we had family photos taken this time last year by one of our favorite spots during my favorite time of year. autumn! i love changing seasons, but something about crisp air and changing leaves makes me feel brand new.
the old stone house in these photos gives me such a feeling of nostalgia. we all would have loved to go inside, but at least we got to peek into the windows. although it ended up raining, we just huddled under the umbrella all together, threw up the leaves, and danced in the rain. i may not have gotten my perfect family photo but it was magical. a memory i think we will all forever cherish.
this is one tradition i believe keeps us rooted and in sync with each other as a family. it’s a way to look back and see how we were a year ago, how we are now, what we can improve on and how we’ve made progress. rooted
ive always loved imagining how people lived in simpler, slower times. this old stone house gives off such a calm feeling, being alongside a lake in the woods. i wonder what people did to pass the time before technology. although technology has its benefits, my husband and i both see the need for less distraction and more interaction.
the journey of motherhood has taught me to treasure these small moments. it all adds up and makes it all worthwhile. looking back on my childhood, my fondest memories are those times spent cooking with my nana, watching Anne of Green Gables over and over together, family camping trips, and spending lots of time in nature.
motherhood has taught me more than i thought possible. the interrupted and unexpected events of mothering came as real surprise to me. my idea of how it was “supposed to be” only took me away from enjoying the precious blessings right in front of me.
it took a while to accept, but i’ve learned that rigid routines just aren’t possible. motherhood requires the ability to be flexible and think on your toes. routines are wonderful and so is predictability, but i’ve embraced the truth that it’s a rarity in raising children. while routine is necessary, it is rythm that is the essence of mothering and parenting. i believe all families must work at this together and find what suites their unique needs. here are a few things that has helped with our rhythm as well as keep us in sync and rooted as a family. rooted
• morning exercise/quiet time/coffee (even if it’s just a little stretching)
• meal planning/nightly meals together (i enjoy this so much as it gives us all time to reflect on the day and make meaningful connections as a family)
• weekly family worship (this has been especially helpful in assessing the needs of our children, having time to pray together, and meditate on scriptures)
• time spent in nature (always helps us to reset, feel rejuvenated and inspired)
• date night!! (absolute must for all couples !!!)
• play dates (aka mommy dates – a great way for children to learn social skills and for mamas to get some much needed adult interaction)
i hope you found this helpful and have a lovely rest of the week!
let me know if there’s anything you think i could add to the list. what things help keep your family in sync?
best regards,
laura
“being rooted and built up in him and being stabilized in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving.” – Colossians 2:7
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