December has been a whirlwind of activity, though I don't think we experience the busy-ness that many families experience. We don't spend a lot of time with extended family. Relatives either live too far away; or they have their own lives, commitments and interests; or both. The adults in my family don't exchange presents either. But we still … Continue reading Holiday Prep and Cheer
traditions
Birthday Week
I'm writing this post on the morning of my youngest's 7th birthday. He's still sleeping, and his brother is at a piano lesson, and I just finished mopping the kitchen floor. I'm waiting for it to dry so that I can go start making yeast rolls, which is one of things he requested I make … Continue reading Birthday Week
Happy Winter Solstice!
My five-year-old and I made winter solstice trees today with branches, twigs and paper snowflakes. My eight-year-old decided to make a mossy swamp tree! There is moss on its bark and Spanish moss hanging from the limbs (the dried strings of glue were left there on purpose). It even has a dead branch underneath it with … Continue reading Happy Winter Solstice!
Letters to Santa
{Addresses for Santa Claus to receive a reply} Note: Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be posting a few of my holiday posts from the past, which people seem to like. This will also give me a little holiday break too. (But there will be new stuff coming up too!) 😉 Thanks. This … Continue reading Letters to Santa
The Day of the Dead
Note: This column was published in the Barrow Journal on Wednesday, November 6, 2013. Since my son and I are learning Spanish together, I decided to celebrate the Day of the Dead or “Dia de los Muertos,” which is celebrated over two days, November 1st and 2nd. The purpose of Dia de los Muertos is to … Continue reading The Day of the Dead
From my egg makers to yours…
Happy Easter and Happy Spring.
Happy New Year
Happy New Year! This has been a great year with so many wonderful memories. I put together this slideshow of some of the places we've been and our adventures in homeschooling the boys. It may be more interesting to our family members, but I hope you enjoy it. And WordPress tells me these were my … Continue reading Happy New Year
The Gift of Story
Note: This column was printed in the Barrow Journal on Wednesday, December 12, 2012. If you’re running out of money searching for the perfect holiday gifts, remember that sometimes the best presents for young children are free. Telling stories to children is a gift they’ll never forget. When I was young, my grandmother told me … Continue reading The Gift of Story
Letters to Santa
{Addresses for Santa Claus to receive a reply} This column was printed in the Barrow Journal on December 5, 2012. I’ve created a tradition of having my six-year-old write a letter to Santa every November, and he loves doing this. He definitely wants Santa to know what he’s wishing for. My son doesn’t know it, but I … Continue reading Letters to Santa
Creating New Family Traditions
Note: This column first appeared in the Barrow Journal on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 (you can view it online here), and shortly after, appeared on my blog. I'm re-posting it now because we're entering the holiday season again, which can be stressful for many, including me. It's important to think about what you want for your family at … Continue reading Creating New Family Traditions