{Reviving} Taking a Closer Look at the Everyday, Ordinary Moments

{Wishes} When you are all grown up and I think back to the special moments we've shared - those exceptional, everyday, ordinary moments - I want to take comfort in the fact that I remembered to look closely at them. I remembered to see those special quirks, those "phases" that change so quickly, those unique loves that you hold so dear. I didn't just glance over towards you in haste as you toddled around carrying your favorite toy of the week. I didn't simply wish away the days that you asked me to sit five hundred times because you just learned the word. I want to be satisfied in the fact that I took note of them. I savored them and captured as many as I could in my memory and on film.

I wish for this because, when you ask me how old you were when you got your first tooth or about the sound you made when you entered this world, I won't be able to share those simple joys with you. Someone else was there, taking care of you when those ordinary joys took place. I will forever ache for those moments that are embraced by others from your past. However, I will not ache to remember the moments that I have been present for. I vow to be present. To be fully attentive during the exceptional, everyday, ordinary joys that you share with me.

The Very Quiet Cricket Breakfast

We always have so much fun with the Virtual Book Club hosted by Toddler Approved and The Educator's Spin On It.  For the month of May, we were asked to explore The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle.  We were so excited because Eric Carle is one of your favorite authors to date!   

Guest Post at Kid World Citizen - Korean Culture and Folktales

I love finding ways to incorporate diversity and multicultural education into everyday living, so that my little guy will grow up to be globally aware and open minded.  One of the best places to find these types of ideas is over at Kid World Citizen, where I am guest posting for today.  I am so thrilled to be able to share two pieces of literature with a little bit of Seoul.  To find out more about what we read, jump on over to the full post! 

Weekends in Kodachrome (Play)

That is what I wish for you. I wish to give you the opportunity to grow up experiencing simple, family-oriented games and activities that our grandparents have in the past. I interviewed several family members and friends from another generation and asked them what were the simple joys they experienced as a child outside? I had so many wonderful responses that I decided to make the next several Saturdays and Sundays our "Weekends in Kodachrome." We will be experiencing these games or activities that they played when they were young. We will be reliving their nostalgic moments in childhood. And so it begins a new series.

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Day 55

Duration: 15 minutes 

To wrap up our celebration of National Backyard Games Week, we decided to try out a favorite childhood game that a family friend shared with us...Kick the Can!  We found an empty soda can in the recycling bin and asked Grandma to join us outside.  You loved the way the can sounded as it danced around on the pavement.  After a few kicks, you decided to stomp your foot down and crush it as your way to end our little game.

The Journey to Revive the Mind, Body, and Soul of our Family

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Have you ever just felt like you've gotten off track?  That you've gotten lost amongst the things that shouldn't matter so much?  Sometimes I feel like my life is a total blur.  The days goes by so fast and the moments pass by so quickly that before you know it, you've gotten lost in the shuffle. Over the past couple of weeks, I've had a couple of "a-ha" moments that have led me down the path for a little self-discovery and self improvement.  My focus for this journey is not only on me, but also on my family. 

The first "a-ha" moment I had was when I was discussing a trip that I took with my grandfather about 10 years ago.  My grandfather, sadly, just passed away last month.  During one of my spring breaks in college, I traveled with him to Miami Beach to visit my aunt.  This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me because we didn't often go on such a long trip, just the two of us.  Flying is something that I try to avoid whenever possible and most of our family vacations had been relatively close.  However, when I was talking about this trip with my mother, I couldn't remember a single moment.  I don't remember where we went.  What we saw.  How much fun we had.  I have no pictures.  No memories of a trip that I took with my grandfather.  It broke my heart.  How could I have gone on such a special vacation with him, spent all of this one-on-one time with this special man, and not have one picture or memory to share? Where did that time go?

This beautiful sunrise was taken during another family trip at the beach.

