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Marci Coombs

Lifestyle Blog

The Annual Coombs Family Back to School Dinner.

July 22, 2014 | Uncategorized

Last weekend, our family of 5 held our annual
Back to School Dinner

This is an evening for us to: 

* Discuss our new family motto for the school year 
{decided upon by Joe and I prior to the dinner}

* Eat spaghetti and meatballs
{a tra-dish and family favorite}

* Go over our goals as individuals and as a family

* And for Joe to give Father’s Blessings to our children.
Father’s Blessings = THIS
I really do love this special evening with my family.
I like to go ‘all out’ and let my kids know 
how important this dinner is.
Decorations were quite simple:

*I used Kraft paper for the table covering
{which served as a dual purpose. More on that later….}
*12 x 12 striped scrapbook paper for the placemats
*Mini chalkboard signs purchased at Michaels, 
stuck right into an apple for place cards
&
*Mini kraft bags with TomKat labels as utensil holders
We served my kids’ favorite meal:
Spaghetti with meatballs, green salad and french bread

Easy!
2014-15 Coombs Family Motto
Joe was in charge of coming up with our family motto this year and he based it off of THIS 10 minute video clip from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

{Such a sweet message. It’s an anti-bullying video with narrative from Pres. Uchtdorf.  At the end, he says our motto and as soon as Joe and I heard these words – – 
we just KNEW we had to imply it into our daily lives.}

We told the kids a couple of personal experiences that had to do with this very subject and then encouraged them to work on EACH of the things listed in our motto:

KINDNESS
FORGIVENESS
Speaking PEACEFULLY to one another
&
Doing GOOD to everyone around us
Now if you know me – you know I love a good pun.
Mainly because, puns can serve as a REMINDER of sorts about something you’ve learned. 

Hence, the head of lettuce in these green vases with our 
‘Let Us/Lettuce’ theme.
{P.S. These cute vases were scored on clearance last week at Hobby Lobby for $2.28!}

These now sit in our kids’ bedrooms 
as a reminder of our motto.
The other half of our dinner was spent coming up with
 ONE WORD that each of us wanted to BE this year.

The kids each wrote theirs down on the tablecloth/paper….
and then we cut them out. 
They now hang on their bathroom mirror as a reminder of what they want to BE this year.
                                                   
Encouraging.
Kind.
Creative.


It was SO fun watching the kids think about and then decide upon THEIR one word. 
I sure do love these kids of mine.
And my sweet husband.

Our family brings me SO. MUCH. JOY.
Oh and one more thing – – 

Our framed motto {used as the centerpiece at dinner} 
now hangs on the back of our front door as YET another daily reminder to think about and never forget what we discussed.

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT HERE for FREE!
You can see last year’s
 Back to School dinner HERE.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Unknown says

    August 29, 2016 at 4:22 p08

    I would love a copy of your motto! It would be perfect for my kids before they start school this week!! Love your blog and creative ideas!! finau11@hotmail.com

    Reply
  2. Lindsay says

    August 19, 2016 at 4:22 p08

    Thanks for this darling idea Marci. If you are sharing the printable motto I would love a copy. ljhess@msn.com

    Reply
  3. leanne says

    August 16, 2016 at 4:22 p08

    this is darling. if you are still sharing your printable, i would love a copy. this is perfect for our family motto this year. many thanks! lmncoleman@gmail.com

    Reply
  4. mkchilds says

    July 25, 2016 at 4:22 p07

    I would love the printable as well! its only a couple years later 🙂 mkchilds@gmail.com

    Reply
  5. Heather says

    September 8, 2015 at 4:22 p09

    I WOULD ALSO LIKE YOUR MOTTO FROM LAST YEAR! COULD YOU? WOULD YOU? dhkvale@gmail.com

    Reply
  6. Heather says

    September 8, 2015 at 4:22 p09

    I would also appreciate a copy of your motto. dhkvale@gmail.com

    Reply
  7. Amy Mann says

    August 26, 2015 at 4:22 p08

    I would love a copy of your printable if you are still sending it out, I love this! Thanks! amypetermann@gmail.com

    Reply
  8. Klev's says

    August 25, 2015 at 4:22 p08

    I'd love a copy of the motto also if you are still sharing. This is such a neat idea.
    Thanks so very much!!!!
    staciejk@yahoo.com

    Reply
  9. Jenn says

    August 24, 2015 at 4:22 p08

    Id love a copy of the motto too if you are still sharing. jennluce85@gmail.com

    Thanks!!!

    Reply
  10. Ticey says

    August 17, 2015 at 4:22 p08

    Are you still emailing out this printable, I would love a copy! ticeyhadley@gmail.com
    Thanks!!

    Reply
  11. Robert & Kristin Boice says

    August 16, 2015 at 4:22 p08

    Hello Marci! Are you still emailing this printable? I love it and would appreciate it so much to use for my family this year. Thanks for such creative, great ideas! boicefamily@gmail.com

    Reply
  12. Caroll says

    August 14, 2015 at 4:22 p08

    I know I'm a year late, but I love this and am going to use it this year! Could you send a copy of your printables? Cfuhriman@hotmail.com Thank you!

    Reply
  13. Anonymous says

    August 6, 2015 at 4:22 p08

    I love this motto. Can I get a copy of it also? Thanks! michelleybarnes@yahoo.com

    Reply
  14. Unknown says

    September 9, 2014 at 4:22 p09

    I have been thinking that we need to do something like this with my family. I'm so glad their are smarter moms than me who can teach me to be a better mom. If you aren't burned out on emailing out copies of this, I would love one too. My email is michellepippert@gmail.com. Thanks for being amazing.
    Michelle

    Reply
    • Unknown says

      September 9, 2014 at 4:22 p09

      There not their.��

      Reply
  15. Jen says

    September 1, 2014 at 4:22 p09

    um, I would LOVE a copy of this printable!!! allen_jeni@hotmail.com

    this is just what I've been thinking about we need….thank you girl!!!

