I double dog dare you to make a list of 100!

       I posted a recent picture of my kids working on a a poster which lists the 100 things to do before the end of summer, I had such a huge response I thought I would post a blog and share a little bit more about where it came from.

As I was sitting around the other day I was thinking about summer, which yes it is a wonderful time of relaxing, doing fun things and being home, but sometimes can also turn into too much TV, video games etc. I didn't want my kids summer to be boring, I wanted them to be excited about it! We are planning on doing swimming this summer, which will keep them busy, but I wanted this summer to be something different. Ethan is almost 12 and Allison is almost 10, I thought about how this summer might be one of the last that they might think it is cool to be hanging with mom and going on adventures. I teared up for a minute, thought about my options and decided to make this the best summer ever.

So two nights ago, I sat down on the couch with Ethan and Alli and said, "so if we were to plan 100 things to do this summer, what would they be?" Their eyes lit up, and they said, like what? Of course they first thought of expensive things to do, they are kids and I said, things that are more simple.. or new things.. They started going, they couldn't stop. One thought led to another, and another, their eyes lit up and I watched them get excited about the little things. The goal I was trying to accomplish, was coming together right before my eyes. I wanted my kids to be excited about doing new things, about making memories, and to make this the best summer ever.

After posting this picture on Facebook:

I had people commenting about it being inspirational, about what a great idea this is, and some were even sharing it. I have to admit it made me smile inside, but more because I have a feeling this summer is going to leave an imprint on my kids hearts. In doing these 100 things there will be conversations started, there will be great moments, there will be new moments, there will be firsts and there will be lasts, but most of all there will be times that we spend together doing this list, that will never be repeated.

When I became a mom, I was lucky, I was raised by a mom who always did stuff WITH us! She taught me how to make a lot out of a little, and about the true things that matter in life. She made every situation fun, with a game, a song, a story or a smile. So thank you mom. You taught me something that I am very lucky to know how to do! You enabled me to pass this gift on to my own kids.

If you follow on Facebook I will be posting our adventures with the summer 100, images of each one checked off the list... at the end of summer I decided that I would make a photo book for each of my kids, of the 100 pictures we took while accomplishing our goals.

So maybe this blog inspired you to make a list, does 100 sound like too much? Start with less. Does the thought of this is going to be expensive come to mind? It doesn't have to be. Ours isn't. Kids want your time, your listening ear, your conversation, those are things they will remember. This is one of the many things you can do in life to start leaving a legacy for your kids. One day your kids will grow up and have families of their own, what more could you ask for than your kids growing up wanting to plan and do things with their families and to see the importance in the little things?

I challenge you to make a list, make your kids excited about summer, enjoy those special moments together, I dare you to take the time to be unplugged, take a walk, eat ice cream for dinner and try a new food!

Make 2014 the best summer of yours and your kids lives!

Love and hugs, The Blended Family Mom Tog