How to Make Sure You Decorate for Thanksgiving With Children

Recently, my sweet sister got me hooked on Once A Month Meals.  Basically, you sign up with them, and they help you plan menus with all the information (shopping list, prep list, cooking schedule, recipes, etc.) that you need to shop and cook for a month's worth of meals in a little over one day.  We usually break it down into at least two days: The shopping and prep day and the cooking and freezing day.  It's awesome.  Now, there's always a great meal ready to cook every day.  And it saves on the grocery bill as well.  (After setting it up to work out to food for two weeks instead of four, the average cost of groceries was about $160/2 weeks for our family of five.)

  I decided to apply this theory of having things prepared in advance to make a daily art adventure easier.  And to make sure that we have some Thanksgiving decorations to put up.:)

The countdown to Thanksgiving is on... And it's down to 4 days left.  And we still have our Halloween decor up.  So... Since I love doing crafty stuff with the mini's, and I don't feel like I do enough of it, I have decided to prep some projects out ahead of time, then just pull them out over the next few days.  Thanks to Pinterest (LOVE it!), here's what's on the agenda:

Thankful Turkey Book

Thanks to the blogger at b-inspiredmama.com, I found these adorable Thankful Turkey books.  Instead of using paper bags, I simply cut two sheets of  printer paper and a sheet of construction paper in half the long way, folded the printer paper and one half of the construction paper together, then stapled them.  They are tucked into a paper lunch bag, awaiting creation. My little man and baby doll will be able to write in their own books with  minimal help, and the super baby will be able to dictate.  Then they can draw away to illustrate all the things that they are thankful for at this point in their lives.  I'm excited to see what they come up with.

Lego Stamped Indian Corn

Crafty Morning inspired me to set this art project up for my kiddos.  We have a few (TONS!!) of Legos hanging out around here, so this should be an awesome art project for us to do.  No bag for this one, I just printed out the picture and basic directions so I wouldn't be scrambling for an idea.

Turkeys

I wish I knew who to give credit to for this adorable project... :(  Anyways, we have tons of TP rolls hanging out for art projects, and paper plates, so another bag is prepped with those two basic needs to create turkeys to set out to replace the pumpkins hanging out.

Rock Turkeys

Another Crafty Morning project... When we bought our house, one of the back flowerbeds was landscaped with rock.  Still is, though that is changing in the spring.  But, for now, there were just enough rocks not buried in snow for me to pick out three that are perfect for this craft.  As soon as they are dry, they will go into the next bag to motivate our creativity.

Coloring Sheets

Mommy Octopus gathered some awesome coloring sheets.  Little man has already colored in the turkey color by number and the Thanksgiving scene.  These should be some great fillers for the kiddos Thanksgiving day, so we will be printing off extras to share with the cousins (and aunts/ uncles/grandparents/friends) should they feel the desire to do some holiday coloring!

I'm so looking forward to doing some intentional projects with the kids.  There is so much to be gained from them- not the least of which will be the wonderful memories made of doing these things together.

(Huge thanks to all who shared inspiration for the crafts! Everyone I could find a link to give credit to is linked in the caption of the picture!)

My Top 10 Things to Have on Hand to Make Life Easier

So, I recently got to thinking about things that I usually make sure to have on hand, both as a parent and as a teacher.  You never know when you're gonna need that one little thing to keep the peace and make the day go by that much smoother.  Here are some of my must haves- and why I make sure to keep them around.

1.  Art supplies.(I grouped this category because the list would be waaay too long if I listed them individually.) Crayons, markers, colored and graphite pencils, construction paper, watercolor paper, drawing paper, coloring books, tissue paper, magazines/ads/newspaper for cutting, scissors, glue, stickers... The list is pretty much endless. But art supplies are the kind of awesome free exploration that kids love, and learn so much from. Truly, having a well stocked stash of art supplies can save the kids (and parents/teachers) from going up the wall.

2.  Tape.  Tape is one of the most versatile tools you can have as a caregiver for young children.  It can fix books or toys (electrical tape makes a great cast for a broken Barbie wrist or dragon tail!) Painters tape works wonderfully for creating a race track for Hot Wheels and their friends, or for marking shapes and spaces for other games that need a bigger 'board' than the traditional board game. Washi tape is great for art projects.  And we all know about Duct tape...  Fixes everything, right? :)

3. Play dough.  Weather you buy Play-Doh from the store or make your own at home, play dough is definitely a must have. It's another one of those boredom busters, and is such a great fine motor workout for little hands.

4.  Laminator (thermal + pouches or self adhesive).  I LOVE  my laminator.  Definitely one of the best $20 investments I've made.  We use it to make dry erase and play dough mats.

5.  Dry erase markers and mats or boards.  My kids love dry erase activities.  And I love that they aren't going through a ton of paper. Dry erase activities are just enough of a novelty that even the most resistant practicing writer will be hard pressed to refuse.

6.  Sensory table, filler, and scoops.  We use a regular under-the-bed type storage tub for our sensory table.  I love that it has a well fitting lid, and the kids know when the lid is on, the bin is not available unless they ask.  We also keep gallon size bags of mixed pasta, colored rice, and mixed beans on hand to put in the table.  I have made cloud dough for it, and am thinking about dumping some cornmeal with cinnamon in for the holiday scent.  We'll see!  And the scoops are nothing fancy- just salvaged yogurt and spice containers.

7.  Notebooks. You know how stores have notebooks on sale for $,03 at the end of the school supply sales? (I may be exaggerating slightly about the price, but they're still super cheap when they are trying to get rid of the oodles extra they ordered in preparation for school supply shopping.) Anyways, I always stock up on a bunch of them when I can, then give them to the kids with their name on the cover as a journal. It's so much fun to see the things they 'write', actually write, or draw in them.  And I love looking back at their earlier journals and seeing how much they have learned. Notebooks are also handy for the parent/teacher for notes and lists and whatever else one uses a notebook for. :)

8.  A library card.  You never know what kinds of treasures you can find at your local library.  We went one time, just to check out some books, and found out they were having a terrific book sale!  We walked out with a reusable shopping bag, packed full of books, that cost us $2.  There are so many family activities to take advantage of, from story time to movie nights. And the novelty of a new book never gets old- literally.  The more reading your child (and you!) do, the better!  There are so many new worlds to discover between the covers of a book.

9.  Camera.  I don't use my camera as often as I feel I should, especially now that I have a phone with  a pretty decent camera in it.  Either way, have a way to capture those special moments.  There's no need to go overboard and take a million pictures (unless you really want to- then by all means, snap away!)  But having those moments recorded means a lot, and I for one love having the option as opposed to kicking myself for forgetting to have something ready.

