Become a subscriber and receive my “Mealtime Magic – Biblically Based Conversation Cards” FREE!
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Happy Home Fairy

Helping Moms Build Happy Homes

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Crafts
  • Freebies
    • FREE Printables
    • Giveaways
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Soups/Salads
    • Appetizers/Snacks
    • Treats
  • Celebrate
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Mother’s Day
    • End of School Year
    • Summer
    • Father’s Day
    • 4th of July
    • Back to School
    • Fall
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Birthdays
  • Faith
    • Comforting in Crisis
    • Fairy Thoughts
    • Motherhood
    • Marriage
    • Parenting
    • NICU Mommies

5 Screen Free Ways to Have Fun While Waiting

We were waiting in some long lines recently at a theme park in Orlando. It was hot and our youngest was getting antsy. I was tempted to break out the phone and pacify him with a show. But then I remembered what one of my mentors has taught me about parenting with the big picture in mind. She encourages me to ask myself the following question – is this an opportunity to teach my kids a skill that they will need as an adult?

While handing our child a screen is certainly easier, when we think about the bigger picture, we realize that we do not want our children to grow up and turn to screens every time they don’t know what to do with themselves. We want to foster their God-given imaginations! We want to stir up wonder and creativity! We want them to be givers in this world!

How do we do that while we are waiting at the doctor’s office, on a long car ride, in line at an amusement park, or at a sit-down restaurant? I have some great ideas for you today!

I AM A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR ME TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES. READ MY FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY HERE.

Games

There are the obvious classics like I Spy (“I spy something insert-color-here…”, Rock, Paper, Scissors, Thumb Wars, and Tic Tac Toe. P.S. Did you know you can play Tic Tac Toe at a restaurant with the sugar packets and silverware? Get creative with what you have! Here are 8 more fun games!

Praying Man

This is the best way to redeem the game of Hangman. Same idea, but different drawing to put together. Check it out HERE.

What’s Missing?

Place 10 items from your purse on the table in front of you. Have your kids try to memorize the items for 5-10 seconds. While their eyes are closed, remove 1 or a few items. When they open their eyes they have to try to remember what is missing.

Two Truths and a Lie

Everyone takes a turn making three statements. Two must be true and one should be made up. Everyone takes turns trying to guess which is the lie.

Drop a Penny

Take out a penny and try to drop it so that it lands on your shoe without falling off. You can also play this with a small scrap of paper and try to catch it using only two fingers before it hits the ground.

How Many Can You Name?

Name a category and the other person has to come up with as many things related to that category as they can in 10 seconds. Animals, candy, cereal, etc. You can make this more challenging by having their responses be in alphabetical order. For example with the category snacks, the answers would need to be Apple, Banana, Cookie, Donut, etc.

Silly Sentences

One player chooses 4-5 random letters. Everyone must take turns coming up with sentences where each word starts with the designated letter. For example, TAPT. The Aardvark Plays Tennis.

Fruit of the Spirit Charades

Have the kids act out different fruits of the spirit. Everyone else must guess which fruit of the spirit they are sharing! For example, someone could act really loving by hugging and blowing kisses for “love,” or someone could act really calm for “peace”. You could also give scenarios and the kids would have to apply a fruit of the spirit to the story. For example, “Johnny wanted to play chess, but his little brother wanted to play basketball. Johnny sacrificed what he wanted in order to bless his brother.” What fruit of the spirit is that? LOVE!

What book of the bible?

My kids like this one! Share a Bible verse or story and the kids have to guess which book of the Bible it is in. This is super challenging!

Tools

If you have little ones, I highly recommend taking a bag of tricks with you whenever you leave the house. Simply place some good ole’ fashioned paper, crayons, bubbles, Matchbox cars, and stickers into a small backpack like THIS and it will be a wonderful resource when your kiddos start to get antsy! Stickers on the exam table paper, draw a picture for the dentist, blow bubbles in line at the theme park, run a Matchbox car along the restaurant table… In addition, these novelty items below will inspire lots of fun!

WATER WOW BOOKS

These Water Wow! Books are seriously amazing. I am impressed and fascinated every single time my son uses them. They are mess free and so satisfying!

