At our first gathering this month, we asked you to think of a place that you could ‘jump in’ with your child. Taking a “seize the moment” approach! How did that challenge you these past few weeks? Would anyone like to share what challenged you in thought and/or in action?
Some of my own personal notes and experiences… I have noticed how much it means to Ashlee when instead of planning an activity, I would just jump on to her bed, and start playing dolly’s with her. Or crawl under her thousands of blankets on the floor to be an animal, or make a fort…. They have they’re own imaginations, and ways of playing, and I personally think that it can be “so cool” to them, if we just become a part of that…. Rather then everything having to be structured and scheduled, planned and laid out.
Some notes I have written down from the book ‘ the mom you’re meant to be ‘ by Cheri Fuller:
A quote from Evelyn Nown
Perhaps parents would enjoy their children more if they stopped to realize the film of childhood can never be run through for a second showing.
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Another quote, this from Edith Hunter, “the walks and talks we have with our two-year-olds in red boots have a great deal to do with the values they will cherish as adults.”
"Life is a gift. Very day is a gift. As you give your time to God each day, keep in mind what’s most important. Then like the girl who spun straw into gold in the fairy tale “Rumpelstilskin,” you can use this time and see each moment turn into gold.”
Cabin Fever Cures!
Is your toddler bouncing off the walls during the cold winter months? Read below to find a possible cure for your little one.
Cure #1
Get the cars out of the garage and pull the door down. Turn on the radio and play! Bounce balls, ride tricycles, and let that energy out. If you don’t have a garage, then try bringing a tricycle down to your basement, and let him/her play while you take care of the laundry…
Cure #2
You may not realize it, but your kitchen is an orchestra waiting to happen. Pots, pans, eggbeaters, graters, forks and mugs are just a few of the items bursting with symphonic potential. Tap everything. See what rings, pings and sings!
Cure #3
Allow your child to participate in daily activities/chores.
Example A) Print off a grocery list for your child, with a few items you need, in picture form.
Example B) When cooking dinner each evening, set up your child’s cooking station. Counter or table, play dough and a few of his/her kitchen toys that are easy to wash. Enjoy watching him/her be your little shadow.
Cure #4
Watch family vacation videos
Cure #5
Check out this website for more ideas! www.parents-choice.org
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Cabin Fever Fun!
Assignment time! :)
If you could let us know, one thing that your family does to keep cabin fever to a minimum during these winter months, e-mail it to timeoutformoms@gmail.com
and/or
We challenge you and your family to come up with a new, creative, inexpensive way to have a 'cabin-fever-free', fun day! And then tell us what you did, and how it went!
We intend to share all of our advise and stories during our next gathering!
Looking forward to our upcoming 'Cabin Fever' play date!
If you could let us know, one thing that your family does to keep cabin fever to a minimum during these winter months, e-mail it to timeoutformoms@gmail.com
and/or
We challenge you and your family to come up with a new, creative, inexpensive way to have a 'cabin-fever-free', fun day! And then tell us what you did, and how it went!
We intend to share all of our advise and stories during our next gathering!
Looking forward to our upcoming 'Cabin Fever' play date!
Friday, January 16, 2009
'JUMP IN' Review!
It's easy to sit on the sidelines as an observer-parent, but distant from the action. Often we moms find ourselves waiting in the car for the piano or karate lesson to be over or consumed with preparing dinner while our children are tugging at us to go outside. I remember days sitting by the local pool, worn out from the morning's work, watching my children happily frolic in the water while I mulled over the laundry awaiting me at home or worked on bill-paying or some other task I'd brought along.
~ the cheerful heart has a continual feast ~ proverbs 15:15
One summer when we were living in Maine, I'd driven to the beach where I was glad to be able to stretch out in my striped beach chair and read while our kids played and swam. It takes a conscious effort to drive into those cold, 50-degree Maine ocean waves, just as it takes a conscious effort to get involved with your kids in their everyday playtime activities.
That day, I realized it was a golden opportunity to join my kids in something they truly enjoyed. That in all the hours of going our separate ways in work, school, scouts, or sports, this might be the only chance I'd have today for close, personal involvement in my kids' lives.
Seize it! my heart said.
It's too cold! my body answered.
But by taking the plunge (after getting used to the freezing water), I made great memories with my kids - memories of jumping the waves, of the sandy peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches, of laughing at the sea gulls that dive-bombed our food, of the sea shells we collected and brought home in a coffee can.
~ Let the children laugh and be glad. O my dear, they haven't long before the world assaults them. Allow them a genuine laughter now. Laugh with them, till tears run down your faces - till a memory of pure delight and precious relationship is established within them, indestructible, personal, and forever. ~ Walter Wangerin
It is in such moments of shared activity that a strong, loving parent-child relationship is built. Along with all the meals, tasks, and happenings of everyday family life, together times form and cement a solid foundation for learning and life. Times of "being there," in play or activity, not preoccupied with adult worries and concerns but really observing, listening, and being involved, tell a child with your actions, "I love you. You're important enough to warrant my presence and my full attention."
Nowadays, "jumping in" for me means playing the part of Captain Hook while our granddaughter Caitlin is Peter Pan, or acting as the troll while she plays the parts of the Three Billy Goats Gruff stomping across the bridge. She has a great imagination, and mine's getting a little better from her influence. It's throwing a Nerf ball with little Noah or Caleb or running through leaves with them.
~It is a happy talent to know how to play. ~ Ralph W. Emerson
Whether it's on Saturday, Sunday afternoon, or in the evenings, look for moments you can "jump in" with your child. Seize these times, and enjoy every minute!
