Category: Family

Grace & Gratitude: Devotional & Activities

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog6 Comments

Have you ever really stopped to think about what the word ‘thanksgiving’ actually means to you? Or does this season just get too busy to even enjoy or reflect?

If that is the case for you, then this devotional might be a good thing. It would also be a nice way to involve the whole family during the week of Thanksgiving or maybe even the week before the holiday… however you wish to use it. Don’t let the time of year stop you from checking this out because it doesn’t have to be reserved for November! We can always use a refresher on how to practice GRATITUDE!

I’ve made it into a printable PDF, so it is easier for our homeschool, and maybe that will make it easier for you. If anyone needs me to type it out on the blog, I can do that also, just let me know in the comments below.

Continue reading “Grace & Gratitude: Devotional & Activities” →

Special Holiday Meals: Polar Express Party

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog2 Comments

Everyone looks forward to this party at our house every year! It does take a little work and planning, but it is so WORTH IT!

We try to make some homemade gifts to give out as Christmas gifts to our family and friends… usually food. We also have some fun games and lots of yummy treats to keep us busy until the Polar Express starts! Then our living room turns into an interactive Movie Theater… so much FUN!

CHECK OUT OUR ULTIMATE POLAR EXPRESS PLANNING PACK ON ETSY!

Here are some of the posts that we have related to our past Polar Express Parties:

Polar Express Party (2016)

Polar Express 2022

Polar Express 2023, Sourdough Gifts & Recipes, and Other Life Updates

Polar Express Planning (2024)

Polar Express 2024

Polar Express 2025

DIY Advent Games: Engage Kids This Holiday Season

Advent Celebrations: DIY BINGO Game and Crafts

Stress-Free Christmas: Download Your Gift List Now

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog1 Comment

What does my family want? What do they like? Are they outgrowing their school clothes? What was that book they really wanted?

I know how stressful Christmas shopping can get, and this year has been a bit more so… maybe this will help take a little of that stress off your shoulders. This will be replacing ‘Letters to Santa’ in our home, and maybe it could in your home too!

I’ve previously shared our FREE printable shopping guide, but I’ve taken that a step further as we’ve been trying to simplify Christmas a little bit more so that we can really focus on the reason for the season.

FREE Printable Shopping Guide

We are trying to do a 3-4 gift rule here at our home, and even that looks like a mountain of gifts with the number of people we have. We really love getting ‘experience’ gifts, but sometimes that just doesn’t work out, so having this new list on hand will make things a little simpler. I also included a place to write the individual sizes and such to have everything on one page. Here is the link to download it:

Gift ListpdfDownload

On my computer, I have to keep changing the page layout to ‘portrait’ for this, so keep that in mind when you go to print it out, just in case it does the same thing to you!

I like to snap a picture of the finished lists so that I can have it with me whenever I am out and about, this also makes it easy to share with others you might want to buy gifts for your family.

Here is another version of the Wish List from last year:

Christmas Wish List

I hope this helps out! If it does, be sure to like, comment, and share this with someone you know!

God Bless!

Start Your Holiday Prep: Week 7 Guide

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place BlogLeave a comment

Have you gotten started on your Holiday Prep? If not, don’t worry because you still have plenty of time, but don’t procrastinate any longer!

Continue reading “Start Your Holiday Prep: Week 7 Guide” →

Making Memories: An Afternoon Tea Time Menu Ideas

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog3 Comments

We want to create special memories, and my kids enjoy having tea time. Shyanne didn’t understand the concept of a make-believe tea time for a good while, but she likes having the real thing. We like to try out different teas, and we have been growing some of our own herbs for teas.

You can cut the regular sandwiches into small shapes for ‘finger sandwiches’ and make or buy a variety of cookies, cakes, and other treats. Check out our Hobbit-Inspired Menu for some ideas.

The conversation should be positive and productive, and it can help teach proper social interactions. Set the table with some pretty dishes and cups… maybe even buy some that are special for this event.

Getting ready for the event shouldn’t be complicated, and everything doesn’t need to be homemade… if you make it too hard, you won’t enjoy it, and you will be less likely to repeat it.

Let the kids help plan the menu and themes, and have them help prepare the treats. HAVE FUN!

Continue reading “Making Memories: An Afternoon Tea Time Menu Ideas” →