Family Recharges to Date

Family Recharge #4 In the Kitchen
Audrie has been spending most meal preparation times in the kitchen for awhile. She used to play with pots and spoons on the floor. She recently discovered how much fun a chair at the counter is and especially by the sink. Our water bill has gone up. :P But I don't mind, she is involved and near me where I can watch her. She is about old enough now to start helping Nana cook. We have been working on getting her back to mostly healthy snacks. Funny how things slide when you have a new routine to get used to. Ours was Connor coming to live with us at three weeks old the week before Christmas. We have settled into the routine so she has to get back in the groove. She and Papa have been eating apples and pears and cheese. She is always interested in what we eat even if she won't always try it. We are trying to always offer her the healthy food, but not forcing it on her.
Family Recharge #3
Today we are to reflect on how we transition from work time to family time. What special rituals do we have, etc.This one doesn't seem to apply to me so much. I don't work from home at all. I work part time so when I leave work and go home..work is done.As for rituals of when we connect.....Audrie and I connect all day long whether it is reading books, playing in the kitchen (I cook and she plays in the sink), and bathtime is still special. Connor and I have all that bonding time when we are having a bottle, when we play footsie, when we just look at each other and now we talk to each other. We are asked about being present. I try to always be present. I'm not always successful. It is one of those intentions that I set daily. This moment is the important one as it is all we really have.

Family Recharge Assignment #2
Set your compass > What helps you to 'Set your Compass' and start your day with intention and purpose? What ways do you help your children to start the day mindfully?
My day used to start with a cup of coffee and my computer time. Now it starts with a feeding time for Connor. Then I sit him in his bouncy chair by my desk and enjoy my coffee, computer and playing footsie with him. On the mornings Audrie is up with me we have some cuddle time. Move your Body > What are your favorite ways to get yourself and your children moving (and outside) in a way that feels joyful?
We love to go to the park. We spent a lot of time last summer/fall at the park. Once winter hits here it rains a lot. This week has had some nice breaks in the rain and we have hit the park twice.

Family Recharge #1
Today we were suppose to look around and see what we would put in a time capsule about our life. So my pictures are Dave as my foundation, the never ending job of laundry, the little kids, memories, my perpetual messy desk and my live my life magnet. It is a beginning and a starting point for thinking about things. It's enough for today.
The little kids went to their Nana Nita's for the night. So Dave and I went out for dinner with David, Emma, and Pat. We had Italian food at Giuseppe's in Portland. I was amazed that I could get Dave to go to Portland for a meal. :P We had a really nice time. The food was good and the company better. We are blessed with our family and our friends.