PEN Ready Project and My Own Photo Challenge

With the New Year upon us, I have been thinking about the things I want to do differently this year. 

Call them Resolutions, or Realizations, either way. 

(That's a whole post in and of itself).

One thing I would like to do this year is to SLOW DOWN. I have not worked out all the details quite yet, but I want to make it happen. 

I decided a few months ago that I would kick off the New Year by taking a photography challenge. Not because I am a photographer, far from it. But because taking a picture requires me to slow down, be more thoughtful, and take a minute to see things from a different perspective. I am hoping this new perspective will set the tone for the rest of the year. (I am including the challenge at the end of the post. Let's do this together!) 

I am not the only one who has decided to take a photo challenge. I recently heard about the PEN Ready Project from Olympus. 

Olympus sent out teams to 6 different U.S. cities and handed out over 1,000 new Olympus PEN cameras to over 1,000 unsuspecting people. These are people just like you and me. Regular people who happen to be walking down the street. Can you image how cool it would be to have someone walk up to you and GIVE you a really nice, new camera? Boy do I wish I would have been one of the recipients. You too? :)

It is so fun to see all the different pictures taken by the same camera. I hope my new perspective is as fun and fascinating as PEN Ready.

I am going to make it a weekly challenge. Do you want to join me? There is no need for a fancy camera or elaborate poses. It is all about slowing down to gain our new perspective. I will start a flicker group so we can share our pictures. There are very few rules. Only that you cant use a picture you have already taken. That's cheating. :) 

I am working on figuring out how to make a pretty printable for you. Until then...here are the first three challenges. Put it on your calendars, and let's have some fun. 

January 4 - SELF PORTRAIT

January 11 - YOUR FAVORITE SHOES

January 18 - HANDS

Take a minute to watch the Olympus video. It will inspire you. It did me. 

This post is sponsored by Olympus. The challenge is all mine and has been on my to-do list, for this New Year, for months. 

Merry Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night.

Opening her very first present on Christmas Eve. 

With children nestled all snug in their beds, we are calling it a day. 

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. 

Avoiding Meltdowns this Holiday Season

The Holiday Season is upon us and it is such a wonderful time of year. It can also be a time of meltdowns and stress for kids.

There is nothing like a good meltdown or temper tantrum to ruin Christmas.
Here are a few suggestions that will help.

Stick to the Schedule.
Be sure you stay consistent with meal times and nap and bed times. This is the BEST WAY TO AVOID MELTDOWNS THIS CHRISTMAS, KEEP NAPS AND BEDTIME REGULAR. Getting behind on sleep is a recipe for disaster.

You might have to speak up. One Christmas I went to put our son down for a nap and a holiday visitor gave me the guilt trip. "I am only here for two days, a nap is more important than him seeing me." Yikes! Yep, the nap is more important. Protect your kids and get them food and sleep.



Have realistic expectations.
We all have a "vision" of how the holidays should go. When they don't go as planned, we get upset and stressed and less patient with our kids. Just because it's Christmas, doesn't mean our children will all of a sudden be perfect. Keep a clear perspective and be flexible. Don't let your expectations for the holiday, become more important than your children.

Also... understand kids are going to ask for more toys and more treats and more of everything. Take the shock value out of the requests because you know they are going to happen. Make expectations clear, and make consequences clear, ahead of time. Instead of constantly saying "No", find a way to say "Yes" to alternatives. (When your daughter keeps asking for more sugar cookies, your first thought might be to say "NO, you have already had two." Instead, say "You can have some raisins or some cheese and crackers"). Try to turn the "No" into a "Yes".

Put yourself in your kids shoes.
Think back to when you were a kid. There was so much anticipation. You waited and waited for all the holiday excitement. Our kids don't understand the stress that we might be under preparing for this time of year. All they know is that they are excited. Remember that feeling? See the world through their little eyes.  Let them be excited. Seeing the holidays from their point of view will make it much easier to be patient with them. 


Communicate.
Kids are experiencing so many emotions that they don't understand. They don't understand time (do I get to open presents yet?) They don't understand needs vs. wants. They don't understand the difference between "I want to throw myself on the floor and cry, AND, I am really tired and hungry". Explain emotions and feelings so that they can start to understand how they are feeling.

