Family Camping Trip: 7 Tips to Ensure a Fun Time for Everyone

Camping is a wonderful way to spend time together as a family this summer. If you’ve never been or are on the fence about whether or not camping is worth the time, bugs, and effort, I hope to inspire you to take time away this summer to bond in the great outdoors!

 

First let me tell you that I have not always embraced camping. My husband is an avid outdoorsman and has been begging me to go for years, until finally one summer day, he talked me into it. Considering we have a large brood of children that were all dying to go, decided that I needed to give it a try. We now have been avid campers for about six years, camping all and every summer, long. We starting out with tents and have since graduated to the camper. So no matter which way you decide to camp, I’ve got some great tips up my sleeve for you to ensure a fun time for you and your family.

 

Read here for my 7 tips that I've written for a beautiful blog, Joy Comes in the Morning! Don't pack until you do...these tips will ensure a fun time for everyone!

large family dynamics

Baby number eight is on his way early July and I am nesting to say the least! This is where my planner is laid out, full of my goals and scripted plans for the upcoming month. I am one focused and obsessed mama in particular right now, making sure all my ducks are in a row before the big day.

Such as the meals I want to have prepared and frozen before I take off for the hospital; this will ensure easy and delicious dinners for us when we get home without all the work. All of his clothes washed and folded and waiting for him, bassinet and car seat ready, his and I bag packed, I also have some major cleaning I want done before he arrives, too. My planner harnesses all that I want to accomplish and my my action plan to make it happen. So far, so good!

While large bellied and waddling while out-and-about, strangers will always ask when I'm due. A belly that looks stretched, extended and ready to pop usually mandates such a question. But my favorite is when they ask what number this baby will be. I always have to pick-up their jaws off the floor. I'd have to admit, saying that it's my eighth baby sounds crazy when it comes out of my mouth; I can hardly believe it myself. People either say I'm incredibly blessed or insanely crazy. I know I'm blessed.

But I'm here to divulge a great misunderstanding about having a large family. Are you ready?

It's easier the more you have. Way easier than having a couple or even a few kids. Really. It is. And I'll tell you why...

You have a ton of help. 

This is something I did not have when my older ones were small. It was all on me and I remember how hard it was! Now, I have several teens that drive, running kids if I need it, I have built-in babysitters, older ones change younger ones' diapers and I could go on and on. 

I have more time to myself than you might think.

The kids play together, sometimes leaving me alone for hours each day. It's quite nice. When you have a couple small kids, they tend to look to you all the time for entertainment, not so with a lot of babes. They tend to look at each other for their fun and this is fun to watch and frees up slots of time for me to do other things that need to be done and some time to work on my goals each day.

You learn to let things go. 

You aren't as stressed about everything anymore, and you learn to just let things go. You really can't be uptight and have a large family. So what if they have their shoes on the wrong feet; if you're on schedule, you're good! 

On the fence on whether you should have more kids? My advice...the more the merrier!

Agree or disagree? Do you have a large family? If so, do you think it's easier the more you have?

 

Why I'm Crazy Enough to Camp with My Large Family

Frogs. Tents. Bugs. Oh my!

All my friends say that if they ever found out I went camping in a tent, they would have to see it to believe it. And they’re right. I am not an “outdoor girl”. I don’t like to sweat, and bugs give me the creeps! I definitely do not like the idea of outhouses, and public showers offend me. However, I am married to a man who loves the outdoors. He would have the time of his life with just his tent, water, and wild berries. He has been trying to get me to go camping for years. Until finally, one summer day, he talked me into it. I mean after all, change is good. I can learn to love the outdoors and appreciate that nature has a lot to offer our un-schooling, family.

The preparation to go on this trip was a huge undertaking. My husband was busy spit shining his canteen from his Boy Scout days, and the kids and I packed, well, everything else. There was packing food and planning the meals we would eat, clothes, and toiletries. I was so busy helping all my children pack that I was afraid that I might forget something for myself. Something forgotten as simple as my curling iron or my make-up would, without a doubt, ruin the trip for me! I had my planner laid out on the counter with everything I needed to do to make this camping trip a fun, learning experience for our children. It turned out to be something very different.