Question for Reflection
Where is a place you can "jump in" with your child this week?
Taken from 'The Mom You're Meant to Be' by Cheri Fuller
~ the cheerful heart has a continual feast ~ proverbs 15:15
One summer when we were living in Maine, I'd driven to the beach where I was glad to be able to stretch out in my striped beach chair and read while our kids played and swam. It takes a conscious effort to drive into those cold, 50-degree Maine ocean waves, just as it takes a conscious effort to get involved with your kids in their everyday playtime activities.
That day, I realized it was a golden opportunity to join my kids in something they truly enjoyed. That in all the hours of going our separate ways in work, school, scouts, or sports, this might be the only chance I'd have today for close, personal involvement in my kids' lives.
Seize it! my heart said.
It's too cold! my body answered.
But by taking the plunge (after getting used to the freezing water), I made great memories with my kids - memories of jumping the waves, of the sandy peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches, of laughing at the sea gulls that dive-bombed our food, of the sea shells we collected and brought home in a coffee can.
~ Let the children laugh and be glad. O my dear, they haven't long before the world assaults them. Allow them a genuine laughter now. Laugh with them, till tears run down your faces - till a memory of pure delight and precious relationship is established within them, indestructible, personal, and forever. ~ Walter Wangerin
It is in such moments of shared activity that a strong, loving parent-child relationship is built. Along with all the meals, tasks, and happenings of everyday family life, together times form and cement a solid foundation for learning and life. Times of "being there," in play or activity, not preoccupied with adult worries and concerns but really observing, listening, and being involved, tell a child with your actions, "I love you. You're important enough to warrant my presence and my full attention."
Nowadays, "jumping in" for me means playing the part of Captain Hook while our granddaughter Caitlin is Peter Pan, or acting as the troll while she plays the parts of the Three Billy Goats Gruff stomping across the bridge. She has a great imagination, and mine's getting a little better from her influence. It's throwing a Nerf ball with little Noah or Caleb or running through leaves with them.
~It is a happy talent to know how to play. ~ Ralph W. Emerson
Whether it's on Saturday, Sunday afternoon, or in the evenings, look for moments you can "jump in" with your child. Seize these times, and enjoy every minute!
Question for Reflection
Where is a place you can "jump in" with your child this week?
Taken from 'The Mom You're Meant to Be' by Cheri Fuller
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
'JUMP IN' 2009!
Our first meeting for 2009 will be at Anya Meek's place, Friday the 16th of January at 7pm.
Anya will be sharing a few words and thoughts. Over all, this will just be a great time to catch up with each other, and hopefully meet a few new faces!
Please make sure to mark your calendars, and pass the word on to any Mommy Friends you may have!
If you have any questions or need directions on how to get to Anya's place, please e-mail us at timeoutformoms@gmail.com
Anya will be sharing a few words and thoughts. Over all, this will just be a great time to catch up with each other, and hopefully meet a few new faces!
Please make sure to mark your calendars, and pass the word on to any Mommy Friends you may have!
If you have any questions or need directions on how to get to Anya's place, please e-mail us at timeoutformoms@gmail.com
Monday, January 5, 2009
Thursday's - Play Day!
We've taken a vote, and it seems to be that Thursday morning is the most popular day. So we will be planning one Thursday a month to gather and do a fun activity with our children. This will be from 9:30-11am-ish. Please remember to invite other Mommies and Kiddies to this time of fellowship and fun!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Keeping You Informed!
We'd like to be able to send you updates on this group, fun facts, as well as event invites and reminders. So if you could find time to email us your email addy and full name, it would be much appreciated.
This is totally kept confiedential. We will at no time be placing any of this information in emails and/or the blog.
If you wouldn't mind listing the name of your child(ren) and his/her age, as well, that would be great!
This is totally kept confiedential. We will at no time be placing any of this information in emails and/or the blog.
If you wouldn't mind listing the name of your child(ren) and his/her age, as well, that would be great!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
PLEASE LET US KNOW!
As previously discussed, we'd like to meet once a month on a Friday evening, just us Mommies for a 'time-out'! :) We're also tossing around the idea of having a morning gathering that would be for us Mother's and our child(ren). This hasn't been set in stone, just an idea, but we'd like to know what morning would work best for you if this does become part of the new schedule. :)
Also, just a friendly reminder, that if you are interested in opening up your home for a time-out gathering, one Friday evening, please let us know which Month and Date would work! :) Thanks in advance!
timeoutformoms@gmail.com or comment below
create free polls | comment on this
Also, just a friendly reminder, that if you are interested in opening up your home for a time-out gathering, one Friday evening, please let us know which Month and Date would work! :) Thanks in advance!
timeoutformoms@gmail.com or comment below
create free polls | comment on this
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Our Need & Desire For A Mom's Group!
Welcome back! This is just a quick note to let you know that we haven’t forgotten the need and desire to have a 'time out for Mom's!'
More info. to come in the New Year!
You and your families have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
More info. to come in the New Year!
You and your families have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Janel and Chloe's baby shower
Thanks to everyone who was able to make it out to celebrate the birth of Chloe Graham!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Birth Announcement
Chloe Isabella Graham made her entrance into the world on Sunday, October 28th 2007. Even though she came a little over 3 weeks early, she weighed in at a healthy 6 lbs. and 15 oz. and was 20 inches long. Congratulations Warren and Janel, and big sisters Ella and Spohia!
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