When my oldest two children were young, we started having a "Family Night" a couple of times a month. We would get our PJ's on, get out blankets and pillows and make popcorn. Then we would pick out a movie that we all love. A fantastic family night.
I think the kids loved Family Night the most when we would have snacks and play games. We bought Pictionary Kids and they really enjoyed playing that. We had checkers and chinese checkers, but the Pictionary game was their favorite.
The kids started getting older and we had fewer and fewer family nights. It's really sad when you think about it. Families get so busy that they forget to spend time together and enjoy each other. Before you know it, your children have grown up into teenagers and spending time with mom and dad isn't very high on their priority list.
Well, Scott and I have been blessed enough to have two more children. So, we've been able to enjoy all the fun things that go with having young children in the house....for a second time. We've started having family night again. It's not as often as I'd like, but we try to squeeze it in where we can.
Last week we all got into comfy clothes and got out warm blankets. We made up goodie plates with salami, hunters saugsage, cheese, crackers, cashews and such....and we watched two of our favorite Christmas movies. We had a great time, and it gives our kids some really nice memories that they'll think about when they are grown up and have kids of their own.
Last night, we had family night on a smaller scale. John got this large pad of paper that is sort of like a "Where's Waldo" sort of thing but it's all Christmas. The pages are huge, and there are two lists. One is made of pictures of items to be found (for younger kids) and the other list has about 30 things to find within the pictures. So, Jourdan, John, Sami and I spent a couple of hours at the diningroom table looking for Christmas items. We had hot chocolate and lots of giggles. By the end of the evening, both of the younger kids were on my lap in search of Santa.
Life goes by so quickly. It seems that just yesterday Jason was a little boy going to kindergarden. Now, he's a sophomore in college! Where did the time go? I think it goes faster once you have children! My dad told me that a very long time ago...and I think he was right. Now, I'm trying to not let the days go by so fast....to stop and take the time to enjoy spending time with my kids. We don't know how long we'll be here...so don't take your time for granted.
There are all kinds of fun things to do together as a family. I LOVE to do crafts. I could spend hours down in my craft room sewing or painting. Jourdan and Sami are the same way. As a matter of fact, I spent about an hour down there tonight cleaning up from the last time Sami "helped" me in the craft room. haha
It's worth it though. She'll have those memories her whole life...and so will I.
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