Simply Craig

One of my favorite family traditions is making holiday themed treats together. The kitchen gets a little messier, the kids get a little louder, and somehow those are the memories that last the longest. Whether you're planning a Halloween party or just looking for a fun afternoon activity with the kids, these festive treats are always a hit! 🎃 Jack-o'-Lantern Pizza Turn pizza night into Halloween night! Use your favorite pizza dough and toppings, then create a smiling jack-o'-lantern face using: Orange bell pepper strips Green bell pepper strips Sliced ripe olives Cherry tomato wedges It's almost too cute to eat... almost! 🕸️ Spiderweb Nacho Spread A spooky appetizer that's always one of the first things to disappear! Bean Layer 16 oz low-fat refried black or pinto beans ¼ cup chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon Mexican chili powder 1 teaspoon minced garlic 3 large plum tomatoes, sliced 1½ cups thick and chunky salsa 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese...

There is something captivating about the way children see the world. These close-up pictures of Breeley and Britley capture more than their beautiful blue eyes. They capture their adventurous spirits, their curiosity, and the freedom they have to simply be themselves. They find wonder in ordinary moments, laugh without reservation, and remind me daily that joy doesn't have to be complicated. As I look at these sweet faces, I'm reminded that true beauty is never just what we see on the outside. It begins within and naturally shines through. "The beauty we create on the outside is an expression of the beauty we cultivate within." My hope is that these girls will always know that while their bright blue eyes may catch someone's attention, it is their kind hearts, joyful spirits, and genuine love for others that will leave a lasting impression. Oh, how I  eye love  these girls.

"Don't frown... you never know who's falling in love with your smile." This picture says it better than words ever could. One boy is hanging upside down, the other is standing right-side up, their cheeks pressed together, both showing off those adorable toothless grins. Their joy is completely unfiltered, completely contagious. Children don't smile because life is perfect. They smile because they're living fully in the moment. Today, may we all find a reason to smile a little more, laugh a little louder, and see the world with the wonder of a child. After all... you never know whose day your smile might brighten.

There is something about school breaks that brings my boys to life. The moment vacation begins, it's as if an invisible signal goes out to every neighborhood boy within a two-mile radius. Before long, they're all gathered together, pooling their imaginations and dreaming up the next great adventure. This time, it all started with an empty dirt lot across the street and a pile of trash from a nearby construction site. To most adults, it looked like junk. To a group of boys? It looked like unlimited possibilities. Then came the tools. They seem to radiate happiness as they walk away from their father's tool box (which is supposed to be off limits). They clearly have a vision of the project they are about to engage in. From the front window, I watched as they worked with complete determination. Every now and then I'd peer out the window to make sure they weren't getting into any mischief. Hours passed. They became dirtier... sweatier... and noticeably more exhausted. B...

There's something magical about an afternoon spent at Grandma Kelly's house...especially when crafts are involved. Grandma planned a special fall craft day for the kids, and every detail was ready when they arrived. The table was covered with piles of markers, googly eyes, pom-poms, stickers, and every kind of crafty treasure a child could imagine. Each child received a little orange tin can with a wire handle to transform into a one-of-a-kind Halloween creation. Before long, the room was filled with silly faces, colorful monsters, and lots of giggles as each can took on its own personality. The fun didn't stop there. Grandma also had a pumpkin waiting for each grandchild to carve or decorate. No two pumpkins looked alike, and that was the best part. Every masterpiece reflected the imagination of the little artist behind it. The crafts were adorable, but the real treasure wasn't what they made, it was the memories they created together. Grandma Kelly has a special way o...

Some of the kids' fondest Halloween memories have been made with Grandma Kelly. Every fall, she pours so much love, energy, and excitement into her Halloween traditions. Whether it's pumpkin hunting, painting pumpkins, or making festive Halloween crafts, she always knows how to make the day feel special. More than the pumpkins or the crafts themselves, it's the time spent together that matters most. Somehow, Grandma has a way of bringing everyone together and creating memories the children will carry with them long after the pumpkins are gone. At what point did painting pumpkins become such a  cute  Halloween tradition? I don't know... but I'm certainly glad it did! Thank you, Grandma Kelly, for making Halloween such a magical time for your grandchildren. These are the moments they'll remember for years to come. This year's "Boo Crew" had a wonderful time showing off their masterpieces. Britley proudly posed with her perfectly plump pumpkin. Wesley...

One of my favorite things about motherhood is seeing the world through the eyes of my children. Everything is new, everything is fascinating, and every once in a while they say something that stops me in my tracks. The other day Britley looked at me and asked, "Mom, is the big sun circle huger than Dad?" Her sweet little words continue to melt my heart. I don't know exactly what she meant, but I like to think she was trying to measure something much bigger than size. Maybe she was comparing the warmth of the sun to the warmth of her daddy's love. She's always been Daddy's little bit of sunshine. Her smile lights up his day, and whenever she's happy, sad, hurt, or simply needs comfort, she's quick to reach for his hand or climb into his arms. In her eyes, he's the one who makes everything feel okay. She knows there will always be someone who believes in her, cheers for her, and loves her without condition. That makes him pretty  BIG  in her little w...

Over the years, many friends and family members have asked about my scripture marking system. Since it has sparked so much interest, I thought I'd share how it all began in hopes that it might inspire your own scripture study. Back in February 2004, I was reading an article in the  Ensign  by Marianne Olson. She introduced a simple color-coding system for marking scriptures, one that was easy enough for children to understand, yet meaningful enough for adults. Her system was beautifully simple: 🔴  Red  — Like a stop sign, this color reminds us what we should  not  do. 🟢  Green  — A signal to "go," green highlights what we  should  do. 🟡  Yellow  — Slow down. Pay attention. Reference to Godhead. As I began using this system, something unexpected happened. The pages of my scriptures seemed to come alive. Verses I had read countless times suddenly stood out with fresh meaning. Instead of simply reading the words, I found myself...