Game Time...

Years ago Toys R Us would have buy 1 get 1 free on all their games.  "Planning ahead", I bought tons of games... to someday play with our kids.  Let me tell you, I would not encourage this.  For years I have had a game cupboard full of games pulled apart & thrown back in by too young of players.  A few times I was very tempted to dispose of the games.  However, the time has finally arrived that we are utilizing the bargain games and having a ton of fun.  The bedtimes have worked beautifully.  Victoria, Porter, & Isabelle are tucked in by 7pm.  Then the games begin...  we have had so much fun laughing & giggling each night with Rebekah, Casey, & Samantha.  I have been praying a lot lately that Heavenly Father would help us see the direction He would like us to go as a family.  I've been struggling with simplifying & finding the better & best things to do.  Letting go of the good things is hard.  For example, I would hurry & get everyone tucked into bed then jump on the treadmill.  Exercising is a very good thing; I would put it in the better category.  However, Spending an extra 30-45 min. with the kids each night is best.  The older kids work in the kitchen cleaning up (happily, I might add) while I tuck the younger ones in.  It really has created a greater feeling of unity within our home.  It's given us the opportunity to talk, listen, laugh, even teach once in a while.  Everyone looks forward to bedtime!  Some of the recent favorites are Granny Apples (math game using apple die), Apples to Apples (not one of my favorites), Pictionary, & Greed (total game of chance... Ryan suggested we possibly should not be playing it...?  this is the game that got out of hand & I was called stupid... maybe Ryan's right...?)  It's forced me to prioritize & get my running in earlier... except when the darn treadmill breaks & you have to wait for the part to arrive during the aftermath of an ice storm... it's hard to run outside without killing yourself!  ANYWAY... I am grateful for the answered prayers & direction we are receiving.

Gratitude Journal:

1.   A husband that does laundry

2.  An amazing husband that does laundry  according to my "rules"!!!

3.  A beautiful 50* day that melted lots of ice.  (It's 8pm & still 55*!)

4.  Taking a run OUTSIDE

5.  Good, no... Great kids!