I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father has allowed our family to spend great amounts of time together. Together we eat all our meals, read books, clean and cook, exercise, hike and camp, nap, read scriptures, pray, get ready for the day and for bed, learn languages and practice instruments, and just hang out and work on other goals. We have spontaneous conversations about challenges, current events, values, friends, fears, silliness, and the gospel. Conversations that happen because we have lots of unrushed time together. When we are too busy this doesn't happen.
Whether we are in school or out, on vacation or at home certain things remain part of the rhythm of our lives. These simple family traditions (mealtimes, naptimes, reading, cleaning, exercising, studying) unit us. They provide not just safety but security for each member. They create a feeling of belonging and identity. They weave together to form a beautiful family culture. Not a perfect one, but beautiful nonetheless. They help each member know they are extremely important. They open opportunities to express and discuss anything, and I mean anything. Our kids quite often say after one our regular outings together, "I love our family!" They know they are blessed to be in a traditional family that really experiences life together.
We don't do many organized community sports or activities, but we spend that time as a family instead. We do tons and tons as a family. Driving, hiking, hanging out on the beach, jogging, exploring, playing at the park, camping, swimming, sitting in the shade or around a campfire, backpacking, boating, gardening, skiing, visiting family and friends, sledding, shoveling, etc, etc. We realize we have something amazing going on here. Most people aren't this blessed. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has let us see and feel how important our family time is. I'm so grateful He has allowed us to have tons of it!
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