Quality Time During the Summer “Slow-down”

Summer. What does that mean for you?  For some it is a time to rest, getting caught up on that never ending list, and spending quality time with family. Well, at least that is what we all hope for. You know there is something about the summer season when people hope for time to slow down, allow for rest, and things to get reset. Before I became the Elementary Children’s Director at our church, I was a teacher for seven years, and summer was just that, a time for rest while the rest of the year was non-stop. 

Now, I have a glimpse of what working parents deal with during the summer. The pace doesn’t slow down, just the mindset of some people may shift. When I say mindset you know what I am talking about - the vacation mindset, beach mode, I am off. For my family this summer is bringing big changes. We are closing the chapter on being a family of three and starting our new chapter to becoming a family of four. Therefore, this summer I am trying to dedicate quality time with my daughter while I am still a working parent. I don’t have it all figured out, but I do have some key points that are working for us.

Set a Work Schedule and Stick to It

In order to have the quality time that you may want with your children during the summer, you will have to set a work schedule and plan accordingly. Do you have the ability in the summer to work from home on some days? If so, do it! Determine the hours needed to work throughout the week and plan ahead. 

For me, I have set office hours work and then work from home the remainder of the time. For those who may not be able to work from home, you may ask if you can adjust your hours each day for the summer in order to have a little more time at home. Think about this: if you got to work one hour earlier and stayed one hour later four days a week, you would have an extra day. Again if that is an option, try to make it happen. Planning out your schedule is going to ensure that your work will get completed but will also allow for you to focus on family time not during those scheduled hours.  

Be Intentional

Some of you read my first point and probably laughed out loud, “Must be nice to set your own schedule.” This would be where being intentional will come into play. Whether or not you have a schedule set for you or you have some flexibility, being intentional is key. Just like in any situation, being intentional is going to make the plan work for your benefit. Spending quality time with your children this summer must be intentional. Guess what? We all need to tell our time what to do, or it will tell us what to do. In a quick blink, our children are back at school, and we missed out. 

To be intentional means to get off of your phone, close out social media, and be present with your children. Spending intentional quality time with your children doesn’t mean that you need to spend money or be with them every second. Play a board game, play outside in a sprinkler or with water balloons, go to the park, play dress up, make cookies or fruit popsicles together. Allow your children to show you what being young again is like. Being young again brings me to my last point. 

Have Fun!

This is challenging for me. I like to be in control and not let go. I believe it's difficult for most of us adults to use our imaginations and simply have fun. When I think of having fun with my daughter I also think of the mess that will be made. I like order, and, in times of fun, I have to breathe through the mess and find the joy in the moment. 

Seeing my daughter smile and laugh provides me with joy that cannot be explained. Let your children see you smile, let loose, and have fun. Get involved with your children when they play this summer, be a kid again yourself, and truly have fun.  

8 Summer Recipes

One of the best ways to foster community is enjoying a meal together. What better time to come together than summer? Summer nights have a way of bringing people around the table for relaxed conversation and fun. We'd like to help you build community by providing some delicious recipes for your summertime menu.

Whether you're inviting people over, headed to a potluck dinner, or gathering with your small group, we've got some great summer recipes to share!

8 Summer Recipes

1. Pasta Salad

Ingredients: 1 lb. tri-colored spiral pasta, 6TBSP salad seasoning mix, 1 (16 oz) bottle Italian-style salad dressing, 2 cups cherry tomatoes (diced), 1 green bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 yellow bell pepper (all bell peppers diced), 1 (2.5 oz) can black olives (chopped)

"In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain. Whisk together the salad spice mix and Italian dressing. In a salad bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and olives. Pour dressing over salad; toss and refrigerate overnight."

2. Chicken Soup

Ingredients: Rotisserie Chicken (take off the bone and chop small), Jar of salsa verde, 2 cans Cannelloni beans drained, 1.5 cups tomatoes cut into bite-sized pieces, 8 cups fat free chicken stock

Put all ingredients into a crockpot and turn on low in the morning. Soup will be ready to serve for dinner. For a quicker option, cook on the stove top for 30 minutes. Squeeze one lime into the soup as it is cooking and slice lime to squeeze into each bowl. Season to taste.

(You may also add chopped avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream to each bowl when served.)

3. Shrimp Salad Sandwich

Ingredients: 1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled and de-veined), 3 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped, 3 celery stalks, minced, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, Dash onion salt, salt and pepper, seasoning salt, celery salt, 8 slices your choice bread, toasted, lettuce and tomato slices (optional)

Place shrimp in a food processor and pulse until finely minced. Transfer shrimp to a bowl and add eggs, celery, and mayonnaise; mix well. Add seasonings to taste and stir to combine. Spread additional mayonnaise on both sides of bread. Heap shrimp salad onto bread and then cut sandwiches in half. Serve with lettuce and tomato, if desired.

4. Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2″ – 2″ chunks, salted lightly, 1 1/2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce, 1 lb bacon, cut into 1″- 1 1/2″ segments, fresh pineapple cut into 2″ chunks

"Combine chicken pieces with 1 cup of the BBQ sauce and marinate for 2-3 hours. (This step can be omitted if you’re pressed for time!) Microwave bacon for 2-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and preferred crispiness. Let bacon cool slightly. Using kabob skewers, thread chicken, bacon pieces and pineapple in a pattern. The larger pieces of pineapple are easier to skewer. Fold thin bacon pieces over in half and arrange next to the chicken, being careful to not put the bacon pieces too close to anything else, so that they have space to heat up properly to cook. Grill kabobs until chicken reaches 155-160 degrees F. Slather remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce on kabobs when they’re nearly cooked. Cover loosely with foil and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

5. Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness, 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite!), 1 15-ounce can pineapple slices (including juice), 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic, ¼ cup oil, fresh cilantro, chopped

"In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, juice from the can of pineapple slices, soy sauce, and garlic. Pour half of the mixture into a large resealable bag. Add oil and chicken. Seal bag and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Reserve remaining sauce mixture and chill until ready to use.

Grease and preheat grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from bag, discard bag and marinade, and grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Grill pineapple slices along with the chicken, 2-3 minutes on each side til heated through and just beginning to char.

When chicken is finished cooking, brush with reserved sauce, top with chopped cilantro and serve with grilled pineapple slices."

6. Low Country Boil

Ingredients: 1/2 cup concentrated Louisiana-style shrimp and crab boil seasoning (such as Zatarain's), 4 pounds medium red potatoes, 2 to 3 medium sweet onions, such as Vidalia, peeled and quartered if large, 2 1/2 pounds cured, smoked pork sausage links, cut into 3-inch pieces, 8 ears of corn, cut in half, 4 pounds medium shrimp

"Fill a 7-gallon stockpot halfway with water (or use 2 large pots and divide the ingredients between them). Add the seasoning and bring to a rolling boil. Add the whole potatoes to the pot. Allow the water to return to a boil and cook 5 minutes. Add the onions and sausage. Bring the water back to a boil and cook 15 minutes. Add the corn, bring the water back to a boil and cook 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are done.

Add the shrimp, bring the water back to a boil and cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3 minutes. Drain through a colander; discard the liquid. Serve on newspaper or a platter."

7. Burgers & Brats

Ingredients: ground beef, salt and pepper, Tony Chacherie's seasoning, Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce, brats (flavor of your choice), Hawaiian roll buns, veggies of your choice

Mix ground beef with Tony Chacherie's seasoning and salt and pepper. Form hamburger patties and put on the grill. Put the brats on the grill as well. When the burgers are almost done, put some BBQ sauce on the patties. While those are grilling, either grill veggies in foil or bake veggies in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.

8. Orange Jello Salad

Ingredients: 20 oz crushed pineapple, 9 oz cool whip, 1 large orange jello (or any flavor), 1 cup of nuts, 2 cups of buttermilk

Mix pineapple with jello on stove until hot (don't boil). Let it cool, add in other ingredients, and place in fridge.

 

What are some of YOUR favorite summer recipes? Comment below!

Take advantage of the times that you have to join in community. Don't miss out on the opportunity for time with family, lifelong friendships, and connections. We hope you enjoy your summer! 

26 Inexpensive Things to Do with Your Kids This Summer

When the kids are out of school, it can be a bittersweet time for parents. Lots of fun comes with summer, but the kids' boredom can set in quickly. Parents have a great opportunity during the summer to make lasting memories with their kids while keeping the kids entertained at the same time!

We put together some inexpensive ideas for you and your kids to have some fun together this summer! At the bottom of the list, we’ve included a bonus activity so be sure to scroll all the way through!

1. Local Parks & Playgrounds

    Pack a picnic and head out to a local park!

• Carl Miller Park
• Neighborhood Playgrounds

2. Dollar Movies

Did you know that many movie theaters have dollar movie days/mornings?

Regal Cinemas offers $1 movies on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings throughout the summer. Check their website for specific details. Sit back and enjoy a kids' feature in the air conditioning!

3. Hiking

Put on comfy shoes and head out to explore nature. Make sure you pack extra water and snacks!

