Another day off of school and the weather is predicted to be beautiful!  Although I love days off from school and having my children home, I do want them to know and understand and appreciate why we have a day off.  President’s day originally began to celebrate George Washington and then Lincoln’s birth dates.  However, it now is a date to celebrate not just our Founding Fathers, but all presidents who have served.  Being military, I think it is important to honor all who serve and support our government.

In 1968, Congress passed legislation placing any federal holiday on a Monday, including Washington’s birthday, to create a three-day weekend. In 1971, President Richard Nixon combined Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays into Presidents’ Day. It would be celebrated on the third Monday in February, regardless of which day it fell on. Presidents’ Day is now viewed as a holiday that pays tribute to both Washington and Lincoln, as well as all those who have served as president. 

My children have excitedly come home bearing posters and facts of the presidents.  We have played games with those facts.  We have tried to find presidents we relate to and have similarities with.  We have even discussed our favorites from past and present.  We have tried to come up with “motto’s” for each presidency.  It has already been a week of learning, studying and discovering.

Although it is always nice to have a day off, I still want my children to learn why we have the freedom to believe, speak, learn and live.  I want them to know their past so that they can change their future.  I am excited to spend time as a family (maybe on the beach:)) on this holiday!  Two Presidents who are notable swimmers are Ronald Reagan, who was a lifeguard before he became president; and John F. Kennedy, who enjoyed swimming at Martha’s Vineyard.  So in tribute to them, we’re off to the beach!

What do you have planned for president’s day?

Have you ever wondered where words come from?  Recently we read Frindle by Andrew Clements for our mother daughter book club.  It challenged us to think of how words are created.  Where do they come from?  How do they get into the dictionary?  Words have the power to lift or destroy.  It was this group of girls that made words become significant with thought provoking questions, comments and insights.

Although the book Frindle is fiction, it got me thinking.  Thinking about words.  Getting a new word into a dictionary.  It also got me thinking about influential teachers.  Teachers that challenge you, teachers that encourage you and teachers that quietly cheer for your success.

We all have had teachers in our lives that have positively influences us for good.  How?  Usually by words of encouragement or perhaps words of honesty.  Those same teachers challenged us to choose our words wisely to write, speak and communicate better.  These teachers stand out in our minds because they cared and shared their opinions through words.

Just like in the book a frindle is a pen.  My children have been calling a pen frindle.  When I asked my son why he said his sister wrote on the swing-set with a frindle, he repeated his sentence interchangeably with pen and frindle.  A word gets spoken and once understood is repeated…many times.  It makes you think twice about the words you choose.  Many words originate from Latin, but before that?  Interesting topic.  Check out the following link to see how Webster and Oxford decide which words make the new versions of dictionaries.   It basically comes down to usage.

http://www.suite101.com/content/oxford-standardizes-slang-by-adding-new-words-to-the-dicitonary-a287100

Who would have ever thought a group of 10 year olds would create such a grammar stir in this 36 year old?  Way to be girls!  Just like words have power, I’m starting to think my daughter and her friends have definite girl power!  It calms my soul knowing that the “next generation” are thinkers.

If you were to create a new word, what would it be?  What is the definition of your new word?

Remember when all you could think about is that man that swept you off your feet?  Those eyes that sparkled as you locked in gazes at each other.  That smile that could melt away any insecurities you may have had.  The feeling that you are the most beautiful woman in the world and obviously the luckiest to have each other.  Well, it’s Valentine’s week and it’s time to feel the love.  I received my sweet cousin’s wedding invitation this past week (don’t they look so in love?!) and I was reminded of those feelings for my own husband as I looked at their engagement announcement.

As time passes and kids come along it is hard to feel that same connection.  People work, stresses occur, reality hits, children come along and before you know it conversations are focused around bodily fluids and the kids.  Both are exhausted and the routine starts over day after day after day.

