Venting About Family

Loads of people vent about their families but not quite in this way.

Last Friday night, we ate dinner at a neighbor's house and a third family joined us. We began chatting about the growth & revitalization of our neighborhood as well as the new homes going up. Then, one girlfriend said that another neighborhood (I'll call him Ron because that's his name!) said this lot down the street from me was going up for sale soon.

"Which one," I asked.

"Oh, it's your Grandmother's lot," the gal said.

"Uh, no. It's not going up for sale," I said.

The conversation quickly moved on to other people's lots.

My Grandmother's lot isn't going up for sale because she's still alive! It seems that some people are watching time pass by in hopes of getting their hands on her property. Hey, Ron. Bug off! Where the heck is your grandmother living these days? Sorry. That was ugly. But this is not the first time he's asked when she's "moving on" or "how's her health?"

I'm appalled by the lack of respect for the elderly & the inconsiderate nature of strangers. I doubt our dining friend even realized she had hurt my feelings but this is my family you're talking about. I relish the fact that I am surrounded literally by family members in Houston. Family means so much to me. And the woman who held me in some of the most troubling times deserves more respect than that. Puts a new spin on "venting about your family," huh?

Until the next nap time...

Fall Fun in Houston's October

Fall is coming. I'm reminded every time I look at all the leaves in my pool. If you'd rather have fun than help clean out my pool, there are loads of fun things happening in Houston this October.
Cornelius Nurseries Fall Harvest Festival will be held Saturday, October 6 and is an enjoyable way to pick up some fall décor for your house and yard, while your youngsters decorate their very own pumpkins. This low-stress activity is perfect as a come and go event, encouraging people to get in the mood for fall. Bring your camera for plenty of photo opportunities with scarecrows, pumpkins and haystacks. Little K loved it last year & so did her parents.

If you like speed and strength, get ready for the Wings Over Houston Airshow, October 6-7 at Ellington Field. Flight enthusiasts revel in the daredevil acts and military prowess on display here. Welcome the Canadian Forces Snowbirds as they delight audiences with their seven- and nine-plane close formations, tight turns and head-on passes. Hold your breath as the Air National Guard F-16s haul it above your head with extreme force. From skydivers to World War II fighting planes, this show provides an amazing history lesson in a thrilling environment.

Dewberry Farm in Brookshire has an amazing 12-acre pumpkin patch so your little helpers can pick out their own pumpkins. Then tackle the huge slides, hay stacks and more. A new feature this year is the Pumpkin Light Parade. This nighttime hayride through Halloween Hollow will thrill both kids and adults as popular cartoon characters, movie stars and other critters come to life in a spectacular display of more than 300 carved pumpkins. Mark your calendar for a Saturday night at Dewberry Farm.

If it's still too hot for you outside, here's another option. Starting in October, the Health Museum welcomes Sesame Street Presents: The Body, a kid-friendly way to explore how the body works. Tackle fitness with Grover’s obstacle course or irritate a giant nose to see how a sneeze occurs. This traveling exhibit combines music, dance, physical adventures and more to teach how people’s (and lovable Sesame Street characters’) bodies work. Before the holidays are upon us, learn how to keep your body healthy at this hands-on exhibition. Check out the traveling exhibitions section of the Web site at http://www.mhms.org/.

Until the next nap time...

What's in a Name?

First, congratulations to Shannon W on the birth of her second child - a girl. Yeah! Also, thanks for the prompting to blog away.

I laughed several years ago when a friend of my mom's proudly announced that he had purchased the URLs of his kids' first names. (Think http://www.megan.com/ or http://www.yourfirstname.com/). This very proud father of two adult children was paying annual fees to reserve the rights to those URLs just in case his kids ever wanted to use them. It seemed like a waste of money to me.

Flash forward to last week when I'm curious about the URL for my own daughter. Have you ever searched for the Web site of your child's first name? Little K has a somewhat unique name. It's not popular like Jennifer or Amy. Maybe I could reserve the URL for her. After I carefully type the URL into the browser, I hold my breath as a lot of Flash animation appears. It's an online portfolio for a former pop singer who also apparently did/does some acting and modeling. Okay, you're thinking, it seems pretty harmless.

(If you know my daughter's name, you really should check out the URL.) The photos are a little more revealing than I'd like associated with my daughter. Maybe I should try to buy the URL from the current owner. Ugh. I felt disappointed... until I realized how crazy I was being. I actually was falling for that trap.

What's in a name? For me, when I hear Little K's name, it brings a proud smile to my face because her name translates to an amazing young girl with an independent spirit. In the end, I don't really care what the URL says. I know my girl. But I had to laugh at my reaction as a mother. Who'd have thought 10 years ago when I was first conquering email that I'd be doing this stuff? What funny creatures we are!

Until the next nap time...

