What a fun and exhausting week! Can I get an amen? Amen! But these cute photos of happy kiddos make it all worth it. Thank you for sharing your Halloween pics with us. We think these kiddos are pretty cute and we think you will too!
And that’s a wrap! Thank you for sharing your family with us!
Ahh!! Too.Much.Candy! I’m sure your family is just like ours, we have Halloween events at school, church then trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. My kids get so much candy that we don’t need! I don’t want my kiddos to eat all this candy and I don’t want to be tempted to eat all of their candy when they aren’t looking!
What can we do? Well, have you heard of the Switch Witch? She is real, and I think she became my new best friend! The Switch Witch will come over and visit your house once your kiddos are fast asleep from their candy coma and take their candy. Now, I know that sounds mean and cruel, however, you explain this to your kiddos and tell them that she will leave them a gift for trade for their candy!
In order to pull the “switch” off, you need to talk to your kids several days in advance. If you try this on Halloween night your kiddos might turn into a scary witch.
Here are a few tips to pull off a successful “switch”:
Happy Switchcrafting!!
by Jennifer Duncan
I was several months in to the “empty nest” season of life, when I realized that this was a fairly permanent situation. My sons were firmly set in college life, happily independent of my supervision, and I faced the stark reality that there were some things in my life that would never happen again.
I had been warned about this. Someone wrote an article that reminded parents that there would come a time when we would mourn over all the “lasts” that had gone by unnoticed. And, yes, I realized there WAS a time when I picked up one of my little boys and parked him on my hip, for the last time…a last time for holding hands to cross the street…a last ride in a car seat…a last crayon drawing. So now here they were…all the things that were over for good…staring me in the face.
Never again would I come home to find that someone had eaten ALL of the snacks that I had purchased for a get-together with friends.
Never again would I find a pile of dirty sports uniforms in the laundry room floor…uniforms that needed to be clean by TOMORROW.
Never again would I have discussions about which kind of shoes were the “must haves” for the school year.
Nobody would be arguing over the use of my car, or whose turn it was to put gas in said car.
Nobody would be expecting me to have snacks prepared and packed into a cooler before the bus left for a track meet.
Nothing would be left in the middle of the kitchen table, like math books or cleats or dirty socks.
Nothing would be rearranged in the living room, to set up a better place to play video games.
Never would I be expected to be at the youth parent’s meeting at church, or to help sponsor an overnight lock-in.
Never would I have to worry about waiting up until curfew, or what I would do if one of them didn’t come home on time.
Never again would I wonder who left the butter out of the refrigerator, or who left the greasy pan on the stove.
Nobody would be asking to borrow money from me.
Nobody would ask me to bake something TONIGHT for the bake sale tomorrow.
And nothing, like scissors, tape, batteries, or tools, would disappear from its usual storage place.
Everything is right where it’s supposed to be, and my life is uncluttered and my schedule is predictable and uncomplicated.
Someone said that these days of sending grown children off on their own, are like Moses’s mother “putting the basket in the water.” To spare her son’s life, Jocabed took a great risk, and launched him out in a floating basket to be found by a compassionate princess (Exodus 1). Jocabed didn’t know how it would all turn out, and even though scripture doesn’t record what she said or did, I’m guessing that she was praying her heart out, asking for God’s protection and provision. God was faithful to her, just as He was to me when I launched my sons. I know that even now, He is the one giving them the guidance and care that they need. I am thankful for that.
But oh, what I wouldn’t give for just one more night of waiting…for curfew.
Jennifer is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is mom to two grown (twin) sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law and four granddaughters. Her late husband, John, pastored two churches in Barry County, Missouri, and one in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Jennifer serves in teaching, music and lay counseling through her church, Arnhart Baptist Church, Purdy, Missouri. She also enjoys leading retreats and Bible studies for women.
by Kelsey Fields
I am officially five days away from the most challenging race of my life. I don’t know if I had too much NyQuil, was in a Taco Bell coma, or if I just officially hit my quarter life crisis when I signed up. My fingers registered me before my brain could tell me to back away from the computer. Races should have a 24 hour think period. You sign up, and then 24 hours later you have a chance to come to your senses because you’ve realized that just because you want to run 25 miles doesn’t mean you should or that you can. Maybe I’ll work on that along with my beach jeans.
This is the overview the website gives of the race:
“The Out & Back Challenge is a Run-Relax-Run Relay format for runners who want to get in some serious miles without running during the night.
Your team will run approximately 125 miles (depending on final course measurement). Each runner will run 4 legs (based on a 6-person team). You will be challenged and actually run more miles than the 200-mile standard teams, but get a good night’s rest.
Think of us as a high-speed walkabout through the best that the Natural State has to offer. From panoramic mountain vistas and rolling valleys, to winding rivers, lush National Forests and 5 scenic State Parks, Outback in the Ozarks will take you to a breathtakingly beautiful “Land Down Under.”
This is what it actually means:
The Out and Back Challenge is a ‘run the hardest 7 miles of your life with 1000 feet of elevation gain-have enough time to rest that your legs cramp up and die-then run 8 more miles just for fun, but don’t worry, you get to stay in a hotel and wake up and do it all over again the next day’ format.
I’m not bitter. Really, I’m not. But I am nervous! And that is the whole reason I signed up for this race. I really didn’t know if it was something I could do, so I am testing my limits. What I do know is that when I finish I will have accomplished something that took a lot of hard work, dedication, and grit.
