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

The Big Box

Like It? Share It!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Print

big box fun 6

Our sweet babysitter, Miss Cathy, gave us a large box from their recent washing machine purchase and LET ME TELL YOU.

You would have thought she had given my boys the MOON.

I set it out in the living room so that Happy Buddy and Happy Baby would find it when they woke up.

big box fun 3big box fun 4big box fun 2Happy Buddy had it all decorated – including a welcome mat – before 6 am.

He hung handmade drawings inside on the walls (although the jury’s still out on what he drew in the picture hanging over the window – any thoughts?  Is it a flower?  A man running for his life?  Tadpole?).

He filled it with bins full of books, walkie-talkies, pillows, a football, and pretend snacks.  Everything a boy could possibly need in a new home.

big box fun 10He covered it with a sheet so that he had privacy, of course.

When Happy Baby woke up he decided that he wanted his own house.

I happened to have a box from an inexpensive toy organizer I had recently purchased at Target (which I put together myself.  I used a screwdriver and everything! #feelingproud).

big box fun 7big box fun 8Happy Buddy even made a welcome mat for his brother’s new house.

big box fun 9And now they have their very own neighborhood.

I am not going to lie, having these giant boxes in the living room is kind of making me crazy.  Usually with items of this size my OCD will get the best of me and they will be by the curb the next day because I just can’t stand the extra mess (do you remember the bunny?  We still have it!).  Our house is already small, so adding 2 huge boxes makes it feel like we literally have the MOON in our living room.

But I am choosing to let it go because the boys are just so happy.

Plus they are learning how to be good neighbors.

big box fun 11Ringing the doorbell…

big box fun 5Enjoying one another’s company…

big box fun 12Annnnnd this is a picture of Happy Buddy throwing his brother out of his house because he was tired of entertaining.

Every day the Happy Buddy thanks me for not throwing his house away – lol!  I guess I need to lighten up a bit and let them be kids and have fun.

It’s summer after all.

Have your kids ever had the opportunity to play with a big box?

– Julie 🙂

*Feeling overwhelmed with gratitude, sweet friends!  Thank you to those who have contributed to my dream!!  I am praising God for you!  We are ALMOST to my goal!  If you haven’t already, will you pray about donating to help Fund the Fairy?  I would be so honored to have your support! Xoxo

No Cost Fun, Summer
Kids, Play, Summer, Summer Activities, Ways to Make Summer Reading Fun
12 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
Like It? Share It!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Print

You May Also Like These Posts

5 Fun Ways to Use Bible-Based Coloring and Activity Books for KidsAMAZING New Christ-Centered Resource for Families This Summer – FREE Printable!How to Get Your Kids Excited About ReadingMy Favorite Summer Memories

Did you enjoy this post? Never miss another!
Encouragement and fun ideas delivered to your inbox.

Prev Post How to Prepare Your Child for the Dentist
Next Post A Simple Way to Teach Kids How to Pray

Reader Interactions

12 Comments

  1. Jennifer Drury

    July 23, 2015 at 8:03 am

    We got a large box in December and my 3 year old, who adored the Christmas tree, put it next to the tree filled with blankets and slept in it for a week.

    to Jennifer Drury" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jennifer Drury'>reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      July 24, 2015 at 11:25 pm

      Jennifer, I LOVE that you let your 3 year old sleep in it! You are a hero!

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

    July 23, 2015 at 8:52 am

    A big box – best toy ever!

    to beth" aria-label='reply to this comment to beth'>reply to this comment
  3. Lisa Gove

    July 23, 2015 at 12:09 pm

    My 3 boys just LOVED seeing your pictures! My 12 yr. old was reminiscing about his BIG BOX house he made at the same age 🙂 And my feelings were the same as yours…worth the pleasure and fun they had, but I was SOOOO ready to take the houses down eventually!

    to Lisa Gove" aria-label='reply to this comment to Lisa Gove'>reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      July 24, 2015 at 11:24 pm

      Lisa! You are so cute that you share my posts with your kids – that just makes me happy! Thank you for commenting today!!

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy'>reply to this comment
  4. Autumn Mc Clain

    July 23, 2015 at 3:42 pm

    Great idea! Enjoy before they are all grown up. (Mine kids are all grown). When my kids were young, my husband was active duty military. Which sometimes meant small houses and cramped houses. Especially with four kids. We did the box house a few times. Kid approved. But with limited space I took an old sheet/sheets or blankets and throw them over tables. The favorites were the kitchen and dining room tables because they were big. While making meals I requested the go to use the coffee table and end tables in the living room. Smaller but fun nevertheless

    to Autumn Mc Clain" aria-label='reply to this comment to Autumn Mc Clain'>reply to this comment
  5. Steph D

    July 24, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    We recently moved to a new house and our friend made my 2-year old a cardboard box mansion by duct taping a bunch of them together. He even made her a porch and swinging saloon doors. It was definitely driving me bonkers having it front and center in the new house, but my daughter was just delighted. Eventually, it fell apart and she was really bummed when her ‘house’ was gone.

    to Steph D" aria-label='reply to this comment to Steph D'>reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      July 24, 2015 at 11:23 pm

      Steph, that sounds amazing!!!! What magic! 🙂 And way to go for keeping it up for so long – you are my inspiration!