ACTIVITY BOOKS

We love the activity books by The Beginner’s Bible. They have a great Preschool Workbook as well as activity and sticker books for boys and girls.

LCD WRITING TABLETS

These are hands down the greatest tool to inspire quiet creating. My kids LOVE these and use them constantly.

Travel-sized games

A friend of mine reached out and said THESE small dinosaur water ring games kept her boys busy on a long car ride. Travel-sized Etcha-Sketches and Magic Wonder Tubes are great, too! My boys also love THIS fidget ball.

MAGNIFYING GLASS

Pull out a magnifying glass and suddenly everything gets a million times more interesting! Encourage your kids to observe the world around them! Clothing fibers, grass, dirt, skin, etc. Get a good kid-friendly magnifying glass HERE.

MEMORY GAME

Someone gave this Flip to Win Travel Memory Game to us as a gift and Zion loves it!

Books

Wherever we go, I make sure we have books. I love creating opportunities for my children to get lost in a good story! We visit the library almost every weekend. Here are some engaging books for long waits. You can also find a list of our favorite picture books HERE.

DUDE PERFECT

My boys absolutely LOVE Dude Perfect. They could read this book for hours.

SEEK AND FIND BIBLE BOOKS

These Seek and Find Bible books are a great way to keep kids busy and learn more about the Bible!

BIBLE INFOGRAPHICS

These books have so many great facts about the Bible. My kids love to read them.

Talk

Building relationship and having fun together is so important. Focus on eye contact and laughing. Here are some simple resources to help you and your little ones connect through conversation while waiting.

Tell jokes

HERE is a great post with jokes for kids. Sometimes we will use the phone to Facetime my mom and tell her some jokes.

Would You Rather?

Would you rather hug a porcupine or an octopus? HERE is an amazing list of 100 Would You Rather questions to inspire fun and lighthearted conversation. And if you happen to be waiting in line at Disney, HERE are some Disney-themed Would You Rather questions.

Conversation Starters

HERE are some thought-provoking questions that will get everyone connecting. And don’t forget to grab my FREE Printable Bible-based conversation cards HERE!

Nothing

Before doing any of the above, try letting them be without your direction. See what happens! They may lead with a new idea! Children are naturally wired to create and play! Plus, the more they are allowed space to do so, the better they will get at keeping themselves busy without a screen. But, if things take a turn and they start climbing on the furniture in the waiting room, then I am thankful I could help you to be ready. 😉

Joyfully,

Julie

Sharing is caring!

Fairy Tips, Summer
Summer, Summer Activities
4 Comments

About Happy Home Fairy

Julie Brasington is a Preschool Director, wife of a South Florida Worship Pastor and mom of 3 boys. She writes at Happy Home Fairy where you can find easy craft ideas, FREE printables, simple recipes, holiday fun, thoughts on raising kids, and encouragement for moms.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

You May Also Like These Posts

Recipe – Easy Chocolate Pudding PopsAMAZING New Christ-Centered Resource for Families This Summer – FREE Printable!My Favorite Summer Memories5 Acts of Kindness You Can Do While On Vacation
Prev Post 5 Ways to Help Someone Who is Sick – Free Printable
Next Post Back to School Countdown Prayer Chain – FREE Printable!

Reader Interactions

4 Comments

  1. Pamela Casanova

    August 4, 2022 at 12:23 pm

    Love the heart of this post, I was thinking about this last night while our 3 boys sat waiting at a restaurant. We are in Colombia and the restaurant did not have the usual paper kids menu with crayons etc. We have a plane ride and airport lines next week, so these are great suggestions. Thank you!!!

    to Pamela Casanova" aria-label="reply to this comment to Pamela Casanova">reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      August 4, 2022 at 10:59 pm

      Ahh, thank you, Pamela! So good to hear from you. Have a safe trip!