Another "a-ha" moment wasn't exactly a precise moment, but a sort of realization. I love blogging.  I enjoy swimming through the sea of amazing ideas that these Mamas come up with every day.  There are so many heartfelt posts that help you strive to become a better (and more fun!) mom.  I am so grateful to be a part of this blogging community and learn from these lovely ladies and their children.  I try to wake up a bit early before my son and see what has transpired overnight.  When Daddy comes home, I work on my post and then search through the pins and shares on Facebook.  I hate to admit this, but I get a little wrapped up in the world of ideas. At the expense of my family.  Most evenings go by and I look at the clock and it's 11:00 p.m..  It also tends to happen on the weekend. How could I have been on the computer for 3-4 hours? How could I have let that precious family time slip through my fingers? Here I am, a SAHM, and I rarely have dinner started.  I don't just sit with my husband and talk about what has gone on during the day.  I haven't picked up a book in a very long time...and reading is one of my great passions in life.  What am I doing? 

So, I've come to a decision.  I've decided to become someone who embraces life, instead of letting it pass me by.  I've decided to make it a priority to record, discuss, and be fully present during those moments (big and little) that we share as a family.   I don't want to just be creating these glorious memories as my son grows up, I want to relish in them.  Remember them. Talk about them. Revisit them.  

How does one go about doing this? How do you slow down the days so that they don't pass you by like you're fast forwarding at warp speed?  In what ways can your create lasting memories so that you're not sitting there, 10 years later searching through thoughts, trying to come up with one tiny shred of evidence that you experienced something as special as a relaxing week away with someone you care about?  I've come to the conclusion that it not only starts with yourself, but it also branches out to include the support and participation of your family.  This journey is not only going to be about me working on ways to improve my life, but ultimately my family's life as well.  This awakening will start at home by focusing on three elements that are always connected.  It will begin with finding ways to revive the MIND ~ BODY ~ SOUL as a family.    

How else can you begin to make such a life-altering change with these three elements, other than going to the experts - those that have already began the transformation with their families.  I have been following so many inspirational blogs (yes, I know...but these give me guidance!) and have been looking to find some ideas that will work for my family. How do others revive the mind, body, and soul with their own children? These blogs with their amazing ideas, have given me a jumping off point.  They have guided me to begin my journey by giving me the push I needed.  Here are a few that have touched my heart and helped me look forward to better days.

~ Awesomely Awake - This Mindful Mama's mission is to "encourage and inspire parents to join her Awake journey and show undivided attention to those they love, the dreams they aspire to achieve and this lovely one chance we get at life." Oh, she has... she definitely has.

~ Finding Joy - This wonderful lady created a blog "dedicated to seeking joy in life, specifically in motherhood. Intentional living, if you may." She has a series of challenges called 10 Days of Intentional Parenting.  I have recently begun to journal about these 10 activities and look forward to sharing ways that it has inspired me.

~ 52 Brand New -  The lovely mother that started this blog is one of the few that has kept a New Year's resolution for longer than a month.  She resolved to try 52 new experiences over a year!  Now that that year has come and gone, she's trying it out with her kids!  She explains that "the purpose of this blog is not only to share our new experiences but to inspire others to get out of their comfort zone and try something new each week." I think that trying out new experiences (whether small or big) is a great way to make the memories with your family special.   

and finally,

~ Mama Scout - viewing her blog as a "virtual mama scout meeting," she takes time to help others celebrate the victories that they've achieved along the road to motherhood with her  Mama Merit Badges.  What caught my eye recently on her blog was her Monday Missions.  They are simple ways to help add magic to your week - and magic is what we need!


So now that I have found these lovely ladies to help give me that extra push I need to begin my journey, all that's left to do is start!  I am looking forward to finding ways to revive the mind, body, and soul of my family. To experiencing the simple moments purely, without the distractions of life getting in the way.  Of course I plan to continue blogging as well as following along with the supportive community that I became a part of, but in a more relaxed fashion.  There is so much to let go of and, now, so much to embrace.  Even if there is no one out there that wishes to follow my journey, this serves as a reminder (an online contract, if you will) that will keep me accountable to myself and my family.  And now my journey begins...