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy'>reply to this comment
  6. Deb

    July 24, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    That hand drawn family portrait is sooo precious! It looks like your famy too, especially you and your hubs!

    to Deb" aria-label='reply to this comment to Deb'>reply to this comment
    • Deb

      July 24, 2015 at 9:27 pm

      Oops I meant family. 🙂

      to Deb" aria-label='reply to this comment to Deb'>reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      July 24, 2015 at 11:23 pm

      Thank you, Deb! Haha! 🙂

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy'>reply to this comment
  7. Veronica

    July 26, 2015 at 5:40 pm

    Big boxes are one of my kiddos’ favorite toys! Love it 😉

    to Veronica" aria-label='reply to this comment to Veronica'>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

  • I got to wear a crown and a tutu ✨ and eat sweet potato fries for lunch AND dinner. ‍♀️ So far, 38 is pretty great.
    by happyhomefairy 2 days ago
    I got to wear a crown and a tutu ✨ and eat sweet potato fries for lunch AND dinner. ‍♀️ So far, 38 is pretty great.
  • I went to church today. It was so good and so needed. I haven’t been in weeks. It’s funny how I let myself get comfortable with that. I tell myself it’s easier to just watch church at home online. Which is not true because basically every time I do that the children start a wrestling match in the living room while I am trying to listen to the sermon. Or the baby poops during the opening song. Or someone is inevitably injured. But I tell myself how nice it was to not wake up early. How lovely to stay in
    by happyhomefairy 3 days ago
    I went to church today. It was so good and so needed. I haven’t been in weeks. It’s funny how I let myself get comfortable with that. I tell myself it’s easier to just watch church at home online. Which is not true because basically every time I do that the children start a wrestling match in the living room while I am trying to listen to the sermon. Or the baby poops during the opening song. Or someone is inevitably injured. But I tell myself how nice it was to not wake up early. How lovely to stay in
  • We got fancy last night for our neighbor’s wedding. ‍♂️The wedding was about an hour drive away, so we had lots of time for car conversations without kids. This usually means that I vomit all the stuff I have been trying to process on my own and Ryan swoops in with a few ultra wise one-liners that talk me off the ledge. Things I learned on the drive... 1. Stop watching the news. Our souls were not made for so much information. 2. Never stop dreaming. Even if your circumstances are hard and you feel all your creativity and hopes
    by happyhomefairy 1 week ago
    We got fancy last night for our neighbor’s wedding. ‍♂️The wedding was about an hour drive away, so we had lots of time for car conversations without kids. This usually means that I vomit all the stuff I have been trying to process on my own and Ryan swoops in with a few ultra wise one-liners that talk me off the ledge. Things I learned on the drive... 1. Stop watching the news. Our souls were not made for so much information. 2. Never stop dreaming. Even if your circumstances are hard and you feel all your creativity and hopes
  • When I had covid, this precious mama of mine called me every day. She dropped groceries on our doorstep (and even decorated them with Christmas lights ). She had food delivered to our house. She wore silly Christmas glasses and FaceTimed me to make me smile. She watched every single one of My ABC Truth Tree videos and liked them. She texted me every day to make sure I was taking medicine and drinking enough water. She prayed for me and reminded me that it would all be okay when I called her in tears on Christmas Eve worried that
    by happyhomefairy 4 weeks ago
    When I had covid, this precious mama of mine called me every day. She dropped groceries on our doorstep (and even decorated them with Christmas lights ). She had food delivered to our house. She wore silly Christmas glasses and FaceTimed me to make me smile. She watched every single one of My ABC Truth Tree videos and liked them. She texted me every day to make sure I was taking medicine and drinking enough water. She prayed for me and reminded me that it would all be okay when I called her in tears on Christmas Eve worried that
  • It’s hard to believe that 17 years ago I slept through my alarm, set my veil on fire, had 9 precious flower girls walk down the aisle before me, and we made a covenant before God that we would love and serve each other forever. We don’t do it perfectly, but, by God’s grace, we keep showing up. And he never fails to make me laugh. Happy Anniversary to the best man I know! . Photo Credit >> @heatherholtphoto ✨
    by happyhomefairy 1 month ago