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label="reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy">reply to this comment
  2. Fairy

    July 1, 2024 at 10:01 am

    Very nice!

    to Fairy" aria-label="reply to this comment to Fairy">reply to this comment
  3. Scarlet

    October 1, 2024 at 3:31 pm

    We do talking and books mostly while waiting to pass the time without books. However, I really enjoy the list of games you shared to help pass the time. Thanks for these great ideas!

    to Scarlet" aria-label="reply to this comment to Scarlet">reply to this comment

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Loving God Loving Others and Having Fun

Hey there! My name is Julie, the Happy Home Fairy. I am married to a Worship Pastor, we have 3 boys, and I am a Preschool Director. I love sharing easy, fun ideas to help moms build a happy home! Here you will find simple crafts, FREE Printables, yummy recipes, stories about my journey to trust Jesus with my family, and encouragement for your mama's heart. You can read more about me HERE!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

My eBook!
AVAILABLE NOW!

book-sidebarThe Kindness Antennae is my brand new eBook packed full of uplifting stories, fun ideas, printables, and truths to help you (and your kids!) live a life that makes a difference – one act of kindness at a time.

BUY NOW

Subscribe Now and Get a FREE Gift!

Preschool Crafts and Ideas

Preschool Classroom Reveal

Creation Book – FREE Printable!

Brown Bear, Brown Bear Handprint Project

Preschool Morning Meeting Ideas

More Preschool Ideas

Popular Categories

  • Printables
  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Recipes
  • Preschool
  • Encouragement

Footer

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON
Facebook

SEE WHAT I’M PINNING ON
Pinterest

PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES ON
INSTAGRAM

@happyhomefairy
Happy Home Fairy

@happyhomefairy

I like to make people happy.✨ Author of #thekindnessantennae 🎉 💛Psalm 28:7💛
  • Woohoo! 🥳 The kids are at Grammie’s and we went to a wedding! Got to get dressed up, see Ryan rock it as the “professional officiant” (this is what the wedding coordinator called him), eat a free steak, and even dance a little! 💃🏼🪩

My favorite thing that Ryan said during the ceremony was that God made Adam wait for Eve. He paraded all the Mr. and Mrs. animals in front of him long enough until Adam’s longing matched God’s good gift. The timing was then right, Adam was ready to fully appreciate and treasure his Mrs. “Man”.

To be honest, I almost didn’t attend the wedding with Ryan! I wasn’t feeling great and the idea of being home without kids all day to catch up on cleaning and laundry was pretty appealing. But the little nudge in me said DO NOT MISS THIS. I wanted to hear Ryan’s message and watch him lead this precious couple’s ceremony. I knew it was important to him that I be there. So because I treasure him, I went.

And I wasn’t the only one treasuring today! Ryan thanked me for coming with him, he danced with me even though I knew he would rather die than be on the dance floor, and he let me run into the store on the way home to end the day with some chocolate.

So here’s to treasuring one another - looking first to your spouse’s interests before your own, being their biggest fan, and telling them they look super hot in the fancy suit.

I mean, after all, he is a professional. 😁
  • 🥳This is 42!!!🥳 I got to sleep in, workout, take a shower, AND go grocery shopping alone all in this one day! It’s like the planets aligned! Oh wait - they actually did today! 😂✨🙌🏻

Grateful for a precious village of friends and family (that’s you all) who remind me of what’s right and true on this journey of obedience to Jesus. One doesn’t have to sleep in, workout or have a deliciously absurd amount of sweet potato fries 🙋🏻‍♀️🙈 for dinner to live life to the fullest in Christ. He is enough and He is good and I’m so thankful for another year to serve Him!

God loves you! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙

“I will bless the  Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the  Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. ”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁🦄🧚‍♀️✨
  • When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations…

<<< Swipe left <<<

So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂

Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
  • Last week we came home after being stuck in traffic for over an hour to a mailbox full of bills, no plans for dinner, complaining kiddos, I ended up not being able to do something I really needed to get done, and everyone was on the verge of getting sick.

I went to the back of the house to take a deep breath as things were getting especially tense, and that’s when I heard the sound of glass breaking.

Zion came running back to me holding the pieces of a beloved ornament. He was crying. He had been playing football in the house.

I wish I could tell you I responded with grace and a warm comment like, “Things don’t matter, people do.”

