Can we all just agree this season has had some challenges?
Personally, I’ve struggled with not carving-out (much-needed) alone time, which has always resulted in me feeling over-whelmed and under-appreciated.
I’ve also been reminded that, just because I’m around my people all day, it doesn’t mean we’re actually getting good, healthy, quality time together.
With a handful of daily challenges, my family desperately NEEDED to #GetBackOut ! So while the boys were in the barbershop, the girls and I planned a Photo Adventure around downtown Loganville!
GAME: Each person gets 5 minutes with the camera to go anywhere and take anyone’s photo!
When we sat down to eat dinner and asked “What was your ROSE and THORN from today?”, Ruthie said, “My rose was TAKING PICTURES!”
Rayna and I agreed! That was the BEST part of our day too!
I’m convinced Matthew would do just about anything for me. But every birthday when I tell him I’d like a professional photography session of our family, he just smiles and says, “Ohhhh, YOU just need to take them!”
If I insisted, I know he’d agree. But at this point, it’s just become a funny tradition. (A tradition that, for-the-record, NEVER, EVER leads to a decent family photo.)
So on my birthday a few months ago, I managed to round-up some school clothes for the kids (because who needs a fun, new wardrobe when there’s not even going to be a PERSON behind the camera?) and told them to load-up for a quick ‘birthday‘ shoot down the road.
Once I set my tripod up, Ross remarked, “Once again, we’ve managed to find the cheapest photographer.”
Although I don’t have any family photos to post, here’s a few that made my birthday complete!
I love comparing images over time!
When I looked through my birthday photos and saw Ross being silly as the automatic-timer kept shooting, it made me think of when he was SO young and would jump in front of the camera…
Christy, these are beautiful of course you know I want some copies. LOL !! Pretty please & thank you, don’t have to print them out you could just private message them to me on facebook. I would like a copy of all of them if it’s okay. These are awesome !!! Love <3 you.
Debbie 🙂
BOOK: When Life Gives You Pears AUTHOR: Jeannie Gaffigan
SUMMARY: Jeannie Gaffigan (wife to comedian Jim Gaffigan) takes the reader into her journey battling a pear-sized brain tumor. Not only was this book really honest and funny, it was written in such a way the reader feels right there with her each step of the way. She is naturally quick and clever with the way she explains each difficult step in her recovery process.
YOU’LL LOVE THIS BOOK IF… The book takes an unimaginably difficult situation and transforms it into an interesting and funny story that you don’t want to put down!
.QUICK FACTS: Faith-based? The author ‘warns’ at the beginning that it IS faith-based; however, I only picked-up on a few ‘lighter’ references Easy read? Yes! (The book was SO good, I forfeited my only free day in downtown Chicago to stay inside my hotel room to finish it!) Age group: Any
A rush of kids quickly filled a small room and began to zoom around the tiny chairs that, just minutes before their arrival, were all neatly tucked into matching, plastic tables. Parents had finished ushering their children through the door. Some were looking forward to their weekly playtime. While others required a gentle push from a parent who was eager to find solace in the seat that would allow them to simply be still for the next hour.
After years of serving in children’s ministry, I felt confident I had discovered the ‘secret succession to a successful service.’ When the last child’s name had been jotted-down on the clipboard by the door, I knew I’d capture their attention with a Bible story first. Next, break-up the class with a game. Lastly, end with a snack that, for all intensive purposes, simply offered to hold them hostage to their seats where arriving parents would think the entire class had been that calm and well-managed.
That day, with the Bible study already under our belts, I quickly skimmed the game instructions and announced to the class: “Alright kids! Please take off your shoes and pile them in the center of the rug.”
But the next step of the game quickly halted as a foul smell began to radiate the small room. The space felt like it was quickly shrinking as the strong odor began to bounce off the walls and fill the room even more.
