While I’m dreaming up our next family vacation, or what photo I might want to hang in my new Mom Cave, my husband is making plans for a space of his own.

The garage is his domain. And he’s turned it from a regular two-car garage to a fitness oasis. And just when I think he’s done, he informs me of his plans to add more. But I don’t complain or even mind, because his man cave is open to all. And by all I mean our kids. Which is a huge bonus for me.

Recently he decided he wanted to give his space a little makeover. A couple years ago we went to Sears and got him some Craftsman products to help improve his space: A wet/dry vac to keep the floors clean; a storage cabinet to keep his equipment organized; a fan to cool the room when we were working out and a toolbox. He had a lot of the supplies he needed, but the look could use an upgrade. And if your husband is like mine and loves a good toolbox or DIY project, Sears is offering up to 50% off of Craftsman tools from now until 6/18.

He went and eyeballed some blue paint and had painters cover the three walls from white to cobalt blue.

When it was done? He HATED it. The blue wasn’t BYU blue. I liked it, but he held up posters and t-shirts to compare and show me it was off. For a week he researched official blues and came up with a whole color scheme and design idea.

We had the painters come back, re-do it with new colors, then installed a BYU border along the top. Now it’s perfect! … Or so I thought.

“I think I want a TV in there,” my husband said a couple days ago.

We have two TVs in the house and four tablets. I’m not exactly too keen on the idea of more screens. But he says it would be nice for the kids to have something to watch while he finishes his workouts–Giving me more alone time. He was definitely trying to make it sound appealing. And it was working!

With Father’s Day coming up I’m sorta in the “why not?” boat. Smart TVs are pretty inexpensive these days and it would really top off his Man Cave. So this week I’m heading back to Sears to pick one out with the kids, and maybe even a mini fridge if I’m feeling extra generous. In all honesty it’ll likely end up being stocked with water, snacks and juice boxes for the kids, because that’s the kind of dad he is. And exactly why he deserves it.
What are you getting the man in your life for Father’s Day this year?

When we’re picking up our gift at Sears we’ll use the hashtag #ItsTimeForDad on Twitter. Join us and do the same!

 

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I’m sharing our story in partnership with Sears, however all opinions are my own. Whether you’re looking to makeover your dad’s look or where he spends his time, Sears offers a wide range of home merchandise, apparel, and automotive products and services, so you will find just the right gifts for all the dads in your life at all different price points to fit your budget. Visit: Sears.com to find something for the man in your life.

Some things never change I tell ya. I always go into the holiday with good intentions to finish my holiday shopping early, take a bunch of Christmas photos, send out my holiday cards and have everything wrapped and ready a week early. I start with my kids and make a list for all who we need to shop for. Then a few weeks pass and then before we know it we’re a week out and I’m still where I was a month ago. What can I say–I’m a chronic holiday procrastinator.

The one thing that throws a kink into my holiday planning every year is our anniversary, just two days before Christmas. Considering we’ll be getting a way for a couple of days to celebrate, that cuts my Christmas prep time down to three days. Yikes!

So far I have the kids items picked out: Something they want (from Santa), something they need, something to wear and something to read. None is wrapped yet. Actually most is stacked in boxes near my front door. But I’m hoping to let the kids visit with Granny for a little while os my husband and I can go through the gifts and start wrapping today.

I still need to shop for my parents, sisters, my husband and my son’s preschool teachers. I also need to pick up a book for his gift exchange. I also have a work checklist, food to buy/prepare, some Christmas lights to see and songs to sing, and some things to plan to get ready for our anniversary… But other than that I’d say we’re pretty good.

When possible I like consolidating my shopping and hitting up places where I can get gifts for multiple people. Sears is one place I love because I can use their app to order my items then use in-vehicle pickup to grab my order without having to go into the store, or waiting days for it to get shipped to my house. Here’s a video I made of the service in action so you can see how quick it is. It’s convenient, and awesome for
avoiding the holiday shopping crowds.

Despite the long list of things I have left to do, this still is my favorite time of year. I kind of love the chaos. The clock is ticking but somehow it’ll all come together like it does each year. And Christmas day will (hopefully) be as magical for my kids as it was for me when I was their age.

Are you a last-minute shopper like me, or are you already done? Leave a comment letting me know something you’d like to get last-minute from Sears.com/gifts and you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card to Sears!  

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*I’m passionate about spending quality time with my family and I love it when stores make that easier for me by making shopping, faster, easier and more affordable. That’s why I’ve partnered with Sears for this post. Be sure to check out Sears.com/gifts while you’re working on your holiday shopping and give their free in-vehicle pickup service a try! 