10.  Chocolate.  You never know when you're going to need it.  Potty training toddler makes it to the bathroom by themselves?  Have a bite.  Preschooler shares the most favorite, sacred toy without being asked?  Here's a nibble.  School age kid spends 30+ minutes reading to his siblings, never getting frustrated with the million and 12 interrupted questions? Take half.  Had a long day?  You, mom/dad/caregiver/teacher, get the whole thing.  :)  Some days, chocolate just makes everything better.

There are so many things out there billed to make your life easier...  These are the things I love to have on hand to make a melt down day into a fun filled day. Find what works for you, and make sure you are never without!

The Loss of Discipline...

I recently saw this image on one of the Facebook pages I follow.  I have to admit, it made me sad to see.  So many people see or think of discipline as punishment for a child, when the full scope of discipline is so much more.  Truly, the last line- "providing conditions in which a child can realize his or her full human potential"- is one of the best definitions of discipline for children I have seen.

Discipline is providing structure and routine for a child.  Children need structure in their day.  They thrive on knowing what comes next, that they can trust you to be there, that there is predictability in their lives. Discipline allows you to tell your child that there are limits, there are routines for the things you do, that you can be trusted to be a safe place for them.

Discipline is letting a child know that there are expectations for him or her.  Each family, community, culture all have their own expectations for everyone who is a member- including children.  Discipline lets you teach your child what those expectations are, and how to succeed at and within them.  It lets you teach your child that there are times when they must wear clothes, there are places for using the bathroom, that we need to take turns for the safety and well-being of everyone.  When children are in group settings (like child care or school), there are expectations for learning.  If your child has no concept of discipline, in increases the chances of the child having a harder time interacting with the group and taking advantage of the learning opportunities offered.

Discipline allows a child to know how to interact with others.  It provides the framework for culturally appropriate communication rituals.  When children don't have clear boundaries (discipline!), it can lead to a child being overly affectionate or to hang back in the wrong situations. It teaches a child when a hand shake is more appropriate than a hug, the space we leave between friends or strangers, and the words we use when we speak to the different people in our lives.

Discipline tells a child we will keep them safe.  There are expectations for how we interact with other people, for how we interact with our environment. Offering appropriate discipline tells a child, "I won't let you hurt yourself and others.  I will help you learn how to be safe. I will help you learn about being a friend."

Discipline is not synonymous with punishment. Discipline is providing the expectations and framework for growth and learning.

The Birth of a Mother

So it's the time of year again when my munchkin crew turns another year older. Their birthdays all fall within a four week span, and this time always makes me think more about being a parent than almost any other.

As I watch them run and climb and play, I remember when they were born, and how little they all were. I remember the quiet moments and snuggles. I remember the seemingly endless rounds of night feedings and diapers. (Well, we still have the diapers, though admittedly not as many as we used to with the super baby almost potty trained.) I remember when decisions for them were easier, or at least  that there were fewer if them to make. But the place we are right now is pretty cool, so remembering just lets me see how far we have all come.

I see my seven year old learning so much! I never really thought about all the things that elementary school teachers teach our children every day, despite being trained as a teacher for up to third grade. My focus has been in infants ans infant care and development. Just watching little man learn to read step by step has been wonderful. Having a part of his learning has been eye opening. I am loving learning with the smart, energetic boy hape has grown in to.

My dolly is such a sweet caregiver. I have lost count of the number of times that she has packed a diaper bag for her dolls, or encouraged the super baby to the bathroom during potty training. And watching her learn with her older brother melts my heart. She so much wants to do the things he is, and by watching him is slowly but surely figuring it out.

Super baby is definitely not a baby anymore at three. He all but keeps up with the other two, and is an imaginative instigator on his own.

Knowing decisions I've made has helped them learn and become the little people they are is awesome and a little frightening. Knowledge and discipline they accrue now will follow them the rest of their lives.

Knowing how to be helpful, caring people.

Knowing how to work together.

Knowing how to use their voices, not only to be heard for themselves, but to speak up for those who can't.

Knowing the joys of learning and exploring new ideas.

Knowing how to work for the things they want.

Knowing that work and honesty will get you farther than deceit and an expectation of entitlement.

Knowing that love is always within your reach.

As they learn and grow, they prepare for the world waiting for them. Hopefully, the world will be ready for them.
Some days, I miss when my babies were babies. They were quieter, they snuggled more, they didn't fight and argue. But where we are right now is surely the best we've had. I can't wait to see what is to come.

The Best Toys Sometimes Aren't Even Toys...

I'm back! It's been a crazy, busy summer, and I've missed making time to write... But here I am!

Last week, while the munchkin crew and I were visiting my parents, they were having a ball watching my dad change out a tire that had a hole too big to repair.  We had recently been camping, and the campground had a climbing structure made out of semi tires bolted together. They thought it was the coolest toy ever. So, of course, they asked if we could bring this tire home. After getting the ok, we loaded it up, and they are having a blast with it. They roll it across the yard, flip it, step on it, sit in it... It has become one of their favorite toys, and they are looking forward to getting a few more when we can look through the other old tires at the farm.

This prompted me to start thinking again about all the things that provide awesome learning and play opportunities, but aren't actually toys. So, I thought I'd share a list of my favorite non-toy toys. :)

As I mentioned, old (clean-ish) tires are great toys. They can prompt some interesting, imiganitive dramatic play, large muscle work, team work opportunities, and problem solving skills. They can be pushed, stacked, climbed on, rolled... The possibilities are only limited by a child's imagination.

Another fabulous non-toy is a set of measuring cups and/or spoons (or two or three), and something to scoop with them. They require fine motor work to manipulate, and encourage math and science exploration.

Scraps of fabric are a favorite of my children. Any time I am sewing they are right there, asking for just about any scrap of fabric I snip off. Some are tiny, some are long, but all are fair game. They use them for baby doll play, for stuffed animal props, as jewelry... The scraps are included in just about any play they do. I am toying with the idea if making a sensory bin with just fabric scraps in it, and see what they do. :) Should be interesting.

Boxes. You know how they say babies are more interested in the boxes their toys come in, than they are the toys themselves? They're right. And it's true for more than babies. My 7 and 5 year olds love adding empty boxes to their play any time they find one. They become doll beds and garages with equal enthusiasm.

Dry beans, dry rice, dry pasta, shredded paper, poms or cotton balls, gel/water beads, aquarium rocks, and any other similar material not mentioned are great for sensory play. Learning through sensory play is a powerful motivator for young children. It engages them on multiple levels, no matter what you choose to fil your sensory bin with.

Empty spice containers and cereal/pasta/rice/etc. boxes are great additions to kitchen or cooking dramatic play. They lend a touch of realism to a child's play, and allow them to mimic you- their greatest teacher.

There are so many more things that children can use to enrich their play, things you might not even think of as toys, but that will give your child hours of fun and so many opportunities for learning. When it's safe, allow your child to check out the treasures of non-toy toys- and see the difference it makes in their play.