Kids' Effect on Parents

So I'm strolling through the sunny streets of downtown Houston, heading to the parking garage. I'm in a cheerful mood because I'm leaving a calm day at one of my clients' offices. It's almost Friday & the weather is gorgeous.

I'm navigating the Walk, Don't Walk signs and hear several cars honking loudly at someone or other across the intersection. I look to make sure it's not me & luckily it's not.

"HONK!" I blurt out in my chipper mood.

Oh my gosh. Did I really just scream that?
Everyone is looking at me, thinking: "Well, she looks relatively normal but obviously something is wrong with that poor woman."

Remember parents: just because you can act like a fool with your child, yell "Honk!"back at cars & then laugh DOES NOT MEAN OTHER ADULTS GET IT. THEY DON'T REALIZE IT'S FUNNY!

If I ever hear an adult "honk" at someone else, I'll happily smile at them, tell them I get it & then "Honk" at them. Oh, it's another way that I'm being trained by my 2 year old.

Until the next nap time...

Fall Fun & Another Family Fave Restaurant

If you're looking for fun fall activities, be sure to check out "Fall into Fun" in The Buzz Magazine's latest issue. In this article, I share a bunch of exciting adventures to help your family explore autumn in Houston. Enjoy!

And if you're searching for a new kid-friendly restaurant, my friend Lesley reminded me of a great spot. There are a few Barnaby's restaurants in Houston. I love the Petaluma salad! Yummy! (I don't want to know how many calories are packed into a "salad".) Like Lesley, I like the decor and the fact that Little K can chat in her regular voice without distracting any of the other patrons. The kids' menu is great with the biggest corn dog I've ever seen as well as mac 'n cheese, etc. Be sure to leave room for their delicious desserts like brownies & fresh baked cookies. Don't have room for dessert? Just grab a free candy on your way out.

As a mom, I especially like to hear Lesley's review of Barnaby's & what she liked best:
"We went to Barnaby's for take out and while we were waiting, a waiter brought Iain a package of crayons and a coloring sheet. He smiled so big! There is so much cool stuff painted on the walls and ceiling for him look at but the best part is that they take the time to pay attention to what is most important to me as a Mom...my little one's happiness. Next time we will be dining in! It is definitely on the top of our list of 'Iain Friendly Restaurants'."

Thanks, Lesley, for sharing another great eaterie with our Houston parents! Let me know your favorite restaurants (that aren't included in my book already) & you'll be registered to win a Houston Texans football just in time for a great season! Hope to hear from you.

Until the next nap time...

Independence Strikes Again

"Be careful what you pray for. You just might get it." You've likely heard that expression & I'm living proof. Well, actually my daughter is living proof.

On Sunday, we went to church and attended the 10 am children's mass. I've always loved to see the kids get so excited about putting their tithe in the big basket on the altar at the designated time. My 2.5 year old daughter is no different. She carefully walked up to the altar, dropped the envelope in and then looked around... for quite awhile. When I could actually feel heat perculating on my neck from the glares I was getting, I stooped into the aisle & motioned for Little K to return to our church pew in the back of the church. (It can provide a quick escape which is sometimes necessary.)

Finally, I began to creep up the aisle but Little K was not interested in my motioning. In fact, it was time for the rest of mass to continue but this little girl just stood at the steps of the altar, enjoying her good view. Whoosh! The next thing I know my husband sprints to the front of the church and picks up Little K, who cried and reached out to our pastor. I turned beet red. The pastor, on the other hand, kindly waved good-bye to my strong-willed daughter who was carried out of church.

After a brief time when I could gather myself together & the snickers from fellow church goers had subsided, the mass continued. You haven't heard the best part though.

At the conclusion of mass, I held my daughter who said she just wanted to hug Father Clint. The pastor stood up and mentioned that little girl who had stood at the foot of the altar. People turned to look at me, my husband & my daughter. My temperature was rising again. Father Clint said sweetly that we should all be so eager to bring forth our gift and stand before God. My eyes welled with tears because I knew he was right.

After our pastor walked down the aisle to finish mass, Little K tore away from me & ran right into his arms. It was truly a moving sight.

Several people jeered our family after mass & I told them my real feelings. As parents, we are supposed to teach our child about God and appropriate behavior. I also know that when I was pregnant with Little K, I prayed that God would give me an independent child. When she grew into middle school & high school years, her independence would help her not be swayed by peer pressure, I thought. And of course, God listened. I just didn't realize that God can make our little ones independent from day one.

Until the next nap time...

10 Proven Strategies For Strengthening Your Family!

Is the quality of family life important to you? According to a recent Harris poll, the majority of working men and women place the highest value on a work schedule providing plenty of time for family. We sure don't need to look very far to discover the challenges families are facing today. The good news is there are quick and easy ways to strengthen your family and promote each other's personal growth.

