When life gets difficult, we tend to think that we need to batten down the hatches and work even harder, try even harder, maybe even LIVE even harder.  Think about that for a second.  If we are already feeling tapped out, or on our way to being that way, does it make sense to push even harder.  If you have a hose turned on and ready to explode, the last thing we want to do is create more pressure.  We don't even likely want to allow the pressure that is there to remain as this could be enough to eventually cause the hose to burst anyway.  So it is with ourselves.  Life, everyday, requires balance, and we need to take time to have silence (unless you have tinnitis like myself, and well, that's a whole different story!).  Meditation, whether listening to a meditation cd, sitting in silence in your yard, or even in your vehicle, or in the form of prayer, is an absolute basic need in life.  I feel that we fail horribly in teaching our children this learned skill.  We have no problem creating chaos in our lives, making things more hectic than should be even LEGAL, yet we do it.  Our children watch.  They learn.  Then they become adults and the addiction continues.  Teach your children how to have quiet time, to let everything go, to relax. But most importantly, remember to give THANKS to the powers that be, whatever that is to you. A short time spent like this each day, will do wonders in creating a more peaceful environment in our family life, working life... life in general. Even a positive comment sent someone's way, especially your child or spouse, can improve life tenfold.

Of course then there are activities that create a fun, relaxed environment.  No imagination of your own?  Well that's what the internet is for.  But, here are some extremely simple suggestions to get you started.

1. EAT SUPPER TOGETHER as much as possible.  Be creative.  Eating at the kitchen table gets boring, although these days most families use their table as a desk, or catchall of some sort so have no opportunity to make it boring to begin with. But there are alternatives, one being - Eat outside. This is not only a nice change, but it is relaxing. (maybe pick an appropriate month tho ... )Remember - This is NOT a time to pick at any problems.  This is a time for bonding. Let your children be comfortable with you and enjoy!  Please feel free to post your ideas!
2. HOMEWORK TIME for ME is drudgery.  I didn't like to do my own homework, now I have all of these kids with homework.. ugh!  But it's a bonding opportunity in disguise.  Sit down with your son(s)/ daughter(s) and enjoy them.  Remember - This is NOT a time to pick at any problems.  This is a time for bonding.  If your child isn't catching onto something, you can try to help but it's not a time to belittle your child or make him feel shame in any way.  This is often what happens and parents don't even realize what they are doing.
3. PLAY VIDEO GAMES with everyone! Yes, play!  I have a lot of difficulty with this one.  I'd rather be doing...  well....  anything else.  But with my family the way it is - my oldest grown and on his own, and 4 more kids I'm in the midst of raising - I've realized I missed out on some HUGE bonding opportunities with my son.  I was so concerned about listening to all the 'adults' tell me how he played too much, don't let him play too much, that I couldn't relax enough about it.  Don't kid yourself, I played a bit, but I felt I was doing my son a disservice by letting him play, especially letting him play too much. Amongst other things, if I had played with him, I'd be able to BEAT THE PANTS off these guys now!  LOL but most importantly, I'd have wonderful memories of trying to beat King Koopa, trying to save the Princess, and so on.  Obviously, this is a fun time so it's not the time to pick at any problems.  Don't get into any kind of arguments.  Just have a blast.  Because it is a blast.

So, I could sit here all day coming up with ideas.  Add your own.  Send them to me.  Share them.  It's what life's all about.

"Peace out homie"  "Live long and prosper"  "Peace be with you"  "TTYL"  "We did it, we did it, we did it, yeah!" (Dora :) ) "I love you, you love me, we're a happy family..."   :D

May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth, goodness, and light, find their way to you! 

Life Changes

I have Fibromyalgia, which is something I'll likely mention again! :D If you know anything about it, you know it's not fun!  But I'll just take a small step back here...
I used to be much more on-the-go than I am now.  I used to want to be here, there, wherever. Not anymore. I like to be home. Now, my couch sees most of the action  :D 
We are a 'gaming' family, sort of.  They would be playing 24/7 on 'something' if I allowed it but of course, being the superb mother that I am, I don't. Needless to say, with a big screen TV, game systems, and a house full of kids, we spend a lot of time in our living room. 
I was looking at a site called Become.com 
Part of my blogging will involve commenting on products for advertisers, which I'm more than happy to do.  I enjoy finding out what's out there and what might be a great new idea for me (or you) to check out.
Well this isn't exactly a new idea, but its a comfy one.  Sectional Couches.  Nothing too romantic about those two words, but read on. When my family is all in the living room, they all want to be front and center.  If I have to sit in there while they're playing their games, I'd better have a pretty good seat, and I'd better be comfy.  Having Fibro, that's a pretty tall order.  If I stay in any one position for very long, I ache.  Sometimes the pain comes on gradually, other times its sudden. Then I have to move around.  Once I finally sit down for the evening, I hate having to get up - for any reason. Well now I've come across this particular set and the name alone is enough to make me want to run out and buy it. This set has very important aspects to it that I really want:

1. I want a leather sectional couch set
2. I want a leather sectional couch set that has been labelled 'Catnapper Cuddler'! with lots of recliner sections built in to it.  

Is there anything more one could possibly want or need?!  I think not!  Anyway, check it out.  I'm ready to go shopping! I'm starting my Christmas wish list now.
Anyway, when I went to Become.com, I realized that I could re-do my entire living room from the comfort of my old, needs-to-be-replaced couch.  Candice Olson has her own furniture, lamps and rugs; and I could even wallpaper the place with their line of Zebra wallpaper!  Then, over in the business section I'll pick one of their countless lift-top coffee tables!  An absolute necessity in my world. My list just grew!! It's magic.....   ;)


May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth, goodness, and light, find their way to you! 

Family Day is EVERYDAY!

I used to think that family meant those who  a) you were born to b) had the same parents as you c) were your parent's parents d) were your parents siblings, and their children e) your children....  you get the picture.  In my close to half a decade of life I've learned that that absolutely isn't so.  Sometimes those who are 'blood relatives' have very little to do with you and your life (and you possibly prefer it that way.....?).
But then there are those who come into your life, either as friends, strangers, or even through marriage, who can make such a huge impact on your life.  In my case, my aunt and uncle are my 'immediate' family.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  They've been there through thick and thin and have made it to see my life take a wonderful turn around; maybe not perfect, but wonderful just the same.I'll stop there, even though I could write a book on what they've done and been for me.
Then I met my now husband.  Along with his 'amazingness' came his family.  With all that I went through and the backing that I got from them, is to say the least, amazing. I felt like I belonged from the moment I met each and every one of them, and it has stayed that way.  My kids consider them family and I would never try to convince them otherwise.
As we celebrated family day together with my husbands family, I got an overwhelming feeling of love and oneness that I don't believe I've ever experienced.  I'm so very thankful to be a part of that family and will cherish every moment we have together, whether in person, online, on the phone, or otherwise.
Cherish those you love.  Don't wait for Christmas or Family Day to spend time with your family.  Make it a point to be with your family, whoever they may be.  You do NOT have to do anything special.  Just get together for a lovely brunch, go for breakfast on a Sunday morning, or any morning, go camping together.  Just do, and be.  Enjoy being in each others' presence, and make plans for the next get together before you leave.  It does the soul good.

May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth, goodness, and light, find their way to you!