Quality Time with My Family

Posted by5thgenerationgirlPosted inUncategorizedTags:

Recently my son and daughter-in-law decided to start hosting game night at their home as a way to spend time together since all of our workloads haven’t allowed for many opportunities to catch up with one another. I’m excited because it not only allows me to see my grandchildren more, but my son is also the one who can always lift my spirits and make me laugh until it hurts. Although I’m glad he’s left the nest, I still miss his company. This quality time allows me to become more acquainted with my daughter-in-law as well as her family members.

The first game night was a blast! For me, it was emotional and exhausting all in one. I’d forgotten how much fun my children and I used to have when it was only us in the home. The daughter-in-law blended smoothly into the mix. It was a pleasure to see a side of her I’d yet to witness. The plan initially was to start with a game of dominoes; however, since none of us had played in a while, there were minor details regarding the rules some couldn’t agree on, lol. So instead, we began with something that was new to all of us. Unfortunately for this first gathering the only one’s present were my son and his wife, my daughter and of course myself. We started with a game titled “Do you Know Me”, which was a great since the idea was for us all to re-connect since the pandemic began along with all the other changes over the last few years. This is a card game where basically each player pulls cards with various questions along with a series of cards that read “yes” and “no”. One card of each based on the number of people playing the game. There are also blank cards for the option to create a question of your choice which proved to be very interesting. Initially, I figured the game may possibly be unfair to my daughter-in-law, thinking my kids and I (for the most part) knew the answers in regard to one another, but once again, a lot of time has passed and with that time also came much change for us all. Aside from that, I was a bit off with anticipating what the cards would say.

Next, we played a drawing game that from what I understand has been popular lately on social media. Each of us have a blank sheet of paper with one person standing behind the other. Every person has their eyes closed with the exception of the very last person. The person at the front of the line uses the wall as a platform to draw what they think the “feel” the person behind then who’s using their back as the drawing platform. The key is to firmly press the tool used for drawing against their back so they can feel the direction of the markings being made while attempting to draw the same pattern. This was a challenge considering my son stands over 6ft and my daughter barely 5ft. After 2-3 minutes everyone opens their eyes to see how close in comparison the drawings are. The goal is to discover how accurate one can “feel” the pattern of what the person behind them is. Each person rotates until all participants have drawn in each order from first in line to being in the very back of the line. This was hilarious to discover how rare any of our drawing turned out to be similar or even close in comparison to another person in the line. After discussing it, we found it the reason was mainly due to not “feeling” what the person was drawing, but more so trying to think like the person and guess what they would draw. The outcome was fun and brought us closer together sharing a great laugh.

Although I try my best not to, it’s hard to resist pleading with my son to sing for me EVERYTIME I see him. When he sings, his voice takes me to a place of peace that I can’t seem to find anywhere else. To my surprise he ended the night by not only adding a bit of karaoke, but before long we were all joining in. Ok, I tried to sing but we know I can’t, lol. I love when my children sing together and put on a show, but who knew the daughter-in-law could also hold a tune. The love and passion for music that my children have always had motivates them to listen to and enjoy all genres of music. In my son’s excitement, he made a wager very confident that I didn’t know a particular song he anxiously waited until the end of the night to sing for me. I was nervous until I heart the first few very distinct notes of the song as I hid my grin. I’m almost sure I’ve had to mention it at some point before now, maybe he forgot. A-Ha’s Take on Me, one of my many fav’s growing up, mainly due to the video. He was in shock! The bet was, he now has to sing for me every time we see each other. Had I lost, I’d be making lasagna and a few of his other favorite meals to bring to game night from now on.