Here are 10 positive key strategies that you can use today to improve and strengthen your family now... and for years to come.

1. Make Family Your First Priority. Strong families spend lots of quality time together. We've all heard the well-known quote, "How do kids spell love? T-I-M-E!" Strong families spend lots of positive time working on family projects and playing together. And they enjoy being together too.

2. Appreciate One Other. Strong families appreciate each other's unique qualities and contributions and express their feelings openly. Make a commitment to compliment each other at least once each day.

3. Foster Communication. Strong families listen to each other, respect each other's opinions, and avoid interrupting. One of the most valuable ways to foster communication is by having at least one meal together each day. During the meal, make it a point to engage everyone on their daily experiences, discoveries, challenges and goals.

4. Strengthen Commitment. Strong families work together to solve their problems. They may not always agree, but they are willing and able to bring things out into the open and to talk about them.

5. Create Traditions. Strong families stay connected -- another reason for having at least one meal together each day. Also, give your children the gift of friendship with their cousins, aunts and uncles by keeping in touch regularly. You'll be giving them happy memories and friendships to last a lifetime.

6. Set Rules and Expectations. Strong families set and put into practice clear guidelines and limitations. Family members take responsibility for their actions.

7. Support Each Other. Strong families support one another during challenging times. When family members feel valued by one another, they know they have someone they can turn to for support.

8. Identify Your Family's Strengths. Have each family member write down something he/she likes about each family member (animals included!) Put them up on a bulletin board or refrigerator magnets for everyone to see.

9. Set Achievable Family Goals. Setting and achieving family goals, even if they are small, cultivates success and creates unity. Set goals together whether it's saving for a family trip, a car or a new home. The ideas are endless.

10. Strong Families Love Unconditionally. Strong families love with unconditional acceptance that builds strong heart and faith connections.

Special thanks to the Rockwell Team in Ohio for sharing these great tips that are helpful no matter where you live.

Until the next nap time...

It's in the Genes

I know my daughter is related to my mom.

Well, of course she is, you're probably thinking. Besides that direct connection between my daughter & her Grandmother called Mommy, there are other clues... typically humorous ones. Like yesterday, when I walked into Little K's bedroom to put her to bed for the evening. I couldn't help but notice that my daughter had added a bit of artistic flair to her room by rearranging the furniture.

"I moved my table and chairs, Mommy," Little K proudly announced.

Yes, yes you did.

Did I mention that her Grandmother is an interior designer? Did I mention that when bored, my mom rearranges the furniture, which causes quite a raucous act when my dad walks through the house half a sleep at night? Well, my mom also changes her hair color when she's bored. Help me to control myself if Little K colors her hair with anything. I'm telling you, it's in the genes.

Until the next nap time...

9/11 Anniversary

This is a picture of my daughter, Little K, two & a half years ago. She was just four days old in this photo. Like most parents, I was so proud to bring her home. Little K had made a detour to the Infant ICU so I was very glad to bring her home.

On the anniversary of 9/11, I've struggled to blog. My husband called this morning to tell me to tune into the radio station 96.5 for his surprise interview. Trent gave an emotional reply to the DJ's question: "Is 9/11 just another date on the calendar now?" As my husband drove down Westheimer and looked up at Williams Tower on this sunny morning, he recalled (for a lot of listeners, I'll add) his memories but more importantly his strong desire to teach our own daughter about the victims of 9/11 as well as those brave men & women who have sacrificed their lives in hopes of preventing another tragedy.

As Little K & I listened to my husband's tearful interview, my own eyes welled with tears. My 2.5 year old couldn't grasp the gravity of the discussion. In response, I simply knelt down beside her, hugged & kissed her, & told her that her parents love her so much. She cheerfully walked away to find another toy as I recalled my own experience on 9/11/01 & how I couldn't even forecast the joy I'd have as a parent today.

Thank you to all the survivors & soldiers who have fought to enable my parenthood. Thank you one and all.

How are you explaining the anniversary of 9/11 to your children? Or are you?

Until the next nap time...

Remembering the Home Within the House

I've been thinking a lot about the theme for our Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group. It's "The Home Factor: begin here… go there."

When you think of home, you may think of the outside of a particular building – perhaps of the home you grew up in or maybe the house you now live in. Then, if you're like me, your mind quickly follows the deeper meaning of "home". It’s the people in your family, their interests, their coloring pages on the refrigerator & fingerprints -- BIG & small spread throughout your house.

Your home is where you’re comfortable, where you are your true self. Home is where we nestle our kids into bed & help them pray, leading by example. But it’s also where we parents pray about our own struggles, vulnerabilities & deepest hopes. As moms, we see ourselves & our homes in a unique way. A lot of times we burden ourselves with so many concerns about our family members & household chores. We become so worried about our household chores that we forget the deeper meaning of HOME. Then when we walk out the door of our homes, we feel like we must be pulled together, perfect for everyone else to see... without flaws & anxieties.

