Staycation

  Dutch and I decided it was time to take a day off. No internet, no phones (cell and 2 landlines were turned off), no screens, no working at the office or the Guest Barn... we wanted a day to spend time together as a family w/o distractions- so on Sunday March 15 at 4:00 pm we UN-PLUGGED. Now a PERFECT "stay"cation (that's what we decided to call it, a vacation right at home) would include quality time together with NO whining and complaining, and NO sibling disagreements etc. This one wasn't perfect in that sense, but it was relaxing. On Sunday evening we did some art projects, and started a puzzle. On Monday morning we slept in a little longer than usual. Then Madison helped me make a eggs, scrapple, and pancakes. And because our art projects were still on the table, we threw a tablecloth on the floor, sat Indian style and ate our breakfast- all part of creating memories. Monday was a glorious day weather wise too, so we took a walk together on one of the shorter Haft hiking trails, played some games and relaxed. It was a really enjoyable 24 hrs.
  Here are a few things I learned.... 1) We ALL need to take a break once in a while!! What we did together as a family- can be done by anyone, all you have to do is a little planning, set a date to do it (a Friday night in to Sat. or whatever) and then stick with your plan!! It's like a mini Sabbatical;), but seriously sometimes families need to be intentional about BEING together, not always DOING together. I'm not saying you should just sit around looking at each other, we did DO stuff together in these 24 hrs., but we were all certainly more present since nobody had any gadgets to distract them. 2) Another thing I discovered is that technology is robbing us!! Again don't get me wrong, technology is amazing, BUT it is a distraction!! I've been asking myself lately if it's really worth it?? Is it worth it to carry my smart phone in my pocket all day and hear every single notification, text, or email that comes through at any given time of the day? Do I really need to be a slave to my phone? Nobody NEEDS me to respond ASAP. Sure, they expect me to, because we live in that era where we reply almost instantly, but really what would happen if I left the phone untouched all morning and only checked it at certain times of the day?? Again as I write this post (and all my previous posts) I am mostly reflecting on what God is speaking to me about, and convicting me of. I don't expect anyone else to make any changes based on my blog, I only write my thoughts and musings. For myself, I have committed to less texting, checking FB, etc. I have been leaving my phone in the bedroom where I charge it and only checking it at certain intervals of the day instead of having it in my pocket all day. I will add this- so far I have loved this new approach. The only time I've made exemptions for having the phone right beside me are when I'm working in The Haft office, it is works better to have my phone next to me as I respond to Haft related texts, emails, etc. 3) The third thing I learned was that kids love to hang out with mom and dad and have their FULL attention. And do you know what else? They don't need long, expensive vacations to faraway places. In fact, sometimes, distance adds to the stress of a vacation. Kids want YOU!! And QUALITY time! They want YOU to be PRESENT- not you half distracted by your phone, ipad or other device. And while faraway places are fun and exciting- kids love vacation at home if they get to be with you.