Penelope, Author at Foster2Forever

Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Active Kids

What are the best stocking stuffer ideas for active kids (with ADHD)?

These stocking stuffer ideas for active kids (with ADHD) were compiled by my hyperactive boy and I. “Mom, oh, I want that…and that…and that, too!” Many of these items are sensory-rich toys that children with special needs, such as autism, would enjoy.

Stretchy Flying Frogs $12.17

Punch Balloons $7.99 for 4

I absolutely LOVED these as a child. Because these balloons are so large, even young ones can have fun punching these without much coordination.

Harmonica or other musical instrument $7.99

Bubble Popper Fidget Spinners $9.99 for 4

Stretchy String $10.99 for 2

This plastic rope stretches from 12 inches to over 10 feet then back to its original size! This sensory toy is a great fidget toy for active kids like mine. Stretchy string is also quite popular with autistic children. (Note: after my boys began using these to snap each other, I’m not recommending these as highly anymore)

Play-Doh $5.99 for 15

Flashing Bumpy Rings $7.99 for 12

No-Spill Bubbles (Fubbles) $9.99

All kids love playing with bubbles. Watching bubbles form and float, then fall, burst and disappear engages the senses. But they can be messy for young kids that spill. Check out this bubble container that doesn’t spill!

Squishy Ball Yoyo Toy $14.99 for 12

Squeezable Soft Foam Shooter $22.99 for 4

What are your best stocking stuffer ideas for active or special needs kids?

Also, check out these top toys for active boys (& girls).

FTC Disclosure: The links in this post are affiliate links for Amazon, which means when you click on a link and purchase, I receive a very small commission (at no additional cost to you). Amazon then gives that commission to me as an Amazon gift card so I can purchase from Amazon. See how nicely that works for Amazon?

2:55 pm by Penelope

10 Stores that Don’t Celebrate Christmas

We are in an age when the world is trying to take Christ out of Christmas.

Businesses are electing to replace “Merry Christmas” with “Happy Holidays,” and even so much as to rename Christmas trees as “holiday trees.”

The American Family Association (AFA) is a nonprofit 501(c3) on the frontlines of the war on morality in America. The mission of the AFA is to inform, equip, and activate individuals to strengthen the moral foundations of American culture. AFA believes that a culture based on biblical truth best serves the well-being of our nation and our families and in holding accountable companies that sponsor programs attacking traditional family values. AFA also believes in commending those companies that act responsibly regarding programs they support.

AFA reviewed retailers in up to four areas to determine if a company was “Christmas-friendly” in their advertising: print media (newspaper inserts), broadcast media (radio/television), website and/or personal visits to the store. If a company’s ad has references to items associated with Christmas (trees, wreaths, lights, etc.), it was considered as an attempt to reach “Christmas” shoppers.

If a company has items associated with Christmas, but did not use the word “Christmas,” then the company was considered as censoring “Christmas.”

If you believe in keeping Christ in Christmas, you have the opportunity to let your voice be heard when you do your Christmas shopping this year.

The following companies may use “Christmas” sparingly in a single or unique product description, but as a company, does not recognize Christmas.

Five years ago, Gap, Inc. adamantly refused to use the term ‘Christmas’ in any of its seasonal advertising. However, after an AFA-encouraged boycott last year, Gap has completely turned around its seasonal advertising this year, and will place “Merry Christmas” signs in every store, along with Christmas trees and a special “Christmas-themed event” at all Old Navy stores.

Here is AFA’s complete list of national retailers and their recognition of Christmas.

Will you join me in keeping Christ in Christmas by shopping at retailers that celebrate Christmas?

10:52 am by Penelope

Top Ten Toys for Active Boys (& Girls) [2022]

Because I am the mother of two very active boys (one extremely hyperactive ADHD son), I’m always searching for toys and activities to keep my energetic boys entertained. My husband (a former elementary PE teacher) and I compiled this list of the top toys that keep our active boys playing.

Many of these toys for active boys include jumping. Jumping is a great activity for active children, and extremely useful for children that may have sensory processing issues. My son is sensory seeking and jumping helps him expel energy and provides much-desired sensory input.

Here is my gift guide for toys for active boys (and girls). This list includes a variety of toys with different price ranges. Some of these toys can even be used indoors.

Top Ten Toys for Active Boys (& Girls)

Monster Feet Stompers $6.15

My husband highly recommends these plastic “stilts” for any kid. His students would play with these stompers throughout an entire PE class period. The plastic is durable and will even hold the weight of a 200-pound man.

Pogo Jumper $15.00

This pogo stick is made of a soft, durable foam and squeaks when your child jumps. Since it doesn’t require the balance skills of a regular pogo “stick”, children as young as 3 years old can jump indoors or out.

Hopping Horse $17.49

Last year, at a going-away party for Island Gypsy Hawaii, this hopping horse was the life of the party for my two preschool boys. They would bounce, fall off, and bounce again…for the entire duration of the party.

