Things to Do this Summer with your Kids

Now that all my kids are home for the summer I have been trying to find some fun things that we can venture out and do.  We have our normal routine of the four os us heading to the gym and then home to get ready for the pool, but I figured I would throw something new into the mix and we can do an outing of some sort each week, whether it be going to the Zoo, Grant's Farm, the Museum of Transportation, etc...

I also was looking for some pick your own farms where we could go peach picking, strawberry picking, blueberry picking ,etc...  If you go to the Pick Your Own website you can search around the area you live for pick your own farms...how fun!!    I have plans to make and can strawberry jam with a friend of mine very soon and this site also has tips on canning fruits, veggies, etc...

I also found this site and I am sure you can plug in whatever city/area you live in and find a fun list of FREE things to do as well.  I have St. Louis plugged in obviously to see what is out there that we can do for FREE!!

Wehrenberg theaters in our area also show free movies on certain days through the summer...all child and family friendly!! 

10 Things I am Thankful for

I got this idea from Stephanie and her blog Fit Mom in Training and loved it. She is doing 10 days, 10 posts, 10 things...mine will more than likely take me more than 10 days, but I love the concept so here we go!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/4671493936/

 10 Things I am Thankful For

1. God-I would not be here today without him-he put me on this earth for a reason-somedays I think I know why and others I am not sure...but it is all part of his plan!

2. My Husband-after 14 years(10 of which we have been married) we have been through it all-you name it and we have we have probably been through it.  He makes me laugh no matter how irritated I might be and he works so hard to provide for our family.

3. My Kids-they are three of the most amazing kids ever...yes I am a little biased but so many people tell me this on a regular basis.  Some days that drive me completely crazy, but the fun times we spend together out and about or just sitting and cuddling together at home are the best and out weigh the crazy days by a long shot.  

4. My family-they are all amazing in their own way and I am thankful that we live so close to both sets of grandparents so my kids get to see them fairly regularly.

5. My grandparents-My grandpa has battled-prostate, liver, and bladder cancer in a span of about 6 years and he doing so great and getting stronger everyday.  My grandma has been by his side through it all and I know it has been hard for her but she has a strong faith in God and he is helping her through this all as well.

6. My Health-being healthy and living a healthy lifestyle is very important to me and I am thankful that I am able to get up everyday hit the gym and cook up some healthy dishes for my family(most of the time)

7. My friends-I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for.  They know when I need help and as hard as it is sometimes to take them up on their offers I have learned it is ok.  That is what friends are for-laugh with us, cry with us, help each other out, etc...

8. My Home-that may sound silly, but I am so thankful I have a roof over my head and even though I may complain about cleaning it I am thankful I have one to clean.

9. Chocolate-never need a lot of it, but it tastes so good when I do!  :)

10. My Craftiness-I love being crafty and expressing my creativity through projects-also helps me create and do fun projects with my kids.