It was hot that day and we found the perfect camping spot. It was one of my husband’s favorite places and was excited to share it with us. I would have to say; it was beautiful. There were big trees to shade our abode for next few days, and a nice breeze, thanks to the beautiful lake that glistened in the hot sun. We also were camped right next to the marina, which obliged me in electricity, showers, and decent restrooms. My husband, whom is seasoned in tent camping, wasted no time and got started teaching our children how to pitch a tent. Meanwhile, I started rummaging through my designer, luggage bag to see if I had remembered to bring my sweat resistant make-up. Finally, after everything was unpacked, and the tent pitched, I looked around and my husband was no longer in my view. 

“Great.” I express aloud with my hands on my hips.  “I’m hot and he decides to look for berries?” 

In a distance, I see him dragging back, what looks like, half a tree!

“I have found our firewood!” He exclaims excitedly.

I shook my head, not sharing the same excitement, and immediately got to work on neatly, putting on my Ralph Lauren sheet for my air mattress, and rolling out my Eddie Bauer sleeping bag. Soon after, my daughter, Belle, just 3 years old, ran screeching with delight, holding a frog. Her grip was so tight his poor eyes were bulging. My husband ran to the scene and he explained to all our children who wanted to listen, everything there was to know about bullfrogs; from what they eat, to how they carry their eggs, why a bullfrog’s skin is smoother than a toads, and most importantly, what we should name him. 

I poked my head out of my tent to get a closer look. 

I noticed the fun they were having together; learning with their dad. Outdoors. He was sharing what he loved with them and they were enjoying every minute. That frog was just the beginning of our adventures. We spent our days fishing, riding bikes, swimming, finding fossils, and identifying strange bugs and wild berries. By nightfall, my husband taught us how to start a fire (using branches from his half a tree he'd discovered), got a lesson in astrology, and taught us how to roast the marshmallow just right to build the best s’more, ever. 

That camping trip was not only a wonderful learning experience, it made memories. This was just the beginning of our camping adventures. Soon we upgraded to a camper (yes!), and we travel all over, from South Dakota, to Colorado, to many places in between. And we camp probably every other week all summer long. 

Crazy? Yes. Yes it is. But you know what? It's been 100% worth it every single time. 

Un-schooling is like our camping trip where learning is all the time; it is a very natural way to learn. And camping provided a great way for us to learn as a family, which compliments our un-schooling. Don't get the wrong impression. I have not ditched the curling iron and sweat resistant make-up while camping. But, I have fully embraced camping, being in the outdoors and taking in the beautiful world God made; with the sweet, sweet, comforts of my camper. 

It’s a way of life for us now and have learned that anything worth pursuing takes a little bit of crazy, a lot of prep, a large dose of patience, and of course it all happens and made simpler with a plan.

In the end, it was I, who truly learned the most. I was learning about nature through my husband’s eyes, and I liked what I saw…frogs, tents, bugs, and all!


Click here for all my tips on camping with kids.

Have you had successful or not-so-successful camping trips with your family? Do tell...

How to Bottle Your Good Days

When I have those good mama days, I just want to bottle it. They are so wonderful, so amazing, I want to repeat it. Desperately. So why not learn from these good days? Take notes, find out what we're doing right and repeat that? I found the love of this idea from my favorite site, Core Parenting, and I like what the author said: instead of trying to figure out how to make better our plethora of bad days, why not take notes on the good? 

I like it. 

Being our own guide on what's best for our own family takes conscious effort and who best on knowing what's best for own children and family than us mamas? 

I know for me, when I am my most patient, in my best mood, my most loving, my most attentive (in other words...at my best), is when I feel my best. Ya know what I mean? I've had a full nights rest, I'm dressed for the day at a decent hour, I'm utilizing my talents, my routine is flowing so the house is in good working order, and *ahem* my scripted plans for my life are flowing like a beautiful, flowing stream. These, are the makings for a wonderful day. I also take note of what works for my children so that we avoid unnecessary meltdowns, such as: slower mornings and planned, somewhat structured days; a wonderful day in the making!

Now I realize that having a wonderful day everyday is not an easy task, there are just so many variables when raising children. But, there is a way to make most days wonderful days and that is to take care of you! To make sure we are living consciously: regularly replenishing ourselves before it's too late, getting enough rest, having our quiet time with God, daily, to dream, to plan, to be the authors of our own lives, and to use our talents on an everyday basis. The rest of the formula for good days are going to be unique to you and your family. This, my friends, is a wonderful formula for bottling the good days. 

So when the bad days do strike, which they will, ditch the plans and rest with your babes, taking it extra slow. Joy comes in the morning again and God gives us a whole new day to live life to the fullest. 