Remember when a date is what you looked forward to, prepared for, primped for and thought about all week?  Well, that is why wise men have counseled to have weekly dates with our spouses.  It doesn’t have to cost money.  It doesn’t have to  be elaborate.  Yet, it takes time and preparation.  Failure to plan is planning to fail.  Just like we schedule appointments for doctors, work, clients, etc.  We must set that time aside for each other.  When my husband & I have gone out, my children are so happy to have their sitter.  Why?!  Not because they don’t like us, but because they get a break, it’s fun and they know that Mom & Dad are taking care of their marriage.  Children need to feel secure.  We live in a society that is heavily inundated with divorce, nontraditional family situations, separations, etc.  Even our children have said things when they don’t see us going out for a while.  They hear so many stories from friends that they worry.  Children want to see their parents taking care of them and their marriage partners.

If money is stopping you from going out with your sweetheart, remember, you can’t afford not to.  Suggestions on low cost dates:

Find a couple to swap babysitting with

Go to the gym together

Go on a walk on the beach and talk, throw a Frisbee or football

Pack a picnic and go to a local park

Happy Valentine’s week, hope you made it one to remember when.

What are some of your favorite pre-children memories/dates?

Audition Update (to read part 1, click here)….Well, my son auditioned and I was proud that he had the courage to be on stage with 97 other K-8th graders. After auditioning, he was cast.  However, the friends who told us about the play and were there with us did not make it. It was a bitter sweet situation which could have turned ugly. It is moments like this during which parenting skills are tested. My friend is a sweetheart and handled it better than anyone I knew. She was so excited for my son and proud of hers, as I was also. In fact, they came to the show in support which is one of the sweetest tokens of friendship and loyalty.

Last week was a long week as we traveled to Morehead City daily from 3-7 pm. My son loved every minute of it. What surprised me is how much my 10 year old enjoyed it. She didn’t audition, but probably should have as she had memorized the whole play and every dance move. She wanted to watch every rehearsal and learned just as much. Secretly I was glad that this was my son’s event. Although I love them both and support them both, I think it is important to have their own moments to shine.

My son learned many skills by working with a community production. He learned theater skills, cooperation, listening skills, responsibility-for his part, his costume & messages sent home. He learned that being a part is important no matter how small or how large to put a production on. He learned time management. He learned self control as this was what would be let go if he lost his temper. He wanted the play so badly it was motivating him all week.

The greatest part of being in a play is the success he saw as the audience got involved and clapped and laughed at parts in the play.  It was also great to see how his self esteem was boosted. I learned, as a mother, to step back and allow others to teach and guide. I watched. I learned. I was impressed by how well the production was after only 5 days of rehearsal.  It made me grateful for a community and school district who sponsored a non-profit group to come in who are nationally known. It was a great opportunity that I’m grateful for my son having had a chance to be in.

Are your children budding actors/actresses?  do they participate in local theater workshops or groups?

Last week celebrated another report card.  It also marked an early spring as Phil did not see his shadow! In my books, there is plenty to celebrate! We do not pay our children for grades. We do not pay them for chores.  However, we do like to do spontaneous celebrations of them. This includes theme nights, favorite foods, family fun, favorite game, etc. The best part about it….you never know when Mom is going to surprise you with a celebration, hence, our family motto, every day’s a party!

Celebrating doesn’t take a lot of preparation, money or decor. It takes good ole’ fashion time. I’m realizing how much my children have come to value that time with family. They value the surprises and celebrations. It encourages us to be our best self. It encourages cooperation, teamwork and being each other’s cheerleaders. Family is a reason to celebrate in itself. Perhaps I’m getting old and more sentimental, but I look at my almost 11 year old and I realize that she has less time at home now than not. I look at my younger two and realize that time is too precious to waste wishing I would have. It’s time to do. Do the things I think about and not have regrets.

As we looked at the comments about our children on their report cards, of course we were proud at their grades, but more importantly we are proud about the great people they are becoming. That is reason to celebrate!

My boys favorites is good ole’ hamburgers.  My daughters favorites is anything fancy.  So, last week called for fancy drinks, “restaurant-style” serving and a family meal of conversation and praise. There are so many ways we can celebrate each other, but what is important is that we do it. Don’t take accomplishments for granted. Make sure you are equal or at least equally showing each person you care and love them. I love to watch my 19 month as she gets celebrated for helping to set the table….is it perfect, NO. However, when she gets thanked and acknowledged, there is nothing cuter than her clapping for herself.

How do you celebrate hard work and accomplishments in your home?