Blessings of Children & Godchildren

For those of you wondering why I haven't been blogging, I apologize. I'm not a slacker. Work has been super busy & we just returned from a short trip to Denver to see good friends and (of special note) my Godson and my new Goddaughter. Besides the wonderful lack of humidity in Denver, I've been thinking of some of the things I've taken away from the trip.

- Children never cease to amaze me. They come in all shapes, sizes & personalities, yet they're all so adaptable.

- Kids really just need family members who love them. With two of my Godchildren being adopted, it's awesome to see how well they acclimate to new families & never miss a beat. When a child falls down, he/she cries for Mommy & Daddy without any concern about where they technically came from or who their biological parents are.

- Almost every parent truly tries to raise their children the best way they know how. We all make different decisions but tackle family life with quite similar goals.

- Lastly, I think my own daughter could just feel my love for my Godchildren & so she wants to love them too. Again, children never cease to amaze me. I hope you are equally blessed with your own children & Godchildren.

Until the next nap time...

Enriching Fine Arts Classes

I just found out about a new organization called Creative Connections. After many years of teaching as a fine arts and classroom teacher, this lady has taken her plans and class ideas and transformed them into her own classes and company.

There are two studio hosts: Fundamentally Music Studios(2 locations) and Synchronized kneads pilates studio

Classes will be offered in:

• Parent and child music and movement,
• Creative Movement,
• Dance,
• Drama and
• Visual Art

Age ranges: Newborn-Fifth grade
Locations include: Bellaire, Upper Kirby, Woodway at Augusta

Want to try out the classes without any obligation? FREE demos of these classes are running:
Monday, August 20 & 27 at Synchronized kneads pilates studio
Tuesday, August 21 & 28, plus Sept. 4 at the Kirby Fundamentally Music studio
Wednesday, August 22 & 29, plus Sept. 5 at the Belllaire Fundamentally Music studio

This is a great time to try out the classes with no obligation. Check out these in educational, FUN and enriching fine arts classes.

Until the next nap time...

Fresh Fruit & Veges Galore at Farmers Market

Despite the heat, we headed to Farmers Market this morning. I've struggled the last few weeks to get good apples. We prefer the really crisp ones. If my husband bites into an apple & it's soft, he immediately throws the whole apple away. In my mind, I really need the crisp apples & two local grocers could not answer my call.

Farmers Market to the rescue. For $15, we loaded up on lots of fresh fruits and veges. (We go through at least 6 oranges & apples every day.) Little K was delighted when the vendors cut her a fresh slice of watermelon at no charge. My sister Colyn seemed to keep Little K charged by handing her juicy mini-tomatoes, strawberries & grapes. It made lunch super easy.

Head out early to Farmers Market to beat the heat. Strollers are welcome. Kids young & old will enjoy.

Until the next nap time...

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

I'm so excited about this weekend. We have very little planned so I've put relaxation on the agenda. (Hopefully, that will allow me to get over the lovely sore throat that I'm now battling.) If you're looking for fun this weekend, I suggest heading to an Astros game.

This Saturday, the Astros play against the Milwaukee Brewers at 6:05 pm at Minute Maid Park. What's more is that the Astros are hosting Faith and Family Night, which will include a life testimony by first baseman Lance Berkman, a one-hour concert by Christian musician Jeremy Camp, an appearance by the Vege Tales. It's sure to be a fun-filled day at Minute Maid Park.

On Sunday, at 1:05 pm, we'll be enjoying the Astros game. Not only am I a HUGE Astros fan, but his game will celebrate second baseman Craig Biggio's outstanding career and his 3,000 hits record. Take me out to the ballgame.

On another note, if you're looking for some tips on how to avoid overspending during back to school time, check out this "Back to School Savings Strategy." I found it really helpful.

Until the next nap time...

Sisters Day & National Night Out

So I'm running a bit behind schedule today but I'm still running.

Today is Sisters Day. I still haven't had a chance to email a simple eCard to my one & only sister Colyn but since she's on her way over to my house now, I suppose I can wish her a great Sisters Day in person. I am, by the way, going to be feeding her, too. Why?