My best friend Kayla and I have been training for this race together. Our training has consisted of early morning hills, speed training, strength training, and endurance runs. We found out that if you wake up early enough, you can start running before your brain registers it as a bad idea. Besides my butt looking better in my skinny jeans thanks to those terrible, terrible, hills, my easy run pace has gone down by a solid 30 seconds per mile, I have loads more energy, and I am sleeping like a baby.
Does your daily running consist of sprinting to your child once you’ve noticed they have a deathgrip on an uncapped sharpie and are headed towards the walls? That’s okay! You don’t have to join in on my kind of crazy, but you really should find a way to challenge yourself. Here are some ways to challenge yourself, starting from the bottom up!
Run everyday for a month. I do this every summer for the Runner’s World Run Streak and it is one of my favorite running commitments. I run a mile each day, but if you are a beginner smart small. Try running three minutes each day, and build up to twelve over the course of the month.
Enjoy running every once and a while but too scared to commit to a race? Just do it! Sign up for a 5k. Start training with the Couch to 5k app and take it slow. Build up your mileage a little at a time until you feel confident enough for the big day. I swear to you that once you feel the adrenaline and atmosphere of your first 5k you will be addicted.
Run a 5k every month for a year. This is something I have always wanted to to do, but you know, having babies. I may have to make it my New Year’s Resolution for 2019. Sign up for your races far in advance so you can’t back out and so your registration fees are lower (the closer to you get to an event, the higher the registration fees). Pick races that have gorgeous views, awesome swag, or dope medals. (Can I say dope? Am I too old for that?)
Our sponsors at Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series offer an amazing variety of races, from a beautiful trail race through Dogwood Canyon to a half-marathon through the sites of Springfield. I dare you to check out the races on their website, and sign up for one today!
SWMO Moms fitness category, which is full of healthy tips for all women, is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series.
Their mission is to celebrate health and wellness, outdoor adventures and wildlife conservation in the beauty of the Ozarks. Programs are designed to include activities for people of all ages, backgrounds, fitness levels and areas of interest. CLICK HERE for more information or give them a call at 417.873.5214.
Kelsey is an elementary teacher (just finished her first year!), a Beachbody certified Insanity instructor, avid runner and yoga enthusiast.
When she is not working out, you will find her cheering on the Denver Broncos, substitute teaching and spending time with her family. She is wife to Blake and mom to busy 2 year-old son Max and 1 year-old, Mick.
Looking for a safe place to take the kiddos to trick-or-treat this Halloween? Here are some local trunk or treat events your little monsters are sure to enjoy! Don’t forget to also snap a photo of your cute princesses, monsters, and ghosts. We will be doing a photo roundup of all the cute Halloween costumes. So snap the pic and use the #swmomommas. Happy Haunting!
Countryside Christian Church – Trunk or Treat
Wednesday, October 26th 6-8
3350 W. Jackson St – Nixa, MO 65714
Food & refreshments (Walking tacos, hot dogs, chili (along with all the fixins) Tea, lemonade & hot chocolate.
Inflatables, games, of course Trunk-or-Treating and much more!
We hope you will grab the kids and join us for this fun FREE event!
Howl-O-Ween Fest, Eagle Rock Library
Saturday, October 29, 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy a costume contest, haunted house, crafts, car show and food vendors!
Branson Landing’s 5th Annual Safe Street Trick or Treat
Monday, October 31 – 5 pm -7 pm
On Halloween, the Branson Landing merchants join in to create a safe Halloween alternative for area children. Kids up to age 12 in costume can “Trick or Treat” by stopping by businesses with the Halloween sign on their windows. There will be a witch in town square and lots of goodies.
Halloween Safe Trick or Treat at the Battlefield Mall
Monday, October 31st
The Battlefield Mall in Springfield, Missouri hosts the Halloween Safe Trick or Treat each year. This fun and festive event has an emphasis on family friendly Halloween activities which are held throughout the mall. Youngsters can wear their costumes and go from store to store collecting candy.
Many local Area Churches host “Trunk or Treat” or October 31st Parties:
Many churches in the Ozarks hold a “Trunk or Treat” or an October 31st Party to enable local kids to create a safe Halloween experience. Here are just a few local churches, but make sure to check with the churches in your area to see if they will be having a Halloween party for the community.
Cassville United Methodist Church
Sunday, October 30, 5 p.m.
Cassville United Methodist church invites the community to attend their annual Trunk-or-Treat event in our parking lot! Kiddos will load up on candy, enjoy bounce houses, hay rides and several fun crafts!
Fall Block Party at ParkCrest Baptist Church
Sunday, October 30th 6-8pm
Parkcrest Baptist Church is looking forward to having decorated cars for kids to collect candy, inflatables, games, music, & food. This event will take place on our north east parking lot.
James River – October 31st Party
Monday, October 31st 6-9pm
James River Church holds their annual October 31st Party, and it is one of the largest events in the area. They have giant Inflatables, crafts, an amazing kids show, kettle corn, lots of candy and much more. This event is free and geared towards kids of all ages.
Northside Christian Church’s annual Trunk or Treat extravaganza
Monday, October 31
6-8 pm NCC parking lot
4902 N. State Hwy H, Springfield
Car to car trick-or-treating, Inflatables, Hot dogs, popcorn and hot cocoa, Marshmallow roasting, Candy, candy and more candy! Wear your costumes and get your face painted!