Happy play time!

Scientists and Lab Rats (aka. Children and Adults)

I love science.  It is one of my favorite subjects to do with kids- especially since I have started to notice all the science opportunities that are right around us in the world every day.  My kids love to hunt for grasshoppers in our back yard, and watch the ants crawl on the sidewalks, or chase dragonflies and butterflies.  The are always interested in helping when I am working in the garden. They spend hours at our sensory table checking out the beans or rice or pasta that we keep stocked for them. They turn the lights or fans on.  And off.  And on.  And off... Just to see what happens and how long they can do it before they are told to find something else.

The kids at work like to play peek a boo.  They like to roll and shake sensory bottles.  They push over stacks of blocks or cups. They squish paint and sand and feel different fabrics. They pull the diaper cubbies out of the shelves.  They pull on the garbage cans.  Just to see what happens and how long they can do it before they are told to find something else.

I saw this poster on Facebook the other day....

Explorations Early Learning

Now, I know that this says toddlers, and I work with infants. And my kids are in first grade, preschool, and almost preschool.  But trust me, it still applies. They will do things, just to see how you will react.  And to see if you will react the same way this time as you did last time, even if they escalate their behaviors.

I know that the kids at work, and my babies at home, are not doing the things they are doing just to frustrate or upset me.  I know that.  But in the moment, it can be hard to hold on to that certainty. It can feel like a child is resisting a nap a blind person could see they need to pushing away your attempts to care for them.  A child who is pushing or taking toys from another child isn't trying to upset you- or even the other child. A baby crawling or walking or running away when they are told it is time for a diaper or bottle or food isn't saying they aren't hungry or that they don't need a fresh diaper.  

They just want to understand how we work. They want to know that we will be there to help them get the sleep they need, even when they are pushing us away. They want to know how another child will react when they learn to socialize, and in the process are learning how they should act and react as well. They want to know that you will follow through with the care they need- even when it is difficult.*

Remembering that it usually isn't personal has been a huge breakthrough for me.  Knowing that they are working hard to make sense of the world around them, makes it easier for me to remember to not get flustered, to be as consistent as I can for the littles in my care.

Babies are curious learners, and are great at cause and effect.  They are looking at you the way scientists look at the subjects of their experiments, trying to make sense out of confusion. Science is truly great... And all around us.

*Disclaimer:  There are children who will learn that specific actions on their part will stress you out, and may attempt to use that to their advantage. Good luck! :)

Fourth of July Flag Shirts!

A little late for this one, as we did it for the Fourth, but still wanted to share the fun we had.  :)

One of my mom/caregiver friends posted a picture of her littles wearing shirts she had helped them decorate with a flag- red and white stripes, with a blue handprint where the stars would go on the American flag.  So super cute!  I immediately sent the picture to my sis to see if she wanted to get together before the holiday to make shirts for all five of our sweet babes.

We collected shirts of the correct size for each child, including a onsie for my little niece who couldn't make it up to do the project with us that day, and marked out the spaces for the red stripes with painter's tape.  After sticking a piece of cardboard into the shirt, to keep the paint from transferring onto the back of the shirt, I helped the kiddos paint the red lines on their shirts.  They really enjoyed spreading the fabric paint oh the shirts!  We then each helped our own munchkins do their hand prints for the blue corner.

                 

So, so cute!  I  love the little, tiny handprints of my youngest nephew and niece, and the progression of sizes with my own kids.  They were so excited to wear their Fourth of July shirts to the parade and for the  holiday.

         
                       

When you know better, you do better

When I think of all the things I've learned about children and child development and child care in the last 20 years, it begins to overwhelm my mind.  I mean, things have changed so much, just in the last (almost) 7 years since I became a mom.  There were things that the hospital did as part of their routine newborn care that were no longer in practice when I had my second just two years later.  And in two decades of learning, there has been a lot of new information to process and include in how I do my job and how I parent my own children.

I did a lot of babysitting as a teenager.  This was a great learning opportunity, and I am grateful for the experiences and relationships I was able to form with a couple families I was with most often.

I was lucky enough to get work study in college on the on-campus child care center for my first two years of college. This was also in invaluable experience for me, as it gave me some wonderful role models for teaching, and gave me some great moments to look back on and use for future situations.

Some of the best things I learned were....

Pretty is not always the compliment it seems to be.  This one was hard for me to remember at first.  I can remember my first lead teacher, when I was a new aide, explaining to me that it was ok to skip the part of the compliment that said that something was pretty, and just compliment the part that caught my eye and made me think it was pretty.  It was ok to simply tell a little girl, "Look at the flowers on your dress!"  instead of "Your dress is so pretty with it's flowers!"  The explanation that was given was that we were moving away from using pretty/beautiful as compliments, to encourage the little girls in the classroom to hear that they were more than how they looked.

Recognizing the effort made.   This one kind of tied in with not using pretty....  To not simply tell a child "good job" on an art project or playscape (like a block tower, or play kitchen set up.)  To notice the details of what they did- the colors they used, the height of their tower, the variety of play foods selected.  These are the things that children need reinforced.  They need to know that you notice the efforts they put into their play and experiences.

Using positive guidance.  Learning to say, "Please walk, I need you to be safe" as opposed to "Don't run, you will fall" was easier for me.  Having it explained that children find it easier to understand what you want them to do instead of hearing what you don't want them to do and trying to figure out what they can/should do was so incredibly helpful for me.

Things will change, and that's ok.  Like I mentioned earlier, there were things that were standard procedures when my son was born, that were not being done when my daughter was born two years later.  And truly, that is a long time when it comes to children and development and best practices across the board.  New information is learned all the time, and things that were encouraged as the best way to care for children can become obsolete quickly.  One reason I am grateful for the continuing education that is required for my job is that I am able to choose classes that keep me as current as possible in infant care and development.  I also enjoy reading other blogs that make me think about what I do and how I care for children, to help me give them the best possible experience.

Not everyone agrees on what is best, and that's ok.  There are so many sides to every parenting and care decision out there....  No on scenario is going to be right for everyone, and that's ok.  Everyone's life experience is going to give them different insights and strategies for different situations, and this will make people disagree about what is the best way to handle things that come up when caring for children.  This is ok.  The biggest thing I learned from this is that it gives me a chance to learn something new.  I recently read aobut some different parenting philosophies that I didn't feel that I agreed with.  When I read more articles about them, I found things that agreed with what I feel is best, and some things that I agreed with that I began to add into how I care for children.

