M is for MINDFUL MEDIA

M is for MINDFUL MEDIA

The image above says it all- this one is a "soapbox issue" for me :-).  I am a voracious consumer of all media- a self-confessed bibliophile, and a reality TV dabbler.  However, simply because I consume a variety of media (admittedly, some of it of questionable quality ;-), that doesn't mean that my children are afforded the same freedoms.  After all, I occasionally consume alcohol; that doesn't mean my children are allowed to do the same- that'd be dangerous!  I'm here to remind you that without careful monitoring, the media can be equally dangerous to children.  

It isn't my goal to simply share with you the statistics regarding the media's impact on children; you can check those out when you have time at the American Psychological Association's website. The APA site is a wellspring of information to help folks sit up and take notice of the fact that the messages children see and hear everyday (even if they're only in the background)  have a lasting impact on their psyches.

Here's what I'd like you to consider...I'd like you to take a minute a go through the Rolodex in your head that contains all of the television shows, movies, and video games to which your children are exposed on a regular basis.  Really think about each of those shows- the content, the characters (and any stereotypes that might be perpetuated) as well as the messages that are being conveyed- either overtly or subconsciously.  I'd also like you to consider the messages contained in the commercials that are shown during the shows they're watching.

Do you agree with all of these messages?  Are these shows modeling for your child opinions and ideas that you can stand behind? If not, it's time to really think about the media policy in your home.

Television and video games are not "rights"; they are privileges!

For a moment I'd like you to consider something rash...relegating television viewing and video gaming on your home to weekend days.  No, this doesn't mean you can't watch your TV when the kids are in bed- it just means no TV for children during the week.  

Without the television on, kids stop being passive and start being active.  I don't just mean physically active- I mean their minds are active.  They create ships and cities out of blocks, they engage in dramatic play (at EVERY age; my middle school daughter spent hours this weekend pretending to be Katniss from the Hunger Games in our back yard.  She created a bow and arrow set out of twigs and yarn, and hunted rabbits and turkeys she and my son made out of paper), and they READ more.   They also play more games- the board kind and the "kid invented"kind.

I know I'm not the first parent to institute this policy; however from my own informal surveys, I know I'm in the minority.  You are NOT being a "mean" parent if you relegate TV to the weekend.  When you institute a "weekends only" policy, you're opening blocks of time for your children to be creative, for your family to connect, and you make the TV more of a novelty.  AND, when something's a novelty, it's something that kids look forward to...which also means that in the absence of appropriate behavior, it can be taken away- leverage is a WONDERFUL thing :-).

Know what your kids are watching and playing

In our house, we allow our kids to watch PBS, the Food Network, and the Disney channel.  They're not allowed to watch all of the shows on those channels; some are o.k. for just my daughter, but not for my son who is 4 years younger.  They are allowed to watch a show or two from other networks, but only "On Demand", so that we can preview them.  We're not super-strict parents; we just know that kids internalize a LOT of what they see, and we want the things they see and hear to be as free from violence and negative stereotypes as possible.  If media use isn't carefully monitored, kids can incorporate negative images into their world views, and become desensitized to violence.  Remember, just because it's on the Disney channel (or Nickolodeon, or Cartoon Network), doesn't necessarily mean it's appropriate.  Watch the shows yourself, and think of them as "speaking to your kids".  If the messages these shows are sending aren't what you'd want your children to be explicitly taught, then it's time to rethink your household media policy.

Just because "everyone else is watching it" doesn't mean your child has to, too...just don't make your kid an outcast..

Am I suggesting a bit of a contradiction here?  You bet ;-).  What I'm saying is,you don't want to say "yes" to a show, just because "everyone else is watching it"; however, you don't want your child to be clueless where certain media/cultural references are concerned, either.  Let me give you an example-

If there's a show that "everyone's talking about" in your child's age group, give it a view w/o your child.  Is this show something that is appropriate for your child?  If so, you're all set- let him/her watch it.  Is it inappropriate?  How inappropriate?  If it is ridiculously inappropriate, then that is that- no more discussion- the child isn't watching it.  But what if it's borderline?

An example of this is the Lifetime show "Dance Moms".  This is one that I fall victim to each week, after the kids are in bed.  The issue arose when the majority of the girls in my daughters dance class began discussing episodes during class.  I don't allow my daughter to watch this show- I feel it's inappropriate for her age.  She started to feel a bit excluded at dance, and asked me if she could watch it.  Here's the tricky part- maintaining our family's standards while keeping my kid "in the loop".