Every year I seem to go a little above and beyond when it comes to Christmas gifts for my kids. This year I’ve been debating quantity versus quality and what they want versus what they need. I think I’ve come up with a good way to get a well-rounded selection of gifts that is more than just extra stuff.

1. Something she/he asked Santa for: Growing up Santa brought all of our gifts. As Lil’ J prepares to climb on Santa’s lap and tell him what she wants, she narrows it down. She has been good about asking Santa for just one thing, so going along with that I think we’ll make sure Santa gets what she told him she wanted (yes we met Santa early this year). She asked for matching American Girl Doll clothes to go with her new doll.

My son asked Santa for a Lightning McQueen toy and we’ve already got that covered.

2. Something we can enjoy together: Like a board game, or playing cards. I recently taught Lil’ J how to play go fish and she’s all about it. When we’re waiting at a restaurant or need a simple game to play she grabs the cards. Maybe we’ll get her Uno or Old Maid and add some more games to the list.

Same for little brother. Maybe Hungry Hippo or something they would enjoy playing together. I have a game on my wish list too. I told my husband I’d love Disney Scene It.

3. Something active: My kids love to work out with their dad in our garage gym. He’s forever adding equipment to their lineup. From box jumps to weights. I’ll have to consult with him on this but I think the kids may enjoy some jump ropes, maybe a basketball hoop, or a pogo stick.

4. Something to experience: A trip to a train museum for my son, or private gymnastics lessons for my daughter. I’d love to give a gift that keeps on giving with a joyful experience or talent they develop.

5. Something special: Lastly I love surprising my kids with something I think they’d love. Whether it’s big or small, it’s just something I think they’d enjoy. Big T has a lot of hot wheel cars and I think he’d enjoy a Hot Wheels track, but I’m debating if I have the patience to keep them organized. A simple set shouldn’t be too bad right?

I’m still working on Lil’ J. I’m thinking of getting her a pair of earrings and then surprising her with a trip to get her ears pierced since she’s been asking quite a bit lately.

I’ve barely started my shopping, in fact I’m still finalizing our lists of who we need to shop for, but getting this shopping list going makes me feel like I’m making progress.

This weekend there’s a Sears sale event to get early access to Black Friday deals so you can save big and enjoy their holidays with peace-of- mind knowing your holiday shopping is already done. Check out Sears.com/gifts for more information.

What kinds of kids are you shopping for this year? Leave a comment letting me know and you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card to Sears to get a kick start on your holiday shopping.

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The Sears Member Private Night sale event is on Sunday, Nov. 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. If you can’t make it to the store you can still shop the Member Private Night sale online 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., or shop at Sears on Thanksgiving Day, with deals available both in-store and online starting at 6 p.m. local time on Thanksgiving evening to midnight, or on Black Friday with stores opening at 5 a.m.

Making shopping easier is a big bonus to me, which is why I’ve partnered with Sears on this post. All opinions are my own.

“Hello?” My great-grandpa answered his cell phone when I called him yesterday. “Who is this?” 

“This is Jennifer!” I nearly shouted. I wanted to make sure he could hear me on the other end of the line.

“Oh, Jennifer! Hello!” He said with his tickled chuckle. “Yes, I talked to Joy Lynn the other day!”

Joy Lynn is my mother, and her mother is Joy (my grandmother, his daughter). It can get a little confusing but it’s awesome all the same.

Any chat with my 97-year-old great-grandpa, no matter how short is such a joyous occasion. He’s so eager to tell me about himself and ask how we’re doing. And I’m eager to soak in every bit of history he shares with me. On this call I managed to talk to him a little bit about his service in the military. He was in the Army during World War II. I asked if he had any photos of himself in his uniform and he passed me over to his son (my great-uncle) who happened to have just popped in for a surprise visit and he was able to text me a photo right then.

He told me how his job was to travel and find soldiers who were AWOL.

“Wow Grandpa, this is a great picture!” I told him. So crazy seeing him probably around my age or not much older than I am now.

I called my Nan and told her her brother was visiting their dad, and it really just boggled my brain and warmed my heart thinking how blessed I am to have so many branches of my family tree healthy and strong and to feel so close to them. I know so many people don’t have that experience. My kids know and love their great-great-grandfather and you just don’t hear that often.

Having a little more understanding about Veterans since our trip to Washington D.C. my daughter and I are sending a special package to our (great)great-grandpa for Veteran’s Day. Now and then we send him photographs of us with him to keep with him, but I thought a wifi picture frame that we could all digitally send photos to would be an easier way for him to keep him up to date with pictures of the growing kids.