Never stop learning!  Never, never, ever!  There is so much out there.  Learn all you can, from everyone that you can.  You will get so many ideas and such enthusiasm for child care from hearing different perspectives.  And you never know what will come in handy.  :)

Keep on learning.  There is so much information available, it is insane.  Birth plans, feeding, infant hygiene, introducing solids, art experiences, large motor experiences, play time experiences, sleeping arrangements- you name it, there are a million different experiences ready to give you an option for your child.  Learn as much as you can, then pick and choose the parts of each that work best for you and your child, in your situation.  Remember, no one way is the right way.  The best way is the one that gives you, your child, and your family the most reward.

Happy learning!

Building a Sensory Garden

Last year, when we went on vacation, we went to the MN Children's Museum.  I would totally recommend it as one of the most awesome places to take your children.  Or borrow someone else's children and take them.  It is so cool and so much fun to watch kiddos explore and learn in all the exhibits that they have set up there...  And it is a lot of fun to check out as an adult too, I won't lie.  I think I have almost as much fun as my munchkins do.  :)

One of the things that I really noticed the last time we were there was that they had planted a sensory garden in their rooftop exhibit.  I loved that it combined gardening, the outdoors, and a total sensory experience for children.  As they had planted herbs, the plants had strong, individual odors, different shapes and colors, different textures, and were safe to allow children to taste.

Little Man exploring the sensory garden at MN Children's Museum

So, this summer I stole borrowed the idea of a "Summer Bucket List" from a fellow mom/child care teacher/ blogger, and we came up with a great list of fun things to do this summer.  Since I love the idea of a sensory garden, we added that. 

To set it up, I picked up a huge clay pot from Menards about a week ago.  I also picked up a couple smaller ones for something else, and used one of those to make a small sensory garden for my nephew to take home.  It was great fun that he got to join us!

The kids and I took turns digging up some black dirt from a small hill that I have in my back yard and filled those pots up.  I should mention that I set the pots in the kids' Radio Flyer wagon, as I didn't want to be hauling full pots of dirt across the yard.  Did I mention that one of them was huge?  Even with some plastic bottles filling up about half the space in the bottom of the large pot (for extra drainage, and to lessen the weight in the pot in the event that I do have to move it more than a few inches), it was still pretty heavy.

On Saturday morning, my munchkin crew and I hit up the farmer's market for several varieties of herbs- basil, lemon mint, rosemary, and opal basil in two varieties.  Kinda basil heavy, but they all look and smell different, which was the point.  :)  And really, you can put what ever plants you want in these...  Though I would recommend plants that are child safe, as one sense that children love to explore is taste.  :)  After we had the pots filled, we took turns making holes in the dirt, and setting our 'baby plants' into their new homes.  The kiddos all had fun patting the dirt around the root balls.

After we had our plants in, we talked about how to touch the plants gently, how we could smell them and notice the differences, and that we could pick off little pieces of leaves to taste.  

None of the kids were overly impressed with the tastes of any of the plants available, but they sure had a lot of fun making these!

I love gardens for children, and am looking forward to seeing these give my loves some interest and learning through the summer.

The Clothes We Wear

I love that the weather has finally been warm enough the last couple weeks that we have been able to spend some great time outside, both at home and with the babes at work.  For a while, I worried that it would stay too windy, too rainy, or just too chilly in general for us to let the munchkins enjoy some time on the playground.  But, we made it!

This got me thinking about the clothes that children wear to daycare/school these days, and how that might impact the children's involvement in outdoor (or even just messy indoor) activities.  Paint, mud, markers, and grass are just a few of the things used daily in our work and play that can stain clothing, not to mention the times that clothing can be snagged or pulled on and get rips.  Or even the every day wear and tear of active children on fabric.  The material doesn't even stand a chance, really.  :)

Now, I know that children as young as the ones I care for don't really think about their clothes when they are presented with an activity.  But as they get older, teacher and parent reactions to getting dirty, messy, and torn can make a child think twice about engaging in a wonderful learning opportunity out of concern for what they are wearing.  So, how do we help them not to have to worry?

Garage sales and thrift stores are great places to stock up on gently used clothing.  You get a great bargain, and since you usually pay a few dollars or less for a piece of clothing, having it get ripped or stained isn't nearly as concerning as if the clothes you paid more for are damaged.

Bargain hunt.  If second hand clothing is not for you, track the fliers for your favorite children's stores, and watch for coupons for dollars or percentages off of clothing.  Usually, you can use coupons on sale items, and increase your savings, and get brand new clothing for only slightly more than you would at a  thrift store.  :)  Also, pay attention to things like Target's Cartwheel app, or apps like RetailMeNot etc., which give you extra discounts and can often be used with paper coupons and sale items.

Designate specific outfits for days when you know there will be messy or outdoor play.  Children will learn quickly that these clothes are ones that they don't have to  be as careful with, and will be able to play without worry.

And in the end, do remember that everything washes.  There are endless sites online with tips and tricks for getting just about anything out of clothing.  (Here and here are just two available!)

So, relax and enjoy the messes and dirt.  Children are getting so much more out of their time exploring and learning, and we will miss these days of watching them learn so much all too soon.

You ROCK!

As a parent and child care teacher, some of my greatest reasons for doing what I do are the things I can do for the families and children I am with.  It is one of the best feelings ever when I can help a parent be less worried about what their child can or can't yet do.  Or encourage them in supporting their child's learning.  Or share the information and resources I have learned in my years as a parent and caregiver. Or even just being able to be the safe place that they can leave their baby and trust that they will be kept as safe and happy as I can make them while they are with me.  (And having some awesome help and support with that is one of the most crucial parts of making it happen!)

I recently read a comment by a fellow child care teacher, who mentioned how great it is to hear from the parents that we work with, what a great job they may feel that we do.  It got me thinking of some of the best professional compliments I have ever gotten.  She was so right!

One of the earliest that stands out was a young mom dropping her daughter off and telling my then-assistant teacher and I how much her little girl looked forward to spending time with her "daytime mommies".  The fact that she would feel comfortable enough telling us that she and her child (her first and, at the time, only child) were happy and confident enough with us to label us mommies for this baby was such a great moment for me.  It is one time that sure stands out as to why I love my profession so much.

Other moments come when parents ask about their child's development, and trust that I can help make sense of what their child may be doing.  Why are they so interested in what is in the cupboards in the kitchen when we have spent time and effort in creating a child-friendly zone?  Why does my child cling and cry when I have to leave, when they were fine last week?  What does it mean for my child when they can wave/ sign/ point?  When will my child walk?  There is no single right answer, but being able to point parents in the right direction on where to find more information is great.  Being able to learn and share about the developing mind and body of a child is such a great privilege.

