Three Ways Your Family can Welcome in a New Year!
With a new year comes a lot of excitement! The feeling of a fresh start in many areas of our lives, planning for future events and adventures, new goals, and more! Everyday is a blessing! While we welcome in the New Year don’t forget to reflect on the many blessings that you have enjoyed over the past year(s). I encourage you to initiate a conversation with your family (it can be during a family dinner, game night, or any good time when everyone is present). During this family time focus on these three things as a family to start off your New Year right. This time together will make a positive impact on the hearts and lives of each individual family member and is worth it:
- Reflect back the fun memories and blessings of 2016! Often the hardest part with this stage is getting the ball rolling. Before the family time create a list of several good family memories to get it started. Mention one and let others input their memories tied into that event as well as start adding their own memories. Give everyone a chance who wants to talk the opportunity. If there is a pause bring up a different memory to keep them going. Before long you’ll be laughing and the kids will be bringing up memories connected to the event or new ones that you forgot about. This is a wonderful way to end a year and begin a new one.
- Take a moment to think about the tough times over the past year! While the harder times are not easy to deal with or will bring back sadness or emotions they still have an impact on our lives. Sometimes during these times of discussion you realize that a family member is still struggling with something. Whether it is grief over a lost pet or loved one, anger, frustration, or something else. This is a good time to gauge how everyone is doing and give you an opportunity to encourage each other or help those family members heal. The love and support you receive from those around you can make an incredible impact on your life as you continue to move forward. Knowing you are not alone, you are loved, and you have a team of people who want to help you can help the family member heal more quickly. (Do not use this time to point out problems with each other, but to talk about harder times and to encourage. Some topics made need to be tabled for a later and more lengthy conversation) It will give you a good insight into your children and some ideas of what to help encourage them with over the next few weeks as they continue to grow and heal.
- Look ahead! As one year wraps up and a new one begins it is a great time to set some goals both personally and as a family. Use this time to set family goals together. There may be some activities that the kids have been wanting to do, but you have been letting it slip not even realizing that it was very important to them. The goals discussed during this family time should be family related, although they most definitely have a personal impact on each family member. Write these goals down and review them weekly or monthly or regularly throughout the year to remind the family members of what is important to the family as a whole. This also provides a lead in for each of the members to think about their personal goals. It allows a great opportunity to have a group of people focused on similar goals and encouraging each other along the way. Some family goal ideas (eat healthier, regular family game night, monthly date night with spouse and each child, daily family devotions, learn a new skill together, plan a family vacation, weekly family night, quarterly family service project, etc…). Make a point to write the ideas down and either make a decision that day or within a few days on the family goals. Type up a list, print it or email it to each family member so that they can be reminded of the ways your family is working together to create stronger bonds, happy memories, and improving lives.
Setting aside a time when everyone is together can be difficult, however it is important. It can be during a family dinner, game night, or another time when the family is together. Make sure it is a convenient time with as little distractions as possible. A time when everyone is more relaxed (not hungry, ready for bed, or trying to multi-task while having this conversation). The reflecting on memories helps create a happy bond, the tough times allow family members to see that they are not alone and have the support of people who love them, and looking ahead gives you the opportunity to improve and grow into a better individuals and family unit. If you do write down the family goals please do your best to follow through as much as possible because these goals are important to the members.
Life has a way of staying busy. Taking the time to spending reflecting on good memories as a way has a way of bringing everyone together. It may cause some laughter, tears, and healing. It is good to be reminded of the many blessings in our life and to realize that we are journeying through this life together. Yes, we make mistakes along the way, but we can can make the best of it and have a lot of fun too. Many blessings to you and your family this 2017 New Year!!!
Relationships: Lifelong Friends
A special friend is a rare find….
- Someone who shares your joy and happiness,
- Someone who cares enough to show love and kindness,
- Someone who is a comfort is a comfort to spend time with,
- Someone who is honest and thoughtful.
