family Archives - Page 12 of 13 - Simply Happenstance

A “Moment” with my Older Boys…

December 5, 2012

I recently had one of those {rare} moments that I think we all share as mothers….

maybe even as parents.

I watched my boys walk into school together after dropping them off at the side gate.

Ryan paused and waited for Seth as he got his backpack placed properly on his shoulders.

They walked into school, side-by-side, chatting and sharing what appeared to be a quiet laugh.

The sun glistened upon them showing off their auburn hair…

you could clearly tell they were brothers.

As I watched them….

for only mere seconds {as I had to keep moving with cars behind me},

I had that “moment” I just mentioned.

It was as if time slowed down and I was able to be completely present and focused on my boys.

I gazed at my children from someone else’s eyes….

not as their mother who was concerned about them getting to school on time,

or the crazy woman I was a bit earlier as I frantically packed their lunches

and prepared four different varieties of breakfast…

I was outside of my body, looking in at my boys from someone else’s vantage point

{perhaps from my subconscious}.

As I drove off, I prayed that God would imprint that precious image of them into my brain.

That He would help me remember their innocence and sweetness at that very moment.

That I could soak it all in and marinade in that feeling of being truly present.

*************************

Life has a way of consuming us and passing by too quickly.

Memories seem to get muddled and blend together.

It gets harder and harder to remember specific details of ordinary days

and special events as the days and years pass.

So, I hold on tightly to what I can…

to those everyday, routine moments that flash before my eyes.

I pray….

and silently BEG that they will stay little longer….

that I can continue to hold them in my arms…

carry them around…

tickle them…

gobble them up with my kisses…

and encourage them with my gentle words.

That they will always look up to me and be proud that I am their mama.

That they won’t shy away from my kisses good-bye and my prayers as they drift off into sleep.

That they will always look at me with love in their eyes

as they tell me I am the best mama in the whole world….

I’m holding on…

and grasping tightly to what I can.

Trying hard to remember to breathe it all in…

and be ever so present so I don’t miss these moments…

Dream Thanksgiving…

November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving will be a bit different for us this year.

Typically, Husby works {or at least it seems that way},

and we head to my mom’s for supper.

This year my mom, thankfully, was able to head to Idaho

to spend Thanksgiving with her siblings and Dad

{special shout out to Grandpa who is turning 85 – whoop, whoop!!}.

We were also looking forward to the road trip,

but unfortunately….we had quite a month in October.

It was one of those months when you get hit by all sorts of surprise expenses….

like a $2000 tooth… and almost as much in car repairs

{we still love you, Audi Wagon}.

We decided it was probably a good idea to stay home and spend the holiday with our own little family.

So… tomorrow Husby gets off work in the morning after a 48-hr shift

and we will spend the day with our four sweet littles.

Last year we celebrated with our own immediate family on a different day {since Husby was working}.

I cooked… everything but the turkey {as I don’t cook meat} and the kids honestly didn’t eat…

a thing!!

I slaved away in the kitchen and then spent two hours with Husby cleaning it all up.

This year, I think I got a bit smarter {although I do feel a small tinge of guilt}.

I ordered the whole meal from Claim Jumper!

That’s right!

We are picking it up at 2 p.m. and will be feasting shortly thereafter!

I do plan on making a yummy breakfast, an appetizer, and a treat or two with the littles…

maybe even caramel apple cider {click “here” for recipe}

or salted caramel hot chocolate {click “here” for recipe}

for everyone to sip on later in the evening.

We’re looking forward to neglecting the laundry for the day {thank you, Jesus},

and just spending time playing board games, doing puzzles, and playing outside {lovely, right?!}.

So anyway… that’s the plan!

I will say, that even as simple as our day should be,

I do still find myself daydreaming of a Thanksgiving holiday spent in our own little charming cabin

{a girl can dream}!

I’m not sure what it is about tiny cabins that make me feel all warm and cozy inside…

they’re just so simple….

so rustic….

so easy.

Seems to me like it would be hard to have a bad day spent in one.

Small cabin… no TV, no computers, no smart phones….

just us and our littles…

spending the day relaxing and hanging out as a family.

I crave a simple life.

It sounds perfect {heart smile}.

Here are a few cabins that hit the warm and cozy spot in me…

Hope you enjoy!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow!

Hope it’s simple and charming!

{photo via: free cabin porn}

{photo via: small cabin google}

{Photo via: boathouse on orcas – vacation rental}

{above three photos via: small house style}

{photo via: asserbo house by christensen architects}

Family Date Night

November 18, 2012

The last two nights, we have had family dates.

In my opinion, these are just as important and special and

our normal husby-wifey date nights.

Two nights ago we made an indoor fort in our family room,

using an abundance of couch cushions,

and settled in to watch the first Harry Potter movie

{Ryan has been begging to finally watch it!!}.

We ordered pizza from one of our favorite local restaurants

and stocked up on licorice.

It was a wonderful night…

{if you don’t count the slight case of food poisoning that Husby experienced – bummer}.

Yesterday, since Husby was still recovering,

we neglected our daytime errands.

When he was finally up and about, we set off to do some

much needed grocery shopping.

As we were making our way to Trader Joe’s,

we decided instead to head to the Irvine Spectrum

{one of our families faves}

and eat dinner at Wahoo’s, walk around, and go to Target

{since they also carry grocery items}.

My wafu bowl {highly recommend – tofu & veggies}

was fabulous, as always. The ambiance was perfect….

we were able to sit outside in their new seating area

and enjoy the coolness of the evening.

Afterwards we walked around.

I captured a few night-time shots of the ferris wheel…

We made our way to Barnes & Noble to browse the books

and their toys {for Christmas ideas}.