In the case of this show, I take issue with the way the women treat each other, the way the adults manage their anger, and the occasional sexual innuendos.  What I really enjoy is the way the children dance.  I had a talk with my daughter, during which I shared my reasons for not wanting her to watch the show.  I then said that I understood why she wanted to watch it, but that I needed to stick by my choice for her. I was willing, however, to let her watch the children's dance numbers, which are at a fairly standard point in each episode. I shared those with her, she learned the names of the dancers, and was able to join in the conversation with her classmates at dance.  She was spared the arguing and inappropriate interactions of the moms, and I didn't have to worry about her viewing these women's behavior as "usual" in the realm of adult interactions.

I could go on ad infinitum with this topic- regarding appropriate books, music, internet homepages and more. The bottom line is, know the impact this media has on your children, despite its passive nature.  Know your standards as a parent, and be willing to be vigilant about maintaining them.Be willing to compromise when you can; but also be willing to stand your ground when no compromise is possible.  Your children may be angry with you, but hey, that happens sometimes when you're doing the right thing as a parent, right ;-)?

CHECK OUT: FAMILY ADVENTURES: TV FREE FAMILY for some great ideas to share with your family :-)!

L is for LIST of a DOZEN GREAT TOYS FOR ELEMENTARY KIDS

L is for LIST OF A DOZEN GREAT TOYS FOR ELEMENTARY KIDS

I LOVE LISTS!  I make them for everything- things to do, things to buy, things I love, and things I loathe.  I had such a difficult time deciding what sort of list to create for today.  I have so many favorites, I betcha I could do an A-Z blog of just lists (hey...there's an idea for a next phase!  Blogtastic!).  

For today, I settled on creating a list of mostly "open-ended" toys (that can be used in a variety of ways) my kids have loved in their elementary school years (my daughter has recently moved on to middle school, but she still really digs a lot of this stuff.  Promise not to tell her I let her secret out, o.k.?).  Since today is "L" day, and the 12th letter of the alphabet, I decided to go with a "Top Dozen" list, rather than a "Top 10"- consider the extra two as freebies!  They're in no particular order...

1.      LEGOS   Lego toys are a huge favorite of both of my kids.  They've built everything from Atlantis, Space Police, to every building of the Harry Potter sets.  They LOVE them.  Both kids also use them to create their own designs, with vehicles and buildings being some favorite creations.  I spent about 2 hours this week collecting Legos from under the rug, under the sofa, and under bookcases.  There's a reason these have been popular since the 1940's- they allow kids to build whatever they can imagine- if they can dream it, they can build it!

2.   PLAYMOBIL  Playmobil toys have been a household favorite since my kids passed the "choking hazard" age. My daughter has loved the houses, castles, and fairy sets, while my son has gravitated towards the police, rescue, pirate, and knight sets.  These are VERY high quality toys and they're practically unbreakable.  Since they're made so well, they practically last forever, making it likely that you'll be able to find these in consignment shops in great shape! They can be used in conjunction with Magnatiles (those are below) and with blocks. These are also fabulous for the kiddie pool, the bathtub, and the beach (they're great in sand castles!).  These also tuck easily into mom's purse or a child's backpack, and can be pulled out when waiting in lines or when your child needs to patiently (and quietly) wait for you to attend to some business.  This is one toy that makes me wish I was a kid again- this would be a favorite!

3.    BLANK CARDS AND COLORED PENCILS I like these so much, that I even bought a set for myself!  The kids create invitations, thank you notes, and birthday cards with these.   They also love using the colored pencils with their fashion and car design portfolio/template sets.  Marker can make a smudgy mess or go through the paper, and crayons can have tips that are too think for fine lines.  Colored pencils allow mistakes to be erased and a non-toxic, smudge-less finish!  I shy away from that "Color wonder" stuff- art is supposed to be a little messy- their stuff is just weird to me...

 

4.   ARCHIQUEST BLOCKS    These blocks are totally cool!  They come with a book that describes the architectural features of the various world styles in the set.  No, my kids haven't given the book a minute's attention- but I have and it's terrific ;-)!  They have used the blocks with their basic wooden unit blocks, to enhance their structures and make them a bit more sophisticated.  Don't let this one's "toy" status fool you- there's a lot of learning potential here!       