On the flip side of my job working with children and parents is my opportunity to work with some truly awesome people.  I have worked with people who were totally new to child care, college students working to become the next generation of teachers, teachers who were able to share years more experience than I have with me.  Every one has given me something (or a lot of somethings) new to learn and think about.  Everyone comes in with ideas and expectations about what child care looks like and is about.  Having the opportunity to help others make sense of the world of teaching and child care is another great benefit of my job.  I've never really thought of myself as a teacher in the sense of teaching adults, but how cool is it that I get to do it anyway?!  When I am able to help someone make sense of what we are doing and why, it reminds me of why I love to teach.  :)

There are a thousand moments every day that my families, my co-workers, my employers, the children I work with, my own children and family at home tell me that I am valuable to them, that what I do makes a difference in their lives.  I have to admit, there are days where the chaos of getting from moment to moment with the demands of the day make me forget to notice them- in their moments.  But when I sit back and take stock of the day, I sure notice they were there.

And those moments, when you are told that you are so important to a family you care for that you have earned the title of "daytime mommy" in their eyes, it makes every moment of effort to get to that point so worth it.  Remember, as a provider or a parent, you are so important in the life of the child you are with.  You so truly ROCK!

The Value of Art

A few months ago, my co-workers and I were offered the opportunity to take a class that dealt with art experiences in early childhood. I was bummed, because the Husband was out of town, and I was unable to find a sitter for the munchkins so I couldn't go.

Fast forward a couple weeks after the class, and I was talking to one of my awesome co-workers, and mentioned that I wished that I had been able to attend the class.  The response I got literally made my jaw drop- "You wouldn't have liked it; the instructor told us that art experiences have no value for infants."

Cue the sad face.  :(  No value for infants? Really?  I work hard to bring art experiences into the room with the infants I work with, and have noticed a whole list of ways that art benefits the children.

For example....

Finger painting.  Can we say sensory play?  It's cool, squishy, jelly-like, and comes in bright colors.  You can let them explore with color mixing, even if they aren't able to grasp the concept.  Babies are hard wired for cause and effect, so this is a great way to let them explore that concept-  If I squeeze my hand shut, the paint squishes between my fingers.  If I spread my hand out and swipe it across the paper, it leaves a smear of paint behind.  I can use one finger, or all my fingers, or my whole hand.  Capturing finger painting can show an infant provider progress in fine motor control, as you can "read" the smears left  behind.  Are they using their fingertips to paint?  How much of the paper are they covering in their work?  These are things that children need to practice, and what better or more fun way to do it!

Brush painting with tempera or water color.  Here comes that fine motor control again, with holding the brush in a fist.  Add in those cool cups with the funnel in the top to keep the paint from spilling, and you have some hand-eye coordination as well, for when they dip the brush back into the paint.  I've had just-turned-one year olds who were able to grasp dipping the brush through that little funnel to get more paint to put on their paper.  And if you paint with an easel, you get some large motor skill work, with the arm movements and some standing.  :)

Coloring with crayons or colored pencils.  More fine motor skills, as well as some sensory experience.  The feeling of the paper around a crayon, or even the wax of an unwrapped crayon can be a novel experience for a child.  And that cause and effect is great for them, when they move their hand/arm and make lines on the paper.  If you provide these colored pencils (we should get some, the kids would love it!), it adds another dimension of sensory exploration.

Eco-Tree Colored Pencils

Stamping... With actual stamps, this provides fine and gross motor skill practice.  They get to hold the stamp, and move their arm.  They get to see cause and effect of inking the stamp on the ink pad, then seeing the ink run out when they stamp on the paper.  And, really, what kid doesn't get a kick out of art that lets them make noise by hitting the table?  :)  Paint or ink daubers are great here too, just for some variation.

Contact paper collages.  That sticky paper has some great uses.  Letting the babes stick bits of tissue or other small pieces of paper (or leaves, flower petals, bits of fabric, snips of yarn, whatever!) to it promotes some great fine motor control.  

Now, with all of this, are they going to get the same things out of doing art that a toddler or preschooler is going to?  No.  Does that mean that we should not do art with infants?  NO!  There is so much going on for them, we should be giving them art opportunities as often as we can.  

And really, the parents just love when you give them something their little angel has created.  Just for them, of course.  :)

Girls vs. Boys

Yesterday, I noticed that one of the headlights on my truck was burned out. Not a big deal- nothing a quick trip to the auto parts store and a wrench couldn't fix. And I didn't even break a nail doing it! I may have chipped my nail polish, but it was coming off anyway, so I'm not sure how much of that was from digging around under the hood.

By the way, you read that right. I am one of those women who knows how to change a headlight on a vehicle. It may have taken me longer than it would have taken someone with more experience, but according to the directions I looked up (my truck manuel only covered the tail lights and license plate lights), it still took less than the hour estimated.

For myself, I never understood why that kind of thing should deserve so much recognition. While I was working on getting that bulb changed, I kept thinking how much easier it probably was for me to reach into the tiny space left to get at the bulb.  The Husband or my brothers would have had much more trouble- because their hand/ arm would not have fit into the space as easily.

But on to my point...  It makes me so sad to see such distinct lines between "boy toys" and "girl toys", and to see any child discouraged from playing with a toy because it is for the opposite gender. (Thanks, Mom and Dad, for teaching us that learning was more important than who a toy was intended for.)  To go to the stores and see girl aisles full of dolls, dishes, and phones. To see boy aisles filled with building sets, cars, and adventure toys.

I wonder what would happen if more boys were encouraged to interact with dolls and play house- by the marketing gurus who show a disproportionate number of girls vs. boys with those toys.  Would we end up with more boys who feel that contributing to house work and child care is appropriate and expected?  Probably.  (Not to suggest that there aren't already men who do this.)  And, likely, it wouldn't be such a surprise when it does.  One thing I dislike hearing is how a father is 'babysitting' his own child. As a former babysitter, I can tell you  it doesn't work like that when it is your child.  That is parenting. I know that no one calls it babysitting when it applies to me and my children- at least not to my face. :)

What would happen of the girl toys were LEGO sets and tools and cars? Wait, let me rephrase that... What if the girl Lego sets were adventure themed, instead of home, and bakery, and shopping?  What if we showed our girls that they can in fact competently use the same tools that boys use?  Maybe, just maybe, we would get women more confident in their own skills and abilities. More girls having the kinds of adventures that let them do what they dream. (Again, not to say that we don't already have these women in the world...)

We have come a long way in expressing the roles of men and women to our children. But when I only have to walk down a toy aisle to see how far we can still go... Well, I know we still have our work cut out for us.

For myself, I won't be surprised at all when my daughter fixes her car by herself.

Being a Bossy Mom

"You're a bossy mom."

My little man muttered this at me during a conversation this afternoon.  I already can't remember what the instigating conversation was about, but he had been told no to something, and had whined at me.  One thing that I sure don't care for (especially from my older munchkins) is being whined at. I get that whining is a common phase of development for young children, but it can be taught that there are better and more respectful ways to communicate than whining. So, being called a bossy mom for correcting his tone shouldn't have been too unexpected.

