Ordinary Moments Are Special

I take a lot of photos of our family. I love my digital camera & I love my collection of sunshine & smiles, petting zoos & adventures, new ideas & learned facial expressions. The challenge when I look through hundreds of photos is that I’m rarely pictured there with Little K and often her Daddy. I’m the one behind the scenes or in this case behind the camera. It’s important for someone to play that role but every once in a while you want to see yourself front & center. Notice that I say “you want to see yourself front & center.” I don’t think it really matters what others see.

I did share these thoughts with my husband on a recent trip to Galveston & he understood. Every now & then my hubby would grab the camera & take a few shots. There were some cute ones, no doubt, & I appreciated his effort.

Then, there was the snapshot. My favorite snapshot. Little K & I cuddled on the sofa, pretended that we were sleeping until we both giggled like the silly girls we are. No make up, just PJs. Our hair dos are a mess. And we’re wrapped up in the moment of holding each other & laughing together. The rest of the world could go on by itself. We were only focused on that moment.

Isn’t that how life with your children should be? So even when you’re usually the person behind the scenes, take in that moment & know that you are so important to your child. You make them feel whole & they do the same for you. Every moment counts – whether you’re experiencing an over-orchestrated play date or snuggle time on the sofa. That ordinary moment may actually be the exact moment you need to see. For me, just cuddling with my daughter feels like one of the greatest reasons I became a parent, no, a mommy.

Until the next nap time…

Turning A Tough Day Around

This morning, I got dressed quickly before Little K awoke, hoping I'd have "it all pulled together" before she awoke. Hmmm, I'm missing a rather important button on that blouse and don't think my client would appreciate the "Gweneth Paltrow" look as my husband called it. I tried removing a button from the very bottom of the shirt since that part would be tucked in. No luck finding the seam ripper. I resorted to scissors, a shisk-ka-bab skewer and finally a knife which sawed the threads of. I almost cut off my pinkie.

I quickly put some Egg Beaters on the stove and then sewed my button. What's that smell? Oh, my eggs burning. Then, my eggs burning on the stove top and running down the oven door.

So it's going to be one of those days, is it? I asked aloud.

I eat my burned eggs as my husband wipes up the stove... well, he sort of did. As I'm pouring Little K's milk, I hear her calling for me. I head upstairs to get her dressed for nursery school even though her nose is running and her voice is hoarse. Allergies?

As we're getting dressed, I realize my new button is actually much smaller than the ones above and below it. I really don't even care today. It's Monday.

As I rush through my day of client appointments and ignorant recent college grads that are sure they know more than Einstein (don't even ask them about me!), I remember one verse I recently saw:

"Every day offers a chance to choose either anger or understanding, bitterness or acceptance, darkness or light. And the choices we make reveal the stuff we're made of."

I like that. I'm heading to pick up Little K & then we'll go "eat some shrimpers" at my parents' house while my grandparents are still in town. After all, I don't think I need to attempt cooking again today.

Until the next nap time...

Veterans Day Parade in Houston

I really think Veterans Day is an important holiday. My (maternal side) Grammy and PaPa Don both served as Marines in World War II. The stories they tell and the photos they share are moving. Whether or not one of your relatives is a veteran, there is a lot to learn and respect from these individuals. I hope you will show your children how to respect those currently serving in the military and those with previous service. How? Head to the Veterans Day Parade this weekend.

Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony Info: Sunday, November 11, 2007
11 am Ceremony, 500 Smith, Hermann Square at City Hall, Downtown Houston
Moment of Silence, In Memory of the Eleventh Hour, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Month Signing of the WWI Armistice

1:00 pm Flyover and Parade, Smith at Texas
Special Guests of Honor include: Vietnam Veterans of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, Gold Star Mothers, Col. William Duncan

2:00 pm Houston Freedom Fest
Veterans Concert with Mass Choir and Orchestra, Military Equipment Displays, Wellness Booths - PTSD Emphasis, Grammy Award Winner Lee Greenwood, Texas A & M Singing Cadets, gospel artist Barbara Tucker, Words from Generals and Veterans

Until the next nap time...

Lap Sit Story Time in November

Babies – ages 3 months to 24 months – and their caregivers will enjoy the November Lap Sit Story Time session at the West University Library. Each Wednesday – starting November 7 through November 28 – at 10:30 AM, we will sing songs, chant nursery rhymes, bounce and clap for about 20 minutes. Afterward, there will be playtime with the soft toys. That’s a good time to meet new people, visit and possibly set up play dates.