• Line Creek Nature Area
• Kennesaw Mountain (Civil War history may interest older kids!)
• Chattahoochee Bend State Park

4. Library

Libraries have lots of resources and fun for kids other than just books. Head over to your local library to find out what they have going on during the week. Sometimes they give free classes and read books to the kids!

5. Go Swimming

Find a friend with a pool or visit your neighborhood pool. Maybe there's a lake that you love to go to as well. Make sure to jump in and enjoying splashing and playing with your kids!

• Lake Lanier - There are many areas within Lake Lanier, so don't feel like you just have to go to the main section!
• Lake Martin
• West Point Lake

6. Make Slime

Find out how to make slime and where to buy materials HERE!

7. Sprinklers or Slip n’ Slide

Sprinklers may not sound thrilling to us as adults, but for kids, it’s the best! Running around with the water falling is great and having a slip n’ slide is even better!

8. Ride Bikes

Riding bikes around the neighborhood is fun, but there are also plenty of places to ride bikes in Peachtree City and at Callaway Gardens!

9. Catch Bugs

Buy a little bug catcher or use a jar and let your kids find crickets, ladybugs, caterpillars, and other fun bugs to watch. Magnifying glasses are available at dollar stores to get a really close view!

10. Play Sports

Playing sports is always a fun time during the summer. Grab a ball or frisbee and get outside! Use stools, hula hoops, or other items to make an obstacle course in your yard. Time each other to see who makes it through the fastest!

11. Make S’mores

S’mores by the fire are so yummy, but did you know that you can also make s’mores in the microwave on those rainy days? Click HERE to find out how!

12. Build a Fort - Blankets or Cardboard Boxes

Building a fort is a classic! If you don't have boxes, place a large blanket over the kitchen table, and everyone can crawl inside. Use flashlights and tell stories or read. Don’t miss out on indoor "camping!"

13. Bake Cookies

Baking and decorating cookies is not only fun for the kids, it’s also beneficial for you! 

14. Pick Berries at a Farm

Head over to a local farm and pick some blueberries or strawberries!

• Whitley Farms
• Adams Farms

15. Water Balloons

Let your kids get outside and fill up some water balloons. Have a water balloon war and see who wins! For older kids, use sidewalk chalk to draw targets with points on the driveway and play water balloon "darts."

16. Finger Painting

The good thing about summer is that you can do so much outside. Grab some paint and old clothes and let the kids use their hands to create art. Let your kids paint with inexpensive household items for cool textures (i.e. toothbrushes, hairbrushes, small brooms, or combs).

17. Sidewalk Chalk

The awesome part about sidewalk chalk is that you can draw over and over again. As soon as that chalk washes away, the kids can draw again! Trace each other on the pavement and create your own chalk "selfies!"

18. Bowling

Bowling alleys often provide special discount offers. Check out your local bowling alley’s website to find a day to go!

19. Music

Turn on some music, play dress up, and get to dancing! Everyone loves a good beat.

20. Sno Cones or Popsicles

Buy a shaved ice maker or just some ice trays with popsicle sticks. Put some soda or juice in the ice trays, put in the popsicle sticks, and in just a few hours, you’ll have refreshing popsicles!

21. Bubbles

Who doesn't love bubbles? Head over to Walmart or the Dollar Store to get a couple of different sizes of bubbles and wands!    

22. Water Color Painting

Get outside or set up a painting table for water color painting. A spray bottle filled with water color paint is also a fun way to paint an old bed sheet or tablecloth. 

23. Picnic

Enjoy an outdoor picnic at a local park or even in your backyard! Let the kids make the sandwiches and help pack up the snacks. Have them take their favorite beach towel or blanket to sit on.

24. Make Tie-Dye Clothes

Learn how to make tie-dye clothes HERE!

25. Decorate Cookies or Cupcakes

Pop some cookie dough or cupcake batter into the oven and get the icing ready! Give each child a container of icing and let them spread it on. Get creative with fun toppings such as brownie pieces, sprinkles, Reese's, M&M's, Skittles, or other small candies.

26. Marble Painting

Get an old or cheap container (foil baking pans work great!), some marbles, a piece of blank paper, and paint. Give one to each kid and have them rock the containers back and forth to make the marbles roll through the paint and create art! Click HERE to see how.

BONUS:

Sign up for Summer eXplosion! 

Join us for Summer eXplosion from June 13 - June 15 at our Thomas Crossroads Campus! Each day, we will have activities for rising Kindergarteners - rising 6th Grade from 9:00AM - 12:00PM. 

There will be skits during large group times to learn about the Bible, small group activities where the kids will learn more about Jesus, crafts, fun games outside, and a water day! Your kids will not want to miss out on all of the fun at Summer eXplosion!

Do you have more suggestions?

Let us know by commenting below!