After I thought about it for a while, I realized that yes, in fact, I probably am a bossy mom. I insist that my children speak to me respectfully, as do my best to do the same.  There are times that I pull out the "Because I'm mom and I said so," but that's usually after several times of asking/telling/explaining- and I expect them to listen anyway, even if the reason is only because I'm the mom. I expect them to pick up after themselves, and do several simple chores around the house.  I expect them to be (age appropriately) respectful of each other- to take turns with and without prompting, to not take toys that they know will upset another, to help each other out. I expect them to try the foods that are put in front of them at meal times, and not simply spit if they are determined not to like it.

But on the flip side of all this, I expect them to grow into the understanding that these expectations were made with their best interests in mind. Knowing how to speak in a respectful way helps children grow into adults who are able to listen and articulate their point more clearly, and in a way that others are kore likely to listen to. And it will help them with current/future teachers and employers.  Following through on their chores teaches them responsibility for their belongings, as well as a sense of teamwork to accomplish a goal. Learning to be respectful of each other teaches them to empathize and get along with their peers, friends, and future co-workers. Trying new things, and understanding appropriate responses also prepares them for future success, and teaches them that trying new things can turn out better than they expect.  I've lost count of the number of times I've heard one of my kiddos insist they hate something on their plate, only to ask for seconds minutes later.

One of my biggest wishes for my children is for them to grow into caring, responsible adults. I just can't see that happening if I (and my husband and their teachers and extended village) don't model and insist on practicing respect and responsibility now. Children learn what they live. Make time for all the awesome fun, but insist on your values. It's much easier to teach now than undo the habits you don't want later to teach the values that are important to you and your family.

I'll be a bossy mom any day.

Having a Personal Library

Building a personal library for my children has been a goal of mine for quite some time, and I feel that I am well on my way to accomplishing that for them.  We have so many books for the kiddos to look at and read.  :)  There is always something to catch their eye and attention.

When I was first thinking about having a collection of books for my kids, I thought it would be an expensive and difficult task.  Luckily, it turned out to be pretty easy- and very cost effective too.  Here are some of the things I learned...

1.  Utilize your local library.  Seriously, I think our library is one of our favorite sources for books.  Not just the ones you can check out and return, but we have gotten so many books that we can keep and return to for pennies!  One time, I went in and our Friends of the Library group was having a book sale.  Everything I could fit into a grocery bag for $2.  We had brought in a reusable shopping bag (LOVE those- they hold so much more than the plastic or paper ones), and we were able to fill it almost overstuffed- for $2.  We probably had 50 books in there, and only went through one table of books that were available.

But, using your local library for the books you check out and return is a great way to continuously provide fresh reading material for your family, with little to no cost to yourself.  Check them out!  Many have a section dedicated to children, and have exploration areas for them to experience while you are there.

2.  Garage sales.  Gently used children's books are another great way to pick up stock for your library.  Many times, they are in great shape, and you can get them for 5-50 cents.  Super cheap!

3.  Friends whose children have outgrown books that are at the level(s) your child(ren) need.  Host a book swap with friends, or let your friends with children know that you are interested in books that their children are finished with and need a new home.  Then, share the gift by passing them along when your children outgrow them.  :)

4.  Book vendors (like Scholastic and Usborne Books).  Between school and daycare, my kids get about 6-10 book order forms each month.  I love getting these!  I know that the books available from some vendors can be less sturdy than ones that you can buy from the store, but they are still a great way to build up the materials you have on hand.  And the sturdier ones are always a great investment, as those are the ones that can be saved and passed on.

5.  Let your friends and family know that books are always an appropriate gift for your child- as well as the reading level and topics that interest your child.  I know that there are many baby showers and birthday parties that are requesting books for the child as opposed to a card or other gift.  While this is a great way to build up a collection of family favorites, it is easy to end up with lots of duplicates.  Finding a way to share a list of books that would interest and challenge your child is one way to help minimize this.

There are so many great reasons to read with your child.  (Find a few of them here!)  But my favorite is the time that I get to spend with my babies, snuggled up, and (now) hearing them read to me.  There are times when I was just so tired, and didn't want to take the time.  But making the effort regularly is just so worth it.  These become moments that are cherished, by all of you.  Don't wait- start the habit of reading and enjoying time together with books today.

Enjoying the Outdoors

It's been a while since I've written...  There has been so much going on! But, I am here now.  :)

So the snow has been taking a hiatus and we have been getting some nicer (and by that, I mean warmer) weather.  I know that there are lots of people who like the cold and snow, and that there are some great activities to be done with my little family when there is snow on the ground.  But I personally, have a preference for the weather we get in the spring and fall.  Most of the summer is nice here, but sometimes it gets so darn hot and humid, we just don't want to do anything but sit inside and not over heat.

But, spring is here now, and we are finding it much easier to get outside and spend a lot more time enjoying the world around us... Except when it rains, which it is doing now.  But, what do you do?  :)  (Actually, I've always liked the idea of having a rain coat and pair of rain boots on hand to go jump around in the puddles, but my budget so far has not allowed for this.  Sad momma.  But we find lots to do inside when the day is just not what we need for outside play.)

Today, we got outside for probably 45 minutes so the older two could practice with their bikes.  We took little man's training wheels off last weekend, and baby doll wanted her's off too.  So, off they came.  They both are working hard on take offs, heading down the road, and stopping without crashing or tipping over.  So far, there is some progress, and the rest will come with practice.  And all the while, the super baby is loving zooming up and down on his trike, with a smile on his face.  :)

I didn't get any pictures of it, because I am working on not bringing my tablet and/or phone out with me when I am spending time with the kids, but yesterday we played in the backyard on the swing set and with our boccie ball set.  I just found \out how much my kids like boccie... yesterday.  Never would have guessed, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.  A game with the objective of throwing a ball?  For sure a kid favorite.

My kids are lucky (and I am lucky) to know their uncle Dave.  Dave is a great hiker, and blogs at Hiker Adventures.  One of my all time favorite blog posts that he has written was about his other nieces and nephew from Florida, and the things he discovered about getting them interested in going on hikes with him.  As a professional teacher of young children, I love that he (an awesome teacher, though not someone who had chosen to make teaching children his life's work) discovered so seemingly easily how to motivate these children to want to hike.  And his tips are so right.  :)  

Uncle Dave

Finding the key to interest and excite a child to a new activity- it doesn't have to be about the hike, but about finding something that interests the child.  Mud, wildlife, bugs, plants, photo opportunities.  Anything to make them realize that they have an opportunity to explore what interests them, and even better, that you want to make it happen for them.  

