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Tag Archives: Family Fun
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun…
One of the things I love most about being a mom of three young girls is watching the interaction they have with one another. It’s more than having someone to play with. They truly show care and concern for each other, laugh together and share special moments that only sisters can share. It’s a blessing to witness. Watching their interaction often makes me think of growing up with my sisters. I’m lucky to witness what my mother witnessed as she watched us grow together. I love the similarities. In honor of of National Sibling Day I’m sharing some great things my girls do that remind me of growing up with my sisters.
They Love Musicals
Whether it’s the Sound of Music or one of the unforgettable songs from Frozen my girls know them all and thanks to Pandora, we can belt out the lyrics to our favorite show tunes or musical movies every morning on the way to school.
They Can and Will Perform For You
They don’t just love musicals they love to sing and dance. And, will do a show. Just sit, watch and applaud at the end.
They Can Have a Dance Party Anytime, Anywhere
It takes a special soul to literally get up and dance at any moment, I have three of those special souls. My girls will ask to get up from the dinner table to dance to a great song or better yet, if someone yells “dance party!” you’ll hear footsteps running from all parts of the house to join in. Same goes if you yell “group hug!”
They’ll Make Up Games
My sisters and I made up a lot of games as kids. I thought it was a West Indian trait but according to my husband, it’s an Italian trait as well. My girls have no problems making up games like wagon ball, where you try to shoot the ball in the little red wagon.
They’ll Change Or Make Up Song Lyrics That Correspond To The Current Situation
This takes true skill. Very cool.
They Play Music Together
This is truly a blessing to watch. Not only are they becoming actual musicians like my sisters and I were as children, but they’re performing together, in their own band, just like we did. Not many children experience this. I’ve performed with my sisters professionally since I was 9. Being a young musician is the most amazing thing but performing with my sisters was the very best part.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. Any holiday that celebrates love with chocolate and flowers works for me. Depending on where you are in your life this day may look different, but no matter who you are or where you are in your life, you can still celebrate.
For The Kids
Most children have Valentine’s Day celebrations at school. Instead of buying treats or pre-made Valentine cards, I have my girls create treat packages for their classmates. It allows them to not only be creative, but add a personal touch, which is the best part of giving someone a special gift. Also, don’t forget the teacher, a special teacher deserves a special treat! We’re giving our special teachers triple layer chocolate macaroons from my new favorite bakery, Gaby et Jules, bravo!
For The Family
In the past we’ve celebrated two ways. I sometimes host a Valentine’s Day sleepover with my girls and my nieces. Usually the day before. Last year my oldest also invited a friend. They loved it! We had a great time playing games, watching movies and of course waffles (with fresh strawberries and whipped cream) in the morning. On Valentine’s Day, for dinner, my husband (who is an amazing chef) makes me and the girls an amazing “fancy” dinner, as my girls say. Last year we enjoyed filet mignon at our beautifully decorated dining room table.
This year we’re hosting a Valentine’s Day Family Dance party. We’ve invited other families to celebrate and dance with us. My girls really wanted to have a party and we love to dance. It’s going to be a very fun evening.
For Your Partner
Just because there’s no date doesn’t mean my husband I don’t celebrate one another. My advice is to do something small but special. Although, I will never tell you not to, love does not require grand gestures. I absolutely love flowers so a beautiful bouquet usually gets me. If you know your partner well, it should be easy. This year, I may just need a day to sleep in and relax. Do you think my husband reads my blog? A surprise weekend trip, beautiful piece of jewelry, dinner at a fabulous new restaurant whatever you choose, think more of your partner than yourself.
For Your Friends
Host a dinner party. Who doesn’t love an amazing dinner party? Champagne, beautiful décor, a lovely centerpiece and a great soundtrack in the background of wonderful conversation. Treat your friends to an amazing evening.
Or
A night on the town. When in doubt go dancing! There’s nothing can can keep me off the dance floor, except a bad DJ. Take your best buds out for a night on the town. Dress up and get down (was that corny?) and enjoy the evening with your friends.
Whatever you do, take the time to celebrate the people you love and enjoy this day dedicated to love.
My Weekend…Planned
Fridays are all about the weekend plans. After a busy week, the weekends can be even more hectic! My weekends aren’t all fun but they are always well planned and productive.
Friday
I’m working from home today, no meetings except with my husband who is both co-founder of my family and business ventures. My work day will end at 3:00pm to get the kids from school. No bussing and no after school program on Friday means we have to get our kids from separate schools, across the city, at the same time! On, Fridays I need my husbands help to accomplish this mission.
Most days, after school pick-up, homework and snacks, I continue to work until dinner, but not today! My oldest daughter is trying out for Broadway producers hoping to earn a role in Mary Poppins! She’s been working so hard and I am so proud and excited for her! Next up? Roller skating! Yay! My husband will be taking the girls roller skating while I catch up with a friend. She’s been travelling for a little while and we have a lot to discuss. We’ll happily do so over a glass of wine while enjoying some great live music.
Saturday
I usually wake up at 5:45am or 6:00am. Make a cup of tea, straighten up the house and work for a bit before it’s time to get dressed and go. My oldest, has musical theatre from 9:00am to 1:00pm. I either drop her off and find a spot to get some work done or come back home for laundry and more cleaning. My 7 year old, will start dance and art classes soon, I haven’t quite worked out that plan yet. Saturday afternoon is all about the girls and having lots of fun. This Saturday afternoon we’ll check out the new “Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood” exhibit at the Heinz History Center. We are all huge Mr. Rogers fans, and I personally feel a special connection, having met Mr. Rodgers and appearing on the show as kid. My kids think that is a big deal!
Saturday evening we’ll prepare and eat dinner together at home, and enjoy an evening of music, dancing (laundry in between) and a movie.
Before heading to bed, I’ll press and prepare our clothes for church.
Sunday
Sunday morning is all about Belgium waffles (with strawberries and whipped cream), the girls love my husband’s recipe. Then church, aka mission impossible. The goal every week still remains the same…to make it to church on time. It never gets easier! Going to church as a family is very important to us. Not only do I love mass but I love that hour with my family. The girls always squeeze together during mass. They hold our hands and show so much love and affection for one another. It’s a beautiful thing.
After church we’ll enjoy a nice quick lunch. After that it’s back to work for me. My husband will entertain the girls while I meet with a new client and prep for another meeting. Sunday evening I’ll prepare for the week. I review my work calendar, our family calendar and press the girls uniforms for the week.
The goal of a well planned out weekend is to make sure we get the important things done and still have some fun. Even with so much to do, we stay flexible and down for whatever. We love spontaneous fun!
properleigh 