Family Time

Welcome to our Family Time page. Here you'll find all kinds of articles about the family. There's parenting tips, activities for spending time with family, and ideas to share special moments with your loved ones. Check out a few of our most popular posts here, or scroll down for the most recent projects.

School Lunches, Ideas and a Free Printable

by Marie September 14, 2011

It’s only day 5 of school and I’m already running out of ideas for my kids lunches. I know, seems silly, but I want to try to give them something other than PB&J everyday. So I’ve been doing a little research on what to make and I’ve found a lot of great ideas. Here are [...]

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School Has Begun! How’s it Going?

by Marie September 12, 2011

School has begun! I have a 3rd grader, 1st grader, and my little 3 year old just started preschool. It was a big jump going from everyone at home for the summer to now the house is really really quiet. It’s a good quiet. I miss my kids, but it’s nice to have them in [...]

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Milestone Birthday Countdown

by Mariel August 25, 2011

It’s birthday season around my house. In between the poopie diapers, bills, and laundry, I’ve got birthdays on what’s left of my mind: What to do for the party? Should I make a fancy or lazy cake? What gifts should I buy? Can I handle this?? Needless to say, I’m checking them off, one by [...]

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“Happy Birthday, Dear Family…” – Wedding Anniversary Fun

by Mariel July 28, 2011

Some of my wedding anniversaries have been fancy and romantic, some have been pretty low key. We’ve taken fun trips, but we’ve also just gone out to eat and exchanged little gifts. But, no matter how we’ve celebrated our marriage, I’ve always felt that it would be fun to involve the kids, on at least [...]

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It’s Not Trashy to Compost

by Sabrena July 21, 2011

Did you ever watch Fraggle Rock? Sunday nights at the Suite household made the close of the weekend bearable because of Jim Henson’s zany creations. How could we be upset at the prospect of an inevitable Monday, when metwith the spunk of Red, the angst of Weebly and the wisdom of Madame Trash Heap? Sunday [...]

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How Are You Keeping to a Schedule During the Summer?

by Marie June 30, 2011

We tend to get off our regular routine once the summer starts. Our mornings are slower and our nights are longer. But it’s still important for kids to keep some sort of structure each day. We’re still brushing our teeth, trying to get dressed before noon (me included), and I like to have my kids [...]

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Our Big Move to Seattle

by Marie June 13, 2011

Yes, it’s true. Our family has moved to Seattle, Washington. My husband, Jordan, got a new job at the headquarters at REI, located in Seattle. So this past week, we loaded up the moving truck and headed for grayer skies. We lived in Utah for over 10 years and it was hard to say goodbye, [...]

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A New Father’s Day Tradition (and Competition!)

by Mariel May 26, 2011

One of my most favorite things about being a mother is coming up with new traditions for my family. Traditions are a great way to create memories and give the family something to look forward to. However, if I have one piece of unsolicited advice on this subject, it’s to be flexible. If the fun [...]

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Green Thumbs & Dirty Fingernails

by Sabrena May 19, 2011

I’ve got dirty fingernails. I’m sorry, I know we just met. Is that too much information? But seriously, this time of year my nails seem to be in constant need of some face-time with a manicurist. But I don’t really consider it a problem; it’s more of a blessing. Because this time of year is [...]

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Family Dinner and Movie Theme Night

by Mariel May 12, 2011

My kids are always itching to do something fun. I don’t blame them, so am I. Bike rides, theme parks, bowling, laser tag, you name it. Fun is great. But, sometimes Mom and Dad are lacking in the energy department. One of the easiest, most non-energy-needing ways to perk up my gloomy kids is to [...]

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