 

 

5.  STARE, Jr.   I LOVE this game!  Players draw a card that shows a detailed image on one side, and has a series of questions about the image on the other.  They are allowed to look at the image and attend to the various details until the timer runs out. Then, they roll a die, and the number that comes up determines which question they  must answer about the image.  The challenge here is for kids to slow themselves down enough to note specific details about the picture they're viewing.  This is VERY hard for many children.  They're bombarded by so many images each day, that they grow very passive, and only "skim" what they're seeing. This "slowing down and noticing details" is a skill that comes in very handy when kids are reading! This game requires an eye for detail and is lots of fun.  If you get lucky, you might find one in a consignment shop like I did!

 

6. SUPERHERO CAPE & MASK  Do you remember running around your back yard with a towel safety-pinned around your neck, pretending to be a superhero?  Capes are a blast for children, and my kids have been superheroes, villains, and wizards with theirs!  This "toy-ish" item can also include other items for dress up such as fairy wings, hats, and old Halloween or dance costumes.  These new generation capes fasten with Velcro which is a little safer than the old school "diaper pin" :-).

7.A FUN SERIES TO READ ALOUD My son and I discovered the Accidental Adventure books while he was recovering from eye surgery in California last summer. He had to spend a lot of time with ice packs on his eyes, so we passed the time by reading aloud.  These books are irreverent, funny, and action-packed. There's no "Charlotte's Web" classic-style story here.  It's modern day fun.  The author, C.Alexander London seems like a great guy- he responded to my son's e-mail questions in less than 24 hours, and his answers were thorough and sincere.  There are currently 2 books in the series, with a third scheduled for release this June- we can't wait!  By the way, a shout out to my favorite SoCal bookstore, Warwick's, where we accidentally discovered the Accidental Adventures!

8.AGE APPROPRIATE DOLLS  I have to admit, the American Girl dolls were something I initially avoided.  The cost made my head spin, and I have a hard time with things designed for children that end up leaning towards elitist, by virtue of their cost. ( I've taught MANY little girls in the past who will never have one of these dolls- that really, really bothers me.)  I've gotta tell you, though, that the quality is worth it, and the fact that my daughter played with dolls until the 5th grade (and still pulls them out occasionally- shhh!  Don't tell her I told you!) is PRICELESS!  We scored lots of clothes at consignment shops, and for years, friends and family loved this gift-giving avenue for my daughter.  As an educator, I continue to be impressed by the historical dolls and the series of books that accompany them.  My daughter read them all during her 2nd and 3rd grade years and loved them!  Now that she's outgrown them, the books reside in my classroom where many children can enjoy them!

9.  SPY GEAR Both of my children LOVE spy gear of any kind.  Over the years, we've assembled quite an assortment of glasses that allow you to see behind you, recording devices, "bugs", fake mustaches, mysterious dossiers, invisible ink, walkie-talkie watches, and brief cases.  The interest in spy gear is one that many of our friends' children cultivate as well, so we've had loads of spy-centric play dates!  What's great about spy gear is that no matter how much or how little you own, you can add to it with stuff you already have- old clothes and accessories for disguises, stationery supplies for "headquarters", old cell phones (remove the batteries)- can all enhance the fun!  

10. MAGNATILES   These are probably my most favorite on the list. My kids love these SO much, that Santa brought the 100 piece set 2 years in a row, because they use so many!   Magnatiles have been built into space ships (they hold Playmobil people and Lego minifigures very well!), buildings, headquarters, launch pads- you name it!  I've brought them to school to teach the construction of 3 dimensional shapes using 2 dimensional faces.  These are incredibly durable, and they're the first thing my kids pack when they head to their grandparents' house for an overnight.  These are pretty pricey, but in this case, you really do get what you pay for. We actually combine these with "Magnetics" sets, too. It doesn't get more "open-ended" than this in the building arena!

11. BUG VIEWERS: Having a son who is visually impaired (more on this in my upcoming "N" post) makes me gravitate towards anything that magnifies.  I also appreciate anything that lets me view creepy things without actually touching them.  These bug viewers do the trick!  We've used them in the yard, in the woods, and at the beach, and we've watched everything from grubs to hermit crabs to ladybugs.  These are the perfect size for small hands, and they're super-portable to- easy to carry on that walk to the park- fits right in the purse!

