Friday Favorites

I have been really thinking about my little family and families in general lately.  Ryan and I have noticed a lot of bickering between our kids and a lot of disconnected-ness in general.  I have always had an inkling that technology had something to do with it, but, darn it...the TV is the BEST babysitter! :-) And the ipod can keep Rach entertained for HOURS!  However, good old fashioned fun and laughing had diminished quite a bit in our household.  Then this past weekend as we were listening to our church General Conference the thing that stuck out the most to me was something that Rosemary Wixom of the General Primary Presidency said, "....disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other".  I LOVE this and feel it is an answer to the contention and confusion in our home.

So with that said, before conference I had found a couple books that I LOVE that help and they are my favorites this week!

Unplugged Play: No Batteries. No Plugs. Pure Fun.  I actually saw this book at the science museum gift shop and flipped through it while the kids were looking around.  I knew instantly that I wanted to check it out at the library to have a closer look.  And then I just bought it off Amazon.  It is FULL of games and activities the kids can play without technology from ages birth to 99!  It is awesome!  We have played some and the kids love them.  Highly recommend!!

The Happy Family Game.  I found this at the library this past week and it is such a fun book.  It is full of questions and pretend scenarios that you answer.  You really get to know your family members better and have fun!  I will probably buy this one!

Mitten Strings for God: Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry by Katrina Kenison  I saw a video on facebook a couple weeks ago of her reading a excerpt from one of her books, The Gift of an Ordinary Day.  I looked online at our library and they have several by her and this was one of them.  I REALLY love this book!  I will probably buy this one too.  It would be an excellent book for book club or just to discuss with other moms.  It has really made me stop and think about what kind of a mother I am and what I need to do to slow down.  Again...highly recommend.

One last one...

Celebrate: A Year of Festivities for Families and Friends by Pippa Middleton  I just saw this at the library a couple days ago and I had to snatch it up.  I mean, really, who could resist something by someone closely connected to Will and Kate? ;)  I have heard about it and I wanted to see what kinds of things she does.  So far I love it!  I think I may need to buy this one too!