I do it to myself but I wouldn't judge another parent for showing up to a meeting or nursery school with or without make-up on, frazzled and hormonal. (Yes, I have not forgotten those days just after child birth.) If you haven't found a parenting group near you, I suggest you look for one. If you work outside the home, there are many groups that meet in the evening & provide child care. For stay at home parents, there are also plenty of day-time groups.

Go just as you are & you’ll gain wonderful friendships and support from parents similar to you. You'll also be relieved when other parents echo your sentiments in child-rearing. It's just a wonderful support group & a place to call home without the laundry to complete. My MOPS group has also allowed me to see the best parts of my house... my family that makes a home.

Until the next nap time...

Groovy Baby!

I haven't checked this out yet, but here's a fun family activity that is now in Houston!

Baby Loves Disco transforms Houston's hottest club into a child-proof disco as children (6 months to 7 years) and parents looking for a break from the routine playground circuit let loose for an afternoon dance party featuring real music spun by real DJs blending classic disco. Plus, families will find bubble machines, a chill-out area, diaper changing stations, a full spread of healthy snacks AND optional cocktails for non-driving parents. Saturday afternoon is the new Saturday night.

Purchase tickets at http://www.babylovesdisco.com/. Check it out September 29* & October 27 from 2-5 pm at Rich's Houston located in midtown at 2401 San Jacinto Street. Tickets are $12 for all walking humans (non-walkers free!).
*BLD USA Dance Contest - Best Little Dancer in America Contest!

Until the next nap time...

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...

The Bike Ride

A special thanks to MOPS for allowing me to re-publish this article on taking care of yourself as a parent so that you can care for your children.

Bike Ride
Teresa Hollowell, Area CoordinatorMy husband and I have five children. To keep expenses down, we frequently travel with a camper. One benefit to camping is that we are able to take our bicycles. We love to ride.

As we prepared for our first ride of a recent trip, I made sure everyone had their helmets, water bottles and gloves. We went over the rules of the road and the importance of staying together. Everyone mounted up and off we went. My husband was in the lead, with our three older children riding in the middle, and I brought up the rear with the babies riding in the baby carrier attached to my bike.

I'd not gone half a mile when my legs began to ache. My knees were burning, and I struggled to keep up with the rest of the family. All I could think was how heavy the babies were, and how out of shape I was. I signaled my husband to stop and told him I had to turn around and go back. I couldn't continue.

With many moans and groans, we turned around and headed back to the campground. I struggled the entire trip back. I thought we would never get there. Once everyone was off their bikes and the kids were helping unload the two little ones, my son told me, "Mom, you have a flat tire." I didn't have just a flat tire. I had three flat tires.

I'd made sure the kids bikes were in good shape, and that they had their helmets and gloves. What I failed to do was look at my own bike. I hadn't checked my tires, nor had I thought to check the tires of the baby carrier.

In the same way, sometimes I forget to maintain my life. I make sure my children eat their veggies, say their prayers and get enough sleep. Yet I forget the needs of my own life. When I do take the time to care for myself, especially my spiritual needs, things are much smoother. I don't have to struggle so hard to carry the load.

The next bike ride my family took was much easier. My tires had been inflated, and I'd adjusted my seat. The load I carried wasn't as difficult to pull. I was prepared for the journey ahead!

Prayer From a Mother's HeartDear God, help me to be an example to my children in preparing for life's long journey.

Stop & Smell the Roses & Appreciate Family

So how many people does it take before the hard head relaxes? No, this is not an Aggie joke (although I know a few if you're interested.)

Yet again today, my orthopedic surgeon advised me to SLOW DOWN & in fact recommended that I take a short nap EVERY DAY. After I got back up from the floor in hysterics, I asked if he took a nap daily. "No, but I'm not as hard on myself as you are & I'm 61, not 32," he responded. Ouch! I'm working on it... really.

Even better is the Daddy Diary blog today that talks about over-booking our kids in one camp after another. Where is the balance between too much activity & lazy kids? Read the dad's blog for his complete thoughts, but he's not alone in thinking that it's okay to have some lazy summer days, curled up with your kids. Little K can make up a game of "Go night night, Grand" in about 5 seconds. Kids' imaginations will only grow when allowed the time & space.

So my new project -- wait, this is not work-related... it's a good wholesome vision for my life-- is to enjoy a balanced life with family & friends in a healthy, Christian way. I'm enthusiastic about this new approach & hope it's long lasting. Perhaps if I can quit over-booking myself, I won't do it to Little K or The Hubbie. What a loving mom I am!

Until the next nap time...