But I did not! I actually ordered myself to just go straight to bed.

Then in the middle of the night, I sensed the Spirit of God wake me up with that image of Zion, crying and holding the broken ornament pieces.

The thought came to me that don’t we all walk around carrying our own broken ornament pieces?

Maybe it’s not a literal broken ornament, but we all carry difficulties like a stressful day at work, fear for our children’s well being, estranged relationships, anxiety about current affairs, etc. We all experience hard things and act sinfully. We walk around with our ornament pieces looking for someone to fix what is broken.

The whole reason Jesus came on Christmas was to do just that. He, himself, experienced every kind of brokenness this world can offer and yet responded perfectly, showing us the better way of faith, hope, and love. He came to be the refuge from our fears, the long suffering, forgiving love in our relationships, the lifter of our burdens, the steady calm when it’s Christmas Eve and everyone has fevers and you haven’t wrapped one gift yet. 🙋🏻‍♀️

We can take our broken ornaments to Him and find complete restoration because He came on Christmas.

So there I was, in the middle of the night, receiving this word, and knowing I needed to reconcile with Zion. I needed to reassure him that the broken things would not be held against him... because of Jesus.

I held my sleeping child in the dark and whispered the words of a precious liturgy by @justinwhitmelearley …

(Continued in comments…)
  • Today I did something that has been on my Bucket List for years! 😅

I cooked a turkey! 🦃 And it was a 20 lb-er to boot! 

Isn’t it funny how the things that scare us the most typically end up being not that bad? I confess that the amount of overthinking I did about cooking a turkey almost kept me from ever doing the thing! I mean, there are a lot of ways to cook a turkey. And don’t get me started on the gravy! 😵‍💫

But then God sent me a few friends and a sweet mama - all who were there for me even in the early morning hours of searching for giblets (no, I never did find them) and trying to figure out if I did the cheesecloth right. They let me borrow their roasters and fat separators and consistently cheered “You got this!” in my ears. I also surrendered that bird to Jesus and He was faithful to see me through.

Often you have to narrow down the voices and fix your eyes on Jesus to find your victory. Then our great fears can become great adventures. 🙌🏻

So today I am thankful for God’s presence to strengthen and comfort in hard things! And I am thankful for His people who are willing to love me through the hard things! This is God’s best - His perfect design for us includes trusting Him and enjoying His many benefits through the faithful love of others. 

Happy Thanksgiving, sweet Happy Home Fairy friends! Thank you for being a great benefit to my family and to me! I adore you all!

🧡🦃🧡🦃🧡

Psalm 107:8-9
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
  • Who can you message right now and thank for being an example of God’s goodness in your life?

“Return to your rest my soul. For the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7

🍂🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁

#thekindnessantennae #kindness #bekind #godisgood #thegoodnessofgod
  • Today is Obi’s 3rd birthday and we couldn’t be more thankful! The transition to having a dog almost sent me to heaven and I think it’s taken me this long to finally accept that the floors and basically everything will never be clean again, but this dog has changed our family for the better. 

🐶He is always happy to see us. 
🐾He is a tremendous comfort to Ryan. 
🦴He knows when one of us is sad and he looks for ways to make it better. 
🐶He loves to be chased around the coffee table. 
🐾He can destroy literally any dog toy we give him. 
🦴He jumps on us when we get home from school and it’s the best thing ever.
🐶I thought getting a dog meant he would eat anything and everything, but he is exactly like my children. Will eat any meat, will not touch veggies. Also I have never been more stressed than when we have grapes in the house.
🐾But you should know his most favorite thing to eat is tissues. Any tissue he can find. Especially the used ones straight outta the garbage.
🦴He gets so proud when he catches iguanas in the back yard. We feel pretty good about it, too. 😜😣
🐶He is the perfect dog for us!

We love you, Obadiah Jude! 🥳

#goldendoodle #goldendoodlef1b #dogsofinstagram #doglover #happybirthdaydog
  • Had the BEST time in the Netherlands! But super happy to be back. 😅

#lovemyjob
  • About a year ago, our church came to Ryan and asked if he and I would go to the Netherlands for a prayer conference. How could we say no?!