Communication also helps with upcoming events. Prepare them for the upcoming party or activity. Don't just spring it on them while they are in the middle of Chutes and Ladders and say it is time to go.


A few other suggestions...

• DON'T THREATEN... "If you don't stop crying, Santa won't come to our house". This will not help. Not in the long run.
• If you are going to be away from the house for more than 3 hours, plan a 20-30 minute break for your kids to do something fun and take a little breather. (25 minutes every 3 hours)
• There are often times last minute errands and preparations to make. Consider swapping kids with a friend so that your kids can stay on their schedule. 
• Don't go to more than three adult activities a week. Leaving kids with a babysitter every night of the week will cause them stress. Be selective and pick the most important three. Say no to the rest. 
• Twice a week, have a block of 3 hours that are unscheduled. Enjoy that time with your kids.
• Go on a date with your spouse. This will help you refuel, which will give you more patience for your kids, and the season. 
• Plan one "day long" family activity over the break. Time to be together will do wonders for your kids behavior. Remember, love is spelled, T-I-M-E. 

Good research shows that SPENDING TIME TOGETHER AND HAVING EXPERIENCES TOGETHER means more than "things". 

This holiday season, if we want less temper tantrums and meltdowns, worry less about the new "stuff", and spend more time together. 

WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP THE MELTDOWNS TO A MINIMUM?

HAVE YOU EVER GOTTEN THE GUILT TRIP FROM A FAMILY MEMBER OR HOLIDAY VISITOR?

Holiday Cheer for all to Hear

This video put a smile on my face and had me tapping my feet and singing along. Take a minute and watch. It will help relieve some of the holiday stress you might be feeling with only one week left until Christmas. Yikes!

p.s. I have a secret desire to be in a flash mob. Have any of you done that?


*This post is sponsored by T-Mobile

GIVEAWAY! Cait. Create.

In the spirit of giving, I have a great Christmas Giveaway for you today. Keep it for yourself, or give it to a friend or loved one.

Cait is a California girl, married to a Nevada boy, living in the Utah mountains, and trying to be creative while chasing around her 3 busy little boys.

Her shop is filled with custom hand painted signs, home decor and more. 

Today, Cait is giving away one of my favorite signs. 

I LOVE YOU BECAUSE...

This would be perfect in the kitchen, or better yet, in a bedroom. Wouldn't it be fun to write something new about your spouse on the board everyday, then have your spouse take a turn writing things about you. :) It would also be great to have one in each of our kids rooms. I would love to have them come home from school each day, or wake up each morning to something new that I love about them. 

Not only is her etsy shop fabulous, but her blog is so much fun. A daily dose of fashion, recipes, even hair tutorials. My favorite, her candy cane toe nails. 

Want to win your own "I LOVE YOU BECAUSE..." sign?

Here's how to enter.

Mandatory Entry: Visit the Cait. Create. Shop. Come back here and leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite Cait. Create. sign.

Extra Entries: Scroll down and fill out the form below for your extra entries. So much easier than leaving separate comments for each one. Don't you think?

• Like Cait. Create. on Facebook.
• Follow the Cait. Create. Blog.
• Like Family Volley on Facebook. Just click the link in the sidebar.
• Follow Family Volley via GFC. Click the link in the sidebar.
• Tell me, heels or flats? :)

Remember, for the Mandatory Entry, leave a comment on this post after you visit the Cait. Create. Shop. For all the Extra Entries, once you have done them, just scroll down and use the quick and easy form. No need to leave a separate comment for each extra entry. 

Giveaway will close Monday December 19th. Good Luck. 

IT'S HERE! MY NEW BOOK!!!

Many of you have commented that you would like to see an activity/games book from Family Volley.

Consider it done. 

Introducing"Family Fun Fridays" 

Named after the popular Friday posts that get families playing together. The book is filled with your favorite games from the blog, and also new games and activities never before posted. 

It is filled with a year's worth of Family Activities. 

Every activity has been illustrated IN COLOR, which makes the book even more fun. 

(I wanted to take pictures of every page, but then they wouldn't be a surprise.)

You will LOVE THE ILLUSTRATIONS!!!  

• Wouldn't this make the perfect Christmas gift under your family's tree? 
• Now you can have lots of unique games and activities to play with all the family and friends you will be spending the holiday season with. No more wondering, "What should we do?"
• Are you still looking for gifts and stocking stuffers for family and friends? Why not give them something that will bring their family closer and provide hours of family togetherness and fun.
• Need a neighbor gift, or housewarming gift for friends? 

