Surprise Spring Break Picnic…and a giveaway

Byljanning@dukemanorfarm.com

My kids had Spring Break from school a few weeks back and because of my husband’s work schedule we stayed at home, staycation… which was totally fine for the kids and for me. To keep the week fun, besides not having to set the alarm, which was good enough for me, I planned each day with something that was special to them. We had movie day, fro yo and arcade day, fishing day, play dates with friends, and I kicked the week off with a special surprise picnic in our property park.


Being a busy mom, business owner, community volunteer and chief farm hand does not always give me a lot of time to do some of the things for myself, particularly when the kids are out of school. But then as a mom you realize, that a lot of the downtime you need and the joy that fills your heart comes from the eyes of your children. My pleasure and feeling of content is seeing them happy and experiencing joy.


We have several spots on the property for picnics but one in particular that we like is called ‘the park.’ This is an area under the trees in the front of the farm that we have a table and benches at and like to sit at frequently. It’s also on the spots that have meaning to us, like the time we placed our hand next to our son’s in the wet cement when he was a baby. Moments and places that are special.


Places that help me transition from the mom cleaning the house, cooking dinner or feeding the chickens, to the mom filling her love tank with her kids and creating memorable moments. Sitting at that table, laughing and eating with them… and their friends is pure sweetness and joy.

My surprise picnic couldn’t have happened on a more perfect Spring day. The guest list, besides the kids, included some of their favorite furry friends as well. Unfortunately, dad was the only one who could not make it. I filled the table with pretty flowers and all of their favorite treats. 
We had cupcakes, fruit, croissants, chocolate chip cookies and mama’s favorite Pepperidge Farm® Milano® cookies.


I would not be completely honest if I said I just had one… or two… or three.  Truth is, the dark chocolate Milano cookies have been a favorite cookie of mine for a long time, even before I became a mom, with kids and stuffed animals sitting at a picnic. In fact, I can’t remember who ate more, me or this guy.


I love being… a mother, daughter, friend, working woman, chief farm hand and a wife, but often don’t feel like I am doing all of them really well because of time. Sometimes you just need a moment. Whether it’s reading a book, going to the spa, working in the garden or having a picnic with your kids, take a pause from the many roles you do play and focus on yourself to savor those moments and take pleasure in the journey in your amazing life.
How do you savory life’s special moments? Tell me in a comment below for a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift card.
Good luck and don’t forget to be good to yourself.
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
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Just a gal that loves to share my family, home decor, design and life around here in the country.... on my real life funny farm at Duke Manor

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156 Comments

  2. I guarantee you that your children will remember times like this forever. How special to be able to spend time with those precious babies. Aren't those cookies the best?

    Judy

  7. I am none of these things anymore, except a wife (and that's just in that hour in the morning and hour before bed). My job keeps me so busy that I can't think of anything else. BUT…it's a trade-off I am willing to make, because for almost 15 years I got to stay home and focus on my sweet family!

  8. I enjoy special moments by trying not to rush things and by spending time outside where things are more relaxed.
    kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

  10. This time of year offers many days to go to the nearby sports fields while the kiddos are in school for the young at heart to get together and fly a kite. There are small prizes for highest, first one to get caught in a tree and biggest kite.

  11. Your kids are precious…I didn't know they were this young! Fun times!

    My sister, who passed away a few years back—way too soon, worked for Pepperidge Farm for 25 years. We were able to sample everything, and I mean everything, as they sold anything that was not perfect, and that was including the packaging. The cookies are my favorite and the turnovers are right up there! We still by PF products because of our loyalty to her. 🙂

    My most relaxing moments are sitting in my garden with a coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening, watching my pups roll in the green grass. Heaven!