If you would like to follow along with my journey, please stop by Connecting Family and Seoul's Facebook page and "like" us to get updates and new ideas that come our way.  

Day 54: Frisbee

Day 54
Duration: 25 minutes


A lovely family memory created while breaking in the new Frisbee...

Find a Fish

Thankfully the rain held off tonight, so we were able to include Daddy in our backyard game of the day.  This evening we decided to try out a new game called Find a Fish.  All we needed were a few colorful fish that were cut out of construction paper and a basket to collect them in. Mommy hid them while you finished your dinner and then we all went outside on a fish hunt!  It was so fun participating in this game as a family!

 

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Words From the Heart ~ Sent Across the Sea

Last week we celebrated one year together as a family.  Three hundred and sixty-five days that I have been able to wake up and see your beautiful face smiling up at me.  How did I get so lucky as to be the one to lift you out of crib each and every day? To be the one to hold you in my arms, smelling that sweet baby smell that I've come to know and love? 

Balloon Bop

This afternoon, after we enjoyed our lunch, we went outside to try another backyard game from our list - Balloon Bop!  We were hoping to enjoy a game or two with the whole family, but the forecast for evening showers has been dampening our plans.  However, even with just the two of us, we had some fun.  Balloon Bop is simply a fancy name for playing with a balloon.  It encourages children to explore the movement of a balloon as they hit, kick, bop, and throw it.  On our way out, I held the balloon (with you in my arms) and you couldn't help but hit it back and forth.  You exploded into giggles!  It was the cutest thing!  Once we got out there you had just as much fun chasing and throwing the balloon around.  Next time, maybe we could add another balloon, along with a few more family members.

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Outdoor Fun with Catch

You had so much fun playing catch for our first backyard game of the week!! These cute little frogs are perfect for little hands!

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National Backyard Games Week!

"Children at play are not playing about. Their games should be seen as their most serious minded activity." ~Michel de Montaigne

In celebration of National Backyard Games Week, we have decided to spend our 15 Minutes Outside...well, playing games!  So many of the childhood memories I have are from playing games during summer picnics or those that my friends and I shared on the playground.  There were so many simple ways we used to amuse ourselves as children when we got together and headed out into the backyard.  If you have 15 minutes this week, I encourage you to take the kiddos outside, get some fresh air, and try one of the games on this list!

1. Freeze Tag

2. Red Rover

3. Beach Ball Volleyball

4. I Spy

5. Down, Down, Down

6. Kick the Can

7. Duck, Duck, Goose

8. Baseball

9. Relay Races

10. Soccer

11. Follow the Leader

12. Shark

13. Water Balloon Toss

14. Catch

15. Swing the Statue

16. Stop and Go

17. Frisbee

18. Touch Football

19. Balloon Bop

20. Mother May I?

21. Scavenger Hunts

22. Find a Fish

23. Capture the Flag

24. Hide-N-Seek

25. Ghosts in the Graveyard

26. Telephone

27. Marbles

28. Up and Down

29. Treasure Hunt

30. Kickball

   

If your little one is too young for some of these activities, you could adapt them so that they can participate with the family, too!  For some games like baseball or soccer, just change the type of ball you use or let the little one create their own rules! You could also take out your family's favorite board game and sit out on a blanket in the backyard to enjoy the evening, along with a few yummy snacks. 

Don't forget to stop back to see some of the games that we will be playing this week in our own backyard!

If you have a favorite outdoor backyard game that's not on the list, I would LOVE for you to share it with us in the comments. If you do decide to head outside and play a game with the family, please stop by our Facebook page to share a photo or leave a comment about all of the fun you had!     