Pogo Balance Board $29.99

According to ADD expert, Dr. Edward Hallowell, new research shows that a balance board stimulates the cerebellum part of the brain and can help children with concentration and reading problems. What other reason do you need?

Pop-Up Play Tent $18.99

We purchased a pop-up play tent for my oldest son when he started walking, and 4 years later, he and his brother still play in this tent at least every other day. They love to fill it with toy cars, superheroes, and tennis balls. You will have to purchase balls separately.

Plasma Car $89.99

Our church’s school has a number of these Plasma Cars that kids play on incessantly when they are brought out. These toy cars go by turning the steering wheel back and forth. Kids learn great coordination and movement skills while playing with this toy car.

Indoor Trampoline $49.95When we visit my sister, my boys jump continuously on the indoor trampoline, even while watching movies. This trampoline is for use up to 150 pounds (just in case, I want to exercise myself).

Bicycle $119.99My boys love to ride a bicycle, but now it’s extremely difficult to find a bicycle that can passed down to either a boy or a girl. I found this bicycle that can be used by either a boy or a girl. It also comes in other colors, such as white – plus you can purchase this bicycle in sizes from 12-inch wheels with training wheels to 20-inch wheels with kickstand – and the 3 other sizes in between!

Bounce House $209.99We purchased this inflatable bounce house for our kids two years ago, and my boys LOVE it! Our bounce house is easy to set up and take down. This bounce house has proven to be durable, and is extremely popular at get-togethers, birthday parties, and at home. It is totally enclosed with netting so it is safe.

Swing Set $165.99After intense research on the durability of swing sets, we purchased a metal swing set for our active boys. This swing set is made of steel instead of the plastic play sets that are so popular now. This set comes with two swings, a climbing net and a basketball hoop. My in-laws still have the steel swing set, my sister-in-law played on as a child. Now the grandkids and great-grandkids play on it! Metal swing sets last forever!

What are your top toys to give the active kid? Please comment below.

FTC Disclosure: The links in this post are affiliate links for Amazon, which means when you click on a link and purchase, I receive a very small commission (at no additional cost to you). Amazon then gives that commission to me as an Amazon gift card so I can purchase from Amazon. See how nicely that works for Amazon?

4:42 pm by Penelope

VIDEO: Our Story of National Adoption Day

Two years ago, on National Adoption Day, we adopted a little boy that had been brought to us as a baby in foster care.

The video of our National Adoption Day story.

Check out the National Adoption Awareness Month blog tour stories from other foster parenting blogs.

7:41 pm by Penelope

My Interview with Nickelodeon Star Rachel Crow @IAmRachelCrow

National Adoption Day is a national effort to raise awareness of the more than 107,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families. Two years ago, on National Adoption Day, we officially became the forever family for a little boy that had been brought to us as a baby in foster care.

This year’s spokesperson for National Adoption Day is Rachel Crow, The X Factor standout, Nickelodeon star and Columbia Records recording artist., who was adopted as a “crack baby” from foster care. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Rachel and hear her adoption story and passion for foster care adoption.

Here is the video of me interviewing this young star. At 4:30 minutes into the video, I asked her advice to foster kids ashamed of their past. The maturity of her answer amazes me!

Here is the link to my interview with Rachel Crow.

Be sure and enter our $60 giveaway for an Amazon or PayPal gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

9:46 pm by Penelope

Adoption Month Blog Tour

November is National Adoption Awareness Month to raise awareness of the 107,000 foster children available for adoption. I’ve teamed up with several bloggers that have adopted from foster care (or are in the process) for a blog tour! Throughout the month, I will be featuring a different blog and their unique adoption story.

So are you ready to meet some fabulous foster parents?

Young, Single, and Adopting reminisces on the expectations that changed along the journey to become a family. “Although this journey has blessed me beyond belief and pushed me to limits I never knew existed, the one benefit that I never saw coming is the connections I have made in the adoption community.“
Kenneth A. Camp discusses why his decision to adopt had little to do with infertility. “God directed my attention toward the fact that hundreds of children in my community were in foster care. Many of them were available for adoption.“
Mama Foster delves into the realities of the tough behaviors that come with the kids from hard places. “There really is not much that is easy about adoption. For me, the only easy part was the “fall in love with a kid you don’t really know” part. Then, they move in and you have to get over the “idea” of who you thought the child was going to be and really work on falling in love with who the child really is.“
I Must Be Trippin’ laments on not adopting her foster son on National Adoption Day due to paperwork issues. “I’ve been a mom for five years, but not one of my children is legally “mine.” I had myself a nice little pity party upon turning the calendar to November, seeing “Adoption Day” circled in red, and knowing that I would have to continue waiting to be a “forever mom” a little bit longer. That’s when it hit me like a tons of bricks. I am a “forever mom!“

If you also blog about your adventures in foster parenting, leave your link in the comments!