But as the day of our trip grew closer, I grew more and more fearful! With the election tensions, travel out of the country seemed way too scary! I went into serious overthinking mode. And yet the Lord was so kind to me even though He had to drag me kicking a little. I would have preferred the familiar day to day grind rather than believe God had a new thing in store. Now, I feel foolish for resisting such a beautiful gift.

What if Moses never went? He tried real hard to get out of it, but God said with tremendous compassion, “Off you go.” To reap rewards! To advance the kingdom! To benefit God’s people! To glorify the Father! To experience His goodness in fresh and new ways.

Fear is a thief that WILL steal your joy, peace, and gratitude. To preach to yourself >> The Lord PROMISES to guide us in paths of righteousness for HIS namesake! He promises still waters and green pastures! He promises to be with us wherever we go! Oh, to trust Him without question as a loving Father. Forgive my spiritual amnesia, Jesus. 🤍

I’m so thankful for this week of worship, new adventure, precious people, growth, beauty, and uninterrupted time with Ryan. I think Amsterdam is a new favorite city and I’m already dreaming of going back. 😆

Tot ziens, Netherlands! 🇳🇱 God used you in my life!
View on Instagram
Woohoo! 🥳 The kids are at Grammie’s and we went to a wedding! Got to get dressed up, see Ryan rock it as the “professional officiant” (this is what the wedding coordinator called him), eat a free steak, and even dance a little! 💃🏼🪩

My favorite thing that Ryan said during the ceremony was that God made Adam wait for Eve. He paraded all the Mr. and Mrs. animals in front of him long enough until Adam’s longing matched God’s good gift. The timing was then right, Adam was ready to fully appreciate and treasure his Mrs. “Man”.

To be honest, I almost didn’t attend the wedding with Ryan! I wasn’t feeling great and the idea of being home without kids all day to catch up on cleaning and laundry was pretty appealing. But the little nudge in me said DO NOT MISS THIS. I wanted to hear Ryan’s message and watch him lead this precious couple’s ceremony. I knew it was important to him that I be there. So because I treasure him, I went.

And I wasn’t the only one treasuring today! Ryan thanked me for coming with him, he danced with me even though I knew he would rather die than be on the dance floor, and he let me run into the store on the way home to end the day with some chocolate.

So here’s to treasuring one another - looking first to your spouse’s interests before your own, being their biggest fan, and telling them they look super hot in the fancy suit.

I mean, after all, he is a professional. 😁
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
Woohoo! 🥳 The kids are at Grammie’s and we went to a wedding! Got to get dressed up, see Ryan rock it as the “professional officiant” (this is what the wedding coordinator called him), eat a free steak, and even dance a little! 💃🏼🪩 My favorite thing that Ryan said during the ceremony was that God made Adam wait for Eve. He paraded all the Mr. and Mrs. animals in front of him long enough until Adam’s longing matched God’s good gift. The timing was then right, Adam was ready to fully appreciate and treasure his Mrs. “Man”. To be honest, I almost didn’t attend the wedding with Ryan! I wasn’t feeling great and the idea of being home without kids all day to catch up on cleaning and laundry was pretty appealing. But the little nudge in me said DO NOT MISS THIS. I wanted to hear Ryan’s message and watch him lead this precious couple’s ceremony. I knew it was important to him that I be there. So because I treasure him, I went. And I wasn’t the only one treasuring today! Ryan thanked me for coming with him, he danced with me even though I knew he would rather die than be on the dance floor, and he let me run into the store on the way home to end the day with some chocolate. So here’s to treasuring one another - looking first to your spouse’s interests before your own, being their biggest fan, and telling them they look super hot in the fancy suit. I mean, after all, he is a professional. 😁
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
🥳This is 42!!!🥳 I got to sleep in, workout, take a shower, AND go grocery shopping alone all in this one day! It’s like the planets aligned! Oh wait - they actually did today! 😂✨🙌🏻

Grateful for a precious village of friends and family (that’s you all) who remind me of what’s right and true on this journey of obedience to Jesus. One doesn’t have to sleep in, workout or have a deliciously absurd amount of sweet potato fries 🙋🏻‍♀️🙈 for dinner to live life to the fullest in Christ. He is enough and He is good and I’m so thankful for another year to serve Him!