Weekends in Kodachrome: Mud

That is what I wish for you. I wish to give you the opportunity to grow up experiencing simple, family-oriented games and activities that our grandparents have in the past. I interviewed several family members and friends from another generation and asked them what were the simple joys they experienced as a child outside? I had so many wonderful responses that I decided to make the next several Saturdays and Sundays our "Weekends in Kodachrome." We will be experiencing these games or activities that they played when they were young. We will be reliving their nostalgic moments in childhood. 

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One of Grandma's favorite activities to do when she was little was to make mud pies outside! It's kind of funny that even now, baking is her passion.  Since it was a lovely day out this morning, I thought it would be a great time to introduce you to the world of mud.  When we started out, you didn't exactly jump right in.  There was one little spoon and that's what you used to mix up the water and dirt. Once we put your fingers in, you quickly warmed up to the idea of creating the pies all by yourself! 

Day 49: On Our Own

Day 49
Duration: 4+ hours


This weekend Daddy and Grandpa left to go see a race in North Carolina, so we had to weekend to ourselves, along with Grandma.  You were a real trooper today because our community  was having a giant yard sale.  Grandma and I dragged you from yard to yard in search of the perfect find. We did get out hands on a few fun things for you (and a couple for Grandma!).  After our morning of shopping, we went to a birthday party picnic and enjoyed the company of friends and family.  When we got there, you were stuck to Mama like glue!  Finally, after about an 1 or so, you found your wings and mingled among the other kiddos at the party.  Here are a couple of pictures from this evening!

DIY Sesame Street Matching Game (with 20+ bonus variations!)

I am simply amazed at how much you are learning and growing in such a short time.  Lately, you have been enjoying your wooden puzzles that we got for you awhile back.  They are set up to where you have to match the animal (or truck) shaped piece with the picture that looks the same on the board. Since you are becoming such a whiz with the couple that we own, I thought I would make a new matching game up for you with your all time favorite characters...the Sesame Street puppets!  

This was such an easy game to make and portable for some outside fun.  All I had to do was take a picture of each figurine and print it out.  Then, I mounted the picture on a trimmed paper plate to make it more sturdy.  Once they dried, I collected the plastic characters in a wipes container, got the plates, and we headed out to give them a try.

     

Once I set the pictures on the driveway, I showed you what to do with the first one.  We did the next two together and then you finished the rest on your own!  You were so excited to have matched them all up.  When we got in the house later that afternoon, I set the plates and toys on the floor and you reset the game up all by yourself to play!  I was so proud. :)  

I think memory and matching games are so important for you at this age to help develop those skills, so I asked around for a few more ideas to try.  Wow! The possibilities are endless.  Here are 20+ ideas to add to our summer to-do list!  I can't wait to try a few out soon!

Memory Games

 

Collect seashells at the beach this year to try out this Memory Game with Shells created by Kids Activities Blog. (shown above)

Have fun with family photos you take over the summer like the Outlaw Mom did with her homemade Family Memory Game!

Everyone has post-it notes lying around!  Why not try this Simple DIY Memory Game created by Craftoart?

If you have sports fans in the house, put together this NFL Memory Matching game that Toddler Approved! tried with her kiddo!

Get creative and put those leftover Easter eggs to good use like The Good Long Road did in this Memory Game!






Having Fun at Home received this Homemade Memory Game with pictures of the family and pets!  What a great way for the kiddos to get to know their families that live across country. (shown above)

When learning about animals and their babies, Kitchen Counter Chronicles put together this activity inspired by the story they were reading: Are You My Mother Animal Memory Game.

NurtureStore really put the kiddo's memory to work!  For her Memory Game, she put out a tray of items, took it away, and then asked the kids to recall what was shown!

Masterpiece Memory Game introduces kids to great works of art.  No Time for Flashcards created this one with stickers of fine art.

Why not let the littles get in on the action when creating these games? One Mama from the Kids Activities Blog let hers draw anywhere from 5-15 pairs of animals for their Memory Game.