    It’s hard to believe that 17 years ago I slept through my alarm, set my veil on fire, had 9 precious flower girls walk down the aisle before me, and we made a covenant before God that we would love and serve each other forever. We don’t do it perfectly, but, by God’s grace, we keep showing up. And he never fails to make me laugh. Happy Anniversary to the best man I know! . Photo Credit >>  @heatherholtphoto  ✨
  • Merry Christmas, sweet Instagram family. ❤️ . Photo Credit >> @heatherholtphoto ✨ #roolee #yesroolee #rooleeambassador
    by happyhomefairy 1 month ago
    Merry Christmas, sweet Instagram family. ❤️ . Photo Credit >>  @heatherholtphoto  ✨  #roolee   #yesroolee   #rooleeambassador 
  • One of my favorite things about Christmas morning is the stockings! I got to partner with @thebeginnersbible to bring you some of the best biblically-based stocking stuffers for your little ones to point their hearts to ❤️Jesus! Check out the link in my profile for all the details! Also, Zion’s favorite is the little lamb book with the finger puppet. Hours of joy with that thing! . . . . #christmas #christmasstockings #thereasonfortheseason #thebeginnersbible #kids #preschoolers #christcenteredchristmas
    by happyhomefairy 2 months ago
    One of my favorite things about Christmas morning is the stockings! I got to partner with  @thebeginnersbible  to bring you some of the best biblically-based stocking stuffers for your little ones to point their hearts to ❤️Jesus! Check out the link in my profile for all the details! Also, Zion’s favorite is the little lamb book with the finger puppet. Hours of joy with that thing! . . . .  #christmas   #christmasstockings   #thereasonfortheseason   #thebeginnersbible   #kids   #preschoolers   #christcenteredchristmas 
  • For a very long time I have had a stirring in my heart to share a series on helping kids memorize God’s Word in an ABC format. Several weeks ago I felt the Lord prompting me to finally put my idea into action. I reached out to Ashley from @thelittlesandme and we teamed up to bring you the greatest Advent printable and countdown adventure for you to do with your kids this Christmas! I would like to present >> My ABC Truth Tree! Click the link in my bio for your FREE Printable ABC Scripture ornaments! I will also be
    by happyhomefairy 2 months ago
    For a very long time I have had a stirring in my heart to share a series on helping kids memorize God’s Word in an ABC format. Several weeks ago I felt the Lord prompting me to finally put my idea into action. I reached out to Ashley from  @thelittlesandme  and we teamed up to bring you the greatest Advent printable and countdown adventure for you to do with your kids this Christmas! I would like to present >> My ABC Truth Tree! Click the link in my bio for your FREE Printable ABC Scripture ornaments! I will also be
  • Thankful for turkey-shaped pancakes this morning and the @macys Day Parade in the background while Jethro created with Legos and Noah ran around in the yard playing football . Ryan read on the patio and Zion requested us to blow bubbles for him. We feasted with family and now everyone is snuggled in bed . I am working on a really special blog post going up ✨tomorrow✨ while listening to our neighbors across the canal celebrate the end of Thanksgiving with a karaoke party. May the Lord bless you, sweet friends! Thank you for being a part of the Happy
    by happyhomefairy 2 months ago
    Thankful for turkey-shaped pancakes this morning and the  @macys  Day Parade in the background while Jethro created with Legos and Noah ran around in the yard playing football . Ryan read on the patio and Zion requested us to blow bubbles for him. We feasted with family and now everyone is snuggled in bed . I am working on a really special blog post going up ✨tomorrow✨ while listening to our neighbors across the canal celebrate the end of Thanksgiving with a karaoke party. May the Lord bless you, sweet friends! Thank you for being a part of the Happy
  • You know it’s family picture day when I put on lipstick, no one wants to wear the outfits I carefully picked out, and there’s a 100% chance of rain! So thankful for @heatherholtphoto and her expert abilities to capture what feels like a mess and make it into something beautiful. That’s some Gospel inspiration right there. Here’s to a 2020 Christmas card!
    by happyhomefairy 3 months ago
    You know it’s family picture day when I put on lipstick, no one wants to wear the outfits I carefully picked out, and there’s a 100% chance of rain! So thankful for  @heatherholtphoto  and her expert abilities to capture what feels like a mess and make it into something beautiful. That’s some Gospel inspiration right there. Here’s to a 2020 Christmas card!
Instagram

Copyright Happy Home Fairy © 2021  •  All Rights Reserved  •  Site Design by Emily White Designs

Privacy & Cookies: This site may use cookies to customize your experience. Learn more by reading our Privacy Policy.