Each game is complete with modifications. Whether you have kids or not. It doesn't matter if your family is big, or small, or even if you are looking for an activity to play with a youth group. Modifications are even included for young children and toddlers. Great for everyone from Grandmas to Toddlers, and everyone in between.

HOW TO ORDER

Simply click on the "Add to Cart" button at the top of the side bar. It is that easy. You can order as many copies as you would like, and they will be sent to your door step in plenty of time for Christmas gift giving. Books will ship immediately.  

As a "thank you for reading", and "Merry Christmas", books are listed at a special Christmas price.

Here is a sneak peak.

There is even a section of activities and games for Christmas and Easter.

Merry Christmas!!!

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY-Red Nosed Reindeer!

You will love this game. It is perfect for the holiday season. Think of it as a Christmas version of Shoveling Snow. 

YOU WILL NEED

Red Pom Poms

Because Rudolph was a red nosed reindeer. 

In a pinch, any color could be used here also.

Vaseline

 Red Ribbon

Any color ribbon will work, but red is great because it is christ-mas-y.

Reindeer Antlers

Although not necessary to play, they would be a very festive addition if you happen to have some sitting around. 

PREPARATION

1. Take your red ribbon and cut it about 15 or 16 inches long. Small children will need a shorter ribbon. 

2. Attach a pom pom to the end of your cut ribbon. A hot glue gun would be perfect for this job. 

3. If you have reindeer antlers, have the first player put them on their head.

LETS PLAY

1. The first player, using only their nose, has to dip their nose in the Vaseline. the more vaseline, the better. Players are NOT allowed to use anything but their nose, to apply the vaseline. That includes using their hands to hold the vaseline container. 

2. Once the player has vaseline on their nose, they take the ribbon (the end without the pom pom) and hold the very end in their mouth. No cheating here. Grab that ribbon right down at the end. The ribbon should be hanging down towards the floor with the pom pom at the bottom. 

3. Now comes the challenge. The player, must swing the ribbon/red pom pom and get the pom pom to stick to their nose. 

RULES TO REMEMBER

1. The pom pom and ribbon cannot touch any other part of the players body, except their nose. If it touches another body part, or another part of the players face, and sticks to their nose, it doesn't count.

2. NO HANDS ALLOWED. If a player touches the pom pom with their hands, their turn is over. 

TO KEEP SCORE 

(aka HOW TO WIN)

1. Set a time limit and see how many times each player can stick the pom pom to their nose in the given amount of time. 

2. Set a number limit. For example 10. Time each person and see how long it takes them to get the pom pom to stick 10 times. Who ever does it the fastest is the winner.  

Family Members young and old will love this game. Perfect for upcoming Seasonal, family gatherings. If you play, be sure you take pictures. I would love to see all the fun you are having.  

Do you have any fun weekend plans? What are you and your family doing this weekend?

Life's Not Fair - Let's Fight For More Birthdays

Aunt Wendy with our son. 2002

Early this morning my daughter and I headed out to get a few things for our hike. On the way we passed one of our neighbors. I hadn't seen her outside in months and I stopped to say hello. We talked, I asked her how she was feeling, we went on our way.

As I rolled up the window my daughter asked me more about her.

"Isn't she the lady that is sick like Aunt Wendy?" my daughter asked.
"Yes. She had the same thing Aunt Wendy had. She is all better now." I said.

My daughter was quiet for a few seconds and then asked, "If they had the same sickness, Why does she get to live and Aunt Wendy had to die?"

You see, last year my Aunt Wendy died of a brain tumor. She was only 46. We miss her. This woman in our neighborhood had the same type of tumor in the same place, the same size, diagnosed 3 weeks apart. Both were given the same treatment, same procedures, and are close to the same age. Our neighbor is now cancer free and has been for 6 months.

Tears filled my eyes and ran down my face as I tried to answer my daughter's question. It was a hard one. I realized that even to a 5 year old, life doesn't seem fair. She is not the only person to ask this question. I do to sometimes. When my aunt got sick it didn't seem fair. When I come to church and our neighbor is there with her family I sometimes think "that's not fair, why couldn't Wendy have been the one to live?"