Eager to quickly solve my new problem, I made my way around the room until I spotted the source. A little boy, with a posture that seemed to be pulling him to the ground, wore baggy jeans that almost hid the fact that he was the only kid in class without socks. Approaching him, it became obvious the smell was an unfortunate mix of old, worn-out shoes and two bare, dirty little feet.
My instincts kicked-in and instructions were ordered for everyone to quickly put their shoes back on. The problem was diverted. But, I still felt slight frustration with how I was going to fill the new, empty space where the ‘shoe-pile’ game was suppose to be.
__________________________
Although weeks had passed, the quiet little boy continued to come into my mind. Despite my initial problem-solving that so quickly kicked in that day, now, my heart couldn’t help but think of that little boy’s situation. His over-sized clothes and dirty feet now, more than ever, felt more like a gentle reminder, perhaps, that he could have benefited from some extra love, care and attention in his life. And as quickly as that strong scent radiated our small classroom weeks before, my own heart was now suddenly filled with the heaviness of what I had MISSED.
Tears filled my eyes when I pondered what the Lord could and would have done. I allowed my heart to guide my thoughts and, as vividly as if it really happened, I saw something much different than frustrated diversion.
I envisioned myself, but this time, kind, patient and ready to be a blessing.
Without a fuss, I would have handed over game-duties to someone else. I would have found a quiet place, ran some warm water and taken that little boy’s into my hands. As the warm water and soap rubbed his toes, I would have notice it was tickling his feet and we would both laugh together. But, most importantly, on my knees as I washed this little boy’s feet, I would have taken the time to pray for him.
The Lord offered me such a GIFT that day. But my hands were too busy and my heart too distracted.
What I saw as a burden, was intended as a blessing.
__________________________
I’ve shed many tears over that missed opportunity to love well. So, 10 years later, when I heard my church was partnering with an organization to not only offer new shoes to children, but also wash their feet, I knew I wouldn’t miss it for the world!
A chance to slow-down. A chance to see more than what’s on the outside. A chance to kneel before another and offer love and prayer as I wash their feet.
I am so thankful to Samaritan’s Feet. The blessing that was carelessly thrown-away so many years ago was finally redeemed.
BOOK: The Light Between Oceans AUTHOR: M.L. Stedman
SUMMARY: Filled with historical dates and places, much of this book read like a historical novel. However, there wasn’t a page that wasn’t overflowing with real, HEAVY and heartbreaking emotion.
It’s a story of a light-house keeper and his new wife who is eager to start a family. After several miscarriages, a lifeboat washes onto their island with a surprise inside. The story unfolds as they make decisions that change, for the good and bad, the world around them.
YOU’LL LOVE THIS BOOK IF… AVOID THIS BOOK IF… If miscarriages, infant loss or heartache within foster care are areas that hit close to home, do not pick-up this book.
QUICK FACTS: Faith-based? No Easy read? No, yet it only took me a few days to read it because I could NOT put it down. Age group: Adult, based on the complexity of the characters and ‘historical-novel type’ description of events and places
“She lifted the baby from the bath like a sacred offering, laid her on a soft, white towel, and began to dab her dry, like blotting ink so as not to smudge it- as though if she were not careful she could erase it altogether.”
“But as he held her, he was for the first time in years acutely aware that the hands that now touched her were the hands that had heaved her father into the grave. Eyes closed, he recalled the sensation in his muscles, the weight of the man, and contrasted it with the weight of the daughter. Lucy seemed the heavier of the two.”
” “Oh, my poor, poor sweetheart!” Isabel was squeezing the girl to her, sobbing at the touch of her, the legs fitting snugly around her waist and the head slotting automatically into the space beneath the chin, like the final piece of a jigsaw.”
I HAVE NO CLUE HOW TO DECORATE ‘desperately depend on my friends to tell me what to choose for my own house’.
Yes, I’ve got 99 problems. But, “Quality Time’ with my kids ain’t 1!
I am a HUGE advocate for doing whatever it takes to be present in your child’s life. Aside from pointing them towards a dependance on the Lord, I believe it’s one of the most valuable things you could ever give your child.
