Family Fun

For a while, "family time" in our family has just been thought of as a pleasure--if we have time (or money) to really get out and do something together. We've gotten so wrapped in our own thoughts, projects and personal endeavors (this includes the children too) that "family time" just hasn't been at the top of our priority list.

Thus, as the matriarch of the household, I was determined for us to do better. The few times we have gotten out this year have been absolute successes. I expected them to be. But, I was not prepared for the want for more. The anxiety to get out and do it again. And again. And again. Which, sad to say, is not always possible. So, here are a few things I've done to help us out.

We are big Scouters in our family so we embraced The Fun For The Family Program created by the BSA for Cub Scouting families. This program has a whole book FULL of ideas for your family.

"It's filled with various family activities that are organized into five categories to allow for a well-balanced approach to building character traits and strengthening family relationships."
-Fun For the Family, p. 5

It sits on the same table with our religious literature--it's that important to us. I get ideas from it for Family Home Evening constantly! And, hey, your can earn an award for completing certain requirements (we're almost done)! So, that's a perk!


I encourage families out there to give this program a go! You'll love what it as to offer. You may even be surprised at how many of these activities you already do as a family. And, like us, you'll venture into new things because of it!

Also, this weekend I finished a simple, inexpensive "picture project" to capture our family and help remind each other how bad we want to "do it again." I cleaned up our cork board that was in the kitchen and I moved it onto the entryway wall--a location where it would get walked by everyday. I went through ALL my digital photos that have been taken in the last six months--picked about 50 to get printed (understand that the last time I actually printed photos for the fun of it was before I ever owned a digital camera--so, it's been about 10 years).

I randomly pinned up the pictures on the cork board to get this effect:This has only been up for two days...and every time I pass by it I have to stop. And look. And cry. My family does the same. Okay, so maybe they don't cry--but, there's nothing better than hearing your children say to you, "I didn't know we had this picture. I like that picture!" And watch their faces light up as we talk about these activities that are pictured here.

My intention for this photo collage was to help remind us of what we love to do. And instill a desire to want to do more! I even included pictures of what each family member is involved in--not necessarily just family outings--to give each of us a sense of accomplishment individually and as I family. What kid doesn't like to see pictures of themselves?! So, when you visit our home--you know what we've been up to. Not to mention, it's a great conversation starter. I plan to update this collage every few months to keep the enthusiasm going.

I must say, since I've made an absolutely, conscious effort to bring us back together, I've certainly seen changes in our relationships with each other by leaps and bounds!

Being a family really is fun! (duh, right?)

Escaped

The other day while I was taking a shower Jaren comes home from work and yells to me, "You know, I get a little worried when I come home and see my 1-yr old out front on the sidewalk all by herself." WHAT???


Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Robyn has figured out how to open the front door. I knew the day would come when keeping the front door locked ALL THE TIME would be mandatory. Just didn't think it would happen this early.

Let's Play Ball!

jWe've wanted to attend one of Jaren's games since he started umpiring. But, with our busy schedules (and the fact that we'd have to pay to get into the game) we just haven't been able to get out to see him.

On Friday we were finally able to get to one of his games. Because we walked into the park with Jaren, we didn't have to pay the $7 entrance fee. It pays to be the umpire's wife.

Gotta say that high school baseball games are much more interesting to watch. There are rules of the game that get thrown out there that you don't typically witness at a major league game. For instance, I knew that an infield fly rule existed, I just never knew what it was. I do now! I've heard of a bock but again I've never seen it (I think the other team scored a run because of it). Saw it A LOT at this game. Don't recall ever seeing a runner steal home. Yep, saw that one too. There were issues with counts and keeping score (the kid in the press box was a great slacker). The home team kept scoring runs right and left. I think the final score was something like 18-2 once the coaches called the game.

It's a different feeling were you're sitting in the stands rooting for the umpires when the people around you are just yelling at them. Umpires really put up with a lot of garbage. Thankfully they don't hear most of it.

I love to watch Jaren at work! But watching him umpire is much more interesting than watching him at his day job. Did I mention that he LOVES doing it? He umpired a triple header at a local charity tournament this past Saturday. He didn't make a penny that day as he donated all his pay to a family chosen by the association who needed it. He was just glad that he got to umpire. Is that cool or what?

Sorry about the "fuzziness" of the picture. There was a net between the bleachers and the field--no way around that.

Milk Toast

This dish has apparently been a favorite for Jaren (thanks to his wonderful mother) forever. When the boys needed an alternative to cereal, he taught them how to make:

Milk Toast:
2 slices of bread, toasted & buttered
1/2 c. warmed milk (heated in microwave for 1 min.)
2 tsp. sugar
cinnamon

Tear the toast into bite size pieces into a cereal bowl. Pour milk over the toast. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
The boys believe it's the greatest dish ever! Aidan now makes it all by himself in the mornings. While I can make it to Hunter's satisfaction I can't say that I've actually tried it yet. So, despite the rave reviews from my boys, I have yet to taste it. Someday...maybe.

Whatever makes my boys happy! Thanks Grandma Fort for the wonderful idea!

All aboard the Beagle Express

We headed deep into the heart of the Texas Pineywoods last week to take in a train ride on the Texas State Railroad at Rusk/Palestine State Park.Since this was a new excursion for us we weren't sure what to expect. What we found was an authentic Train Depot with trains nestled in a small but very picturesque location.
While they do offer longer rides, we opted for the shorter ride just to see what it was like. The boys had a blast and Robyn was a delight who seemed to enjoy it all just as much as anybody else.

Waiting for the "All Aboard!"Boarding the train.We even got to meet Snoopy on the train.Just enjoying the gentle rocking.Aidan was fascinated with all the red clay.

Our conductor (with the historic Maybelle Turntable behind him).
We got to wait and watch as the turntable was put into action.

Robyn tasting her first Laffy Taffy.After wards we enjoyed a complimentary lunch and took a short walk around Cherokee Lake. The kiddos had lots of fun throwing rocks and attempting to skip them. Where did we find the rocks you ask? A small, gravel access road nearby (where we took our walk ) provided the rocks for our throwing. I forgot how much fun it is to throw rocks!

There's a nearby campground that we can't wait to try out. We'll certainly be coming back!