Chaos and stress seem to be a guarantee if I don't purposefully make good times happen. I am making sure that the read aloud under blanket happens, and I enjoy that coffee slowly, not gulp it down. I am making bread more, and turning off tv more that type thing.
What are some of your ideas to make life more sweet?

Pixiemom, you and I might be on the same page today. =)

We set up a camping tent in the living room and "camp out" since dh doesn't like to actually camp outside. We make a big batch of cookies, bag them up, write some notes and deliver them to friends just because. We've had days where we have a lot of errands so we make a deal that we're going to be the kindest we can to every single person we come across--lots of "hi, how are you?" and "hope you have a super day!" and "that's a pretty color on you."

I usually try to do something everyday that is a little different--sort of a mission for that day. It doesn't always happen but I think it happens enough that it keeps a sense of adventure and also gives us fun during the day and something to talk about at dinner that night. I look forward to hearing other ideas!

Get rid of the cell phone. One would be surprised how much it is not needed. The peace and quiet that comes with not being instantly accessible is invaluable. I actually get to talk to my dd in the car, and when we have a day out like a family, no one else gets to intrude. Time off is truly time off.

Also, as dd becomes older, we won't be plagued by the constant texting that so many parents complain about.

curling up on the couch with good books
family hikes through the woods
cuddle time with the kids on a chilly morning

I am a get the job done kind of person whether it is chores or school. I often realize that we don't have much fun around here. All work and no play. With 4 children, life gets crazy and sometimes you need a break from the ordinary.

Great post! I love the ideas so far.

The weather has been great here lately, so we have had picnic lunches in the pasture three days this week. We all enjoyed it..........even the baby.

On days we go to town, we stop at Sonic and get dollar burgers and tater tots.

Sometimes we order pizza on a weekend night.

serve your elderly neighbors and relatives

visit them,
bake fore them
rake there leaves
shovel their snow
play cards or puzzles with them


invite a homeschool family over for lunch or tea

invite someone in your church over for lunch or tea

open doors for people

smile at people

take walks and actually visit a minute with the neigbors you see outside, if the neighbors are never outside start baking and delivering food occasionally as a treat

make your own Christmas cards

get a pet

pay for someones groceries

give some of your stuff away to someone who is needy

have a free sale instead of a garage sale

send cards and packages to solidiers



I find the more I serve the more joy we have

just looking people in the eye and really talking to them does so much for you and them

I quit doing housework at a certain time of the day. During the first couple weeks after a baby is born that time is 4:00p.m. Normally it is 6:00. A good way to get all your housework done early is to cook early, clean up the house, and send the children *outside.* This tires them and prevents them from making messes in the house. See if you can get away with laying in a lawn chair eating bon bons as they play. Then they'll be dirty, so bathe them. Then feed them and send them off to watch a DVD. Go pet the dog, read a book, have more bon bons, or whatever you feel like doing. It's bedtime! Lay down and tell them stories. It's almost as fun as eating bon bons. Maybe you'll fall asleep right there. You'll be well rested. If you stay awake you can spend some time with your husband, and by that, I mean sit in the same room and watch TV.

Joy. A word I've been pondering a lot lately. I think that joy should come easily to every Christian, so why doesn't it? I've heard myself telling my dd to "find the joy in her heart, so it will show up on her face." At the same time, I realize I need to be looking for the joy also. I have plenty to be thankful for. Today I find joy in this:
I am a mother. I am a wife. I am God's child. I am a sister. I have plenty to offer to others, now if I just take the time to reach out and offer something, I will FEEL the joy.
What is in your heart, shows up on your face. Did you know that?

I love this post and have enjoyed reading the ideas - good stuff.

Anyone else willing to share where the joy comes from?