12. MATCHBOX/HOT WHEELS CARS: I don't need to tell you about the awesomeness of these classics for boys and girls!  Indoors or out, these work with blocks, dirt piles, Legos, anything!  Their portability and affordability make them real favorites!  Like the Playmobil stuff, these can go in your purse and be pulled out whenever you need to wait for anything, anywhere!

This list is FAR from complete!  I tried to come up with some of our family favorites that are mostly open ended, eschew stereotypes, and come at a variety of price points.  I'm going to have to do more on books and family games sometime...I'm itching to share more on both of these!  What are your kids' favorite toys? 

K is for KNOW YOUR LIMITS (AND ESPECIALLY YOUR KIDS')

 

K is for KNOW YOUR LIMITS (AND ESPECIALLY YOUR KIDS')

My 11 year old daughter is a "joiner"; not in the "follower without original ideas" sense, but in the "hey, that sounds like fun- count me in!" sense.   She stopped playing soccer shortly after she turned 10, saying, "I love soccer- it's the running I hate."  Unfortunately, we couldn't figure out how to keep the two mutually exclusive, and that was the end of her soccer career.

Then came middle school.  "Mom, I think I want to try out for soccer."  *Pause as I digest information*..."What?  I thought you liked soccer but hated running?..."   Her response: "Yeah, but the team has car washes and bake sales.  I really wanna do some  car washes and bake sales- they sound fun!"

If that doesn't sound like a "joiner", I don't know what does :-)!

She's like that with everything- she's never heard a description of an age-appropriate activity that she hasn't liked.  She would join EVERYTHING if it were possible.  When she is a part of an activity, she throws her whole heart into it.  Seriously, you ought to see her with her Girl Scout homework (yes, there IS Girl Scout homework!  Cripes, the ante's been upped even for Scouts!)- if she had the time to prepare a Power Point for it, she would!  She puts an equally tremendous efforts towards every activity in which she engages- she doesn't slack on any of them, and there are plenty; all of which were self-selected, and all of which she enjoys.

Why then, does she occasionally turn into a puddle of tears?  Because at times, she's stretched beyond her limits.  At the beginning of the school year, her first in middle school, I sat back and followed her lead with reference to activities.  I wanted to see how she set her personal equilibrium with the new school structure, workload, and activity options.   I gave her a few ground rules: 1. You must stick with orchestra, 2. Whatever you choose, you must see it through to the end, 3. You must keep your grades up, 4. Your dad and I have the final say on whether to go forward with an activity.  She's followed the rules all year, but we've noticed that we've occasionally needed to employ Rule #4 "Your dad and I have the final say", more than once, if only to save her from her own enthusiasm!

If she catches wind of a new activity at school, hearing about it during the morning announcements, reading about it on a poster or in a notice, or (perhaps the toughest from which to dissuade her) at the suggestion of a teacher, she immediately wants to be a part of it.  My dear friend's cousin coined a fabulous acronym that describes my daughter's condition:

F.O.M.O. = Fear Of Missing Out syndrome

This (totally unofficial, but spot-on description) syndrome seems to affect primarily enthusiastic, motivated, and social humans.  It's symptoms are as follows:

• an enthusiastic response to a suggested activity regardless of fatigue level (which is usually high)
• an enthusiastic response to a suggested activity regardless of workload
• an enthusiastic response to a suggested activity regardless of time constraints
• an inability to see "the big picture" of one's obligations
• a feeling that if one decides to "sit this one out" ,then one will have missed the BEST activity EVER!

My daughter has a serious case of F.O.M.O.   During the peak of her activities this year (which occurred last month during the simultaneous and equally draining State Testing and School Play), she was worn to a frazzle.  During one of her frazzled moments, as she was trying to study in between dress rehearsal for the play and dance class, she said, "Oh, softball tryouts for the school team are coming up.  I want to go to the meeting to hear more about it. A few of my friends are trying out.  It'd be really fun!"   O.k., it was time for me to enforce Rule #4, for her own good!  I explained that she was already starting softball for the town league, dancing until Mother's Day, playing in the orchestra until Memorial Day, and more.  She said, "Yeah, but ___________ is doing it, and so is ___________.  It'd be GREAT!"

