making #memories

Behind the Scenes; Packing for Paradise

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It’s a party! Nope it’s just a typical Sunday with the ’12’ of us! Most of our weekends are spent out on the lake with friends and family.

There is good food, drinks, fellowship, and lots of laughs to be had by all. It is a time to kick back and relax with the family. It is when my family connects and truly takes the time to enjoy each others company. The fresh scent of the Summer  air, the cool evening breeze, the mouth watering s’mores, breath taking sunsets, and many afternoons spent fishing are just a few God sent bonuses of Summers on the island. 
What you do not see on these weekend getaway pictures is the countless hours of prep! The food prep; oh, the food prep! With so many food issues this in itself is not easy. The endless loads of laundry to wash, fold, and pack/re-pack. You also don’t hear the sound of over tired children and their ‘off routine’ bedtime drama. 
Regardless, of the prepping hurdles and bumps along the way. With one in nature is exactly where we are suppose to be. Enjoying each others company and soaking up all that God created. Leaving the mess at home and the ‘undone’ aside. It is not easy for this ‘get it done’ perfectionist mother of four, but oh, so necessary! Dreams are not built by watching and memories are not made without putting forth the effort either. So are you going to stand by the way side and just let life happen? Or are you going to join me in putting the ‘undone’ aside and make some memories this Summer!!
Join me and some blogger friends as we show you the ‘Behind the Scenes‘ …no fluff, raw truth, behind all of those ‘perfect’ Instagram pictures.

Bucket Lists and Boating Begin

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So here we are wrapping up another school year. Summer vacation is lurking around the corner and much excitement is in the air. The boat is in the water, our grandparents pool is open, and the sunscreen bottles are already getting a work out. It is suppose to be a rainy weekend here so my plans for the weekend will include; wrapping up loose school ends (oh, how I love paper work/record keeping. Ummm, not really!) finishing the garden, and completing this years family ‘Summer Bucket List’.  So be sure to stay tune as I share some of what we will be doing this Summer.

 

How about you? Does your family have any big plans for Summer? How do you plan on keeping your kids busy? 

I know one thing is for sure my four little monkeys will be enjoying plenty of time outdoors; swinging, sliding, swimming, running, and jumping. They will do what kids do best get dirty play. There will be loads upon loads of wet laundry and sandy clothes. In the end those are the things memories are made of. Its not about how much money you spent on the best camp. Nor is it about achieving that ‘perfect’ summer; its about making memories, spending time together, and enjoying even the small things.

Mr. Smiles (almost 3)

Busy Bee (9 months)

 However, I also know without a plan that early excitement of nice weather can quickly turn to boredom without a plan.  So I hope you will join me in making this the best Summer ever for our families. Let the list making begin!

Pumpkin (7 years old)
K.Bear (4 years old)

I will unveil our “Summer Bucket List” later next week so be sure to ‘follow’ along. Also don’t forget to share in the comment section what your plans are. I love hearing from you!

Mystery trip

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Growing up as kids my parents would frequently take us on what was known as a family “Mystery Trip” my sister and I did not know where we were going, who would be there, or what to expect along the way. Some trips were bigger than others but it was always a special surprise none the less. I have been thrilled to start this same tradition with our children.
 
One of our most recent “Mystery Trips” was a “trip downtown” (yes, that is a trip to my kids as it is not someplace we go often) to see Sesame Street live at The Fox Theater.  Friends of ours invited us to join them in their suite and enjoy a complimentary luncheon as well. It was a great time enjoyed by all! 
 Some trips are “big” some are “small” but none are ever forgotten! A good “Mystery Trip” is one that is imprinted on our child’s soul for a lifetime. Making memories and sharing in the thing that matters most spending time together.