1:10 pm by Penelope

It’s Chili Season in Texas

My 21-year-old son, Bubba, works the oddest hours and eats at weird times. And he doesn’t eat much, many times just one meal a day. At 120 pounds, his 5’10” frame needs more food. We began buying 6-packs of Wolf Brand Chili at Sam’s Club (for only $5.98), and Bubba eats it up! He just opens a can and heats it in the microwave. Easy, Peasy! The bonus is that Wolf Brand Chili has 32 grams of protein per can for Bubba.

Wolf Brand Chili is a Texas tradition – Texas football just isn’t right for me without Frito Pie, straight out of the bag! YUM! (Disclaimer: I am a born & bred Texan — so a Coke is a soft drink, not a particular brand and Fritos are corn chips of any brand)

And with cooler fall weather, chili is just the perfect comfort food. You can eat chili straight up – or add a variety of toppings! I like Cheddar cheese and Fritos.

Check out these cute printables for a chili bar by Amy Locurto.

Texas Chili Dinner Giveaway! (ended)

One reader will win a Wolf Brand Chili prize pack, valued at $100: The pack includes:

Three varieties of Wolf Brand Chili (Wolf Brand Chili No Beans, Wolf Brand Chili Mild No Beans, and Wolf Brand Chili Hot No Beans)
Texas shaped bamboo cutting board
Texas apron {{very cute}}
4 chili bowls
Set of coasters featuring the Wolf Brand Chili logo

To enter: Just leave a comment below telling me how you like to eat chili! (Facebook comments don’t count)
A winner will be randomly chosen.

Wolf Brand Chili is now thicker and heartier than ever, just the way that Texans like it! The new, thicker and heartier recipe can also be found every day on the shelves of your local grocery store. This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Wolf Brand Chili. For more information, visit the Wolf Brand Chili website or Wolf Brand Chili’s Facebook page.

7:15 am by Penelope

Our Family’s Best Halloween Costumes Through the Years

It’s hard to believe but I’ve been a mom for over five years now! My babies have grown into little boys. No longer can I just pick out Halloween costumes for my family. My boys now are big thinkers with their own ideas for Halloween costumes. And they now tell me what costumes they will be wearing for Halloween. Through the years, our family wore group Halloween costumes that were so much fun to put together.

Our family Halloween costumes through the years:

Long before Big Bang Theory debuted on the small screen, my sweet husband (then fiancée) and I were just a couple of nerds in love!

A few years later, we were blessed with a very special baby elephant that joined John McCain and Sarah Palin on the campaign trail.

When the foster “twin” girl to my Mickey Mouse moved a few days before Halloween, Mommy stepped in to fill Minnie’s ears.

The next year, a new addition to our family made no place like home!

And then, the Joker and Catwoman tried to foil Batman, the Caped Crusader, and Robin the Boy Wonder.

But ahoy, matey, this crew of pirates tried to take over a Disney cruse ship last Halloween.

Does your family dress in Halloween costumes? Which family Halloween costume is your favorite?

10:19 am by Penelope

You Must Be Crazy to Be a Foster Parent: 7 Tips to Keep Your Sanity

Foster parenting is not for the faint of heart! The goal in foster care is ALWAYS reunification with birthfamily, if at all possible.

And sometimes it isn’t easy. Supporting reunification can be difficult, especially given some situations of dysfunctional, unstable families on the brink of collapse.

But what if your home is much more stable? Can a foster parent support reunification if they feel they can provide a much more stable environment for a child? How can a foster parent support reunification knowing that a foster child will be going back to a dysfunctional home? As a foster parent, how do you keep your feelings in check?

7 Tips for Foster Parent Emotional Health

Remind yourself constantly that reunification with birthfamily is #1 priority (even if your heart you is telling you that you’d be a better parent).
Take it one day at a time and love your foster children (and their birth family) unselfishly.
Show love to the birthfamily during the process. Remember Mother’s Day, birthdays, Christmas, etc. Our birthmother received her very first Mother’s Day card ever (with her third child) from our 10-month-old foster baby. She bragged and bragged in court about her Mother’s Day gift.
Treat your foster children as your forever children, then when they leave, go ahead and grieve.
Realize that you will feel all sorts of emotions during the process – grief, guilt, selfishness, etc. – it’s okay to have emotional attachments to the children you raise.
Realize that some foster children will be with you only for a while, but there will eventually be a child that needs a forever home.
Pray! Pray for yourself, your foster children, their birthfamilies constantly throughout the process. Give it all up to the One who knows all and can take your emotional burdens so you don’t have to. He already knows the plan for you and your child’s future!

Foster parents just have to find their own way through the emotional roller coaster of parenting these children from hard places. God has a little one already planned for you… it may be this child, or it may be another one. But someday you will have the forever child that has been waiting for you all along!