This evening also marks National Neighbors Night Out, which is a wonderful way to get to know your neighbors so that you can count on them in a pinch. If you don't know about a gathering in your neck of the woods, don't let that stop you. Put some hot dogs or burgers on the grill & invite your neighbors to join you. We're hosting our party from 6:30-8 pm because a little one in our house needs to be bed by 7:30 pm. We'll push our luck again tonight. Really though, this is a great way to encourage the true spirit of community. Reach out, if you can.

Enjoy! Until the next nap time...

Too Blessed to Be Stressed

Being a parent can be really stressful at times. Sometimes, the more you read, the more confused you get on which advice to follow. That's why I like Jon Gordon's simple advice on being positive, energetic & enthusiastic in his new book The Energy Bus. I won't mislead you by saying that I have his tips down pat but I reach for his book almost daily for regular reminders. (Page 108 is a great motivator.)

To deal with stress, Jon suggests realizing & saying "I'm too blessed to be stressed." It sounds silly & overly simplified but it does put the focus of living on great things. In a recent seminar, Jon asked us if we wake in the morning saying "Good God, it's morning" or "Good morning, God"? From the start of your day, realizing that each of us is so blessed turns your focal point in a positive direction. Why does "I'm too blessed to be stressed" work? According to Jon: "The reason why this simple, powerful saying works so well is because it is physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. It's the way our brains are wired. When we focus on gratitude and blessings we can't be focusing on the stresses in our life. Instead of flooding our body and brains with stress hormones that age and drain us, we fuel our mind and body with emotions that make us feel great and help us overcome the daily challenges that so often sabotage our joy and happiness."

So the next time you are stressing about picking up the kids from school, preparing dinner, accomplishing everything on your to do list at home or office or both, just stop. Breathe in and think of 5 things you're blessed with: kids, spouse, a job, your health & the opportunity to tackle life in yet another day. You'll be amazed at how your children will respond. I certainly have.

Until the next nap time...

Sleepy Mommy Plans for the Weekend

So this morning, I woke up to my daughter calling out "Daddy! Daddy!" from her bedroom. Luckily, Little K stays in bed until we walk into her room. I felt rested, relaxed and glad it was Saturday. Since the clock said it was only 6:30 am, I figured my husband had just gotten up to go to the restroom so I ventured into Little K's room.

After explaining that the sun wasn't up yet, we cuddled close in her bed. Ahh. Saturdays.

Moments later, Little K insisted on "up, up", so we got her dressed and went on the Daddy hunt. No, he wasn't in the restroom or shower. Not in bed & not downstairs. At 6:50 am, I peer out the window to see if his truck was in the driveway. Nope.

Oh my gosh! It's not Saturday. It's Friday!
After a good laugh, I explain to Little K that she can watch "Little Einsteins" on TV, while Mommy gets dressed in lightning speed. Clothes, hair, makeup. Whew! I comb my daughter's hair & she seems ready for nursery school... almost as if she knew all along but didn't know all the words to communicate. How funny life is. Thank goodness it's Friday & tomorrow really will be Saturday.

If you're looking for family activities this weekend, here are a few options:
- - Head to the beach before summer ends. Moody Gardens in Galveston is wrapping up its Radio Disney summer concert series this weekend so it's a great time to head to the island. Moody Gardens and Island Star Performances have been presenting the "Radio Disney AM 1590 Summer Concerts 2007" since June -- each concert features a new cool artist that the whole family will love. This Friday, August 3, Everlife will be the attraction from 8 - 9:30 pm.

The concerts are held in the Moody Gardens Convention Center and tickets are $20/adults and $15/children. Before the show, you can enjoy all that Moody Gardens has to offer, including the Aquarium Pyramid®, the Rainforest Pyramid®, the IMAX® 3D Theater, the 4D Special FX Theater®, Palm Beach, Discovery Pyramid®, Ridefilm Theater and the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.

- The First Annual Back2School Houston Parade will begin at Minute Maid Park (Texas & Crawford) at 10 am on Saturday, August 3, with the theme of "Our Children. Our Choice."

- Show your kids an easy way to give back to the community by perusing the goodies at the Heights Yard Sale. This monstrous yard/garage sale is raising money to support academic scholarships for high school students in Houston who are moving on to college.
Saturday, August 4, 7:00 A.M. – 2:00 p.m.
The Artful Corner, 3423 White Oak Dr. & Cortlandt

Enjoy your weekend, whichever day it is. Until the next nap time...