Today we are talking about the “Danger of a Single Story”. Based off of a TED Talk we heard years ago we wanted to bring this idea to you.

“The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.”

- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

TED Talk: The Danger of a Single Story

https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story

Today Jan and Larissa talk about whether our children have too many toys. Is it time to de-clutter the toys? Can we do other activities that increase the quality of playtime and creativity in our kids rather than buying more toys? We encourage you to do what’s best for your household. Always remember to keep joy in the front row of playtime.

Today Jan and Larissa want to wish you a very Merry Christmas! YAY for December! YAY for Christmas!

We hope that you will be the beautiful you that you are. Have fun. Let your hair down and enjoy the next couple of days. Remember what Christmas is all about - Jesus came so that we would have peace, love, joy, comfort, and a whole lot more.

Merry Christmas!

Today Jan and Larissa talk about the traditions that come with Christmas and why they are important.

We share our traditions and the stories that go along with them. We invite you to think about your traditions and challenge you to let them ebb and flow with your life and maybe pick up some new ones. Wishing you a Merry Christmas full of fantastic memories!

Today Jan and Larissa talk about the tough times of divorce at Christmas. They share how they deal with the holidays when their children are away with their dad.

Don’t let Christmas end on a sour note...embrace the time you have with your children, even if it’s not on December 25th.

Today Jan and Larissa talk about the countdown to Christmas. We talk about the idea behind a Christmas countdown and how it can build excitement, build joy for the holiday, remind you of the reason for the season, bring peace to an otherwise chaotic time of year and make memories that will last a lifetime.

You can find so many ideas online but here are a few links:

[DIY Christmas Countdown Calendar Ideas](https://gigglesgalore.net/diy-christmas-countdown-advent-calendar-ideas)

[Bible Verse Advent Countdown](https://happyhomefairy.com/bible-verse-advent-countdown-kids-free-printable/)

[25 Christmas Countdown Activities](https://happystronghome.com/christmas-countdown-activities-free-printable/)

[25 Super Fun and Almost Free Christmas Countdown Activities](https://www.3littlegreenwoods.com/fun-activities-for-kids/almost-free-christmas-countdown-activities/)

[Egg Carton Snowmen](https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/egg-carton-snowman/?fbclid=IwAR03mlb239s0iaKKQziolhbjHpBQ6i5PhTHsZ4dvKgMDCsPwxQ1oODzVwv4)

[50+ Christmas Crafts for Kids](https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/christmas-crafts-for-kids/)

Today Jan and Larissa are talking about all things Thanksgiving. We are sharing our memories, our traditions and putting the “thanks” in Thanksgiving.

Today Jan and Larissa talk about gratitude and what it means to live a life with gratitude: Be thankful, show appreciation and return kindness.

What does your gratitude look like? Who can you show appreciation to? Who has shown you kindness, and how can you return kindness?

Be Brave Enough and live life with gratitude.

Today we are talking about the all too common idiom “Keeping Up With The Joneses”. What does it mean to be “Keeping Up With The Joneses”? We dive into the questions around this and how it impacts our lives.

We challenge you (& ourselves) to be Brave Enough to be us … forget the Joneses and be amazingly wonderfully you!

Today Jan and Larissa talk about being moms and maintaining friendships. Creating healthy friendships and being a mom is harder than ever in the season of our young children.

Jan and Larissa explore the importance of staying connected and finding a balance with motherhood and friends.