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Feb 2011

Bee-ing Intentional.

February 28, 2011 By 11 Comments
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“Fiddle-dee-dee, fiddle-dee-dee,
The fly has married the bumblebee.
Said the fly, said he,
“Will you marry me,
And live with me sweet bumblebee?”
Fiddle-dee-dee, fiddle-dee-dee,
The fly has married the bumblebee.”

Now that I’m emerging from the mama-fog that comes with having a newborn, I’ve been focusing on playing more intentionally and creatively with my boys. I am astounded at the difference in our day when I make time to plan an activity that strays from our norm. Not only do we connect on a deeper level, we have more fun as a family.

bug hunting

Yesterday my husband created treasure maps that led to a hidden trove of Girl Scout cookies. Today, the Target dollar-bin section caught my eye (yeah, you know the one you can never walk past without adding something to your cart). Bug-themed goodies signaling that spring is (finally) coming lined the shelves. Ten dollars later I had all materials needed for a surprise family bug hunt at the park. You can easily find or make similar items from everyday household items too. Here was the list:

- A handful of bug books describing an assortment of buggy creatures (We used them as our field guide, but you can find printables online too).
- Butterfly nets
- Bug lockets (to carry bugs safely)
- One bug looker (a magnifying glass container)
- Felt bug masks — who can go bug hunting without a bug mask? I do believe they help you spot bugs more easily.

Off we went in search of all things creepy and crawly. While we didn’t find a ton of bugs (it is still winter after all), we learned about centipedes, snails, spiders, bug eggs and to stay away from prickly vines. And, I left knowing that it doesn’t *bug* me at all to carve out special time each day for creative and unexpected fun.


Are you taking a break from the daily grind to play more purposefully with your minis? Show us snippets from your everyday and some of the activities you are doing.

Co-editor Stephanie Beaty is a blessed mama of three children and military spouse. After a 10-year career as a professional writer/PR pro she began Lifeography, a modern child + family portrait studio where she focuses on capturing relationships and connections. Although her growing family currently resides in Virginia Beach, Va., home is wherever the Navy sends them. Write to her at hello@lifeographer.com.

About Stephanie


Stephanie is a blessed mama of three (with a baby on the way) and military spouse. After a 10-year career as a professional writer/PR pro she began Lifeography, a modern child + family portrait studio where she focuses on capturing relationships and connections. Although her growing family currently resides in Virginia Beach, Va., home is wherever the Navy sends them.

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  • http://kariemurrayphotography.com Karie Murray

    this is where i’m at. love how you put it! -”coming out of the mama fog that comes with having a newborn.” My little guy is 9 months now and those months were coupled with the growth of my photography business and working another side job while my husband was out of work. Ready for things to slow down and enjoy the days with my littles. ….and I find when I’m intentional about doing things they love and will get involved with our day goes so much better. Thanks for sharing! …and I think I’m going to have to make a trip to Target. those bug mask are awesome!

  • http://www.bellinipics.com/blog stephanie

    I looooove this! I need to get out of my office sometimes and embrace these ever fleeting moments with my boys. You’ve inspired me to do so….thank you! xo

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  • Mara

    Great advice! I have a 6 week old, and I completely identify with the fog as you describe it. I have goals to do intentional activities with my 2 and a half year old, but it’s been hard given the newborn and that my toddler is a bit on the young side for what I would like to do. I would like to every week cook something together and then also do an art project or one othervintentional activity (I have 2 days a week off from work once my maternity leave is over). I think planning every week’s activities at the beginning of the week will keep me on track.

  • Mara

    Oh, and I COMPLETELY agree about the dollar bin at Target!

  • kate

    Super cute idea. I love how you wrote about the deeper connection shared with your kids when really engaging with them. I’m always looking for new ways to take us out of the norm!

  • http://www.farfromflawlesslife.blogspot.com Missy June

    Oh yes, taking a moment to do something extra helps so much … even moreso when you have two or more children. I think it speaks to them that, “You’re important, I want to do something for just you!” What a gift and treasure!

  • http://www.mychaosmybliss.com Cecily R

    So…what does it mean if I’m still in the mama-fog and my youngest is 3?

    I do try to grab at moments as often as possible. Probably not enough. It DOES just whiz by though, and I’d hate to look back and wish I’d done more.

    Great post. What lucky kids you have!

  • http://therancherswifesphotography.com The Rancher’s Wife Kate

    I love this so much. I notice a huge difference in everyones attitude when we take time to do things intentinally as a family!!! Thank you for the reminder, and the fun ideas.

  • http://www.theprairiehen.blogspot.com The Prairie Hen

    Dear BEE-autiful mama,
    What a sweet thing to do… We do a lot together as I stay home and we homeschool… BUT… I have to admit sometimes I forget to really turn the fun factor up a notch as we just go about our business and the daily grind.

    Thanks for reminding me how easy and important this is.
    Love,
    Bee Doin’ That Soon in NE

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