Why do some people survive cancer and some don't? Why do some people have all the money they need, and some don't (especially when they are dishonest.) Why is it easy for some families to have children and some families can't? And my favorite, why do I struggle with my weight and she doesn't. It's not fair and it doesn't make sense.

I think about Aunt Wendy all. the. time. Her daughters just came down last weekend to play games with our family. They miss their mom. They especially miss her during holidays, and other special occasions like birthdays.

Wendy's birthday was always special because it is the same day as my moms. Funny, brothers who both married women who have the same birthday. We would always celebrate together. Both names on the cake, a big get together, food, laughing and family. We still get together on the birthday day, the girls still put her name on the cake, but.... well, it is hard.

After cancer hitting so close to home, or family has gotten more involved in the fight against this horrible disease. We need to find a cure. We need to ensure more birthday's for everyone. We wish that Wendy was here to celebrate another birthday with all of us. The American Cancer Society is a great place to start if you want to get involved. We have all been touched by cancer. It is time to stand up and fight to put an end to it.

This video is so fun. It will make you want to throw a party. It is a great reminder that we all want to celebrate another birthday, but to do that, we have to JOIN THE FIGHT.




When ever I get overwhelmed with feelings that "Life Isn't Fair", I remind myself.....

• There is a plan for all of us. 
• None of us knows the wisdom of the Lord. 
• We do not know in advance exactly how He would get us from where we are to where we need to be. 
• I had to remember that God knows what we do not know and sees what we do not see. 
• I have to avoid comparing. 
• I have to remind myself of all the blessings that our family has been given. 
• I have to remember that I accepted these challenges before coming to earth and that I was prepared to handle them. 
• I have to remind myself that there would be no test of strength or development of character without trials. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER?
DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE LIFE ISN'T FAIR"?

Family Volley
This post is sponsored by American Cancer Society

Can You Have Christ and Santa In the Same Holiday? A Family Activity.

What a wonderful time of year. The Spirit of Christmas is all around us. We can see it, and smell it, and taste it.

It can also be a tricky time of year for parents who are trying to navigate Christ and Santa. In our home, Christ is the reason for the season, but, what about Santa? Can you have Santa and Christ at the same time?

We are not against Santa. My husband and I both grew up with Santa, and are just fine with our kids "believing", but, we don't want Santa to be more important than The Birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ.

We always think of Christ and Santa as opposites, but do they have to be opposites. Here is a fun activity (inspired by a recent Sunday School lesson) you can do with your families to better navigate the two.

You Will Need...

• A picture of Christ wearing Red or White. Which is most pictures of Christ. A couple pictures would be great. My favorite is the picture of Christ knocking at the door with no door knob. 
• You can also round up pictures of the following, or the real objects if you have them. (Wreath, Evergreen tree, Candy cane, star, gifts, and any other symbol of Christmas you want to include)

Hide the picture of Christ so that your kids can't see it. Even better, put it behind something your kids can open.

Then begin to explain that...
"A very special guest could visit our house soon. I am going to give you some clues about him and you guess who it is."

- this visitor has a beard
- he loves children
- he knows if you are sleeping, he knows when you are awake, he knows if you have been bad or good
- you usually see pictures of him in Red and/or White clothes
- he has special gifts for all of us
- he can come into our homes even when the doors are locked
- you can never see him, but you can feel him
- he hopes we will be good so we can be ready when he comes.
- he gives us a wonderful warm feeling inside
- he has special powers

It will only be natural that your kids will guess that your visitor is Santa. At this point, have one of your children uncover your picture of Christ, or "open" what ever is hiding the picture.

The kids will be very surprised to see a picture of Christ, and more surprised to realize all the similarities between Christ and Santa. Take a few minutes and talk about how the clues apply to both.

Take some time to teach your children that we can be reminded of Christ through lots of different Christmas symbols, even Santa. (Think love, service, kindness, faith and hope and believing in things you can't see). Yes, Santa can remind us of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas. Talk about other symbols of Christmas that remind us of Christ and his birth. (Evergreen trees, candy canes, wreath, star, gifts, etc...)

Your kids will love this activity, and you will love its ability to focus on Christ, yet include the idea of Santa during this Holiday season.

Is Santa part of your Christmas celebration?

Would this work at your house?

How do you keep your kids focused on the true meaning of Christmas?