Simple Birthday Party

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As I was planning my sons birthday party recently it got me thinking about how much parties have changed. What did everyone do before we had party venues such as 'jumping places', 'amusement parks' or parties like 'paint your own ceramics' or 'cooking camp parties'? When did everything get so complicated and pricey? Growing up I remember my parties and ones I attended...they were always a blast despite the fact that they were at someone's house. Sure there was an occasional skating party, but for the most part it consisted of games, cake, gifts and maybe a goodie bag. I never felt I was missing anything as a kid. I only had fun! I just wonder if maybe we feel the need to 'entertain' the kids at a party because the pace of life has changed, and what used to entertain doesn't anymore, everyone wants bigger and better everything. I still think children can have a good time at a simple party if you put some thought into it. Plan a couple of games, add a fun theme, throw in a cake and you will have some happy kids.

Any ideas on how you simplify?

Dinner... a Great Family Time

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We have all heard that its important to eat dinner as a family at the dinner table. Did you know that this can be the best place to talk as well? Although, sometimes this is difficult due to do our busy schedules and life's distractions. There are so many benefits to sitting down and talking with each other about the day and sharing whats going on in our lives around the dinner table. Those in our own households need to be the ones we share our day-to-day life with. Once I heard how you should always ask open ended questions to your kids so they will give more of an answer than just 'yes' or 'no'. At the age of my children there is no shortage of conversation, yet I know someday that may not always be the case. About a year ago my husband started a little activity at our table. We all take turns pointing out things we admire or enjoy about another person at the table. I have heard my kids say things like "I like it when you play with me" or "Thank you for helping me clean my room"....Its especially sweet to to hear siblings do this! Now, when my husband and I forget, our kids will remind us. I definitely recommend this to every family. With the crazy pace of life for some of us, meal time is the only "together time" we have. Why not make it count?!

Lets Go On a Date

When you have been together for long time I think we loose our originality in coming up with date night ideas. We are creatures of habit and seem to get in a rut, dining at the same restaurants, renting movies and staying within a 10 miles radius of home. . If we take the time to plan we could turn mediocre dates into new exciting adventures together. Why not go to a different part of town, I know from personal experience just changing up the part of town can make a difference. You can try other things like borrowing a different car, have a moonlit picnic or take a cooking class, rent a segway, ride bikes or walk a different part of town, catch a outdoor play or festival...the possibilities are endless. There is something special that happens when you get out of the 'norm' and try new experiences together. It seems we should pull out all the stops and be creative even if we have been together for many years! Don't get me wrong some nights a take out meal and a movie are nice too, but every now and then how great would it be to surprise or plan an extra special date for no specific reason.  With a little effort and some creativity you and your special someone can spend some quality time together in an extra special way.

Skating Rink...a blast from the past!

A few weeks ago a friend invited my kids and I to go roller skating. I haven't skated in years, but back in the day that was the place to be. Not much has changed as you might guess. It still smells a little bit like feet, has the same skates from 20 years ago but aside from that its still a fun place for people of all ages. My kids only have tried to ice skating so this was all new to them. Although its been years for me, its like riding a bike...it comes back to you after a while and a few close calls.

 If you or your kids haven't done this in a while I highly recommend it. I can't promise you won't have sore legs or feet, but you will have a fun time hanging at the rink like good ole days.

Coming soon to a theater near you.....

On March 23 a new movie from the producers of Fireproof and Courageous will be coming out! Its called Octoberbaby, and should have another great message just like the prior films. 

"You saw me before I was born." Psalm 139:16 (NLT)

As the curtain rises, Hannah hesitantly steps onto the stage for her theatrical debut in college. Yet before she can utter her first lines, Hannah—unscripted—collapses in front of the stunned audience.

After countless medical tests, all signs point to one underlying factor: Hannah's difficult birth. This revelation is nothing compared to what she then learns from her parents: she was actually adopted … after a failed abortion attempt.

Bewildered, angered, and confused, Hannah turns for support to Jason, her oldest friend. Encouraged by his adventurous spirit, Hannah joins his group of friends on a Spring Break road trip, embarking on a journey to discover her hidden past … and find hope for her unknown future.

In the midst of her incredible journey, Hannah finds that life can be so much more than what you have planned.

Be sure to mark your calendars and support this film!

Wow...look who walked in the room!

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One time I heard something from Gary Smalley, a well known christian family counselor, that stuck with me. It was about how he and his wife would make it a practice to make a huge deal when their kids would come into the room. He would say "Guess what?!" (pause) "the smartest kid in the world just walked in the door!" or "I can't believe I get to be in the room of such an amazing young man of God!" or "Wow what a gift you are!" He went on to talk about how we also should make it a point to smile when they entered the room as well. This comes to mind quite a bit when I am busy or wrapped up in daily stress. I want my children to see me smile rather than scowling or so caught up in what I am doing that I don't notice that they walk in. Yes, no one is perfect and 'happy' all the time, yet what beautiful gifts our children are. Although they will never fully grasp how much they are loved, wouldn't it be great for them to see the joy in our face and then hear how excited we are that they are there. Just food for thought!

Good Job!

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My sister and I had a conversation the other day about how small children are constantly getting praise and affirmation. They walk, we clap and cheer. They smile for the camera we clap and cheer. They put a puzzle together, we clap and cheer. This continues on for several years, yet becomes less and less common as they grow older. Of course, we always encourage our children and teens, applauding their successes and wins, yet the older they become the less we do it for the small things. By the time they are young adults its for the the huge accomplishments like graduating college or landing a job. This is not to say we should follow around our older children and teens clapping and cheering like crazy people, but why not give affirmation more often AND on the little things.

Wouldn't it be great to make a 'big deal' out of the day-to-day things, for instance when your teen helps clean the kitchen or writes a really great paper, or does something selfless for someone else. For those adults in your life why not give a pat on the back for their victories; baking a yummy cake, orgazinging an event or teaching a great lesson.

I think we should start a movement, if you will, of letting those older kids, teens and adults both young and old know that what they do matters and doesn't get overlooked! Who says we can't earn a 'gold star' for effort or a job well done, even if its making a delicious meal, building something, coming up with a clever idea or sticking to a goal. Lets cheer each other on and take time to notice the accomplishments of those around us no matter how big or small! 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.."