It was time for me to help her see the big picture. I drew a matrix that included my daughter and a random sampling of her friends from various activities.  We then filled in activities for each child.  As the matrix took shape, my daughter saw that she wasn't "missing out"; that instead, all of these kids participated in just a  few activities each- SHE was the only one trying to do them ALL!  This crystallized the situation for her, and she asked to hang the matrix on the fridge as a reminder that she needs to be choosy about how she spends her time- time is a resource, and the busier we get, the more scarce it becomes!

 There's a lesson here for parents, too. We need to know when we're reaching our personal limits with reference to time, energy, and patience. Before we volunteer for that one committee that puts us over the edge, or we stop going to exercise classes so we can attend extra meetings, or we work late and miss the quiet time we need to recharge our batteries- we need to ask ourselves, "Why am I doing this?  Is it guilt?  Is it F.O.M.O.? What am I giving up to do it, and is it really worth it if I look at the Big Picture?"  I find I tend to snap at my family when I'm feeling overwhelmed and under-energized.  If I feel pressure (which is probably self-inflicted, but which still counts!), I tend to be more reactive than proactive, and this makes for more knee-jerk reactions, more tunnel vision, and a lot less fun!

Before you say "YES" to the next opportunity that comes your way (or your child's), PAUSE, take a breath, and say, "that sounds really cool; let me/us think about it and we'll get back to you."   Then, take a look at your own matrix and your rationale for participation.  If the logistical planets align and you feel a purity in your motives, than go for it- JOIN AWAY!  If not, FORGO THE FRAZZLE- sit this one out, and see how right it can feel to know your limits. Remember, you're walking your talk- modeling a terrific thought process for your child to use in the future!

UPDATE:  Check out "10 Things to Consider Before Enrolling Your Kids in Activities" on Yahoo!

J is for JUST FOR TODAY

J is for JUST FOR TODAY

In yesterday's post, I addressed the importance of taking pause in the morning to honor our intentions, in order to provide an opportunity for them to become reality.  Oftentimes, it's easier to do so if we view them through the lens of "just for today".  There is a reason that many organizations who specialize in working with treating addictions utilize this phrase.  It is empowering in its manageability!

Just for today, I am going to take a break from technology when my children are present- to eliminate "distracted parenting" for the day.  This is the tenth day of the A-Z April Challenge, and it has been an outstanding experience so far!  It has, however been a true challenge.  I am a person who has never known the word "succinct" to be applied to my writing, so my posts take me quite awhile.  I'm also not one who can write well in the midst of a lot of activity, so with this challenge, there's been a lot of "SHHH!! Mommy's trying to write!"

Today, I am going to endeavor to remove technology from my interactions with my family. Ben H. Winters does a fantastic job addressing the topic of distracted parenting in an article published in the Huffington Post, called "The New Distracted Parenting".  I think I'll let Ben's article deliver my message for today.  If you take the time to read it, you might have the same "aha" moment that I experienced...then you wouldn't be able to read the rest of my post anyway- you'd be closing the lid of your laptop, grabbing your kiddos, and enjoying them in fully present, technology-less bliss.  Go ahead- you know you want to!

See you tomorrow for "K"!

I is for INTENTIONS

I is for "INTENTIONS"

If "the road to hell is paved with good intentions", then I've probably helped create the super highway.  I have some awesome intentions.  My intentions are award-worthy, I mean REALLY award-worthy.  If there was a Nobel prize for intentions, you'd nominate me.  

 Every night before I go to sleep, my thoughts are full of these amazing intentions.  They usually revolve around dusting off resolutions that have fallen by the wayside, getting all kinds of personal and professional goals accomplished, being fully present with my family (more on that tomorrow), and not making any snide remarks to my husband (if I accomplish this one, look out- it can't be anything other than an indicator that Armageddon will soon be upon us;-).   I fall asleep happy, with all of my thoughts neatly arranged in their proper spots, ready for the next day, where I'm convinced I'll be moving about in a Glinda-like ball of light, accomplishing everything I've planned, all while smiling, of course.