God loves you! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙

“I will bless the  Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the  Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. ”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁🦄🧚‍♀️✨
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
🥳This is 42!!!🥳 I got to sleep in, workout, take a shower, AND go grocery shopping alone all in this one day! It’s like the planets aligned! Oh wait - they actually did today! 😂✨🙌🏻 Grateful for a precious village of friends and family (that’s you all) who remind me of what’s right and true on this journey of obedience to Jesus. One doesn’t have to sleep in, workout or have a deliciously absurd amount of sweet potato fries 🙋🏻‍♀️🙈 for dinner to live life to the fullest in Christ. He is enough and He is good and I’m so thankful for another year to serve Him! God loves you! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙 “I will bless the  Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the  Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. ” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬ 🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁🦄🧚‍♀️✨
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations…

<<< Swipe left <<<

So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂

Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations…

<<< Swipe left <<<

So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂

Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations… <<< Swipe left <<< So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂 Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
Last week we came home after being stuck in traffic for over an hour to a mailbox full of bills, no plans for dinner, complaining kiddos, I ended up not being able to do something I really needed to get done, and everyone was on the verge of getting sick. I went to the back of the house to take a deep breath as things were getting especially tense, and that’s when I heard the sound of glass breaking. Zion came running back to me holding the pieces of a beloved ornament. He was crying. He had been playing football in the house. I wish I could tell you I responded with grace and a warm comment like, “Things don’t matter, people do.” But I did not! I actually ordered myself to just go straight to bed. Then in the middle of the night, I sensed the Spirit of God wake me up with that image of Zion, crying and holding the broken ornament pieces. The thought came to me that don’t we all walk around carrying our own broken ornament pieces? Maybe it’s not a literal broken ornament, but we all carry difficulties like a stressful day at work, fear for our children’s well being, estranged relationships, anxiety about current affairs, etc. We all experience hard things and act sinfully. We walk around with our ornament pieces looking for someone to fix what is broken. The whole reason Jesus came on Christmas was to do just that. He, himself, experienced every kind of brokenness this world can offer and yet responded perfectly, showing us the better way of faith, hope, and love. He came to be the refuge from our fears, the long suffering, forgiving love in our relationships, the lifter of our burdens, the steady calm when it’s Christmas Eve and everyone has fevers and you haven’t wrapped one gift yet. 🙋🏻‍♀️ We can take our broken ornaments to Him and find complete restoration because He came on Christmas. So there I was, in the middle of the night, receiving this word, and knowing I needed to reconcile with Zion. I needed to reassure him that the broken things would not be held against him... because of Jesus. I held my sleeping child in the dark and whispered the words of a precious liturgy by @justinwhitmelearley … (Continued in comments…)
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Today I did something that has been on my Bucket List for years! 😅

I cooked a turkey! 🦃 And it was a 20 lb-er to boot! 

Isn’t it funny how the things that scare us the most typically end up being not that bad? I confess that the amount of overthinking I did about cooking a turkey almost kept me from ever doing the thing! I mean, there are a lot of ways to cook a turkey. And don’t get me started on the gravy! 😵‍💫

But then God sent me a few friends and a sweet mama - all who were there for me even in the early morning hours of searching for giblets (no, I never did find them) and trying to figure out if I did the cheesecloth right. They let me borrow their roasters and fat separators and consistently cheered “You got this!” in my ears. I also surrendered that bird to Jesus and He was faithful to see me through.

Often you have to narrow down the voices and fix your eyes on Jesus to find your victory. Then our great fears can become great adventures. 🙌🏻

So today I am thankful for God’s presence to strengthen and comfort in hard things! And I am thankful for His people who are willing to love me through the hard things! This is God’s best - His perfect design for us includes trusting Him and enjoying His many benefits through the faithful love of others. 

Happy Thanksgiving, sweet Happy Home Fairy friends! Thank you for being a great benefit to my family and to me! I adore you all!

