Here’s the newest calendar I’ve put together for Simply Wholehearted. It’s a July Calendar filled with 31 activities, affirmation statements or questions to use with the 5-15 minutes you want to make more meaningful with your kids.

No matter when you have a few minutes to click and print you can start on any idea which   catches your fancy. ForJuly 1stthe sidewalk chalk idea is inspired by Collective member Annaliese Higgins, a fifth grade teacher in Colorado. It’s a fun twist on doing something nice to your neighbor. This time, write a kind or encouraging message (in chalk) on their sidewalk or driveway.

For July 4thhere are some video options for listening to someone else read the Declaration of Independence, as read by Max McLeanor as read by a host of celebrities.

July 5this a perfect opportunity to our release of the Simply Wholehearted Podcast and to pray for our leaders. 1 Tim. 2:1 The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.

Take July 6th’sidea as far as your giggles will allow! Walk backwards, wear your clothes backwards, eat dinner for breakfast and so many things. I did even drive backwards a few times in my neighborhood the other week. It did evoke much laughter.

Read a helpful idea on dating your kids (the 19th) on last month’s calendar post. I highly recommend dating your kids once a month. Use some the question ideas and even affirmations already listed on the calendar to help foster conversation.

A massage train (July 31st) is a fun way to connect with your littles and bigs. Even if it turns into a tickle war, foot massage or if trimming kids’ toenails and finger nails feels a little more practical this is a reminder to fill their physical touch needs. Plus, if you’ve made a point to do several of these meaningful moment makers, you deserve a massage!

Remember, we all need some fresh encouragement now and for news ideas and tons of grace to celebrate every meaningful memory made this month.

xo, Amy