This post is sponsored by Camp Lebanon.
I will not be making any big New Year’s Resolutions this year that I can’t keep. Sure, I’d love to finally lose my baby weight but after five kids, I’ve finally come to the conclusion that I’m okay with how I look, even if that means I may be forever sporting a baby pouch. So that also means no major diet changes either as those rarely stick. I will definitely continue to always keep my eyes and ears open to new healthier treats and meals to try though. However, the one “thing” I do plan to put some major effort and focus into is spending more quality time together as a family and I’ve already come up with some fun ideas.
#1: Game Time: Through the years, I’ve always wanted to implement a family game night. However, with my husband being a farmer, it’s just never worked to have an official day of the week for that. We never know when there’ll be a new calf or if something will break down. Then comes field work where our entire days revolve around the weather, plowing, planting, and doing hay. So starting about a month ago already, I’ve decided to just put effort into calling the kids to the table to play a game (or ten……) a couple times a week. Sometimes all five kids join in and some times just one or two. While my husband has been able to play a couple times, I no longer rely on that being the determining factor as life will just pass me by if I’m always waiting for the perfect time.
#2: Hands On Learning & Fun: I’ve finally made the decision to again put more focus and effort into doing hands on crafts and activities with our kids. While I used to be great at this, the busyness of five kids and homeschooling half of them leaves the days short of time. But painting, crafting, and hands on science is so much fun and we all have a blast. So I’ve been focusing on carving time out of our days for just that.
#3: Take Days And Just Do It: Unlike a typical job, we have no vacation days. So, starting last year, we decided that we need to just leave the farm work some times and just enjoy the day as a family. Whether that’s a trip to the park, a day at the beach, or some other short day getaway, we’ve really put effort into taking time to just go and be together. It doesn’t have to cost a lot or even anything as a park day and picnic is so much fun! Spontaneous outings and quality time means so much more to the kids than materialistic things and I know they’ll look back and remember those days.
#4: Go To Family Camp!: Finally, we’ve decided that taking a weekend and heading to a camp that offers Family Camp Weekends and Weeks in our state will not only be an awesome way to invest in our family, but will also allow our kids to interact with others, participate in activities they wouldn’t have otherwise, and, since we are choosing a Christian camp, it will also help foster and grow our faith. As our May Family Camp Weekend gets closer, I’m excited to share more details, planning, and our excitement with you as we plan to head to Camp Lebanon!
**Whether you’re from Minnesota or somewhere else, now is a great time to start looking into camp options! I know our Minnesota camps fill up fast so don’t delay and start researching today! Camp Lebanon offers an amazing selection of camp options including:
- Winter Youth Camps
- Summer Youth Camps
- Young Adult Retreats
- Women Events
- Men Events
- Family Camps
- Father/Son (+ Grandpa!) Retreats
- Mother/Daughter (+Grandma!) Retreats
- Senior Retreats
- + More!
Learn More: Head over to the Camp Lebanon to learn more and start planning today!
I’m a city girl turned country by my awesome husband and we have three busy boys and two darling daughters. I love spending time with my family, reading Karen Kingsbury novels, and catching up with friends while our kiddos have play dates. I’m blessed beyond measure and can’t wait to see what God has in store.
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This post currently has 10 responses.
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Barrie
I love your resolution to work on…time with family goes quick…our one and only started college this past fall and we miss her! She’s home for a month and I can tell you that we are trying to spend as much quality time with her before she leaves again. Being 6 hours from home, we don’t see her often!
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Lauryn R
This is by far the best New Years resolution I have seen so far!! I may have to be a copycat on this one, as I homeschool my three children and we have a hectic, busy life as well. I definitely plan on spending more time together as a family as often as possible this year! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
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Jeanine Carlson
I love your ideas- all very do-able and important to recognize so you purposely make the plan to make them happen. What a great beginning to 2017!
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Michelle S
I love that you have made family New Years resolutions! I want to do more of the family game nights also. Thanks for the encouragement that everyone doesn’t have to participate and it doesn’t need to be a set night.
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Deborah D
These are great resolutions!
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Margot C
Now that you mention it, that was my unofficial and silently prayed resolution too. I know from experience that if I articulate such a thing people will scoff (little people); yet to DO the thing – they love it.
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ellen beck
I have made this resolution a couple years ago and have stuck with it. I made it a point to stay offline during the day. I will visit blogs and make comments as I am now, but not much else. I used to go to so many twitter parties but havent for ages. I miss some of the hosts, but around that time (7 or 8pm my time) it isnt a ‘good’ time. Also unless it is snowing or raining I dont do the afternoon ones., I have tons to do and before would find myself saying I ‘have’ to go online.
Its a good resolution. -
Those are great goals. There are only two of us and I want to spend more quality time with my husband now that I am retired. We are in the house at the same time… but just not together. I am sure you understand that. I want a puzzle night for us.
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Amber Ludwig
Such a great resolution!! One that will benefit you and your family!! Seriously so awesome!! I love all the ideas you listed!! Especially just taking a day setting chores aside and doing something together as a family unit!! Experiences together really make such amazing memories that last forever!!
What a great choice of things to work on. Nobody regrets spending time with family when they look back but they do regret not taking the time. Camp sounds like a great idea!