🧡🦃🧡🦃🧡

Psalm 107:8-9
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
Today I did something that has been on my Bucket List for years! 😅

I cooked a turkey! 🦃 And it was a 20 lb-er to boot! 

Isn’t it funny how the things that scare us the most typically end up being not that bad? I confess that the amount of overthinking I did about cooking a turkey almost kept me from ever doing the thing! I mean, there are a lot of ways to cook a turkey. And don’t get me started on the gravy! 😵‍💫

But then God sent me a few friends and a sweet mama - all who were there for me even in the early morning hours of searching for giblets (no, I never did find them) and trying to figure out if I did the cheesecloth right. They let me borrow their roasters and fat separators and consistently cheered “You got this!” in my ears. I also surrendered that bird to Jesus and He was faithful to see me through.

Often you have to narrow down the voices and fix your eyes on Jesus to find your victory. Then our great fears can become great adventures. 🙌🏻

So today I am thankful for God’s presence to strengthen and comfort in hard things! And I am thankful for His people who are willing to love me through the hard things! This is God’s best - His perfect design for us includes trusting Him and enjoying His many benefits through the faithful love of others. 

Happy Thanksgiving, sweet Happy Home Fairy friends! Thank you for being a great benefit to my family and to me! I adore you all!

🧡🦃🧡🦃🧡

Psalm 107:8-9
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
Today I did something that has been on my Bucket List for years! 😅

I cooked a turkey! 🦃 And it was a 20 lb-er to boot! 

Isn’t it funny how the things that scare us the most typically end up being not that bad? I confess that the amount of overthinking I did about cooking a turkey almost kept me from ever doing the thing! I mean, there are a lot of ways to cook a turkey. And don’t get me started on the gravy! 😵‍💫

But then God sent me a few friends and a sweet mama - all who were there for me even in the early morning hours of searching for giblets (no, I never did find them) and trying to figure out if I did the cheesecloth right. They let me borrow their roasters and fat separators and consistently cheered “You got this!” in my ears. I also surrendered that bird to Jesus and He was faithful to see me through.

Often you have to narrow down the voices and fix your eyes on Jesus to find your victory. Then our great fears can become great adventures. 🙌🏻

So today I am thankful for God’s presence to strengthen and comfort in hard things! And I am thankful for His people who are willing to love me through the hard things! This is God’s best - His perfect design for us includes trusting Him and enjoying His many benefits through the faithful love of others. 

Happy Thanksgiving, sweet Happy Home Fairy friends! Thank you for being a great benefit to my family and to me! I adore you all!

🧡🦃🧡🦃🧡

Psalm 107:8-9
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
Today I did something that has been on my Bucket List for years! 😅 I cooked a turkey! 🦃 And it was a 20 lb-er to boot! Isn’t it funny how the things that scare us the most typically end up being not that bad? I confess that the amount of overthinking I did about cooking a turkey almost kept me from ever doing the thing! I mean, there are a lot of ways to cook a turkey. And don’t get me started on the gravy! 😵‍💫 But then God sent me a few friends and a sweet mama - all who were there for me even in the early morning hours of searching for giblets (no, I never did find them) and trying to figure out if I did the cheesecloth right. They let me borrow their roasters and fat separators and consistently cheered “You got this!” in my ears. I also surrendered that bird to Jesus and He was faithful to see me through. Often you have to narrow down the voices and fix your eyes on Jesus to find your victory. Then our great fears can become great adventures. 🙌🏻 So today I am thankful for God’s presence to strengthen and comfort in hard things! And I am thankful for His people who are willing to love me through the hard things! This is God’s best - His perfect design for us includes trusting Him and enjoying His many benefits through the faithful love of others. Happy Thanksgiving, sweet Happy Home Fairy friends! Thank you for being a great benefit to my family and to me! I adore you all! 🧡🦃🧡🦃🧡 Psalm 107:8-9 "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Who can you message right now and thank for being an example of God’s goodness in your life?

