Creative Family FunCheck out some fun and practical ideas that will help make family life fun! If you have any helpful tips or funny family stories that you would like to share, please send it to kristi@entrustedministries.com. You may see it on our website!
Creative Family Fun - Entries from May 2011
MonMondayMayMay30th2011
Summer Fun
Summer is quickly approaching at my house…The countdown is on until my daughter completes Kindergarten, which means our family is on the brink of our first summer break now that we have entered the “school years” phase.
I am approaching this season with mixed feelings—some days I am excited at the thought of having more time with my daughter at home, but admittedly there are days when my thoughts are more concerning. I moan, “what will I ever do to keep my kids entertained at home for eleven weeks ALL day?”
Of course my thinking is erred because it should not be my goal as a parent to provide 24/7 stimulation and fun for my children. However, I do want to avoid prolonged hours of watching television, and hearing the dreaded, “I’m bored!” My desire is to make the most of our days together, knowing that the time I have to pour into my children slips away far too quickly.
I’m gearing up to enter this summer season prepared with plans and ideas to enjoy the time together. Here are a few of the ideas I have brainstormed:
Daily Activities
- Quiet Time together. We started out the school year with a family devotional at breakfast but that habit has waned. Summer is a great time to restart that commitment, especially when the school bus is not calling! I plan to have my quiet time in the morning and during that time let my kids read Bible storybooks on their own, and then read a devotional and pray together.
- Scripture Memory. I am grateful to my own Mom who always made Scripture memory a fun part of our summer breaks. I can still remember the prizes I earned for learning Psalm 23 one summer and Psalm 139 another. I plan to review AWANA verses with my kids this summer and give them a special prize upon completion. Of course the greatest reward is God’s Word hidden in their hearts!
- Limit TV time. My goal for this summer is to try to not turn on the TV til after 4pm as a wind-down activity before supper.
Weekly Activities
- Let my kids choose a recipe and make that together (alternate dessert recipes with healthier snacks and entrees).
- Write and draw pictures in a summer journal weekly or make a summer scrapbook together.
Special activities.
Of course we will make trips to the pool, the zoo and other fun places, but I don’t want to feel like we have to leave the house for it to be a fun day. I’ve compiled a lengthy list of crafty ideas and other unusual games and activities that are low-cost and easy.
Here are a few to get you started:
- Puzzle Mania. Find every puzzle in your house and complete them all. Set a timer and see how long it takes.
- Counting Game. Make a list of household items and have your kids count how many they can find in your house (doorknobs, windows, spoons, etc).
- Create your own city using toilet paper rolls and shoeboxes.
- How many different playgrounds can you visit? Print a map of your town/surrounding area and see how many you can walk to, bike to, or drive to. Rate each for number of swings, slides, best overall, and more.
- Use all of your outdoor toys (such as hula hoops, balls, and jump ropes) to create an obstacle course for your kids.
So that last day of school is almost here. Are you ready? I’m excited to have extended time with the precious little ones the Lord has entrusted to me. Galatians 6:9-10 says “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Becky Armstrong lives in Palatine, IL and has two children ages 4 and 6. She has served as first a small group leader and then later as a facilitator for her church's Entrusted with a Child's Heart group. Some of her own favorite summertime activities include spending time with family and friends, scrapbooking, baking, running, and dark chocolate.
Have more ideas for summer fun with kids? Please share them below!
TueTuesdayMayMay3rd2011
Chicken Imperial and Rice Pilaf
My sister shared this recipe with me years ago and it’s been a family favorite ever since. This is a wonderful, make-ahead main course that makes the house smell so good while baking in the oven. I always serve it with Rice Pilaf, recipe below.
Chicken Imperial
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs or Panko
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
Mix together in shallow bowl and set aside.
12 T. melted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
3 cloves minced garlic
Mix together in shallow bowl and set aside.
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, flattened
16 oz. fresh spinach, steamed and drained well
Dip each flattened chicken breast in the butter/garlic mixture, then in the breadcrumb mixture. Tuck a small amount of spinach under chicken breast before putting in un-greased baking dish. Pour any remaining butter over all the chicken in the baking dish. Squeeze juice of one lemon over the chicken and sprinkle with Paprika. Cover with foil and bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes.
Note: I have made this recipe using seasoned breadcrumbs, but prefer the taste of the plain breadcrumbs. Also if your family doesn't like spinach you may omit it.
Rice Pilaf
This recipe was a staple in the Armenian home where I grew up. We never had chicken without having Rice Pilaf. This side dish always brings back fond memories for me - it’s one of my “comfort foods”.
1 cup long-grain rice (my favorite is Uncle Ben’s)
1 14 1/2 oz. can chicken broth
1/2 cup thin egg noodles
3 T. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
In a medium saucepan, melt butter and add egg noodles. Brown noodles over a low heat – watch that they don’t burn. Add rice and salt. Add enough water to the chicken broth to make two cups. Add to the rice and noodles and stir until well incorporated. Cook until broth comes to a low boil, cover saucepan and lower heat to simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning off the heat before all the broth is absorbed. The rice will continue to cook and absorb the remaining broth. Makes about four servings.
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