'Tis the Season to Max Out Cards

Every year when Christmas rolls around, those who celebrate it go off on the hunt for just the “right” thing(s) for their loved ones.

Be honest – we all get caught up in it. Even those of us who aren’t remotely materialistic (and I admit I do not include myself in that number) probably still go crazy shopping and decorating and trying to get everything just right for the holidays.

Crazy Xmas shopping capital of the world - NYC, Dec. 2010

Listening Goes Both Ways

Yesterday, I talked about the power of words and how important it is to be careful with our words in terms of relating to our children.

Today, however, I want to talk about the importance of our children’s words. Just as we need to be careful what we say – and how we say it – we also need to listen to their words, even if it means reading between the lines.

I'm listening!  May 2010

Trick or Treat...or Tramp?

It’s that time of year again, folks:  it’s almost Halloween.  I’ve always enjoyed this holiday, whether I was dressing up when I was younger, handing out candy to cute kids as I got older, or even going to grown-up Halloween parties with Heidi and our friends in more recent years.

But, as is true of so many things, having a kid to dress up for Halloween changes one’s perspective a bit.

Now that I have a little one to buy costumes for, I notice little kids’ costumes whenever I look at Halloween displays.  And frankly, all too often, I’m horrified at what’s out there.

Photo from merchantcircle.com

The Kingdom of "No"

Sounds like a fairy tale is getting ready to start, doesn’t it?  Hardly.

As I discussed yesterday, we’ve entered the “terrible 3s” with a vengeance.  When I picked Anna up from school yesterday, and she was SO happy to see me, I thought perhaps I’d overreacted in my “terrible 3s” post.

And then there was the Ord incident.

Ord flying with Max from "Dragon Tales"

The Countdown Is ON!

Approximately one hour and five minutes remain until I can hug my Annapie.

This is my daily countdown.  I bet many of you have one too - only X number of minutes until I can leave, go to happy hour, get dinner, pick up my kid, call my friend, whatever it may be. There are so many things that we may be anticipating as the day drags on.

My countdown is for Annapie hugs. From the moment I leave her in the morning until I greet her at school at the end of the day, this is what I am looking forward to....her happy face upon realizing I'm there, and her running across the playground yelling "Mommy!!!" before enveloping me in a giant hug.