Recently, a friend asked me for real, tangible DATE IDEAS for KIDS. So, I thought it would be FUN to put a short list together of my personal favorites! (Most are free and available anywhere, but I also added a section just for Northwest Arkansas- my old neck-of-the-woods. I’d LOVE to start a LIST for GEORGIA SPOTS soon!)
I hope this list can offer inspiration and ideas to go have FUN with your child!
Enjoy your LIBRARY. Check out your local library’s website for fun events like story-times, therapy dogs, free programs and guest speakers! (Sign-up online for notifications of free events!)
Explore a FARMER’S MARKET. It’s already a great place to people-watch and pet dogs, but give your child five dollars and ask for ‘help’ finding a certain fruit or vegetable. Allow your child to find the ‘best’ piece and pay for it!
Plan a SCAVENGER HUNT. The SKY is the LIMIT! I’ve spent hours and hours thinking through areas… hiding clues… running around… and making GREAT memories on scavenger hunts!
Have a LEGO competition. Laying on the floor with a child (phone.AWAY.always), can be one of the most relaxing times of your day! Try making-up a category (ie: dog parks; food trucks; vacation homes; camp grounds, etc.) and give allow 10 minutes for each person to create their own interpretations.
Plan a YARD SALEday. Not only is it fun to run house-to-house in spring and fall neighborhood yard sales, it’s a great money-teaching tool! Give your child $5 and allow them to spend it on anything they like (except old, dirty, gross, stuffed animals). Through yard sales, my son has learned the fine art of negotiation and buying low/selling higher on eBay.
Take a BIKE RIDE. For younger kids or inexperienced riders, the shorter the better. (Also, don’t forget the water!) If you can find a half-way stop that’s a playground or ice-cream shop, the ride will be even better!
Take aLONG WALK. Some of my favorite memories are from long walks. Whether you like to walk quietly or look for ‘cool stuff’ on the road, you’ll be surprised how much a child opens-up when you’re engaged in this activity together. (Check out “The Listening Walk” from the library.)
SERVEtogether. Not only does this build family memories, it’s probably one of the best practices to teach your child about selflessness and giving.
Go “SCOOPING” in a creek. Wear old shoes and bring a towel. You’re SURE to find some treasures, but things are going to get messy!
Discover a new city near you! There’s not much I love more than walking around a new place with a child! It’s always eye-opening to observe the things adults might normally miss.
Learn as many CARD GAMES as possible! I’m a minimalist, but I proudly keep a deck of cards in my purse at all times. Times that I’m tempted to pull out my phone, instead, I round-up a kid or two for a card game!
CREATE A GARDEN.
BUILD A FIRE-PIT.
Do aDEVOTIONALtogether. It helps me to set up a weekly place and time. (And, spoken like a true food-girl: planning it around breakfast, coffee or a snack only makes it better!)
Dirty dog?!? There’s not much more entertaining than a DOG BATH! (For around $5-10, you can find places to supply the bath, shampoo, towels and even brushes!) Wear old clothes and be prepared to LAUGH as you leave smelling like a wet-dog!
Pitch a TENT! Camping is a chore, but the memories are priceless!
Find FUN in EVERYTHING! Whether you’re playing a BOARD GAME, FISHING, playing in the POOL or jumping on a TRAMPOLINE, SEEK OUT ways to LAUGH, TOUCH and PLAY with your child!
WORTH the INVESTMENT:
Ice Cream or Coffee Date. Pull out some fun questions or a deck of cards. Either way, be prepared to just SIT and enjoy one another’s company with no distractions.
If you like food, book aFOOD TOUR or COOKING CLASS! (Sports? Broadway? Comedians? Art? Fishing? Movies?) When you’re sharing common interests, special memories are ALWAYS a smart ‘investment‘!