Toddler Approved! included a bit of science in this Water Animals Memory Game.  They even tried it out on a river made of blankets! (shown above)

Math is another great integration when creating games!  You can find printable Game Cards with Dice on the Wise Owl Factory Book A Day!

Here's another wonderful printable from Reading Confetti that puts a new twist on matching up animals with their babies.  Are You My Mother? memory!

Here some great pictograms that represent the different sports played at the Olympic Games from Red Ted Art.  This quick craft: Olympic Memory can be created for the kiddos in no time!

This adorable memory game was created by The Golden Gleam and can be printed out for the littles.  The Easter Egg is a memory game inspired by the book with its namesake.

East Coast Mommy created this eco-friendly memory game that's great for the environment!  Try out her Recycled Matching Game whenever you collect enough bottle caps to make game pieces.

Matching Games

                                




Happy Hooligans created this lovely matching game during the winter months!  Whenever it's too hot outside, pull out this Mitten Match Up to help remind you of those snowflakes that were flying not too long ago.  You can even create this game using flip flops during the summer! (shown above)

This cute Mustache Match Puzzle from No Time for Flash Cards lets the kiddos not only sharpen their skills, but also have some pretend play fun!

Don't forget to save those paint chip samples when you're sprucing up a room.  It's a Long Story created this Paint Chip Matching Game with free samples and toothpicks!  

Celebrate the holidays by creating a themed memory game like Happy Hooligans did for Halloween!  All you need are scissors, patterns, and textured paper to create this Halloween Match Up.

When you're introducing the kids to the letters of the alphabet, try out this Letter Matching activity featured on Creative Playhouse.  What a colorful and fun way to incorporate literacy into your game!



                                      


It's a Long Story also put together this wonderful Toddler Box that includes a matching game with cards she purchased at the Dollar Store. Simple, easy, and loads of fun for the kiddos! (shown above)

Stop by Rainy Day Mum to see the adorable Where's Your Mummy? matching game that her son made.  Kids will think the game is even more special when they apply their own ideas for creation! 


We are in no short supply of game ideas for the summer now!  I can't wait to get creative and begin our new game soon! 


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Day 47: Forever a Family

Day 47
Duration: 20 minutes

I could never have dreamed someone as special as you would become a part of our family.  The happiness and joy that you've brought your father and I is more than I could have wished.  When I think of our little forever family, I feel blessed beyond words and feel so proud to be your mommy.  I often think that things happen for a reason.  That there is a plan.  So many events in my life happened because they were leading me to you.  Sweet, innocent you.

 

Day 46: Kid's Get Arty with van Gogh

Day 46
Duration: 1+ hours

A short while back, I came across an invitation by a fellow blogger to encourage kids to get arty! The Kids Get Arty exploration was introduced by Red Ted Art and asks parents to help the kiddos to discover a famous artist.  There are so many to choose from, but since we've been working in the garden and planting flowers, I thought we would take a peek at Vincent van Gogh's painting entitled The Sunflowers.  

Our discovery may look a bit different from some since you're still so young.  I figured a perfect way to start would be to read and look at the pictures of a book called Camille and the Sunflowers!

  

16 Ways to Enjoy Outdoor Dining with Children

Day 45
Duration 1+ hours

To help celebrate the start of the All Year Round Blog Carnival: Summer edition, I thought I would put together a summer themed meal and head outside. When I think of summer as a child, the memories that first come to mind are those shared with my family, enjoying dinners anywhere but in the house!  When I was little, we spent many weekend packing up the picnic basket and heading to a park or even just unfolding a blanket in our own backyard.  I was lucky to be an August baby, so we have tons of pictures with our extended family sitting outside and chatting around the birthday cake (always homemade!).