Call the West University Branch Library at 713 668-8273 for more information. The Library is located at 6108 Auden.

Until the next nap time...

Fun Fine Arts for Kids

Looking for a fun activity to do with your youngster in November and/or December? Check out the Creative Connections classes -- Creative classes that provide developmentally appropriate educational and Fun Fine Arts curriculum! Active, Artistic, Enriching and Educational! The finest in fine arts education!

Turkey Time Workshops by Creative Connections

Friday, November 16th.
10-11-St. John the Divine-Ages 1-3 with a parent

Saturday,November 17th.
3:30-4:30-Fundamentally music- PreK-Elementary

Rockin' Reindeer Workshops
Friday,December 14th.
10-11am-St.John the Divine-Ages 1-3 with a parent*
*An additional workshop can be added on Saturday.
Contact Casey if you are interested in a Saturday option!

Saturday, December 15th.
3:30-4:30-Fundamentally music-PreK-Elementary

Dance,Act,Play,Paint and more!
$20 per child. Sign up for both for workshops for $35
Advanced Registration and payment required 24 hours before event.

Mail payment to:
Casey Casteel
P.O. Box 37401Houston, Texas 77237-0401
Or pay onlline at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wr8ETkpccpHbeiex2Nj8-diQPhFYdrLonln3SeswFYKZp8BMDWANj0jofrbLZs9ITN2B1E9sloK1algWHyOY2Cs09xwCuaDG7llJjaxnO93xBwq0Nr1v5LDTxWVamASsBKARS_0P69pGcktGGhwqBQ==

Halloween with Great Grandmother

Today, we celebrated Halloween early with my Grandmother at the nursing home. I was pleasantly surprised at how the staff worked hard to bring very young children together with their grandparents and great grandparents. Little K loved the dancing and the treats (while we weeded out the candies with peanuts!). We enjoyed a cloudless day in the mid 70s and got some warm sunshine on our faces. Ahhhh.

My Grandmother carefully watched a couple of older men chatting and standing in the middle of the party. Then Grandmother leaned over to us and said, "Looks like they're running for office the way they're standing there." Ha! At 93, she still cracks me up!

If you're looking for some Halloween fun, check out the Children's Museum of Houston.

BASK IN OUR MONSTER MASH BASH!Creepy Creatures WonderWeek and Halloween Party; Open until 8 p.m. on Oct. 31!

Discover what lurks in the dark during our Halloween Creepy Creatures Wonder Week, now through October 31. Dare to trick-or-treat through the haunting hallways of our spine-tingling Mansion each day, plus check out these thrilling activities!

Bat-Mobile: Fly this menacing creature and learn why it’s simply misunderstood!

Spider Web Head: This itsy bitsy spider won’t crawl up the water spout... but up your head to be worn as a hat!

Frankenbugs: Go mad in our Witchy Workshop building a creature whose eyes flash only when its antenna moves!

Creepy Crawly Prints: Celebrate all things creepy and crawly by creating prints of ghostly images of nocturnal creatures on Ultra Violet sensitive paper!

Slimy Grimy: Experiment with mixtures to create the grossest Slime Recipe.

Howl at the moon while you bask in our Monster Mash Bash—Houston’s ultimate Halloween party for kids, on October 31 when we’ll remain open until 8 p.m.!

Grimace and Hamburglar Special Appearances: October 27, 1 – 3 p.m.; October 28, Noon – 1 p.m.; and October 31, 3 – 5 p.m.

Singer-Guitarist Leah White: Monsters creeping on the stage will join this popular children's artist as she performs some of her popular tunes. October 27: 2 p.m.

Mad Science Lab: Chemists from the American Chemical Society will celebrate National Chemistry Week with a Halloween twist. October 27: 1 – 3 p.m.

Ronald McDonald® Magic Show: Be shocked when you get taunted as you try to decipher “just how did he do that?” in this enchanting performance.October 27, 4 p.m.; October 28, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.; and October 31, 5:30 p.m.

DJ Beetlejuice: Let the ghoul times roll as you dance to the hauntingly hip tunes of DJ Beetlejuice. Be sure to come dressed in your most boo-tiful or frightfully freaky costume!October 27, noon – 2 p.m.; October 28, 1 – 3 p.m.; October 31, 3 – 8 p.m.

Halloween Costume Contest: Come show off your Halloween costume on Halloween night! Each participant will receive a certificate and a prize. Winners will receive special prizes! October 31, Registration: 5 - 6:30 p.m.; Contest: 7 p.m.

