look closely at the dates as well as the location so you don’t miss it! Where you can find more from Author leigh Lincoln & her books: Website: leighlincolnauthor.com Become one of our VIPS!! Get VIP Access To Our FREEBIE Library Here!! Subscribe (free!) to my newsletter with updates and tips plus get instant access to my resource library with recipes, printables, and family fun! Once subscribed, I will send you a newsletter with details about my new free files and mom hacks each week. https://www.helpingofhappiness.com/new-page Make sure you check out our YouTube Channel!! We have just added our podcasts on there. We also have lots of new food and travel videos posted! You can even take a peek at a bunch of the recipe in our Best Ever Babysitter Cookbook. (find it on Amazon!). Grab our cookbook to learn to be more self reliant and confident in the kitchen! Helping of Happiness YouTube Channel: YouTube: @HelpingOfHappiness

Show Notes: Become one of our VIPS!! Get VIP Access To Our FREEBIE Library Here!! Subscribe (free!) to my newsletter with updates and tips plus get instant access to my resource library with recipes, printables, and family fun! Once subscribed, I will send you a newsletter with details about my new free files and mom hacks each week. https://www.helpingofhappiness.com/new-page Make sure you check out our YouTube Channel!! We have lots of new food and travel videos posted! You can even take a peek at a bunch of the recipe in our Best Ever Babysitter Cookbook. (find it on Amazon!). Family History can feel very overwhelming to a lot of people. What are some steps to get started? Baby Stepping into Family History: Write up your own personal history Start with your parents and gradually move back through the generations on your family tree Work on a life sketch of a close family member. Look to school and census records for dates and other information “Every single person can do something to be involved with Family History. Not Everybody has to be a researcher.” Different ways to participate in Family History: Learn how to research - be a detective in your own family!! Put videos or pictures together on YouTube or in the Memories section of Family Search for others to enjoy Put together a book or scrapbook Type up and digitize family histories that have already been written Make a cookbook of family recipes Ask yourself: What are my strengths? What are my talents? What would I like my contributions to be? Ways into involve Kids in Family History: Make coloring books out of pictures Create little books of family stories Design comic style books of funny family stories - put real pictures and real memories into the back of the book with sources Have a family reunion nights and act out skits of different family memories Keep a trunk full of family heirlooms for kids to touch and hold Celebrate ancestor’s birthdays by telling stories about them or eating their favorite foods Eat food that your ancestors would have eaten Great Free Resource for Brand new family historians: Family Search The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides FamilySearch free of charge to everyone, regardless of tradition, culture, or religious affiliation. FamilySearch resources help millions of people around the world discover their heritage and connect with family members Where you can find Diana & Nicole: Website: familylocket.com Podcast: Research Like Pro Family Locket Books Family Locket Research Like a Pro Course Helping of Happiness YouTube Channel: YouTube: @HelpingOfHappiness

Show Notes: Become one of our VIPS!! Get VIP Access To Our FREEBIE Library Here!! Subscribe (free!) to my newsletter with updates and tips plus get instant access to my resource library with recipes, printables, and family fun! Once subscribed, I will send you a newsletter with details about my new free files and mom hacks each week. https://www.helpingofhappiness.com/new-page Make sure you check out our YouTube Channel!! We have lots of new food and travel videos posted! You can even take a peek at a bunch of the recipe in our Best Ever Babysitter Cookbook. (find it on Amazon!). Brent Beck is a husband and father to 5 children, and grandpa to 19 grandchildren with one more on the way. He was an airline pilot for 33 years. About 20 years ago or so the airlines were having a hard time, had an idea to make a little extra money for retirement. He played a lot of classic games with his brothers growing up. That inspired him to take an old card game, give it an upgrade with some custom designs, and start selling it. He decided to launch 2 games at once to start: Grandpa Beck’s Golf (which has recently been made over into Gnoming Around) and Cover Your Assets. Toil & Troublez is the first game that didn’t come from Grandpa Beck’s family. It was a game from Europe that had done really well, that Grandpa Beck got permission to retheme with his artist April Stott. The illustrations are beautiful. Engaging, interesting but not heavy, easy to learn, something you want to play again and again. Why is playing games as a family so important? Games teach you to win well and lose well. Games give us a chance to take time to interact, and get away from technology for awhile Games are a good way to get to know people, learn more about people, and see them in instense situations Our favorite grandpa beck game: Skull King Where you can find Grandpa Beck Games: Website: grandpabecksgames.com Facebook - GrandpaBeckGames Instagram- @GrandpaBeckGames