Ryan was in heaven when he found the Harry Potter display…

Miss Sophia Blue wandered by the Barefoot Contessa and shouted,

“Mama, LOOK! It’s Ina!”

I couldn’t resist making her pose {do you see the pure happiness}…

Today, I started thinking about great, low-cost, family date nights.

Here is the list that I came up with to share with you:

{Dance Party}

Put on some oldies but goodies and teach the kids how to do the Bunny Hop, the Electric Slide, and maybe even the Cha Cha! You may need to watch a few YouTube videos for this one!

{Around the World}

Have the kids pick a country. Research that countries customs, traditions, and historical facts. End by making a meal to cebebrate the country.

{Flashlight Tag}

Kids LOVE flashlights! Do this one in the backyard or even in the house!

{Homemade Pizza & Sundae Bar}

Have the kids roll out the dough and top their individual sized pizzas with the toppings of their choice. Set up a sundae bar for dessert, complete with fruit, graham cracker & cookie crumbles, sprinkles, hot fudge and whipped cream! Yummy!!

{photo via: homemade pizza}

{Bowling Night}

Always a fun family favorite! Get those bumpers ready {not for the kids… unfortunately, but for me!}.

{Silly Dress-Up}

Have the kids put whatever they want on {you could even get some silly props, or use extra items from your own closet}. Have a fashion show and don’t forget to take video and/or photos!

{Picnic & Star Gazing}

Find a good spot to have a family picnic and follow it up by spending time gazing at the stars. Teach the kids about the various constellations and moon cycles. Click {here} for a good book to help teach the kids.

{Photo via: star gazing}

{Scavenger Hunt}

Do this either in your home or break up into teams with one parent in each group and do the scavenger hunt around town.

{Board Games}

Who doesn’t love board games? Our family favorite is Uno right now.

{Family Bike Ride}

Take the whole family around your neighborhood or on a local trail for a bike ride {preferably before dark}!

{Photo via: family bike rides}

{Book Reading using Different Accents}

How funny would this be? Skippyjon Jones books lend themselves well for practicing your Spanish accent!

{Hide & Seek}

A good indoor, night-time game!

{Campout}

Either in the backyard or inside where it’s nice and warm! Using boxes, card tables, couch cushions, and lots of cozy blankets….make a tent or fort for the whole family to enjoy! Make indoor s’mores and read bedtime stories using flashlights or a lantern.

{Photo via: indoor tents}

**I don’t recommend making your family tent/fort near a lit fireplace!!**

{Photo via: summer bohemian fort}

{Viking Meal}

Husby actually does this one at the firehouse! Cover your dining table or eating area in aluminum foil. Dish up dinner directly onto the foil in front of your kids. Everyone must eat using only their hands to eat the entire meal! No table manners here!

{Movie Night}

Inside or outside on the lawn {weather permitting, of course!}.

{Photo via: outdoor movie night}

We would love to hear some of your families favorite date nights! Please share with us by posting your comments below!

A Day with friends in Oak Glen

November 17, 2012

On Veteran’s Day, one of our dearest family friends

invited us to come along with them for a day spent in Oak Glen, California.

Husby got off of work that morning from a two-day shift.

We pulled together and attempted to quickly tackle the morning routine

while trying to diffuse little arguments between our kids along the way.

It was definitely one of those chaotic mornings where the house was a mess,

the kids were cranky, and each time I turned around,

Mr. Finn was creating more of a disaster!

We left a good hour after we had planned…

I sacrificed a trip to Starbucks {to get a cup of my current addiction}

and we set forth on the road.

Luckily we didn’t run into any traffic, but we did get a bit off track… {to say the least}!

My dear friend, thankfully, gave me a buzz

and I told her the exit we had just taken

{we had finally stopped for that cup of coffee I was craving – smile}.

My directional friend quickly explained that we were headed the wrong way.

We were, in fact, headed up the mountain towards Lake Arrowhead.

After our detour, we finally hit our destination and couldn’t believe how lovely the area was.

There were yaks, deer, and beautiful country homes situated on roomy lots with big Fall trees.

It was peaceful, crisp, and just what we needed … {especially after the crazy morning we had}.

Although we didn’t have time to visit the apple orchards that particular day,

we did have an amazing day spent with some of our closest friends.

We took our kids to the petting zoo,

and walked around the rustic little town.

We couldn’t leave with out indulging in some vanilla roasted nuts, hot dogs, chili,

and some homemade warm apple burritos.

With two fresh apple pies in hand, we said good-bye to charming Oak Glen.

Hopefully we can make this into a Fall family tradition…

but next time will plan on a full day… with apple picking!

{So thankful to have this girl in my life…. my amazing friend Maria and I}

Holiday Activity & Event Guide

November 12, 2012

‘Tis the season to get out of the house and experience the holidays through a variety of festive outings!

Here is a list of hand-picked, and carefully thought-out, events and activities that are all family-friendly and reasonably priced…if not free {in the Southern California area}!

Most of which we have been to ourselves, and have enjoyed in years past {smile}. We hope you’re able to use a few of these ideas for some quality holiday family time!

APPLE PICKING & FESTIVAL

{Photo via: To Do This Weekend: Apple Picking}

Apple Picking in Oak Glen from now until November 30, 2012

The Apple Butter Festival November 23-25, 2012

Visit orchards, pick mountain-fresh apples, and enjoy hot apple cider & pie at one of the many family friendly specialty shops!

Irvine Spectrum Ice Rink

{photo via: Irvine Spectrum’s Holiday on Ice}

November 7, 2012 – February 18, 2013

The Ice Rink is currently open for your whole family to enjoy! Skate sessions are 75 minutes long. Prices are $14 with an additional $3 skate rental. Skate sessions for toddlers cost $12. Helmets are optional and are provided free of charge. Season passes, private lessons, and private parties are available.