Stopping before they are bored with the activity can be a tricky balance, but it is good to keep in mind.  If a child gets bored with an activity before they (or you) move away from it, it holds less appeal the next time it is suggested.  They will remember those feelings of boredom, or overdoing, and associate them with not having as much fun.  If you are able to leave the activity while they are still interested and not over tired, that keeps them thinking about it, and wanting to do more.  They associate hiking or biking or boccie with fun times.  :)  Dave also made a great point about ending on a high note.  Ending with the memory of not having fun and enjoying the activity promotes the likelihood of resisting a return to the activity.

Celebrating the activity, and the accomplishments found, is a great wrap-up to any outdoor activity.  Had a great hiking trip?  Go for ice cream.  Mastering biking techniques (without the training wheels)?  It can be as simple as stickers and a high five.  Or, take pictures and/or video of them, and send them later to remind children of the fun times you had together, and all they have learned.  Let them know that you are proud of them and what they are learning to do.  Children (and adults) crave the attention that you notice what they are doing, and the reinforcement that they are doing it right.

All of these tips are great for any activity, but especially for getting children motivated to spend time outdoors.  Teaching children to love the outdoors, and all the movement and learning opportunities presented is a gift that cannot be replaced.  Get up, get moving, and find what motivates your child (and you!) to spend some time in one of the greatest classrooms of all.

Today Was Bread Day

So, a couple months ago, I finally quit thinking that I would prefer to make our bread instead of buying it, and just got started with it. I love to make bread.  There's just something relaxing about the smell of baking bread, and the healthier-food conscious mom/wife/gal in me likes all the things I know aren't in it. I usually do bread in to weekend, but with one thing and the next, it didn't get done told today.

The recipe is nothing truly special, although it is delicious. It's just the second one that I tried off of Pinterest ... Surprise that I would go looking there... Have I mentioned how much I like Pinterest? :)  Probably nothing wrong with the first recipe I tried, but it just never turned out how I was looking for it to.

Tonight was also a great bread making night, because I got to use my new loaf pans that I just bought. :) It's the little things, I know. :)

Anyway, nothing huge or momentous from me tonight.  I just wanted to share how happy baking bread makes me.

By the way, here is the recipe I use, in case you have a few hours and want to give it a shot.  It's so worth it, and another chance to do something with the munchkins, what with all the pouring and mixing going on. :)

Whole Wheat Bread
Makes 2 loaves

2 3/4 cups hot water
1/3 cup olive oil (vegetable oil works well in a pinch)
1/3 cup honey
2Tbsp molasses
6-7 1/2 cups flour (I do 2 cups bread flour and usually about 4 cups whole wheat.  Just not more than the 7 1/2.)
2 Tbsp yeast

Mix the liquids, then add two cups of flour (to cool the water to the right temp.) Add the yeast and the rest of the flour. Mix with a wooden (or other sturdy) spoon until the dough forms a ball.  Wet a light weight towel with hot water, wring it out, and drape it over the bowl.  Let raise for about an hour, but don't worry if you leave it longer, just don't completely forget about it. Butter two loaf pans, all over the bottoms and up the sides.  Dip your hands in flour, then tap the dough so it deflates. Pull about half of it into a ball in your hands, and tuck the sides underneath. Turn a quarter turn, and tuck again. Repeat until you have a nice loaf shape. Lay it in one pan, and repeat with the rest if the dough. Re-wet and wring out your towel. Drape it over the pans again. In about 30-45 minutes, turn in the oven to 350*. When it is hot, gently slide the pans in on the bottom rack, making sure there is plenty of room in case the bread poofs up a lot during baking. (I had the bread bake into the rack above one time- not pretty...) Bake for 35 minutes. Let cool on racks or stove top for 5-10 minuets, then remove from pans and cool completely before bagging for storage.

These freeze well, however, I have noticed that they are less soggy after thawing if I out them top side down as they thaw. 😊

Have fun! This bread turns out super yummy!

Earth Day

I love Earth Day.  Not that I don't give thought to how the choices I make and encourage in my family and friends affect the planet every day, but I love that there is a day dedicated to thinking about how we affect this planet we live on.

Now, I am not insistent that each and every choice be the most green/least environmentally unfriendly choice available.  But I am glad that we do make the efforts that we do to use the resources we need with as little waste as we are able.

Some things we do:

1.  Composting...  I know it's not for everyone, and it took me a lot of thought to make the jump.  But now, it's almost without thought that compostables go into a bucket to be taken out to our compost barrel.  We are coming up on a nice batch of awesome compost to be tilled into the gardens to help our veggies grow.

2.  Gardening and farmer's markets.  This allows me to get as much produce as I can for my dollar, without having a lot of packaging to dispose of with it.  Sure, there is one farmer's market that I go to that will put bushels of beans or tomatoes into garbage bags for me to transport them home.. But I need garbage bags anyway, so they are reused for that.  Otherwise, they are sent for recycling.

3.  Recycling.  Helping keep recyclable trash out of landfills helps prevent piles of un-biodegradable trash from just sitting there, year after year.  It also helps me to not need to purchase or use so many garbage bags, because we are able to use a single sort recycling cart.

4.  Opting out of non-reusable trash where possible.  If I don't bring extra trash home, I don't have to recycle it or throw it away. Both of which save room for the things I do need to dispose of, and makes our overall use less.

5.  Getting the kids outside and using non-battery toys.  I love being outside with my children. I will admit that there are days where my idea of being outside with them is me sitting in a lawn chair watching them play,  but those days are balanced by the days that I go play with them in the sandbox or on the swings, or when we go for a walk or bike ride.  Many of the toys we have don't use batteries, and several of the ones that do do not have working batteries in them-  and my kids don't care!  It's great that they will still use the toy as if it has batteries, but use their own imaginations for what the toy is saying or doing.  :)  Not relying on battery operated (or plug-in) toys decreases our need to dispose of used batteries, or having to buy rechargeable.  I know that you may save with them in the long run, but I personally feel that rechargeable batteries need some tweaking and improvement before I really want to invest in them for the battery operated toys we keep working.

Getting outside and getting your hands dirty with caring for the Earth is a great way to teach children about so many things.  Picking up trash along the road on your block invites the opportunity to talk about littering and the whys (besides the legal fine you could get) on properly disposing of your trash.  Planting a tree can be a way to teach children about growing things, and the cycle of reliance between living things and plants (like the birds who will use the tree to support their nests, and the fruit or nuts you may be able to harvest).  Planting a garden teaches children to appreciate where their food comes from, and allows them a part in getting it from seed to table.

Teaching children about reducing the waste they accumulate and reusing where they are able allows them to learn about really seeing what they have, as well as possibly encouraging them to share what they may not use with someone who has less.

Earth Day- and EVERY day- is a great opportunity to teach your child about caring for our environment, which in turn teaches them about caring for each other.  There really is no learning about one without seeing the other in action.

Make every day Earth Day.  Make every day count.