A special friend is a wonderful gift….
- Someone who offers understanding when life is difficult,
- Someone whose smile is enough to brighten any day,
- Someone who accepts you and is glad that you are you,
- Someone who forgets mistakes and is gentle and trusting.
You are this special friend to me.
- Our times together are treasured in my heart.
- I wish you love, laughter, and all of life’s most beautiful things.
- I wish you health and cheer, and more of everything that makes you happy.
- I wish that we will always be friends!
– Donna Levine
Thankful for Donna Levine’s words and great reminder of the importance of friendship. It is nice to find a rare friend that sticks with you in the thick and thin. Sharing your joy and sorrows. One of the biggest gifts we can find is that of a friendship.
Relationships: Friends Like You
- A friend is someone who listens without judging you right or wrong, good or bad, and gently helps you define your thoughts to regain perspective.
- When you’re feeling bad about yourself, a friend is there to remind you of all those positive qualities you may have forgotten.
- When you share with a friend, decision-making becomes easier and problems seem less critical.
- A friend gives you the priceless gift of time; time to share, to try out new ideas and rethink old ones. No matter how often you’re together, you discover dimensions of yourself through the bonds and the mirror of friendship.
- A friend loves you for who you are, not what you do. Feeling so accepted, you are able to set higher goals, try harder, and achieve more.
- Through close friendship, you learn the fine art of giving. You expand, become more selfless, feel more deeply, and help more effectively. See the happiness you bring to another person gives you a greater sense of well-being and increases your capacity to love.
- Wherever you go in life, whatever stage or place you reach, a friend who has entered your soul is always with you, gently guiding, faithfully following, and ever walking beside you.
– Sandra Sturtz Hauss
Developing the deeper friendships take time energy and commitment. The first and ultimate relationship we should focus on is with our heavenly father followed by our relationship to our spouse and then trickles down to our kids, extended family members, friends, and others in our lives.
Sometimes our friends are close enough to our hearts that they are like family. We feel comfortable around them. We share laughter as well as dig deeper into the fears and struggles of life. They are the people you know pray and encourage you no matter what that day brings. Make sure you are continuing to be the kind of friend who allows your friends to celebrate and grow!
You Know it is Going to Be An Interesting Day When …
You look down and you are wearing not only two different shoes, but two entirely different colored shoes! Not that long ago I woke up with my alarm (5:00 am), got dressed and headed downstairs to go yoga before waking up the rest of the family and heading off to work. It was one of those mornings I had to drag myself out of bed. I didn’t “want” to go do yoga, but knew that it would be good for me.
As I was setting up my mat and yoga items I happened to look down at my feet and noticed that I was wearing 1 pink and 1 black flipflop. Oops! Granted I did get dressed in the dark as to not wake my sleeping husband, but it was a sure sign I was more tired than I realized when I didn’t even notice I was wearing two different shoes for several minutes.
It was a rather busy day, but I survived. Doing yoga that morning even with two different shoes was the right choice. I don’t always make good choices, but if the worse thing that happens in my day is wearing two different colored shoes I am doing ok. Who knows maybe I will start a new trend. At least it is something funny to look at and laugh about. And I made it out of the house with two coordinating shoes that day (I double checked before heading into work)!
Flashback Friday: Fun at Home
Karlie loves hanging out in the Johnny Jump Up and playing with the toys, however, she would prefer spinning over jumping.
Today’s Flashback Friday takes us back to September 2005 when the girls were 7 months old. We spent a lot of time at home when the girls were younger. It was a lot of work to take them out every day and since they were still small they were more likely to pick up germs we tried to keep our errands, doctors appointments, and activities to a minimum at least during the first few months.
We had a lot of fun hanging out at home. They loved to play, laugh, and explore. The weekends and evenings were their favorite times of the week because Daddy was home to play with them. They love their Daddy and always give him a winning smile. He was great pitching in whenever possible with the kids. They were used to having both of us feed, change, and play with them at various times throughout the week sometimes together and other times just one of us.