Published by 5thgenerationgirl

Tammy Wynette is a mother of three and a “G-MA” (grandma). Born in Warren, Arkansas, she currently resides in Sacramento, CA and is pursuing an AA degree in English at American River College, with plans to transfer to California State University, Sacramento (Sac State). She is an active leader and role model in her community, she works with teens sharing and teaching poetry, as well as providing insight for young parents to prosper. She has certificate from NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) and is a trailblazer & Griot, keeper of stories/traditions passed down from her ancestors. As an Author and motivational speaker it’d be an honor to present at your events to inspire, encourage & let our VOICES be heard! She has short stories and poems published in Our Black Mothers Brave, Bold and Beautiful!

34 thoughts on “Quality Time with My Family”

  3. Pingback: Quality Time with My Family – Tonya LaLonde

  4. Games nights are the best, Tammy. I miss getting together with friends. We even have board game cafes here that we’re a blast to hang out at prior to the pandemic.

    If you like long strategic games, I suggest Settlers of Cattan as well as Ticket to Ride, two of my favourite board games.

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  6. I so enjoyed reading this. It was written very well, and I can tell that all of you had a very precious moment — a beautiful memory created. I love both of those games you played, they sound very interesting, especially that drawing one. LOL —
    When you all loved music, I smiled. I love music of all genres too! Music has been a great confidant for many years for me.
    My dear, you need to write a book. You’re a natural. As a college professor told me about myself, I’m telling you that you have an excellent “syntax.” You write how you’re supposed to write, as opposed to how we speak. It is a natural gift.
    Anyway, just thought I’d drop a note of appreciate for your beautiful transparency. God hold you and your wonderful family in his sheltered Grace, always and forever.

    GD.

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    1. I appreciate the encouragement. I haven’t been able to focus on my writing for months due to stress with my job. I have several pieces I’ve started but I’m not happy with the structures.
      I’m also working on a book that is on pause due to new discoveries through research. Struggling w/ my mental health & at this point trying to stay hopeful by putting it all in God’s hands my friend. Take care!

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      1. I definitely can relate, as I have trimmed down on the amount of entries as well. The best thing about our writing gift is that we just accumulate inspiration, and when the time is right we can produce.
        God is always with us. I can tell by your writing that you have a kind heart, and a kind heart is a mighty sword,

        God bless,

        GD

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      2. I began blogging mainly to help become familiar with computers again since my seizures started in 2012, so my earlier post are all works I’ve written. Thankfully, I never throw anything away because I never know when the inspiration will hit me, lol. Blessings to you as well.

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  7. This is so great, Tammy! It’s been a little longer than usual since I’ve seen my grands, due solely to the fact that I’ve been sick with one thing or another for the entire month of November! Finally, the fog lifted and I was able (ready and willing, also!) to get together with my son, DIL and grands for Thanksgiving. After dinner, I was starting to get a bit tired; it was my first outing in a month, after all. Then my grandson suggested we play Bingo. Let the transformation begin! I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as they set the game up on the dining room table and we played for 2 hours before my husband and I headed home. What a great day and so many reasons to be thankful! Enjoy your family to the fullest!

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    1. Ooh thanks for sharing. I know you’ve been sick, however I wonder if eventhough it can be a challenge for me when I don’t feel well, by spending time with my son, I really forget about my physical pain which is constant. The laughter & watching him nuture his children is the best medicine. Is it similar for you? Simply being in the presence of your kids & grands help with the healing.

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  8. Pingback: Quality Time with My Family — 5thGenerationgirl – BEAUTIFUL SOUL

      1. We played a game called “Stir the Pot” where we read questions from a card and asked which person in the room is the most likely to do this. For example, one of the questions was, “who’s the person most likely to wear the same underwear for days 🤣?” We had lots of fun, some questions of course to avoid offending anyone we declined to answer🤣.

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  15. I am so happy for you, all of you, that there is so much love and the enjoyment of one another’s presence! Makes me miss my boys 🙂 and, it really is a wonderful thing to really like your daughter-in-law, and she you. Your son singing is definitely less laborious than your preparing all that food, but something tells me you’ll be bringing them to game night over time anyway. : )

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