Plan a THEMED DINNER! Allow your child to plan the food, send the invites and cook. Ross chose a Mafia themed party. Rayna chose a pasta + flower-making-headband night.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS:
CRYSTAL BRIDGES: It’s not JUST an art museum! Check the weekend schedule for FREE “Family Fun” art-making! BONUS: Park in overflow parking and grab the backseat on the golf cart shuttle to start the day off with a big laugh!
AMAZEUM: Don’t be tempted to follow your child around…put your phone away and PLAY! (FREE most Wednesdays, 4-7:30pm. Confirm weekly HERE.)
DEFY (formally, High Rise): If you’re physically-able, stash that phone away and JUMP with your child!
CLIMB BENTONVILLE: I’m a huge fan of any activity that requires team-work for success! With a little work and time, you and your child can be belaying one another climb 50 feet to the top!
Pinnacle Hills PROMENADE: Grab some bubbly-tea(sample those ‘pearls’ for fun!) and make-up games inside stores you normally wouldn’t go in. (For example, Williams and Sonoma: “If you had $1000 to spend…” or Bath & Body Works: “What’s the BEST and WORST smelling candle?”)
Walmart AMP: No matter what type of music makes you sing, chances are you can find it in NWA! (Can you keep a secret? Although I’ve purchased plenty of tickets for an actual seat inside the amp, there’s also been times when I sat outside on the grassy hill outside the venue for FREE!)
HIKE! CAMP! YURT! There’s a reason Arkansas is called “The Natural State.” Not only is it beautiful, I consider it very easy to explore. Here’s a few of my favorite places: …HIKING: Tanyard Creek, Crystal Bridges/Compton Trails, Devil’s Den …CAMP: Devil’s Den; Roaring River; Buffalo River …YURT: Such a FUN and EASY way to CAMP! Click HERE for info!
TIPS:
Dress for PLAY! Most may not believe this, but I use to dress TRENDY‘better than I do now’. However, I realized the better I tried to look, the less I wanted to play (and get dirty) with my kids. (I shared this tip with Matthew many years ago, and he realized it was true for him too.) My GOAL: Dress comfortable enough where I have NO excuse not to play, chase, hide-and-seek or lay on the ground with a child at any given moment.
Hide that PHONE! Yes, phones are important and needed. However, it’s safe to say they are also a huge distraction and time-stealer. Being INTENTIONAL about putting your phone awayto play. This will keep your attention focused on what’s right in front of you- the MOST important thing!
Intentionally CHOOSE PLAY! …SWING instead of scroll! …CHASE instead of sit! …EXPLORE instead of clean! You’ll NEVER regret the times you choose FUN with your CHILD!
LESS IS MORE! Friends (whether it be yours or your child’s) are important. But having friends around totally changes the dynamic of the well-intended special time with your child. I am apologetically (VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY) selfish if I am planning time with my child. Resist the urge to make it a group event. Instead, embrace that special, meaningful time with your child ALONE! (I know it’s sometimes tough finding someone to watch siblings, but sometimes having a brother or sister around is often more distracting than a friend!)
Create TRADITIONS and snap a PHOTO! There are so many studies that show how children’s memories are often tied to the photographs they have of that moment. Although I love leaving my phone behind on most dates, I’m still a BIG fan of having a way to capture these special moments for them to always treasure!
ASK(fun, hard, silly & deep)QUESTIONS! If you’re being intentional with your time, make sure you’re also intentional in your conversation.
Have fun!
(I’m looking forward to composing a GEORGIA LIST soon! So, stay tuned!)
Photography sessions should be as much as a priority as eating well, new tires and family trips to the zoo. However, it’s true that sometimes scheduling a session can get overlooked with the rush of life.
So, I LOVE when people are given the GIFT of a PHOTOGRAPHYSESSION!
A friend and NWA real estate agent had the great idea to give her clients a closing gift that could be treasured for a lifetime! Here’s a few from our time together…
These pictures are amazing, you’re family is blessed.