Show Notes: Become one of our VIPS!! Get VIP Access To Our FREEBIE Library Here!! Subscribe (free!) to my newsletter with updates and tips plus get instant access to my resource library with recipes, printables, and family fun! Once subscribed, I will send you a newsletter with details about my new free files and mom hacks each week. https://www.helpingofhappiness.com/new-page 5 Important Areas to Focus on When Selling Your Home: 1. Cleanliness!! This is more important than upgrades. Get your home shining clean. People don’t want to move into other people’s messes. 2. Become a minimalist Get your closets down to 50-70% capacity. This will make your life so much easier after you are in escrow and have much less to do to get packed up just before you move. 3. Hire the right agent What you are looking for in an agent: experience, someone you can trust and confide in, ambitious, will be your advocate, has your best interest at heart, knows your market well, has the expertise for your unique situation If you need more guidance on what questions to ask when interviewing an agent, reach out to Tammy. She is more than happy to help! 4. Listen to the experts Do the simple little things that make your home sell such as staging, or not hanging onto your favorite color on the walls that may not appeal to a variety of buyers. Thousands of dollars are left on the table everyday because people let their emotions get in the way. Nobody wants to move into your home, they want to move into their home. 5. Curb Appeal When you are selling your home and approach the front door, how do you feel? Is it an appealing color? You want to make it as beautiful as you can with out being stark or shocking. Your focus should be the front door. Make it memorable with a simple wreath, cobwebs and dirt swept away. Plant fresh flowers, fertilize the lawn. Emotion is huge. How does it feel? Moving tips! Sell everything you can. We tend to get emotionally attached to things and stuff. Many items tend to get damaged in the moving process. Part with as much as you can and get what you like when you get there. Have your realtor help you get the right contacts for your move as well as your house sale. What rooms should you focus on most? These rooms are ranked in priority, number one being the most important: 1. Curb Appeal - you need to get them in the door 2. Kitchen - It’s the heart of the home! 3. Great Room - This is where families are making memories. Make sure it is clean and tidy 4. Master Bedroom & Master bath- make it dreamy and a place you really want to be in 5. Secondary bath Fun Fall Tradition: The Night of the Gourd Dinner During the month of October, Tammy, her family and some of their close friends gather for a dinner to celebrate the harvest. They have a night where all the foods they eat are some type of squash or gourd - something from the harvest. Think pumpkins, butternut squash, etc. They have enjoyed simple things like pumpkin ice cream all the way to more exotic dishes like butternut curry. Their family loves this opportunity to gather to remember the bounty the Lord has blessed them with, as well as celebrate the abundance on this earth. This is also an alternative way to celebrate if you aren’t a big fan of the other holidays in the fall. Check out Our Top 3 Favorite Pumpkin Recipes HERE!! Where you can find Realtor Tammy Goolsby: Website: teamgoolsbyrealestate.com Facebook: TammyGoolsbyrealestate Instagram: @TammyGoolsbyRealEstate

Show Notes: A couple years ago when we were on our way home from Mexico, we were talking to a lady in the airport shuttle. My kids were telling her how sad they were to leave Mexico, they loved the trip so much. This lady said something to me that has really stuck in my mind, “ I don’t want to stay in Mexico because I love to be home. But I really wanted to go on this trip and bring the experience home with me.” That was powerful to me! I really love to be home, too!! That trip changed the lives of each member of my family who went, and I wanted more than anything to carry that home into my daily life. As we have hit emotional or hard times in the years since, I often try to picture myself and my family playing on the beach, or heading out on the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. It’s wonderful to have a special place to go when life is rough, even if it’s just in my mind. Every time I eat chips and guac or hear some mariachi music, I am brought right back there. My biggest wish would be able to bring every one I know and love with me back to Mexico to experience it!! Sadly, that is just not possible physically or financially. I have tried my best to come up with what I think is the next best thing. I am inviting you to join our Virtual Summer Cooking Club! Think of it as an interactive cooking show where we will be preparing cuisines from different countries around the world! I will get the recipes and grocery list ready for you and email it out at the beginning of each week. Then on Thursdays at 3pm Central, we will hop on a zoom meeting and I will teach you how to make the dishes. This food tour begins on June 15 and will continue through July 6th. We will also be touching on a bit of culture from each country we are visiting. The first country we are going to be visiting in our virtual cooking club is…. ITALY!! We will be making appetizers: Bruschetta and Antipasto Salad. We went to Italy last year and I learned so much about their food and culture. I can’t wait to share it with you! On the grocery list, I will also have some optional items that you can purchase (if you want) that we will be talking about during our club meeting. For example, in Italy, I will put a couple fancy cheeses and meats that they often eat there. I tried my very best to keep this class affordable to everybody. It will only be $15 per household per class. You have the option of purchasing one class at a time or if you want to bundle the classes together, it comes down to only $12.50 per class. Head to our classes page on our blog to sign up! This class is for all ages! Come and be with us! It will be so much more fun if you are there! Also, in this episode, we talk a lot about involving your kids more in the kitchen. You can find the script for that in this blog post: Teaching Your Kids to Cook - Our Top 10 Tips Thank you for being with me. I am so glad you are here! love Hillary