Now that I have a son, I would love to carry on that tradition as a family.  Participating in our 365 Days Outdoors! challenge gives us ample opportunities to do just that!  We have a small baseball field in walking distance, which was so much fun growing up.  We used to walk down to see some of my friends playing ball or just stop to grab some yummy eats at the concession stand.  We also used to attend at least one major league baseball game each summer and the food was always what I looked forward to most.  So, tonight I whipped together a little baseball themed feast of our own!  

 

Not only do we frequent the picnic table in our own backyard, but we also try to pack a lunch when we're on the road or taking a day trip.  Sharing food at the dinner table doesn't simply stop with picnics. We are always looking for ways to add a little fun to our table!  Celebrating holidays with tea parties or themed dinners are a few ways to do just that!  Lately my son is also into pretend play.  Using food in sensory trays or outdoor kitchens can help kids have a multisensory experience.  Why not throw in some extra items that let kids create food using their own imagination? Here are more fun ideas that have been shared by some wonderful blogs around the world! 



Reading Confetti has taken my two loves - books and food- and put them together to create book inspired picnics.  One day when the kiddos are home for lunch, grab one of these books and enjoy your snack while having story time. 

This Butterfly Tea Party inspired by Mama Mia's Heart 2 Heart would make any evening a night to remember.  The beautiful pinata that they created was the perfect addition to their special event!

Growing a Jeweled Rose decided to take the fixings used for cooking and let her kiddo experiment.  Her Pretend Play using Real Ingredients idea allowed her daughter to use actual kitchen equipment outdoors to mix up a few recipes of her own!

The concoctions being whipped up in this Outdoor Play Kitchen look good enough to eat!  Sunny Day Today Mama even added a secondhand cooker and mini-fridge to bring the indoors, out! Encouraging the kiddos to "cook" for the adults will surely inspire them to help out more in the real kitchen.

This past Easter we decided to show our appreciation for the special ladies on our life by creating an Outdoor Tea Party.  After our work was done in the kitchen, we planted a few flowers in painted pots for them to take home!

This Play Dough Imaginative Tea Party was so much fun, I wish I was invited! The baked goods that No Twiddle Twaddle prepared smelled of cinnamon and tempted even the stuffed teddy that was attending! I'm sure the kiddos were proud of these desserts.   

Another classic outdoor cooking experience that Growing a Jeweled Rose encouraged was making the ever popular mud pies!  This Mud Pie Kitchen comes equipped with a garden sink, mud pie pans, and even comes stocked with ingredients.








NurtureStore is all about Making Play Posh!  A stylish dining experience isn't complete without a fancy tablecloth, beautiful flowers in a vase, and a real waitress!  What an easy party to take outdoors.  Even teddy can join in on the fun!










Why not surprise Mom or Dad when they stop by for lunch with a holiday inspired feast?  We served up some sushi baskets with a yummy grilled cheese sandwich for a light lunch. Don't forget to cut out a shape on the sandwich to spread a little holiday cheer.  These recipes were a hit for Daddy and son!













Birthdays are always a great time to let the kids play outside and enjoy the warm weather with family.  Glittering Muffins decided to head to the park and splash around in the fountains during this Birthday Picnic for the little guy!









 Since your out enjoying the beautiful weather and celebrating nature, why not Plan a Kid Friendly Earth Day Picnic like the one B.Inspired Mama did!  You don't have to wait for April to roll around to try this!  There are so many amazing tips that can help you be kind to Mother Nature.

For some more recipes to share during your outdoor dining experiences with the family, search no more!  Here are a few treats that you can throw in the picnic basket or add to you outdoor tea party!

 S'Mores Cookies from Recipes We Love



  

Beach Ball Fruit Pizza from Hungry Happenings



 

Carrot Cookies from our Virtual Book Club

No Bake Cookies from Plain Vanilla Mom

We're always looking for new recipes or ways to enjoy dining outdoors. If you have any other ideas to share, please link them up to the Summer edition of the All Year Round Blog Carnival. Find these and other summer activities on the All Year Round pin board!    


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