    Reply
  16. The Snow Family says

    August 25, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    Would love this motto printable as well please…. lexysnow@yahoo.com

    Reply
  17. Anonymous says

    August 25, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    I would love a copy of your family motto as well.
    Thanks!
    ericandjentexas@yahoo.com

    Reply
  18. The Wyler Family says

    August 23, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    I would love a copy of your scripture!
    Thanks so much for your wonderful ideas!
    wyler27@gmail.com

    Reply
  19. The Shupe Ohana says

    August 22, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    Could I please get the printable motto? Thank you! shupeohana@gmail.com

    Reply
  20. Taylor Kowallis says

    August 18, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    I would love the printable as well!! I love this Moto! So wonderful!! Also where can I get that big kraft paper to cover my table?? I feel like I've looked everywhere but haven't found it!! Thanks for all you do!!
    Taykowallis@gmail.com

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    August 18, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    Wow, what a fun idea! I loved everything you did. Please if you wouldn't mind sharing, I would love a printable too! jb.eldredge@gmail.com

    Reply
  22. camie says

    August 18, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    You are amazing! Could I get a copy of your printable as well? Thank you for inspiring so many of us!!! cwkelson@gmail.com

    Reply
  23. Erica says

    August 17, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    Could I get a copy emailed? Love this ericaroyer@gmail.com

    Reply
  24. Anonymous says

    August 16, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    I would like a copy too! Thank you! shawna.keyte@hotmail.com

    Reply
  25. Amberlee Drew says

    August 10, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    Hi I would love to use your printable for girls Activity Days. Thanks!! tennis_duke@hotmail.com

    Reply
  26. Linda says

    August 6, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    I would love to use your printable for our YW back to school activity. Thanks! lcrosby7@tampabay.rr.com

    Reply
  27. Jessica says

    August 5, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    Will you send me a copy of the printable too please?! jklippel@cox.net Thanks!

    Reply
  28. Tiffany/Rachel says

    August 4, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    Can i please have a copy to tiffern@frontiernet.net i want to do this to we start school in just a couple days you are awesome!!

    Reply
  29. Unknown says

    August 3, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    can I get a copy of this too!? It is awesome! kolstet@yahoo.com Thanks!

    Reply
  30. Kerri Viehweg says

    August 3, 2014 at 4:22 p08

    I am going to start the back to school dinner tradition this year, I know my kids will love it! If it is possible I would love to have a copy of the printable too. viehwegk@yahoo.com. Thank you!

    Reply
  31. jkseemanfamily says

    July 31, 2014 at 4:22 p07

    I love this back to school dinner tradition! Thanks for sharing! You always have great ideas. I would love the printable too if possible.
    Thanks! kimseeman@hotmail.com

    Reply
    • jkseemanfamily says

      August 4, 2014 at 4:22 p08

      Thank you so much! I got the printable. I really appreciate your kindness and sharing this! 🙂 I'm looking forward to framing it. This is just what my kids need to hear!

      Reply
  32. Anonymous says

    July 24, 2014 at 4:22 p07

    Me too!!! I would love a printable. Thanks for sharing all that you do! I visit here often for YW, VT, & family fun ideas 🙂 jodybgonzales@gmail.com

    Reply
    • Marci Coombs says

      July 30, 2014 at 4:22 p07

      Just emailed it over to you! xoxo

      Reply
  33. mom of hx2 says

    July 24, 2014 at 4:22 p07

    I would love a copy as well if your sharing. I love ALL of your ideas. Everything you share is wonderful!!!
    justinandnikkischwartz@hotmail.com

    Reply
    • Marci Coombs says

      July 30, 2014 at 4:22 p07

      Just sent it your way! xoxo

      Reply
  34. Jeppson Clan says

    July 23, 2014 at 4:22 p07

    I would love a copy as well, I love all your ideas! Thank you thank you!
    jameyjeppson@gmail.com

    Reply
    • Marci Coombs says

      July 23, 2014 at 4:22 p07

      Just sent it over! Enjoy 🙂

      Reply
  35. Alicia says

    July 23, 2014 at 4:22 p07

    I love this!! Could I get a printable too?? (If you are sharing) cam-alicia@hotmail.com

    Reply
    • Marci Coombs says

      July 23, 2014 at 4:22 p07

      Just sent it over to you Alicia!

      Reply
  36. Anonymous says

    July 23, 2014 at 4:22 p07

    this is the cutest thing EVER!!!! I'd love a printable too if you're willing to share 🙂 You're an awesome mom!! luckiestgirlalive@hotmail.com. Jill

    Reply
    • Marci Coombs says

      July 23, 2014 at 4:22 p07

      Just sent it over to you Jill!

      Reply
  37. Marci Coombs says

    July 22, 2014 at 4:22 p07

    Hey Heidi! I'm happy to send you over the printable if you'd like. xoxo

    Reply
  38. dresselfamily.blogspot.com says

    July 22, 2014 at 4:22 p07

    oooooohh, Marci, I have thought.about having a family motto.for awhile this is so perfect, easy, and so.needed!!!!…if the whole world used this motto things would be great!!!!…did u make the printable????…im not wishing summer away, but I can barely.wait!!!!

    Reply

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Welcome to my blog! I’m Marci Coombs. I’m addicted to Diet Dr. Pepper. I’m obsessed with polka dots and I love the color purple. I have 3 sweet kiddos and a husband whom I adore.

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