“Return to your rest my soul. For the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7

🍂🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁

#thekindnessantennae #kindness #bekind #godisgood #thegoodnessofgod
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
Who can you message right now and thank for being an example of God’s goodness in your life? “Return to your rest my soul. For the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7 🍂🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁 #thekindnessantennae #kindness #bekind #godisgood #thegoodnessofgod
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
Today is Obi’s 3rd birthday and we couldn’t be more thankful! The transition to having a dog almost sent me to heaven and I think it’s taken me this long to finally accept that the floors and basically everything will never be clean again, but this dog has changed our family for the better. 🐶He is always happy to see us. 🐾He is a tremendous comfort to Ryan. 🦴He knows when one of us is sad and he looks for ways to make it better. 🐶He loves to be chased around the coffee table. 🐾He can destroy literally any dog toy we give him. 🦴He jumps on us when we get home from school and it’s the best thing ever. 🐶I thought getting a dog meant he would eat anything and everything, but he is exactly like my children. Will eat any meat, will not touch veggies. Also I have never been more stressed than when we have grapes in the house. 🐾But you should know his most favorite thing to eat is tissues. Any tissue he can find. Especially the used ones straight outta the garbage. 🦴He gets so proud when he catches iguanas in the back yard. We feel pretty good about it, too. 😜😣 🐶He is the perfect dog for us! We love you, Obadiah Jude! 🥳 #goldendoodle #goldendoodlef1b #dogsofinstagram #doglover #happybirthdaydog
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
Had the BEST time in the Netherlands! But super happy to be back. 😅 #lovemyjob
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
About a year ago, our church came to Ryan and asked if he and I would go to the Netherlands for a prayer conference. How could we say no?!

But as the day of our trip grew closer, I grew more and more fearful! With the election tensions, travel out of the country seemed way too scary! I went into serious overthinking mode. And yet the Lord was so kind to me even though He had to drag me kicking a little. I would have preferred the familiar day to day grind rather than believe God had a new thing in store. Now, I feel foolish for resisting such a beautiful gift.

What if Moses never went? He tried real hard to get out of it, but God said with tremendous compassion, “Off you go.” To reap rewards! To advance the kingdom! To benefit God’s people! To glorify the Father! To experience His goodness in fresh and new ways.

Fear is a thief that WILL steal your joy, peace, and gratitude. To preach to yourself >> The Lord PROMISES to guide us in paths of righteousness for HIS namesake! He promises still waters and green pastures! He promises to be with us wherever we go! Oh, to trust Him without question as a loving Father. Forgive my spiritual amnesia, Jesus. 🤍

I’m so thankful for this week of worship, new adventure, precious people, growth, beauty, and uninterrupted time with Ryan. I think Amsterdam is a new favorite city and I’m already dreaming of going back. 😆

Tot ziens, Netherlands! 🇳🇱 God used you in my life!
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
About a year ago, our church came to Ryan and asked if he and I would go to the Netherlands for a prayer conference. How could we say no?! But as the day of our trip grew closer, I grew more and more fearful! With the election tensions, travel out of the country seemed way too scary! I went into serious overthinking mode. And yet the Lord was so kind to me even though He had to drag me kicking a little. I would have preferred the familiar day to day grind rather than believe God had a new thing in store. Now, I feel foolish for resisting such a beautiful gift. What if Moses never went? He tried real hard to get out of it, but God said with tremendous compassion, “Off you go.” To reap rewards! To advance the kingdom! To benefit God’s people! To glorify the Father! To experience His goodness in fresh and new ways. Fear is a thief that WILL steal your joy, peace, and gratitude. To preach to yourself >> The Lord PROMISES to guide us in paths of righteousness for HIS namesake! He promises still waters and green pastures! He promises to be with us wherever we go! Oh, to trust Him without question as a loving Father. Forgive my spiritual amnesia, Jesus. 🤍 I’m so thankful for this week of worship, new adventure, precious people, growth, beauty, and uninterrupted time with Ryan. I think Amsterdam is a new favorite city and I’m already dreaming of going back. 😆 Tot ziens, Netherlands! 🇳🇱 God used you in my life!
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Copyright Happy Home Fairy © 2025  •  All Rights Reserved  •  Site Design by Emily White Designs

 

Loading Comments...