You are an amazing mom, allow flexibility in your days, take care of yourself, see joy in the everyday, and understand that you are the best person for this job! Even when you're in a bad mood...

See, you can bottle the good days!

How do you set yourself up for good days? How do you handle the bad?

What You Should Know Before Asking Advice

I truly believe that seeking guidance from older women in our lives is important. They have a lot of wisdom and guidance to offer us younger moms and can save us from a lot of struggle. I remember receiving some great advice from my mom and my aunt as a new mother and wife when I needed it the most.

Titus 2:4 says: So that they may encourage younger women to love their husbands, to love their children.

But... I also do believe that it should never, take the place of your own mama instinct, listening to your husband, or your relationship with God. 

When I was a new mom, there was a time I absolutely could not function in my parenting, womanhood, or even my own family issues unless I sought out advice. This source of wisdom I had at my fingertips quickly became more like a dependency. I was depending on others and this didn't allow me to depend on God, respect my husband as leader of our home, or listen to my own motherly instinct that was very much trying to tell me something for years as a new mom. This can be crippling and devastating unless proper balance is restored. The mistake I made in my early marriage by not allowing my husband to be our spiritual leader in our home also hurt my marriage. 

Finding our own way in our motherhood is crucial for personal growth, depending on God for our main source of wisdom and strength absolutely necessary, and praying for our husbands daily and allowing him to lead the home creates a godly marriage of love and mutual respect.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ...

Gleaning from older women and seeking advice when we are living with God as our main source of wisdom, our motherly instinct intact, and allowing our husband to be leaders of our home, creates a wonderful resource for us moms. Don't make the   mistake of seeking advice outside of this order or it can have the opposite effect and be destructive to your family, you, your marriage, and your home.

Have you ever created a dependency on advice?

I'm linked up to, Joy Comes in the Morning's, Rubie Tuesdays. Click the image for more encouragement and inspiration.

one of the biggest lessons I learned as a young mother

I remember being that young mom in my early twenties with only a couple little ones under toe. I stayed at home, I baked, I cooked, I went to bible study, homeschooled, and had, 3-days a week, playdates with my best friend who had kids the same age. It was fun and hard at the same time and just the beginning of my mommy journey and I was loving it.

But I also remember the time when I felt something was missing. I remember calling my mom trying to figure out what that could possibly be. I was surrounded by motherhood bliss, what else could I possibly need? My mom thought I needed to get out, to take more breaks from my babies so I could replenish. Yes, it was nice to get-out once and awhile to refuel, but that wasn't my hearts need. 

God led me to what my heart needed and you know what that was?

To dream again. 

To pick up my paintbrush and charcoal pencils I had put away in exchange for diapers, to seek and find all my God-given talents and to use them for me, to use them to share with my family, my children, God's glory, and the world!

God revealed this need to me in a dream one night and it woke me up suddenly. I was startled, renewed, excited, motivated! I remember waking up my husband telling him what God told me I needed to do and he was my biggest supporter and fan. The idea of being a wife and mother and being Jenny, gave me such excitement!

God told me I didn't need to neglect me in order to be a good wife and mother. 

He had marvelous plans for me! And being and using all of me, made me a better mother and a better wife. It also taught my children to always seek and use what God has given them to do too. Once I picked up art pencils and paintbrush again, my children with interest picked them up and some of them are big-time artists and spend hours mastering their love! Watching me gave them curiosity, gave them motivation to try something new; they began to pursue things they loved and it was such a blessing to be the one to help them pursue it. 

Being continually conscious of the fact that we as mothers need to be all we can be for our children is important, as our children are always watching us and learn from us. 

This is how my love for cooking, baking, blogging, writing, speaking, unschooling, Planner Perfect Meals, and Planner Perfect came to unfold for me. It began by listening to my heart and by hearing what God pressed on to me to do. He wants you to do the same, mamas. 

It is never too late to explore your God-given talents and strengths. Seek them, find them, and use them! And if you're a young mama just starting out, don't delay! Being a mother using her strengths and talents and using them for her joy and to share with the world is what God wants for you. Enjoy it!

Have you ever felt this way in your motherhood? Maybe instead of feeling something was missing it came in the guise of feeling unmotivated and a lack of excitement to greet each day. Please share...

How to Plan Your Mother's Day

Me with my Brock who has a funny look on his face.. On Mother's Day.