Brina thinks Mr. Octopus is so funny.
Karlie didn’t see me walk into the room and I startled her. Love the expression on her face.
Brina is thrilled to be riding!
Karlie’s turn to ride now!
Brina loves holding onto your hands and standing up. She can stand for longer periods of time now.
Such a happy Karlie baby
Brina stealing water from Mommy’s cup….looks like she had some help from Daddy
Brina loves going for a ride on Daddy’s shoulders.
Karlie’s hanging out with Daddy
Karlie relaxing, smiling, and playing
Brina is all tuckered out – fast asleep with her feet are on one side of the boppy and her head on the other side
Karlie is clean and ready for bed now
Our girls – Karlie and Brina
There’s a Brina in the toy bucket! She is so proud of herself for “scaring” Mommy. Giggly girl.
Brina ready to try out the swimming pool.
Karlie looking for the toys in the pool.
Karlie – “Wow, Dad these sit ups are hard!”
Mommy reading a book to the girls. Brina is more interested in Daddy who is taking the picture while Karlie is completely engrossed in the book.
It makes my neck hurt just looking at her sleeping in this position. Brina would literally jump until she crash. This does not look like the most comfy position to take a nap in though kiddo.
They think “Little Lamb” is hilarious!
Brina having a blast!
Karlie smiling and sucking her thumb at the same time. That takes talent!
Sleeping beauties – Brina and Karlie
Life is so fun for these two little ones – Karlie and Brina!
Karlie is smiling and talking with the baby in the mirror at the Doctors office, little does she know that she will be getting a shot soon.
Karlie sitting on Daddy’s desk and “helping” him.
Giggling kiddos – Brina and Karlie
Brina and Karlie love hanging out and being silly together.
Book: “Never Sniff A Gift Fish” by Patrick McManus
I was thinking about the books I have read over the past few years and decided to chose one that is a little more “unique” from some of my other recommendations but nevertheless I have really enjoyed reading Patrick McManus books. Never Sniff A Gift Fish by Patrick McManus is one that we have at our house. The author has a way of making you laugh sometimes until your sides hurt. He is funny and his short stories are great to read. We have had his books in our magazine racks for years and I cannot count the number of times people have borrowed or taken the books for a short period of time to read them. I am looking forward to reading them to the girls soon too. A lot of his stories have to do with outdoor adventures, kid mischief, and fun. Each chapter is another short story. Some are more hilarious then others but there have been times I have had tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard. Life is short so why not have fun. If you haven’t read one of his books you really should, you’ll enjoy some extra chuckles reading the adventures in his books. As the warmer season comes upon us it makes me think of camping and reading his books around a camp fire, great memories! Patrick McManus actually has several books if you prefer one of the other ones instead:
Happy Birthday Brina & Karlie!!!
Today is my little ones birthday! It seems like it was yesterday we were in the hospital and NICU with them. Even though their due date was in April they decided to come 7 weeks early. They have brought so much joy and laughter to our life! It has been wonderful watching them learn and grow. We pray daily that God will continue to develop them into beautiful young women with a heart for Him.
Happy 6th Birthday Brina & Karlie!!!
Our sweet girls - Karlie and Brina! This picture was taken a couple months ago. Now both girls have glasses!
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! I am looking forward to a wonderful day with my sweet family. Jake doesn’t have to work today and the girls are excited about celebrating the Holiday. Each Christmas is slightly different since we occasionally travel during Holiday season. This year we will be having a relaxing breakfast with the family, open the stockings, then read the Christmas story and take our time enjoying the day together. It is important to us to discuss with the girls why we celebrate Christmas so they can have a greater appreciation for this special day. May today be full of great memories, laughter, and precious time with your family.Merry Christmas!