On Grief

There is almost nothing so difficult as a loss close to home.... Unless it is a loss within your home and family.

Tonight, we are grieving the echo of a loss, and it is tough. A family I care about has lost a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a child. We will never see the care, the love, the pride directed toward the children left behind. Never see the partnership in the marriage. Never hear the laugh or see the smile.  All it took was a moment in time.

I have no direct personal experience with this type of loss. All I do have is a great sympathy for the ones more directly affected than I, and a sense that there should be more that I can do for them. All I can do is offer my presence, my hugs, and my support, and hope it is enough. I can offer my thoughts and hope that they feel the strength and care I am sending their way.

Friends, hug the ones you love tightly every day. Never miss an opportunity to tell someone you care- love, friendship, pride in an accomplishment. Take every moment you are able to make memories with your family and friends.  Commemorate the times you get to be together. And if you loose them, find the others who cared as well, and remember together. Find support, because you are never alone. Share your moments and stories, so that your healing can find the courage to begin.

"My child is a baby... I don't need a conference..."

Or do you?

So, it's that time again at the center.... Conferences.  One of those dreaded times like hard teething and blowout poopy diapers.  (Just kidding... I don't mind conferences.  It's just a lot of extra preparation that I never think I will have the time for, but somehow manage to squeeze in around everything else.)  :)

There is so much that we get to do with the littles, and so many ways that they learn and grow- especially in that first year.  They go from a helpless newborn to a walking, talking diva in a few short months.  It is insane how much they learn in those months.  It is amazing, and I have so much fun being a part of it.

But, back to conferences.  As a center, part of our requirement is that we provide the opportunity for conferences twice each year. I say 'provide the opportunity' because so many people fail to take advantage of this awesome time to spend with your child's teacher.  Is it extra work for us?  Absolutely.  Is it extra effort on your part?  Probably.  But, trust me when I say that it is great for all of us.

Conferences are more than just your child's teacher giving you a rundown of all the things your child can do (although, there is some of that).  Conferences are a time for a conversation about your child.  What they can do is important in the context of where they are and where they need to go.  What the teacher wants for them- all the ways that we can impact their learning and development.  What the parents want for them- knowing that your child is on the right track, or knowing where to turn and having a plan to get the most out of these crucial early years is so important.  Creating a plan for the child- together.  Communication is such a huge key in creating success for each child, and having that conference gives you a window of time where no one is thinking about the traffic on the way to work, or the other children in the room and what needs to be done for the day.  You get to focus on everyone's favorite topic:  the child!

Early learning experiences are the foundational building blocks for future learning and growth in children.  Having conferences, even for infants, ensures that all the efforts that teachers go through with planning, teaching, and observing children is helping them to grow into the best little people that they can.  It allows for parent concerns to be addressed and allows for parents to find out about resources that they may not have otherwise known about.

Infants (and really, all children) grow and learn so much.  Conferences allow you to hear just what your child's accomplishments mean for future growth and learning.  Don't think that conferences for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are less important than the ones for your kindergartner, middle schooler, or high schooler.  They are just differently important.

Take advantage of your child's teacher's expertise.  They went into the field they are in because they love children, and are interested in helping them grow to their fullest potential.

P.S.  Wondering where your child is?  Here is one great look at child development...

A Lifetime of Learning... It's Not Over Yet!

I am so unbelievably grateful for all the opportunities for learning that I have had in my lifetime.  I was lucky enough to have several early teachers who were able to encourage my interest in learning, as well as the natural classroom of the farm where I grew up. College brought some more awesome professors, who continued to encourage my love of learning something new, especially when it was on the topic of children and families- my chosen area for my professional training.  I have also been blessed enough to have several 'unofficial' teachers along the way in the form of family, friends, co-workers, and classmates.  I truly believe that everyone comes into your life to teach you something, be it something you want to learn more about or something you know you need to avoid.

Having all these opportunities for learning has allowed me to change my perspective and thinking on a lot of things, and hopefully they are moving toward the better for me and the people I interact with on a regular basis.  :)  Here are some of my most important lessons...

1.  There is always time for doing good.  Even if you are in a hurry, there is time to do something that will make someone else feel special, or just noticed.  Doing the family shopping, it takes no time at all to give someone a smile, to thank someone for offering to help, to offer your help to someone who can't find or can't reach an item on the shelf.  Paying it forward at a restaurant or drive through only takes a moment, and can let another person know you understand or care, even if only from a distance.  A phone call to a friend, just to talk for the moment, or to plan something more.  Volunteering your home for a family get together.  Taking time to play Lego's with the children...  All of these only need a little of your time, but can mean so much to the recipient.

2.  Children truly are only little for a little while.  They grow so super fast!  It seems like yesterday that my little man was just a newborn, but now he can really read and do math and is such a sweet, independent boy. My dolly is such a sweet caretaker, and is learning and growing so much every day.  And the super baby really isn't a baby anymore- he is very firmly almost a preschooler.  While our lives are busy and sometimes hectic, I have never been one to schedule us for this, that, and the other thing every day, and so I have been able to spend a good amount of time with them every day.  (This was definitely helped by my career choice and the awesome employers who made it easy for me to bring the munchkins to work with me!)  However, there are times that a part of me wants to feel bad for taking time for doing things for myself (like sitting around with my nose in a book... Or my Kindle, which my husband insists is not a book...)  But I do know that it is good for me to take some time for myself too.  It is good to know the balance.

3.  It is ok to change your mind, your perspective, and how you see the world.  As you learn and grow, you have to incorporate the new information into what you already have.  Sometimes, you will learn things that can contradict what you know or previously thought best.  It can be so difficult sometimes to let go of being right in favor of learning to do what might be better in the situation for everyone.  Trust me, I know.

4.  People will move in and out of your life, and there isn't always anything you can do to stop them.  There have been friends I thought I would never be without, who are no longer a part of my day to day life.  I mourned when our friendships changed from what they were, but with time have learned that things worked out the way they were supposed to.  I have wonderful people in my life now, people who challenge me to try new things, who are there to support me as a wife, a parent, a co-worker, an employee, a sibling, a child to my parents.  I treasure them, and will for every day that I get to keep them.

5.  There is always something new to learn.  I work with children, and the research and knowledge is always changing and growing.  All I have to do is look at how things have changed just since my little man was born to know how fast things can change.  There are so many different things we know now than we did just a few short years ago, and that will change more.  I am learning about food, nutrition, and diet, and the information available now is so different from what it was... and what it probably will be in just a few more years.

Learning and growing, to me, is one of the best gifts of my life.  I love to learn new things- new crafts to do, new foods to make for my family and friends, new ways to improve my home and gardens, new ways to be the best mom and teacher that I can be.  And all I have to do is ask the question.

It's that easy for you, too...  :)