Resolving to enjoy every adventure...

As the New Year begins you can’t help but feel like you’re getting a little bit of a fresh start.  Not just because of the resolutions you may or may not have made, but the general calm that comes with the close of a bustling holiday season. Less hustle more normal. A chance to dismantle all those decorations, clean everything, of course, sort out old toys and make room for new… and maybe try a new adventure too!

As a mom a New Years resolutions can be tricky, as you so rarely think of just yourself. You could try a new cookbook recipe (despite the cries of childhood disapproval), to take time to reconnect with friends or get your nails done (despite lack of time to shower much less talk on the phone independently), or maybe as a mom the best resolutionmight just be to be Brave. Don’t get me wrong, I try very hard to practice what I preach and set out fearlessly on an adventure with two kids and a backpack of wet ones and cereal bars…. but fear of the unknown and that unexplainable mom gift to see all the possible things that could go wrong often creeps in. So this year try a little harder. Try something new as a family like eating out at a restaurant or to discover a fun adventure like a children’s music class. You could even tackle a project at home that seems “too messy” “too much work” or “too old” because it could turn out to be “too much fun.” 

For me this year I’m taking a few deep breaths and trying to be an example of flexibility, through a bit more spontaneous action and likely a ton more humility. Topping our adventures will surely be crafting projects. My kids are artists and I honestly love to draw and create too. We assembled a “Make Things Box” for 2020 including all kinds of incidental craft supplies, paint pens, sharpies, googly eyes and pompoms … plus recycled items like paper towel rolls, empty containers, jugs, and boxes. We also love to cook together (mostly desserts) so I’m trying to work our way through my new Magnolia Table Cook Book and try one new recipe a week if we can together. Shopping for the items and mixing it up together; don’t worry I’ll keep plenty of mac and cheese on hand in case it goes south! 

We will also be working on exploring some new local adventures like signing up for a course at the New Lenox Park District.  Be it gymnastics, dance or sports they have a huge selection to keep your family busy and excited. We also love to see what’s new at the New Lenox Public Library for programming or just exploring a new book to keep the winter blues at bay. And my new favorite adventure is to explore eating out! With one picky eater and one eat anything kid we often resist the opportunity to explore our inner foodie, but baby steps to a few kid friendly spots will hopefully ease us in. Topping our list is a favorite for eat in or take out, Chicago Dough Company on Route 30 in New Lenox, we love their mostaccioli and spectacular pizza too, but nothing tops the cheese sticks! We are also sure to reward our sweet tooth with a favorite Frozen Yogurt outing to Sweet Frog in Frankfort. The kids love the idea of making their own ice cream creations and adding ALL the toppings too! 

So welcome 2020 and all you have in store, from birthday parties to potty training… bring it on! Looking back at 2019 I am so grateful for the memories and the journey. What I remember most are the moments when we as a family just stopped worrying, stuck together and had a great adventure.  I look forward to so many more that 2020 has to offer. 

I’m Rebecca Barker… mom of two, wife and writer. I’ve lived in New Lenox most of my life and excited to share some of the adventures that go along with being a mom. Skip the nap, grab a snack, get creative and Be Brave Mom. For more follow me @bebravemom2 on Facebook; @Be_Brave_Mom on Twitter and https://bebravemom.blogspot.com

As scene in the January 8, 2020 edition of the New Lenox Patriot