With the start of 2008, brought time to reflect on 2007 and to set goals. This year, I want to leave you with ideas that have worked for me in creating a more balanced life.
At the conclusion of 2007, Milo and I decided to work on improving our communication. Too often it is just the quick overview of the day's events as we were both falling asleep at night and never any quality discussions.
A few weeks ago we sat down and discussed the many aspects of our life including health, relationships outside our family, our marriage, immediate family relationships, finances, careers, and spiritual growth. We both wrote down and shared our feelings and goals in each area for 2008. Each Friday night, we have set aside time to discuss and catch up for the week in all of the above areas and talk about upcoming events, purchases, challenges, and achievements. We call it our 'date night'.
In the area of family we decided that every Sunday night would be designated as a 'family night'. Each Sunday, one family member gets to select an activity for the whole family to do and only once a month can the activity be something that would entail spending money. I have the first Sunday, Milo the second, Kennedy the third, and Madison the fourth.
To kick things off, this Sunday I held a 'cooking class'. Each family member was assigned a particular dish to make. Milo had chicken enchiladas, Kennedy had home made ice cream, and Madison had Rice Krispe bars. I was kitchen supervisor and was there to field questions and offer assistance.
The girls got to set the table and we had a 'picnic' theme, so that supper dishes could be 'thrown away' at the conclusion our dinner. Each person was asked to serve their prepared dish and while we waited for the enchiladas to cook, we played 'I am going on a picnic and I am bringing.....'. We brought down our clock radio which has nature sounds and it was just like we were outside.
It offered for great conversation and lots of laughs. The favorite dish was the ooey, gooey, rice krispe bars as they were still warm and soft! Kennedy was determined that we could easily cut the 9X13 pan in four and each have a square!
The girls were so excited that both were sharing secrets about what they were planning for their assigned family night!
Great fun was had by all and a great start to the week!
Look for more balancing life ideas to come in the weeks ahead!
Jill
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