Last weekend we had big plans. They were the kind of plans that you need to tackle but may not want to. Matthew was going to rent a wood chipper and do away with what was left of a dead tree we had to cut down and I was going to spend time organizing and cleaning the house. Fun times! So, when Matthew suggested at the very last minute that we take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway that would likely take us all day, I was all in!
Sometimes I think we get so caught up in life that we forget to take time to just live it. How many more beautiful fall days were we going to have? Besides, the last of the leaves were about to fall to the ground. It was time to seize the moment and take a mini adventure. This adventure led us to Linville Falls which then led to a small (but long) hike to see the views and breathe the fresh air. All of it was totally unplanned, but so well worth the memories we made. Seeing the world through 2 and 5 year old eyes is so worth it when you are caught in the daily grind. Davis would walk a few feet then stoop down to examine leaves and small insects. Graham was full speed ahead and ready for adventures in the wild frontier (que Davy Crockett theme). I love his imagination! All within me just wanted to freeze time and stay in that moment forever. We even collected a few pine cones and leaves in order to create a fun turkey craft (just add hot glue and voila)!
I have to be honest and tell you that as much as we love to be spontaneous, we also plan ahead. How do you do both? Well we keep a few essentials in the car at all times just in case we get a brilliant brain storm. We love to keep a few extra towels, extra clothes, non-perishable snacks, portable kid potty (Davis is potty training) and Shout® Wipes. Having boys equals messy spills and stains. As much as they don’t care about their clothes, I care! The Shout® Wipes are perfect for on the go because I can pack them just about anywhere and do a quick spot treatment on any chocolate, ketchup or mud stains we may incur along the way. They are also great for throwing in my purse to have on hand at work (momma gets messy too).
This commitment to reprogramming our daily routines in order to seize the moment has been a welcomed change. Shout® is also asking you to take another look at how you live your day to day lives with their Reprogramming America for Fun app on Facebook. A fun video incorporates your pictures and name in order to motivate you to live life out loud! It is a lot of fun and worth sharing with your friends. You can also submit photos of yourself and your family seizing the moment! Shout® has teamed up with Olympic athlete mom – Jennie Finch – to encourage you and your children to seize the moment, get a little dirty and live life out loud!
Olympic Athlete Jennie Finch’s Tip for Reprogramming Your Daily Routine:
Get Messy with Craft Projects – Arts and crafts are another fun way to change up your daily routine with interactive, hands-on fun. Create a craft box of construction paper, glue, paint and seasonal items. Dedicate each month to a new craft project. For example – carve or decorate pumpkins with markers in October, make “turkey hands” or acorn decorations in November and special ornaments or holiday decorations in December. These homemade craft projects foster creativity, add decoration to the house and are a fun memento to keep for years to come. Have no fear – paint, glitter and markers are no match for Shout® so your family can be creative no matter how messy they get.
Maybe this would be a good opportunity to get your turkey on and find some pine cones and leaves? It doesn’t cost a lot and you will be creating lasting memories.
Now, in order to get crafty with your kids, Shout® would like to provide one Go Graham Go reader with a Crafty Shout® Prize Pack which includes:
$100 gift card to craft store
Shout® Trigger & Wipes
Craft Kit to create Thanksgiving Turkeys
Additional craft supplies for Thanksgiving/fall crafts
Here’s How to Win:
1. Go to the Shout® Reprogramming America Facebook app (http://on.fb.me/PIsrLv) and click on the Get Reprogrammed button to create your own custom “Reprogramming America for Fun” video. Then leave a comment on this blog post answering the question, “What changes will you make to seize the moment (even if it means getting messy) and live life out loud?”
This giveaway ends 11/20/12.
Please see Official Rules.
This post is part of a campaign sponsored by Shout®. These are my honest opinions on the product as well as own ideas. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.
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Vickie Couturier says
I would sti an make mud pies in the yard with my grandbabies an not care how dirty we get,,what fun it would be
Katie says
I would take my kids in the kitchen and make some yummy Christmas goodies and not worry about the mess we make but just enjoy the moment together. Taking lots of picture of course.
BeckyM says
Not worry about how dirty my kids get… just let them have fun!
Steph says
First off I have to say that custom video was awesome. I will seize the moment by letting my kids help with my tie dyes. I have always been leary of the giant mess they might make, but, really, why not let them help. They love the finished products, it is time to let them have a go at it.
Briann neeley says
I would let my daughter and I paint without caring about the mess! Also we would have a whip cream fight!
Staci A says
We are getting ready to move this week and instead of stressing over the mess, I’m letting the boys play with the boxes and packing materials. I’m also hoping to set up an outdoor “mud kitchen” at the new house. I found the idea online and it looks like so much (messy) fun!
Julie K says
I would let my daughter lick the bowl of batter and not care how messy she gets!
Brandy says
I can’t wait for our first snow. My son has never seen snow, so we’ll most definitely be bundling up for a snow party! I might even bring some indoors to play with in the tub!
D Schmidt says
I will not have a complete mental breakdown every time my children get dirty and will actually encourage them to be more creative with things around them
valorie gomes says
I would let the kids lick the batter bowl (the ones that I don’t use eggs in) and get it all over them and not care
Jessica Beard says
I will let my son help me plant flowers and dig in the dirt. I think he would love to help plant a garden next spring.
Amy Orvin says
I am going to walk in mud puddles in the rain just because it’s fun.
Lori Z. says
Go where the moment takes me and the kids as long as they’re having a good time…even if it means tempera paint between my toes and in my hair.
Sarah L says
http://apps.facebook.com/522812571067882?app_data=3740
I want to do finger painting and not worry about the mess.
Thanks for the contest.
Leann Lindeman says
I would play in the rain.. stomp in the mud puddles! Fun thing on the Shout FB page by the way….