Smiles Spread Cheer
I enjoy making smiley snacks for the girls especially when they are not expecting the fun surprise. They were outside playing last week and I decided to make something healthy for them to munch on. Smiles spread cheer and excitement when they are delivered. They ate their smiles at the picnic table while talking and giggling. You can make a smile snack with anything that you have at home. Both girls had a big smile matching their plates when I handed them over.Here is what was on each smile snack plate today:
- 1 Banana
- 6 Chocolate Covered Almonds
- 1 Cherry Tomato (from our garden, one of the last few)
- 2 slices of Zucchini
- 2 Raisins
- 4 Baby Carrots
- 1 Mozzarella String Cheese Stick (cut up)
Add a smile to your kids food today and see how excited they get over it. Life is short, have some fun.
Don’t Leave Home Without: Your Keys
The girls didn’t have school Monday, teachers work day, so I was looking forward to spending some quiet time with them. We spent the morning reading books, eating breakfast, making beds, doing laundry and other household chores that are fun with two little helpers hovering around. We were hurrying through our “to do” list so we could go on a ZoobaLoobaDoo adventure together.
As I ran the mail out and gathered up the last minute items, Brina and Karlie headed downstairs to get buckled into their car seats. They love going on errands with me therefore they were buckled in rather quickly. When I arrived they were patiently waiting for me start the van so we can be off on our adventure, as I buckled in it hit me………Where Are My Keys???
The next 45 minutes was a whirlwind as we bounced around in search of the keys. The first several minutes the girls just watched as I went from cleaning out the van, digging in the trash can, and combing through the house in search of my keys. You have to understand that as an organized person with two kids I have a “place” for my keys. Whenever I need to head out my keys are rarely a concern because I know when I get in the van exactly where they will be. If I am parked in the garage my keys are always on top of the dash. When I am at the store or parked outside the house my keys are always in my purse. At this point in the search I had decided that for whatever reason the girls and I were not supposed to be going out today. Of course, that didn’t go over too well when I told the kids so I promised to look another few minutes then we would have to go back inside and find something special to do at home.
I think the girls were beginning to get concerned that we would not be going on our ZoobaLoobaDoo adventure so they suggested that I call Daddy to see if he rememberd seeing my keys. The weekends are wonderful with the entire family together, however, my keys get shuffled around more because my dear husband prefers to use his keys when we go out and they fit better into his pocket (my key chain is rather large with all my keys, fancy sayings, digital picture frame and so forth attached). Not really thinking he would remember since I am the “organized” person in our family I call…..after a short pause he suggested looking on the key ring in the garage (which I never store my keys on since they are either in the dash or my purse). Well, today they were nicely hanging on the key ring in the garage. Now to make matters more embarrassing the key ring is in plain sight from any where in the garage and I walked past it at least a dozen times in my flurry to locate my keys. The girls were thrilled that Daddy found the keys for Mommy and we were off on our errands!
Although we live in a suburban area it is not easy to go to the store or run errands without keys. Thankfully we were able to locate them so we could go complete the activities for the day even if we were running an hour behind schedule. It is one of those moments when you realize how dependent you are on having the keys to get you where you need to go when leaving the house.
Being organized is awesome! I am thankful for a husband who puts up with my craziness and shares in the laughter when those moments happen. He is the calm in this wild household of women and I love him dearly. Although he unintentionally caused the hiccup in my organized household I know he was only trying to help. Keys really are an important item if you plan to drive somewhere…….so don’t leave home without them!!!
I am a firm believer that you are only as organized as you need to be. Don’t Leave Home Without……is a mini-series of items that you really shouldn’t leave home without in today’s society. Most days I am organized which saves time and energy for the entire family, however, there are times that life gets crazy and items somehow manage to find another location in my home. If something is not in it’s place (even though the spot it is in makes perfect sense) it can cause additional drama, scurried moments, and in the end laughter. Hope you enjoy the humor as I have (later in the day or in some cases later in the week).
