Jigsaw puzzles are a timeless activity loved by people of all ages. Whether you’re building a simple design or tackling a challenging 1,000-piece masterpiece, puzzles offer more than just entertainment—they’re a powerful tool for mental stimulation, stress relief, and quality family time. Puzzles are unique in their ability to engage both the logical and creative sides of the brain, making them a great activity for children and adults alike. Plus, they provide a much-needed break from screens while encouraging focus and patience.

Keeping kids organized might seem like a daunting task, especially with all the toys, school supplies, and daily activities that can pile up. But helping kids develop good organizational habits early on is worth the effort—it not only keeps your home running more smoothly but also teaches valuable life skills they’ll carry into adulthood. With these quick and easy tips, you can create systems that are simple to implement, fun for kids, and effective in keeping things tidy.

Today, we’re thrilled to celebrate National Cookie Day with a sweet treat for children in our foster families! Thanks to the generosity of Marketing Director Stacie Jerman and her team at Great American Cookies, children within CK Family Services foster families are enjoying FREE cookies from 22 Great American Cookie locations across Dallas/Fort Worth and Waco.

Winter is a season for cozy nights and holiday cheer, but it can also bring its fair share of health challenges. From flu season to increased indoor time, it’s important to stay proactive about keeping your home and family healthy. Here are some quick and practical tips to help you stay healthy this winter: 

 Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces 

Winter germs can spread quickly, so prioritize cleaning high-touch areas in your home. Key spots to disinfect include: 

As we move into the holiday season, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the qualities that define our lives as followers of Christ. In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These characteristics don’t just shape our personal faith—they are the qualities by which others see Christ in us. “They will know we follow Jesus by our fruit.” Matthew 7:16  

Growing up, we never had a regular Christmas tree. That may have been because my mom was creative, or it might have been because we were poor and necessity is the mother of invention. Perhaps it was both. About two weeks before the 25th, my mom and dad would go to the woods and find a limb that she thought was just right. My dad would then affix the limb to a platform, and Mom would put flocking on it and hang “icicles” and cheap treats from the branches. It was fantastic!

The holiday season is a joyful time filled with gatherings, treats, and festive cheer. But as the season winds down, it’s common to feel a bit of a slump. Instead of letting the end-of-holiday blues sneak up on you, try these proactive tips to maintain your wellness and set yourself up for a positive start to the new year. Here’s how to enjoy every bit of the holiday season while preparing to keep your spirits high into 2025. 

It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to succulent turkey, cranberry dressing, and fluffy yeast rolls. When we need stretchy pants because we fully intend to eat two slices of pie and seconds -or thirds- of three kinds of potatoes. But in the midst of all the feasting, it’s easy to forget what this day is truly about—gratitude.

The holiday season brings family and friends together, making it the perfect time to reconnect—even with those hard-to-reach teenagers. Anyone who’s spent time with teens knows that keeping their attention can be a challenge. Between the constant pull of screens, plans with friends, and their unusual sleep schedule, it’s easy for them to drift away. It’s normal for teenagers to pull away a bit from family as they start to explore their own identities and independence. Developmentally, they’re focused on figuring out who they are and may feel more connected to their peers.

Involving children in gift-giving from an early age helps them develop empathy, generosity, and a love for spreading joy. If you’re looking for easy, homemade gift ideas, these treats are perfect for neighbors, teachers, hostess gifts, or just to keep on hand for when friends stop by. Get the kids scooping, measuring, and dipping to create beautiful, tasty gifts that are fun to make and share!