We’re also volunteering at a local senior home in a couple days. I imagine we’ll meet some more veterans there and maybe hear some cool stories. I’ll let you know how that goes.

When I think of a veteran my mind automatically goes to an older person, but my brother-in-law, and several friends served in the military and I’m so thankful for their service. According to the 2014 U.S. Census there are over 21.8 million veterans in the United States. Do you know a veteran? Thank them and their families, not just on Veteran’s Day this month, but the next time you see them.

To do its part in thanking the brave men and women who have served, Sears recently launched “Heroes at Home for the Holidays.” Now through Nov. 19, you can donate when you check out at any Sears store, via a link at sears.com/heroesathome, or by purchasing limited-edition products that benefits the cause. One hundred percent of funds raised will go to Rebuilding Together to fund immediate accessibility ramp builds in November and December to military families in need.

Do you have a veteran in your life you’d like to shop for this year? What would you want to get for them? Tell me about them in the comments and you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card to Sears! This giveaway closes November 15th, 2016 at 11:59pm. I’ll use Random.org to choose a random comment. Good luck!

Supporting our troops is important to my family and I, which is why I partnered with Sears on this blog post.

“We have $100 to spend,” I told my daughter as we walked around Sears.

“ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS?” She nearly shouted. Her eyes widened and she rubbed her hands together behind a big grin. “That’s A LOT of money, isn’t it?”

Well, let’s see. I told her. I pointed to the dress she was holding and asked her to read me the price tag.

“Twenty dollars,” she read.

Ok, so that means we have 80 more to spend.

We came in with a gift card to pick up some clothes for the new school year but I didn’t realize we’d also be leaving with another math lesson under our belt.

We browsed together and she picked a few more items off the rack for herself while I shopped for her brother. After a little while we set all our items down and I opened my calculator app and had her help me add them up.

First she read me the prices of her items then she added the price of her brother’s items.

“Ninety dollars!” She showed me the total. “So we have one dollar left!”

Technically with tax she’s exactly right but I reminded her about place value and asked her to think about how many dollars we’d have left.

“Ten more!” She said after using my hands as a tool.

I pointed to a hat that she had grabbed for her little brother.

“That’s about ten dollars,” I said.

“Then we’ll be at one hundred!”

She typed the last 10 into the calculator and saw it reach the number we’d been aiming for. Not more, not less.

She beamed as we gathered our things and marched to the register.

“We wasted all of our money!” She told the cashier as she rang up our items.

The cashier laughed and I saw this as an opportunity for a quick vocabulary lesson.

“I think you mean spent,” I suggested. “Wasted is when you throw away something for a bad reason. Spending money is when you are using it to buy something. We are spending the money on school clothes you will use for this whole year, so that’s not wasting.”

“Ahh, ok, spending all our money!” She amended.

The total rang up to $108 thanks to tax. I decided not to go into that lesson today. That’s what we get for missing tax-free weekend.

Luckily we had just won a slew of shop your way points by playing a Secret Life of Pets game in the store, so we redeemed those for cash and it covered the tax over our gift card money.

We walked out of the store, well, Lil’ J was skipping and heading straight for the food court. We finished our little mommy/daughter date with a Chick-fil-a lunch and a Bluebell ice cream dessert. I sat across from her and admired her little spirit. So joyful, so full of life and willing to learn. I love her.

I didn’t know going into that mall that we’d be turning the trip into a math lesson. I’m not even sure if a year ago I would have seen it as an opportunity to do so. I probably would have just rushed through the trip and not thought to stop and explain. Knowing we are on our own now, no other teachers this school year, just us with our many books and life experiences to lead the way. It’s a little scary, but mostly exhilarating, and I can already see it bringing us closer together.

Want $100 to spend with your kiddos at Sears? You don’t have to turn it into a math lesson but I promise you it can be fun! Just leave a comment on this post and you’ll be entered to win a Sears gift card. Also while you’re there check out the new kids jeans and back-to-school gear or look online at Sears.com/backtoschool.

My daughter basically refuses to wear anything but dresses but Sears has expanded their popular Roebuck &; Co. denim line from just mens to boys and girls as well. The boys line has a classic collegiate feel, with tints of color and dry processing to give it a vintage look. Sizes are 7-16 for girls and 8-12 for boys and between $24-36 a pair. Next year she’ll be a little bigger and I’m guessing ready to expand on her choices.

Giveaway ends August 24th at 11:59pm. Good luck!

Update: Winner alert- Commenter #59 Tara Schreeve

*I’m passionate about spending quality time with my family and I love it when stores make that easier for me by making shopping easier and more affordable. That’s why I’ve partnered with Sears for this post.

