Last weekend was rare for us. There was nothing on the calendar! For the icing on the cake, it was a beautiful day. Originally, I thought I would spend the day painting a bedroom or working in the yard. But the idea of missing out on a free Saturday was too much to bear. We started the day by having our coffee on the patio while the kids put up their tent. Later, the kids and my husband played ball in the backyard while I read a book and watched. (I know, I know – I should have joined in.) In between relaxing activities, we would take the dog for a quick walk or go for a bike ride. We topped off the day by grilling out and then going out for ice cream.

At the end of the day, there were dishes in the sink, paperwork untouched, a room that still needs painted, and yardwork to be done. But that’s OK. I’m thankful for the rejuvinating gift of a free day.

Tags : gifts, time management

My husband is in the process of taking two classes to complete his masters degree while working full time – plus. Needless to say, this studying and working cuts into his “family” time. However, last Friday, he decided to take our two daughters out on a “date”. He took them out for breakfast at our favorite local diner, and then dropped them off at school. I have never seen my children get ready for school so fast in my life! The entire “date” took about an hour an a half. But that hour and a half meant more to all three of them than words can describe. Just one more example that gifts don’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. They just need to come from the heart.

Tags : family, gifts, time management