Moments

I've been a little quiet on the blog lately.  So I thought I'd take a few posts to get you caught up on what has been going on.

The kids and I spent a weekend at my parent's house the end of October.  It's always nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and just slow down.  First on the agenda: a mini manicure.  It's a must for Molly every time we are there.

The kids and I also went to see Hotel Transylvania.  What an adorable movie!  We are still quoting lines.  We also hit the mall for a little shopping and playtime.

My favorite part of the whole weekend:  the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur Illinois.  I hadn't been there since I was a kid but had heard it was a lot of fun.  I was not disappointed.

There was so much to do!  Petting zoos, shops, hay mazes and even a semi-haunted house.  Plus thousands of mums and pumpkins and gourds to choose from.  We left with some pumpkins for decorating and an acorn squash.  I baked it up the next week and it tasted amazing!  If you're ever in central Illinois, check it out!  Definitely worth a trip.

We ended our weekend at Yoder's Kitchen for some great Amish home cooking. 


I love Amish country.  Sometimes I'm a little envious.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm not talking about necessities like a dishwasher and laundry units.  And I'm spoiled with Facebook and Twitter and social media with instant access to the entire world.  But I wonder.  What would life look like with less distraction?  Do their kids whine about chores like mine sometimes do?  Would I get more accomplished through the day so I could actually do something I enjoyed?  Or would I just find something else to suck up my time? 

As we traveled, I saw a group of Amish children in the front yard with wide open spaces playing baseball.  I guarantee their Mother didn't have to peel them away from the electronics to get them out there.  I feel like that can be a daily battle in my home.  My kids have gotten the idea they have to constantly be entertained.  Imagination has to be encouraged.  Self-play has to be spurred.

But if I look at myself, they get it honestly.  I have to consciously 'put my butt in the chair' (as Jeff Goins says), and write.  When I open the laptop I have to be intentional about not opening Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest so as not to be distracted.  My imagination has to be encouraged and creativity spurred.

As the Holidays approach, distraction and busyness only increase.  But instead of diverting my attention, I hope to live in the moment.  The moments that make memories.  Moments that matter.  Because that is where real life happens.