Filed under: Family, Thoughts | Tags: Family, kids, quality time, summer activities
You know, sometimes a lot of times as “moms” we put a lot of expectations on our shoulders. We look at other moms who seems to have it all together, are super creative, or just seem to be “SuperMom”. In turn, we sometimes feel like we have to do more, or get more creative in our plans or activities with the kids.
I’ve definitely felt that more this summer than ever. Maybe it’s just because my kids are a year older…or that I only have 8 weeks at home with them and want to make the most of that time. Last weekend after our little vacation, I gave Abbie and Peyton a “very special assignment” — to make their “Summer List”. A list of all the things they wanted to do while they were on summer break. Take a quick look:
- Cook
- Play Softball
- Paint
- Draw
- Go to the pool
- Play
- Cuddle
- Give hugs
- Give kisses
- Talk
- Take walks
- Have tea parties
- Do puppet shows
- Play house
- Be lazy
- Play games
- Just have fun!
- Play baseball
- Play football
That’s it! In my daughter’s eyes (ok, let’s be real…Peyton only contributed the last two!) that’s what would make a great summer with mom! Don’t get me wrong…I’m still planning some special crafts and outings with the kids, but this really served as a great reminder that it doesn’t take a lot to make an impact in our kids’ life. Just living life with them is what matters!!!!
Filed under: Family
The things I do to get my kids (and their friends) to eat their food!!!
Well, I was finally introduced to the game of Cornhole…honestly, I can’t believe I hadn’t played it before, and my skills definitely need honing (as evidenced in the video below!). But, we did have a great night with friends!!!
(And just to clarify the background conversation at the end of the video where Bailey says “Peyton insists that you are pregnant”…I am not. Peyton was trying to convince her that I was pregnant or had a son I didn’t know about named Corban. Corban is my nephew. Man, that kid wants a little brother badly! But it’s not happening…sorry!)
Filed under: Family
It definitely feels like summer is right around the corner. Students are done with classes at Purdue…my kids have started their 3-week countdown until summer break…and Abbie’s softball season has started!!!
But then there are days like today when I’m reminded that I live in Indiana, and even though summer is right around the corner, the temperatures don’t always follow suit. But we made the best of this windy, cold Softball Saturday!!!
I love my husband, but building a fire has never been a real strong suit. And I’ve apparently had an obsession with campfires since I was younger. Who says women can’t build fires… (I might not be able to get a full thought out (see video)…but I can build a fire!)
I’ve always been amazed at the things that my kids come up with, and last Thursday was no different. I was reminded once again, though, that it’s all in the timing! The kids were playing in the other room and Jason and I were sitting on the couch in the family room. It was one of “those conversations”…you know the ones…that hint at some “alone time” later in the evening. I looked over at Jason with the ever-so-popular “babe, I’m not really in the mood today’. All of a sudden Abbie pops up from behind the couch and announces, “I have no idea what you guys are talking about, but I know something that will get you in the mood!”
And this is what ensued…
Filed under: Family
The other day, I was looking for these shoes…my shoes…but they were nowhere to be found. As it turns out, Abbie had been playing “dress up ” with them. I really wondered why she was playing with my good shoes, and when I asked her why she had my heels, she responded with, “Because, Mommy…you’re so pretty in your heels, I want to be pretty just like you”
I hate to admit it, but sometimes in the busy-ness of our schedules and the hustle of life, I sometimes forget that those two little eyes are watching…and learning. Because in her youth…she wants to be just like me. What am I teaching her? Am I teaching her to a be strong and confident woman? That her beauty and self-worth is grounded in God – who uniquely created her?
This week, I had my first “playground” conversation with her. Yesterday, Abbie comes to me and says, “Dalton is bugging me. He tells me that he loves me, but I don’t love him back, Mom”. She’s in 1st grade. I’m not ready for my little girl to be having to worry about boys! But, I know that this is the first of many conversations in the years to come.
The sobering thing is that it won’t be too long before my little girl–who right now is grabbing my shoes to play dress up–will be grabbing my shoes because she wants to borrow them (oh yes, I will be that cool). My prayer is that I won’t let the busy-ness of life keep me from being the example my daughter needs me to be, and intentionally discipleing her on her journey to become the woman God has created her to be.
Filed under: Family
After a couple of disasterous weeks of menu planning (or lack thereof), I am SO ready to get back on track…for the sake of my sanity AND my budget!
Monday- Sandwiches, Fruit & Veggies (just me and the kids)
Tuesday- Chicken Fajitas, Corn and Salad
Wednesday- Dr. Seuss Family Night – That’s right…Green Eggs and Ham
Thursday- Stir Fry and Rice with Fortune Cookies
Friday- Homemade Calzones, Salad
Saturday- Salisbury Steaks, Potatoes and Fruit (Strawberries and Grapes)
Sunday- Mexican Chicken Skillet, Salad, Cornbread
Make sure to check out all of the weekly menu plans at orgjunkie.org.
Filed under: Family
That’s what my life has felt like the last couple weeks. I’m sure many of you can relate. Sickness, medical issues, and a busy, busy schedule! Had I realized what February was going to be life I would have just taken it off from blogging too!
I’m really going to make a big effort to get back into the swing of blogging this week!