Have a great time whereever you are! Until the next nap time

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

PaPa sent this to me & I couldn't resist sharing it with all the parents out there. Happy Fall!

YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING (Written by a former child)
A message every adult should read, because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking , I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT! Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher or friend) influence the life of a child. How will you touch the life of someone today?

Pumpkin Pickin'

Today, we went to DiOrio Farm -- a fruit & vegetable market -- in Navasota, TX. to pick out our pumpkins. Cousin Brent came along to help us find just the right one. He also helped in tickling. Say "Cheese!"

Skin the Rabbit

As a kid, whenever my mom helped me take off my shirt to get re-dressed, she'd say "Skin the Rabbit" and pull off my shirt. A few months ago, my Uncle Sean asked if I do that with Little K since Uncle Sean does that with his own daughter. Then, we talked about how groce the meaning of those words are.

To make matters worse (or more comical), Little K now enjoys picking which animal will be "skinned" that day. This morning, it was indeed a rabbit. Last night, it was the monkey, Curious George. Ewwww.

What do you say to get your kids undressed?

Cookie Starts with C

Since my husband had to work most of Saturday (boo!) & then conquering chores in the backyard, Little K and I found ourselves quite busy indoors. We both donned our aprons and made chocolate chip & pecan cookies for some friends. I have quite the helper. Not only can she cook but Little K makes an excellent TASTER!

It was a fun mommy & child activity. If only we had not shipped all those cookies off to our friends!

Until the next nap time...

Trials of the Pacifier Princess

So yesterday, I was trying to get Little K dressed for nursery school. With her wet diaper off, she pranced around on her bed while I tried to find the leg holes in her clean Princess Pull-up.

Suddenly, Little K announces, "Uh, oh. I dropped my paci." My 2.5 year old's pacifier had fallen between the wall & her bed, promptly to the floor under the bed. (Yes, I realize that a 2.5 year old shouldn't have a pacifier any more but I'm choosing my battles these days. I promise she won't go to college with a pacifier.)

The next thing I know Little K has jumped off her bed & crawled under the bed to reach for the missing paci. When I looked down to see her, all I could find was a bare bottom! I laughed so hard & then she laughed too. I sprinted for my camera but upon my return to her room, the rump was gone -- replaced by a smiling girl with her pacifiers. Lucily for you, you're not being mooned by Little K right now.

Until the next nap time...

Fun Links for Moms

Here's a link to a hillarious performance by a mom singing her own rendition of the William Tell Overture, including the numerous expressions of moms in a day. It cracks me up.
http://wayne.harlows.us/video/Moms_William_Tell_Overture.wmv

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to share a clever site to help remind you of self examines. The site borrows credible information from the Susan G. Komen Foundation & delivers the info in a fun way.

Until the next nap time...

Technological Advancements Surprise Me -- & Ramona Quimby Returns

Last night, I was fixing dinner while my daughter watched a "Dora the Explorer" video. Since my husband called me to say he'd be home late from work, I had to cancel my plans for the neighborhood Moms' Night Out. Boo! Any how, I'm baking the turkey breast & fixing the vegetables when I glance to the TV. I've heard this video numerous times as it played in our car's DVD player on road trips to the ranch or beach. Amazingly, I'd never SEEN the video but could recite parts of it by heart.

Oh. That's what Dora & Boots are doing. I had it pictured entirely different.

How funny our worlds are with technological advancements!

Here's a great activity for families with children 5 years & older. Hope you all can check it out. We're still a bit young. However, I remember in first grade loving Ramona Quimby books.

"Ramona Quimby" is now playing at the Main Street Theater.
Overview: When her father loses her job, Ramona Quimby learns that being grown up is hard work. But, as her sister Beezus says, “being a kid and trying to become a grown up is even harder.” For more then 30 years, kids of all ages have delighted in the hilarious antics of Ramona and the Klickitat street gang in Beverly Cleary's beloved Newbery Honor book series.

Location: Main Street Theater - Chelsea Market 4617 Montrose Blvd.
Dates: Public Performances Friday, October 12 at 7 pm
Saturdays at 1 pm and 4 pm October 13, 20, 27 and November 3 and 10, 2007

School Groups
Monday - Friday October 2 – November 9, 2007 9:30 am, 11 am and 12:30 pm

Recommended for Kindergarten (5 years) and up
Children under the age of 3 not allowed in the theater
Visit http://www.mainstreettheater.com/youththeater/ramona.html for more info or to purchase tickets.

Until the next nap time...

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...