Make A Little Fun

Dads + summer means MORE fun for the whole family! Our husbands join us as special guests. They talk growing up with their dads, personal paternal mojo, dad bods, and the importance of having costumes on hand for all occasions (don't underestimate the power of a mask). The fun they are making these days might seem about just a laugh but it's about building relationships and memories with their kids. Kye takes it over the the top. Don't miss this one and his story about LADIES NIGHT!

Homemade Focaccia Recipe (Julia made the 3 hour version if the overnight part feels too much!)https://alexandracooks.com/2018/03/02/overnight-refrigerator-focaccia-best-focacciaDelicious Ice Cream Sandwiches- kids devoured and loved! https://smittenkitchen.com/2021/06/chocolate-ice-cream-sandwiches/

SUMMER!! We are here for it. We took some unexpected time off but we are back just in time for our favorite season! Summer is full of fun but it can bring added chaos- it helps to have a little pregame setup before the days of summer take over. Join us as we chat some thoughts on our own ideas for setting our families up for success in the midst of the chaos. We also get a surprise call from Emma, Julia’s cousin, with the saga about her dog Jordy that is sure to make you laugh (or at least glad you don’t have a Brittney)!

"Hello, my name is Kye - what's your name?" Meet Kye. Husband of Julia, dad of four, definition of fun. Game instigator, magic trick do-er, prankster and costume connoisseur are all the reasons you should listen to this episode. We pick his brain on how to bring playfulness and FUN into the lives of others - and not just friends mind you......everyday interactions with strangers or people who if you pay attention you will notice multiple times throughout your weekly rhythm. I think we will make him our new "Make a Little Fun" mascot. Feels right.

Not every day are there unicorns and rainbows. Shocking, we know. I mean, some days you simply need to call in back up - like the ski patrol - (literally). Oooooorrr the powers that be who run summer sports sign-ups because you missed the deadline (again)(......literally). Either way, we are here for you. We are here to help you choose fun in the armpit of all seasons. Embrace the stagnant, throw in a dose of anticipation, and you'll be laughing your head off before you know it. Bring it.

JON and KARLA, high school sweethearts, musicians, pastors at Eagle Brook Church, friends, neighbors - in sum, some of our FAVORITES. Seriously. Not only do you want to listen in because Jon was an exact replica of Screech (Saved by the Bell, anyone??) in high school when he met and wooed Karla, but you are going to leave with a sore stomach (from laughing!) and some thought provoking moments I promise you'll be chewing on for the next month. They crush this area of intentionally making and keeping their marriage fun. Boom.

The best best and worst book: 100 Afternoon Sweets by Sarah KiefferThe best sheets...really!The Company Store 

MERRY CHRISTMAS (almost!) Last episode we talked about a few staple things we ALWAYS do this time of year. BUT - shouldn't we all leave a little space to say yes to the last minute, maybe-stay-up-too-late, memory makers that show themselves in the final hour? Maybe....Let us be clear, the older we get, the busier things seem and "no" at times feels like it might be our favorite word. However, embracing the unknown and leaning into the chaos (even just a little!) is what we are here to encourage you in today. We will give you some tips of how to do this and also tell you about the SARAN WRAP BALL game which will change your life. Merry Christmas!

Similar Advent calendar Julia uses:https://www.amazon.com/Toy-Shop-Wooden-Advent-Calendar/dp/B07VBGC3Y3?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A13P4VPUQ8NH5Julia's Dad's book:https://www.amazon.com/If-He-Had-Not-Come/dp/1490818103December Children's booklist:https://readaloudrevival.com/booklist/december-picture-books/Secret Santa Generator:https://www.drawnames.com/secret-santa-generator/?RF=G-D&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxqC6BhBcEiwAlXp45zBg31D8hoQ3YWtHj7L9r1DwdnTohcQZgCTuqwDkrV29muK89yuWuhoCEsoQAvD_BwE 

Today we chat with some of our closet friends! Meet Dana and Christie, friends from college that we talk with about one of our favorite holiday traditions "Favorite Things". We also discuss "Julefest" - (Scandinavian, yes...we're from Minnesota, remember?!) which is basically a fancy way of describing a holiday dinner we do every year with friends. Both of these traditions can be done many different ways but we walk through what it looks like for us and and encourage you to plan something like this with your circle! It's never to late to begin a tradition....enjoy!!Links:Ina Garten's Beef BourguinonHalf Baked Harvest's Creamy Lasagna SoupCreamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Halloween is here! Join us as we dive into making this holiday one for the books. We reminisce about our shared halloween adventures in college, adult costume party ideas and and chat about neighborhood gatherings that bring everyone together. Happy halloween!!

It's still fall ya'll. Time to bake! Listen in as we share not only our staple fall recipes but surprise each other with seasonal snacks that maybe you should buy too! And also - Julia shares maybe the funniest story ever told.

We LOVE fall…….buuuuutttt is it time for some new fun fall ideas?? Don’t get us wrong, we love a good apple orchard or pumpkin patch but these mama’s need some new activities to keep in their back pocket. A Booyah, fall camping, seasonal-movie-series-watch-party (what??), local sports games…..let’s discuss.

We all need it. Rest. A way to recharge. A moment of sanity. And everyone does it differently. But are you making sure that while it's restful it's also enjoyable? Are you making sure you're building this into your daily, weekly and monthly rhythms? Maybe we should give this a little thought.....and effort (don't worry - just a little effort). Let's take care of ourselves and have fun in the process!

Reading. We all know it's important. But did you know that reading aloud to your children - even through high school - has some major academic and long-term benefits? Listen in as we dive into discussing our family reading rhythms and ways in which we try to make reading aloud exciting and fresh (even for the tiniest of listeners). Or, jump in with us and put on your very own version of a Family Book Club! Whether you are short on time or want to go all out - you can bring a book to life and create memories your family will never forget. Happy reading!

It's birthday week over here - between the two of us we have 4 birthdays within a week! Listen in as we talk about birthdays from our growing up years, how we celebrate with our families today and ideas we have implemented over the years to make sure our kids have some solid birthday memories.....anyone can start the tradition of a birthday banner! And birthdays aren't just about celebrating - - as parents we use these annual times as a way to connect with our birthday kid - talk about the year to come as a year older, celebrate accomplishments and recognize their dreams with a pre-birthday dinner. Let's get celebrating!

We spend most of this episode breaking down our awesome 2024 Olympics party - what a success! (But remember - a party is only as good as the participants.....friends who came - you nailed it!) And if a party of this magnitude is simply too much - don't worry; just take an idea that spoke to you and run with it. You can do it! And let's not throw in the towel on summer just yet....there's still time to check off some simple 'bucket list' ideas for those end of summer memories.

Welcome back for our first official podcast!! We set the stage for what we're all about - finding something that is already fun and maximizing it to create life-long memories! Join us as we discuss this further and dive into a past event that really started this all.....an Amazing Race type of fun at a family cabin and then dive into an event that we are currently in the midst of planning! No matter who you are, what your circumstance is or how your family is wired, we believe everyone can make a little FUN!

Life is a gift. It moves fast. We are here to encourage you to make the most of whatever your day throws at you - from the big to everyday moments. By letting go of what we can't control and leaning into the spontaneous, the crazy, the messes, the joy. And ultimately, memories made with friends and family. This is a place where we hope to encourage you to bring more fun into your everyday life. No matter what your circumstance, or how you are wired we believe everyone can learn to make a little more fun!