I don’t talk about him here much, but it’s not for lack of caring. Did you know my husband is a drill sergeant? No, not really, but here at home in the late afternoon can turns into one.

“Let’s go! Time for a family workout!”

My husband barks the words and the kids go running. Grabbing their shoes and bounding after him into the garage and out in the front yard.

The “family” in family workout doesn’t always include me. I mean, I feel bad missing out most some days, but really, I’m just letting the kids have their special time with their daddy.

As young newlyweds my husband and I would talk of the kids we’d have some day. Ok, I did most of the talking. He’d smile and nod.

I’d share visions of matching family outfits and future family vacations and make him promise to coach our future children’s future sports teams.

Years later we had our daughter. She’s watched him workout at home and has been included in the process her entire life. From runs around the block while he pushed her in the stroller, to practicing back squats, front squats, pull-ups and box jumps together. Now both of our kids get in on the action.

“What do you think we should do for Daddy for Father’s Day?” I asked my daughter yesterday afternoon.

“Oh I know!” She said almost immediately. “We can get some tickets to see a BYU football game. Like be in the audience.”

“That’s a great idea!” I told her. Actually it was a fantastic idea. She knows him even better than I realized, and will definitely be my go-to for ideas from now on.

I’ll also get him a couple of new gym accessories for the garage.–His man cave that’s turned clubhouse for him and the kids. The bumper plates he uses for lifting weights turn into a mini box jump platform for the kids.

The medicine ball he uses for squats turns into a sort of tire-roll for our son. My husband also got a smaller medicine ball for the kids to use with him.

A few people have asked what workouts he does with them and what equipment they use. I’ve told him I’d hire him as the children’s fitness contributor for my blog, but so far he’s denied my offer. I’ll keep working on it though, don’t worry.

We still have a couple weeks to go before Father’s Day and I tend to procrastinate so it’s all good. Sears.com/DestinationDad has a ton of gym equipment, fast shipping and in-vehicle pickup so there’s still plenty of time to get that stuff ready. And we may surprise him with a shopping spree during their sale in a couple days. The BYU Football tickets on the other hand will take a little more legwork.

I love that my husband’s tradition of working out with the kids is strengthening not only their little bodies and minds, but also their bond with their Daddy. I hope that continues to grow stronger and that this routine of theirs morphs into something deeper as they get older and look to confide in him. Their little space and time together each day continues to be something special between them.

Every dad’s got their own special thing they do with their kids. Some do the fishing thing and my kids’ dad… Well, he has a different technique.

What’s your husband’s approach to bonding with the littles?

Leave a comment letting me know and what the dad in your life would love from Sears.com/DestinationDad and you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card from Sears. Bonus entry to my Facebook fans. Just let me know you’re one in a second comment. Random.org will draw the winner. Giveaway ends 6/20. Good luck!

Winning comment is: Heidi who said “Our garage is my husband’s man cave. We have four girls who love to be out there with their Daddy. They have kid size tools, brooms, dust pans, and such and they love to help Daddy work on vehicles and “clean” his garage :-). He doesn’t have his own pressure washer yet so I would like to get him one. Then he and the kids can wash the cars together!”

*I’m passionate about spending quality time with my family and I love it when stores make that easier for me by making shopping easier and more affordable. That’s why I’ve partnered with Sears for this post.

Like clockwork Mother’s Day appears on the month’s calendar, my hubs asks what I’d like and I have no ideas for him. It isn’t until a month or so later that I’m like “oh yea, how about a…” And I throw out something I realize I’d like.

I mean really, you never really can go wrong with a massage. Granted, actually finding the time to go to the spa and cash in on that massage is another story. But this year? This year I’ve got a different idea for Mother’s Day and I knew exactly what I wanted. A few things actually. The only thing is they’re more bizarre than ever. Really random actually. Get ready.

1. Window Tinting

via GIPHY

I just got my new car and I am craving some paparazzi windows. In my mind it’s cause I’m a Boss but really it’s just so people don’t notice my erratic dance moves as I’m belting Disney tunes down the road. After a few strange glances in my direction my husband was totally ok with this idea. I tried to tack on subwoofers but since I’m not 17, and this ain’t pimp my ride I guess that’s not happening.

2. A Drone

This is probably even stranger than my first request. Ok, definitely more strange. I love videography and playing with different techniques and a drone just seemed like the next thing to get to play with so I can be all…

via GIPHYIf I thought the expression on his face was funny when I convinced him about window tinting, it was even more hilarious when I said a drone would be a great gift. I showed him the one I picked out at Sears and he told me to go for it.

