MOTHER’S DAY + FAMILY VALUES

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend! Still feeling extra grateful that these 5 made me a mama and for the crazy adventure and wild love that comes with motherhood. There is nothing like it.

Of course we all know it’s not all morning snuggles and dance parties. It’s exhausting and challenging and incredibly humbling to raise these kids. I’m thankful though that just as they’re growing and learning, so am I. My perspective has changed over the years which makes everything more enjoyable. My faith has been tested which has made me stronger. And my arsenal of tools and resources has grown, which has made a world of difference.

One of the most applicable tools we’ve used is creating a list of 5 Core Family Values. It’s given so much structure and purpose to how our family operates and makes decision making so much easier too (hooray!). So I thought I would share with you what ours are in case it’s helpful! Keep in mind, this is less a way of measuring how good we are at each value and more a way to keep us focused on what’s most important.

Sharing our list in detail and pics from Mother’s Day at my parent’s house below!

One last “warning” because I had a hard time emphasizing that all of these values are “in progress”. We are in no way, shape or form, perfect at any of them… okay, now you can read :)

OUR 5 CORE FAMILY FALUES

WE SET EACHOTHER (+ OTHER’S) UP FOR SUCCESS — My personal favorite because instead of forcing things, it reminds me to do what works! It means we support each other when we’re thriving as well as when we’re struggling. It also makes self care a priority so I know exactly what to do when that “mom guilt” creeps up on me! YAY!
WE ARE GENEROUS — That means when a student comes to the door with a fundraiser, we buy something. When we are eating out, we leave big tips and when God gives us an opportunity to give to a charity, we give. It also means we’re generous with intangible things too… like patience, love, encouragement, etc.
QUALITY TIME — This is why everything from our morning routine, to tuck-ins, and reading is a big thing at our house, and why we plan outings and activities as a family outside of the house (less distractions!). It’s also what makes making an effort to plan date nights and kid dates worth the effort — no matter our love languages.
FUN, FUN, FUN — Even when we’re tired, we’re going to rally. Even when the experience/situation is a dud, we’re going to look for ways to make it fun. And when we’re faced with two choices and one will be more fun than the other, we know which one to choose :)
WE LOVE LIKE JESUS — This one is more of a challenge to be less selfish, judgmental and fearful and more prayerful, proactive, inclusive, present and approachable. More than anything it makes people’s hearts our priority and dictates how we show up for them. It also requires us to do the hard things when it comes to setting healthy boundaries and navigating relationships… It’s complicated and simple all at the same time and not to be completely cheesy but I find asking WWJD actually really helpful, ha!

Ohhhh, the chaos of trying to get (almost) everyone in the frame. For the most part our kids appreciate and even enjoy getting their pictures taken but that doesn’t mean the process goes smoothly… one of these days I’m going to set up a video camera so we can document and share the whole process, lol.