No Distractions.

As usual, here are are pictures I have been meaning to post.  Most of these are from Thanksgiving weekend.  We had a GREAT time this year.  We were blessed that Aaron was able to be home this year.  I can't remember the last time he was home for a big holiday.  He is usually working or is only able to stop home for a few minutes to eat and run.  This year, I made a HUGE spread.  Everything was made from scratch.  I made turkey and gravy, sausage stuffing, black eyed peas, green beans, garlic smashed potatoes, sweet potato pie, biscuits (not homemade), and cranberry walnut salad.  I am sure there was more, but it has been so long ago that I have forgotten.  But, it was great to be together and celebrate.  We are so blessed.  The other pictures are of the kids and the crafts we have done this week.  Trevor read a story about a boat that floats. So, we made a boat out of a bottle lid, some play doh and a toothpick.  We also made dioramas out of our new shoe boxes and clay.  I was so amazed at Caleb's.  The detail was incredible.  If you look closely, he made a mom breastfeeding her baby next to a fire.  It was beautiful.    The other pictures are of the kids playing.  We have been practicing a "no distraction" policy a few days a week.  We implemented the day because I feel like there are many days where all I do is answer the phone, look at face book, get on the computer or text people.  The kids (and I) fully embraced this.  When we have a "no distraction" day, I don't answer the phone, tv and computers are off limits, I don't text, I don't get on the computer (unless I am printing out an activity for the kids), and I don't read the paper or magazines.  The kids actually told me they would rather have the tv off all day and have fun playing red rover, duck duck goose, simon says, etc.  thank watch tv any day.  So, we are doing this a few days a week.  My kids are so very special and I love "doing nothing" with them.  We actually look forward to the days when we don't have any distractions.  So, if you call and I don't answer, you will know why.  I am creating memories with my kids and there is NOTHING in the world I would rather be doing.