Family is everything

Sometimes I tend to forget that how my family is not the same for all families.
The simplest way to explain it is that our way of thinking is blood is thicker than water.
I can't remember when I first heard that, but it did make a huge impact on my life. And its so true for my family. We have each others back through the good and the bad. If you can't count in your family, then who can you count on?
Family is where you can truly be yourself and not worry if you are making a good impression because they will accept you for who you are and love you no matter what.
That is at least how my family is.
My husband's family is definitely the opposite and it has been a new experience for me and not one I can say I honestly enjoy. I should explain though that his mom is not part of it. She fits right in with my family. Its the rest of his family that I don't get. I mean how can grandparents disown a grandchild with no good explanation?
Maybe this is all on my mind since my mom was just in the hospital for having a stroke and my grandpa is currently in ICU from having a stroke.
I have had an awakening last 48 hours. There is so much I have to be thankful for and so much I need to change.

Family Activity Calendar

They grow up.
Let's face it. The truth is our kids will all grow up and move on. They will go out into this big world with everything we've distilled into them. One day, if not already there, it will become uncool to hang out with their parents. Cuddling will be out. Kisses and hugs in public will most likely be a thing of the past.
So I say, why not enjoy it now?
I try my hardest to enjoy every second I have with my children, but it does seem like we get caught up in every day normal drama and spend less time just doing things as a family.
Luckily, I've joined this wonderful forum as admin and it has helped me already open my eyes to new possibilities with my children. YAY!
My challenge to you for this week is to create your own Family Activity Calendar.
You may have a calendar that has all the important dates on it like when they have t-ball, basketball, dance, recital, appointments, bill due dates, etc. But do you have any family time scheduled? I know I don't. So lets change that. This new calendar will only have your family activities listed on it.

How to Make the Family Activity Calendar

1) Find a Calendar
I don't care what it looks like. I don't care if you make it yourself or buy one. Any calendar will work for this.
2) Gather Ideas for Fun Family Activities
Get ideas from everyone on things they would like to do. Fun family for helpful suggestions http://www.familyfunshop.com/100funfamilyactivities.htm or http://www.familyfunshop.com/frugalandfreeactivities.htm.
3) Narrow Down the Ideas
Face it. There is not enough time in a day to do everything we want. So now you need to narrow down your choices. Highlight the ones you know for sure you will want to do.
4) Sort Out Seasonal Ideas
Obviously if its seasonal, you would want to do that activity around that season.
5) Add Your Ideas to the Calendar
Now its time to get those activities listed on your calendars. Make sure to choose dates for the activities that will actually work with your schedule. Remember not to over schedule yourself. This is supposed to be fun not stressful.

Now that your calendar is finished, hang it somewhere the entire family can see it. Follow it. When there is a family activity scheduled, stick to it. I do suggest writing your activities in ink. I know for me it helps to make it final and unbreakable.

Good luck ladies! Come back and share what you've done!

The Journey Begins

The journey began for me June 17, 2006 1:56 PM. I still find it amazing that we can forget what we had for lunch two days ago, but we can remember our birth story as though it happened just yesterday. I guess there are just somethings in this life that are meant to stay with us.
My journey continued with an addition to our little family May 17, 2008 and then again April 14, 2010.
Yes, I have 3 children. I also have a husband and I know many people joke about their husbands being just another child for them to take care of and for the most part, I can so totally understand that.
My family, my children, are my everything. They are my greatest accomplishment. There is so much I've learned over the last 7 years.
I love sharing stories of my children (like most moms) and discussing other child related topics. Plus, it helps to let it all out.
Who doesn't like talking about their children?
Plus, I love sharing my take on different things and my reviews on different children's products and of course love receiving reviews.
Please, at any time you are a member of this blog, feel free to request a review on any products, or just share your thoughts.
I hope you enjoy reading about my journey and in turn will share some of your journey.


*Felicia