A New Idea

I mentioned a couple of blog posts ago that we just started a new idea around here. The idea began while I was cruising through the dollar store. As usual, I was looking for random wood pieces that I could turn into some sort of craft project. I found a piece with four panels and immediately started to think: "ooohhh, what could I make?"

Morgan and I had planned to bake on one of her last stays at our house, and we ran out of time. I felt horrible that I hadn't committed to making that happen. With 4 kids, a husband, schedules, work, and life, fitting in time for each of the girls individually is a challenge.

It's not so hard when there are only 2 girls at home, but even then, I have a teenager that will disappear for days if I let her. I want a chance to connect with her.

I came home with my piece of wood, and I pitched my idea to Mike and the kids. Everyone was on board. The idea was to have a system that would create alone time for both Mike and I, with each of our girls.

Hang in there while I try to explain.

Each child is represented by a different panel. Their favorite animal is on their panel. The girls came up with ideas for each of their tags. The tags for Mike are orange and my tags are yellow.

When the girls come back from their other parent's they select 2 orange and 2 yellow tags. They hang the tags below their animal. While they are in our house and before they leave again, Mike and I ensure the activities on the tags happen.

Some tags say whatever, and that's in case the girls don't know what they want to do. We can come up with an idea at the time. Play a game, make something crafty, or go for groceries. Whatever.

There are also 2 surprise tags, one orange and one yellow. Those are for Mike and I. A way to surprise the girls with 'date nights' with each of us. We'll rotate dates through the girls, but this is a great way to keep track.

We're a couple weeks into the new 'system.' Already, I can say it's allowed me to spend more time with each of our children. I'm hopeful that starting this now, it becomes a routine and something everyone enjoys. Pretty soon, we will have three 13-year-olds. In a couple of years, we'll have 3-15-year-olds. I remember what I was like at 15. I think spending time with my mom would have probably been a good idea!

It's essential Mike and I have a strong presence in the girls' lives. And what better way than time spent together.

We'll keep you posted on how it's going.

Let us know if you have any creative ways of creating time to spend together as a family.

Shannon, The Herdmother