It may sound silly to plan your own Mother's day, but I'm telling you from experience...it works!  

Why? 

Well, I have had some Mother's days, unplanned, that have been, well how do I say this... disappointing. 

Not that my family doesn't  shower me with love, it's just sometimes the love just fizzles out fast in the day.

You moms know what I'm talking about; one minute you're basking in your Mother's day glory and next minute someone is fighting over the cereal box, and your next 10-minutes is with a broom and dustpan and the day keeps going with that same momentum. 

Good feeling gone.


To be honest, I look forward to this day as though it were my birthday. After all, I'm a mom and proud of it! I have 7 babes ranging from eighteen to three and a handsome husband. I would love to wake up to the aroma of bacon and eggs being prepared for me, I don't want to do any housework all day, yet still have a clean home, do something fun like shop for flowers, and I want everyone to be in great moods and that means, no fighting children and everyone showers me with love and kisses! 

Is that too much to ask? 

The truth is--and this is from experience of course, it is. And that is why having your special day planned is just plain smart. It's taking care of ourselves, and that in turn makes us better mothers. All the wonderful surprises and love that we receive on this special day, are going to be icing on the cake! 

Here is some tips to ensure an amazing Mother's day. You deserve it!

Get out those Planner Perfect planners {Ideally, you'll want to be dreaming this up in April; once you get your groove-on with life planning, this will come natural and easy to do. }

In your Planner Perfect, put these ideas in your May goal pages, this is so you can be dreaming up ideas for your own mother, and get a lot of ideas and details down. Transferring this to your daily pages will then be easy. Script your Mother's day header at the top and if you've got a cute flower sticker to adorn your page...stick that on there, too!  

(PP tip: I love to keep stickers of different seasons in my planner for just these occasions. It creates beauty on my pages.)

 

Begin thinking of what you'd like to do for your own mom. My mom is in town and I like to celebrate her on the day before so I can devote attention to her fully and then Sunday is with my own family. If yours is not near, thinking about this earlier is important so you can get your gift sent on time and you've had time to put thought into her and what she'd like on this day, too.

What would you like to do for breakfast? I would love to have a big breakfast with everyone, so I make sure my kitchen is spotless before I go to bed and that I've got my pancake batter ready or whatever I'd love to prepare in the morning; easy for anyone or even I to prepare in the morning. Afterward, having everyone pitch in to pick-up to keep the kitchen tidy or if not already on it, have them pick-it up for you while you read a book or do something for yourself, like getting ready for the day.

Write down how you'd like to have your home look. I love to wake-up to a clean house. So on Saturday, I get my house in order and chores complete by everyone in the family to ensure this. Your Mother's day will feel fantastic with a clean home; even quarreling children are not that problematic if your not staring down messes in every room you look. 

What do you want to do in your day? I know this year where I live, the day is going to be sunny without a cloud in the sky...I want to pick out my flowers and hanging baskets. Then come home and children can get on their gardening gloves with me and we can plant all afternoon and follow it up with a lemonade.

In the afternoon, go for a walk, and make sure you have your favorite coffee or tea on hand so you can prepare it for a relaxing time in your day...

Dinner? Write down what you'd like to have happen. I know I'm bored sick of crowds and Mother's day is always busy. I prefer to eat at home with the comfort of my own family. I don't mind cooking, I love it...so preparing a wonderful meal for us will be fun. Having your husband man the grill is one way to keep the kitchen clean and less cooking for you. Enjoy your favorite coffee out on patio while your man grills and you and your children set the   table.

Dessert is a must! If you like baking...make your favorite cake the day before and keep it in your fridge for your special day. If your family already does this for you, then you've got this step covered. But if this is something you'd like to help celebrate, make sure you get it done, by baking it or buying your favorite at a local bakery. 

Write down how you would like to finish your night. Is it with a bath, painted  nails and a good book, once the young kids are in bed? Why not? Get it planned and make it happen. 




Ahh...what a great day! And these are just some example that I've done. Your day will be unique to you.


I hope that you see how planning your day and days leading up to your Mother's day is important. Being a life planner is vital for your mental health, personal growth, being completely organized, and ensuring a Mother's day of you deserve..


Have a wonderful Mother's day, friends! I would love to hear all about your Mother's day...leave a comment sharing how you celebrated and how planning it first, sealed the deal!

Be sure to check out my Planner Perfect Meals site for more Mother's day meal ideas!

Hugs,