    Jane x

  12. I savor life's moments by getting up early in the morning and making my Fruit Smoothie, and I will do yoga and meditate and this really helps me stay focused all day! Taking time for myself.
    email jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com

  15. I savor special moments by always having my ipad on hand to take photos and videos. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
    Erin
    ErinLoves2Run at gmail dot com

  20. My sons are grown men now, but one sweet memory I have is picking them up from daycare and we had a picnic supper at the city park, skipping homework for the evening. I'll always remember how excited they were to do something out of the ordinary, running, swinging, and playing. What they probably didn't realize is how fun it was for me, too, and feeling a little naughty skipping homework. But it's worth the memories, so don't be afraid to be naughty once in a while…homework can wait. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

  24. Part of the reason we decided to homeschool was so that we could savor those everyday moments. I also love to take pictures so that we can capture these sweet memories. Have a very Happy Mother's Day!!!

  25. Laura- Well, you are a wonderful mom and wife and farmhand and business owner and…what did I miss there…friend, daughter…hmmm…Everything you do -the love just shines through it all. I am so happy to have found your blog and found you here.

    Your children are just beautiful. Enjoy every moment with them at this age because it will be gone in one deep-drawn breath…and they will be big kids….and teenagers. Hope you have a wonderful week- xo Diana

  30. I savor life's special moments by taking pictures and keeping a diary so years from now I can look and read back and also leave those memories for my family members.

  32. My "children" all have 4 legs and fur, but they are my babies and I love them to pieces.

  33. I know you said to focus on myself, but my special moments come when I have my family all together. All of our children are grown with their own families and my oldest has his own grand babies. When I have them all with me it is a wonderful, happy time. We eat good food, laugh at and with each other and remember all of our good times.

  34. Your children will appreciate, someday, the time you put into setting the stage for these adorable pictures. Great ideas.

  46. I love curling up in my favourite chair with a cup of tea and a good book!

  55. I savor lifes precious moments by being completely present whenever I'm with my kids or my husband

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

  56. I savor life's special moments by sitting back and taking it all in, with the help of my favorite Milano cookie.

    nicole.ddziedzic at gmail dot com

  66. I savor life's special moment by taking pictures. It's always fun to look back, especially with my poor memory! hahaha….I love spending time and enjoying good food with my family. Food tastes better when shared with loved ones. 🙂
    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  72. As much as I *love* photos, sometimes I like to just put down my camera and be in the moment 🙂 (especially good if someone else is taking photos!)

  73. I try to be "present" in my loved ones' lives. I attempt to put down the phone, forget what I might want to do, and just be with them!

  75. I take lots of pictures and videos all the time. I am always getting new things each day.

    prettyinhotpink6 at gmail dot com

  79. One of my favorites is my 'lazy days'; I spend a whole day doing nothing productive. I read, listen to music, take a walk, watch old movies, take a long bubble bath, sip some wine or eat some dark chocolate…..and sometimes just daydream the day away. This is a rare treat for me.

  84. I savor moments by living in the moment and enjoying it to the fullest. Thanks so much. rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

  90. Love something in quiet – like a facial, massage or steam. Been years but a tired, working mom can dream! tvollowitz at aol dot com

  91. I love to unwind by doing some at home spa treatments or taking a nice run on a pretty day
    addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
    Ashley C

  96. i savor life's moments by giving everything the time it deserves and not rushing through
    stigay at comcast.net

  105. i savor spending me time every afternoon – i enjoy relaxing and watching my soaps

    debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

  117. I like me time that I can read a book – sometimes I play hide and seek with the kids and find a few moments of peace since I’m such a good hider. truckredford(at)gmail(Dot)com

  127. I savor life's special moments by turning off the electronics. It's so nice to just connect with the people who mean the most to me. Oh, food is usually involved too 😉
    dmarie824 at aol dot com

  133. I like to enjoy a caramel latte when my dad ( I am his caretaker) and my grandbaby ( I am her part time babysitter) both take a nap.

  134. I take lots of pictures so that I can remember them when I get older and the girls are no longer little. Thank you!
    crystalfaulkner2000 at yahoo dot com

  140. I savor life's moments after the kids are in bed, with a hot bath, a good book, and a glass of sweet iced tea.

    eswright18 at gmail dot com

  143. I try to be present in the moment always. I try to fixate on what is happening now, because that is all we truly have.
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

  156. I enjoy each moment of life by appreciating everything! And I like to make time for reading, something I love to do!

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