Fast forward to 4:30 a.m. the next morning, when my alarm goes off.  I hit the ground running, multitasking from the time my feet hit the floor.  I boot up my computer while I make my cereal, and then while I eat, I check through personal and professional e-mails.  Do I stick exclusively to the e-mails?  No way!  I get haplessly sidetracked by the latest exploits of celebrities...I am an absolute sucker for "Who wore it best?"!  From casting my vote as to who I felt looked better in the dress, it becomes a VERY slippery slope, down to OMG, an even the very occasional (gasp!) TMZ. I eventually tear myself away, and get the iron heating up while I finish the e-mails and lesson materials (o.k., and wrap up the celeb gossip) for the day.  While I iron our clothes for the day, I make a list of things I need to do, some of which I came up with during my  pre-slumber thoughts of intentions.   By this time, though, some of what I had intended to do (exercise almost always finds its way into this abyss) has already been relegated to "tomorrow", which puts it "on deck" for that night's intention-fest. *sigh*

 Does this ever happen to you?   It's practically a daily occurrence for me.  One of my fantasies involves me morphing into one of those people who always does what they're supposed to do- eats all of the right foods, exercises every day, sticks to a budget, goes to bed early, eschews reality television, and knows every nuance of the GOP candidates.  Alas, it has yet to be.  again, *sigh*

After lots of thinking, I may have found the critical element for making more of my intentions become reality.  I believe the equation goes something like this:

INTENTIONS + PAUSE = INTENTIONAL ACTIONS

Up until now, I've been omitting the "pause" phase, and simply waking each morning and jumping directly into the vortex of daily life with young kids and constant influx of media.  As soon as I allow myself to be swept into the vortex, I stop approaching the day with intention, and start operating on autopilot (autopilot is where all of my bad habits live;-).  With autopilot, the equation looks like this:

INTENTIONS+ NO PAUSE= SAME OLD, SAME OLD

 or, in the words of a quote I have on my dresser...

IF YOU ALWAYS DO WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS DONE, YOU'LL ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS GOT

If our goal is to put all of those late night intentions into action, then we need to begin each day with a pause to think about exactly how we intend the day to unfold.  By bringing those intentions to light in the morning, we increase the likelihood that they'll become reality.   Give them the priority they deserve, put them ahead of e-mails, ironing, and (ahem) celebrity check-ins.  Prior to turning on the computer, opening a book, or reading your horoscope (yup, I do that, too!), take a moment to recall your intentions from the night before.  Which ones make sense in the light of day? With which ones can you make progress today, if you make a concentrated effort?  Try it and see, just for today!

H is for HONOR the beauty in the "everyday"

H is for "HONOR the beauty in the everyday"

O.k., in the interest of full disclosure, I had a really hard time coming up with a topic for "H" (that's why my post is so late today).  I surveyed my family for THEME-RELATED topics beginning with "H", and this is what they came up with:

HUSBAND:  Herbivore, Hellebore (what the HELLebore is that? "it's a plant" he tells me...),Humanitarian, Herbicide   (can you tell he's a farmer?)

DAUGHTER:  Harry Potter

SON: Harpoon

ME: HUH?????

In the end, I decided to go with something that our harried (hey, that's an "H" word to write about right there!) lives often cause us to overlook- the beauty in the everyday.

Take a look at your calendar....does it look anything like mine did last month?

Insanity, right????

I know my nutty schedule isn't anything unusual for an active family, so I wasn't surprised when I visited a friend not too long ago, and saw her wall calendar just as packed.  Now I was viewing her calendar from a distance, so all I was able to see was each day's block 1/2 filled with tiny script at the bottom of the block.  I said,"Wow!  Look at your calendar!  You're running as flat out as we are!"  She laughed and replied, "Oh, we're busy, but not all of those are obligations!  My husband likes to write down a little something to remember about each day.  Either something we did, something we laughed about, something silly one of the  kids said...just something that set that day apart from the rest."    SO cool, right????

I save my calendars from year to year, so I can remember where we went, and what we did.  They also act as a logistical timeline of our lives.  Imagine the treasures they'd be if they were also records of mini-milestones (or mega-milestones!), or nuggets of silliness that had the family laughing, certain we'd remember what was said forever (but without writing it down, it'd sadly get lost as collateral damage of our crazy schedule)?

By adding the ritual of "honoring the everyday"- simply taking a minute or two at the end of the day to record something different about the day- we are turning the "usual" into something precious.  We mark that day as different from the rest- a day not simply to have completed, but a day to be remembered for its uniqueness in our family histories.  What a great way to express gratitude- by taking a moment to pause, reflect, and record the wonders of daily life with our children- days that pass FAR too quickly!

Happy Passover, Happy Easter, Happy Spring-

Happy Everything!

Back tomorrow with "H" :-)!