Giving Thanks

As I realize that tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I know, it's been on the calendar for 364 days, but holidays always seem to creep up on me, no matter how hard I try.

This morning, as I turned on my computer to check work email, I saw this.

My big guy.  Working on a book.  At 8:00 AM.  Our dining room table has become the author studio.  I think he loves all the paper and pencils and tape and markers and 'craft line cutter' all strewn about.  It's almost a rustic mess.

Last night, he told me he is going to be an Author Illustrator, but more of the Illustrator part.  He is going to be famous and his book, this book, will be available in the library.  Perhaps even made into a movie.

I love this kid and his creativity.  He told his brother that being creative and making books is healthy.  And he is unhealthy because he is always playing computer games.

And the big guy is right.  He is often playing some electronics.  Our new rule, you want to play iPad, you must do 30 math facts.  You want to watch TV, you must do math facts.  Math Facts on the iPad are so much more fun than flash cards.

We have a healthy mix of activities here, we can always do better, but for now, I am thankful how things are working.

And I'll be sure to let you all know the date that the big guys book is available for purchase at your local bookstore, or if so inclined, as an eBook!

Imagination and Creativity

We have new neighbors across the street.  The mom is from Japan and asked me the other day about some American customs and proper American etiquette.  Oxymoron?  American Etiquette. 

She was afraid she wasn't being a good mom and wanted some advice on the most important things to teach her kids.

I told her that if they use Please and Thank You, they will be all set.

On Friday, I was watching my kids out our front window setting up this mini obstacle course, like they have done before, and realized I need to add two more things to that list.

Imagination and Creativity.

Imagination to realize your dreams and set goals.

Creativity to not sit in a box and copy what others have done before you.  This doesn't mean you have to make clothes, or build shelving, or develop the newest software.  Just explore your mind.

This is my parenting advice for Monday morning.  Say Please and Thank you and be imaginative and creative.

And if you didn't ask for it (which you didn't) too bad.  And if you don't have kids, still use Please and Thank You.

Monsters on my Driveway

We had a great couple days around here.  It was warm enough to pull out the chalk.

Chalk led to monster mouths.  Teeth all over my driveway.  Apparently, if you step inside a mouth on the driveway, you will get eaten.  This is not good news.

Especially if you want to go inside...

Sharing an Apple is Nice

This is one proud Momma.

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Sam brought me a tablet of construction paper instead of a bedtime story book the other night. Then, he wanted to use the Craft-Lite Cutter, an "As Seen On TV" product. We don't have the one he loves to watch on TV, but he pretends that the light bulb is broken on ours. He proceeded to cut a single piece of paper into 20 or so 'schniffles'. Then, decided he wanted to make them into a book.

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What? Sam? A book? I don't think I ever jumped out of that deep couch so fast as I did the other night. String binding, glue, shipping tape, staples? Here I am rushing around trying to find the best way to make this book - my kid is being creative!!!

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Time out, Carrie, he is 4 1/2 - staples will be just fine.

He came up with the title, TRY TO BE NICE. Heart palpitations, creative AND sweet!!! Who is this kid? He has made all the pictures with a little lettering help from Grandma. It really is adorable. This will be one for the keepsakes box.

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And since we are talking about Sam, he enjoys talking on bananas.

After dialing his home phone number, he is often heard saying, "Hello, yes, a tree fell on our car, but we're covered."

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Maybe he watches too many commercials...