I placed the order and almost immediately got a notification that it was ready for pickup. I told myself not to play with it until Sunday, but I was excited to pick it up early since I’m heading out of town for a few days.

I know I’ve mentioned before how easy and convenient in-vehicle pickup is at Sears but I thought telling you might not be as convincing as showing you, so here’s a video of how it goes down.

See?! Just a minute and 15 seconds and here it was. From the store, to my hands, without needing to leave the car. Great when I don’t want to drag the kids into the mall.

3. A Robot Vacuum

via GIPHYI’ve wanted one for YEARS, I still want one, but my husband was not going for the price tag. Maybe next year if I’m lucky or we become high rollers. Each year the features on these things keep improving: Wifi, control with an app, intelligent scanning! Before I know it these things will be flying and taking out the trash too.

So that’s my random Mother’s Day wish list in true last-minute form as usual. But it just goes to show there’s still time if your hubby is slacking on your gift, or you’re still deciding what to get your mom. Ordering online and scheduling in-vehicle pickup at Sears makes it so easy!

I’m definitely like my own mother–a techie-mom who loves electronic gifts. I have friends who are more fashionable, or into fancy cook wear and stuff like that. Sears has it all.

What are you hoping for for Mother’s Day?

Find a great gift for your wife or mom at www.sears.com/allformom. As a bonus, shoppers that use Sears In-Vehicle Pickup for their online purchases between Tuesday, May 3 and Saturday, May 7 are automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 Sears gift card! Alternatively, you can also click on and enter the Shop Your Way All For Mom Sweepstakes at www.sears.com/allformom.

*I’m a procrastinator and find thrill in waiting until the last minute to shop and still managing to pull it off, which is why I partnered with Sears on this post. All opinions are my own.

If you live in Texas, you probably know all about Bluebonnets. Our beautiful state flower that’s only in bloom a few weeks out of the year.

Each spring I’m hit with part excitement part anxiety for getting out and getting pictures in them. Excitement because… Hello! They are beautiful, and a great excuse to take gorgeous sunset pictures in a field and it’s evolved into a springtime family tradition. But anxiety because these obligatory photos are sort of hit or miss, and if it’s a miss then I’m pretty much SOL until next spring.

Lucky for me, we were able to arrive at the perfect time, right on the edge of golden hour. It was cloudy, but the sun broke through just above the tree line. Ah! Just heavenly light.

One of my favorite parts about the experience this year was the fact that my kids were actually into it. Sort of. I mean my son was very amused by the “blue flowers” and knew that we were going to take pictures in them.

A great thing about photographs in a field is no matter where they run off to, chances are it can still make a great photo.

Believe it or not, I used my 100mm 2.8L lens for this entire shoot. The further away from me they ran, the cuter the photos seemed to get.

I’m challenging ourselves to get out more this spring. We did some gardening over spring break and we’re trying to maintain our flowers (luckily they came with a warranty).

In the next couple of weeks I’m hoping to take the kids strawberry picking and visit our first farmer’s market. I’d also love to spruce up our backyard again. Our pergola canopy took a beating so we could use a new cover. I’d love new seat cushions for our chairs, and I keep thinking a fire pit would be a nice addition for spring nights. Maybe one of these days I’ll even get brave enough to take the kids camping. Actually, maybe we’ll start by putting up a tent in our backyard!

We hit up the Sears “Spring It On Black Friday” Member Private Night. And ordered a 4 person tent! I’m so excited to try it out with the whole fam.We have some fun stuff going on in our backyard and I’d love to continue to make it an extension of our home.

Personally I love the convenience of shopping online then using in-vehicle pickup so I don’t need to face the store with my kids. They’re having another sale online at Sears.com/SpringItOn and in-stores April 22-23.

Bluebonnets, picnics, pool time, flower picking, bubble blowing, nice weather that’s not too-hot yet. These are just a few of the things I love about spring.

So bring it on spring! Or spring it on! Bluebonnets may have started the party, but I’m hoping we capture a lot more fun together this season.

Now for the fun part. I’m giving away ANOTHER $50 gift card on this post! Win $50 to spend on your own Sears shopping spree. Just leave a comment letting me know what you’d like to get if to win to make spring more fun with your family. Good luck! And don’t forget, before you head out you can make a reservation to meet with an expert. A free service to help you choose the right product for you home! You have until Saturday April 23rd 11:59pm to enter.

I love springtime, spending time with my family outdoors, and making our backyard into a place for us to play. That’s why I partnered with Sears on this post.