Fun Friday Family Nights (guest post) ~

Guest Post by Stacy, friend and Simple Saving Savvy reader:

Friday night at our house means two things: time together and most importantly, dessert! Whether it is a family game or movie, service projects or date night for Mom and Dad, it is our aim to spend Friday nights with each other. It is usually cheap, and usually fun – but not always perfect, just like us.

Here are some of our recent nights, and a few of our upcoming plans:

• UNO and Mile High Fudge Pie. UNO is a game we can all play, even if we have to change it up a little. We always let our 3 year-old join in by matching colors during the rounds.

• Solitaire and Cookies – Aren’t you thinking that Solitaire is an individual game? Yes it is, but our boys were wanting to learn how. So my husband and I coached them along, and my daughters and I baked cookies. I have altered the Crisco Ultimate Chocolate Chip recipe to fit our family’s allergy restrictions.

• Birthday night – our youngest daughter’s 3rd birthday is Sunday so we are celebrating on Family Night (this works because she doesn’t know the actual date). Dessert is chocolate cake! Activity is house-decorating and visiting with relatives.

• Double Duty Day – two family activities. The first is a visit to an Alzheimer’s Unit. We are going to exchange Valentines and play some cards, or just visit. Second activity is a local event – a ball. Yes, I said a “ball.” The Annual Winter Ball is a benefit event for every member of the family to participate in. We are all able to dress up and go out on a family date. The proceeds benefit a different Christian ministry every year. There is a short ballet performance and then there are line dancing lessons for all.

• Service project – We are finishing the fleece blankets we started. We donate these to a foster care ministry for children. We are going to finish a pink polka-dot one, and a CARS one. If you can use scissors and tie your shoes, then you can make this blanket.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

From me: Stacy is the wife of a pediatrician and homeschool mom to four children, two boys (9,7) and two girls (5,3).  She has a servant's heart and the reputation of a prayer warrior. I do not know Stacy well, but from what I do know, she seems to exemplify 1 Peter 3:3-4 ~ And let not your adornment be merely external...but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.