Thankful Thursday

Today, after two very long days of laying in bed due to a nasty cold, I am very thankful for warm tea that soothes my throat and my soul

Yummy clover honey that is fancy enough to have a pink ribbon wrapped around it

And these beauties that taste even better than they look

Happy Thursday!  What are you thankful for today?

A book review :: Loving Your Child Too Much

The newest addition to my library is this gem by Dr. Tim Clinton and Dr. Gary Sibcy

I was first drawn to this book because of the tag line that was added:  staying close to your kids without overprotecting, overindulging or overcontrolling

This book gives a step-by-step teaching to have a home that allows success and mistakes, encourages strong character and give good gifts without creating an attitude of entitlement.  Even though I have just started this book, I have already learned so much about myself and my tendency to overprotect and to overcontrol.  Not every parent will have the same tendencies, but this book will allow you to identify yours and learn how those attitudes and interactions can negatively impact your child AND how to move away from those things to build an even closer relationship with your child.

What I most appreciate about this book is the way Dr. Clinton and Dr. Sibcy explain each area and then give practical ideas of moving away from those bad habits.  Their methods can be used with children of any age and they use biblical principles and verses to back up their work.

8 months

34 weeks and movements from our little are now seen from across the room.  Laying down to take a really good deep breath has become a favorite pastime.  And chocolate and peanut butter will forever be the bomb dot com.  6 more weeks till this little graces us with her presence and I. Can't. Wait. 

**Photo by DMS Photography.  Check her out on Facebook or email dms_photography@yahoo.com to get more information.**

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for a house that is being transformed into our home, the promise of hope for those who believe and the opportunity to go through boxes and eliminate half of the stuff we have managed to collect over the past 4 years!

Happy Thursday my friends!  What are you thankful for today?

Planning Ahead to Play

 When parents play with their children they are building a nurturing, trusting relationship that can last a lifetime.  With one child it is easy to find time and space to play, but when you add a newborn or multiple children that ease slips away.  Suddenly there is more to think about, even less free time and siblings can often play together which leaves parents utilizing that time for other responsibilities.  Playing with your children as a family, as well as, individually must be a conscious decision that, often, takes planning and a little effort.  But trust me, if that effort is made it will be totally worth it!

I continue to be completely amazed by my sister and the lessons I learn from her about parenting and play.  This weekend she was telling me that her house looked like a tornado had gone through it.  I told her to forget about it and reminded her that she could clean when she is old.  But what she said next stuck with me and continues to be on my mind...she said she needed to clean up so her and her 3 year old had space to play while her newborn was napping.

What a powerful idea...plan ahead to create a safe play space.  She knew having the living room full of toys, clothes, the mail, diaper bag, etc. would overwhelm her and overstimulate her toddler which would not allow for a meaningful play time.  So by planning ahead and making the effort, she was able to enjoy play time and showed her son that he was worth her time and energy!

Now this type of interaction may not be feasible every day and certainly life gets busy, but this type of love and dedication to your children makes me excited for my own little to arrive and gives me hope that good ol' fashioned play time is not obsolete.

What new and exciting ways are you finding to engage your children in play?

Happy Nurses Week!

Tuesday, May 6 is National Nurses Day and the official start of Nurses week!  Here are just a few of the nurses I know and love...I mean look at these beautiful people who give of themselves everyday!  I am so blessed by their dedication, compassion, sense of humor and ability to know just what to do in the most unnerving situations.

To all the amazing nurses in my life, thank you for all that you do!  I hope this week, of all weeks, you feel appreciated and celebrated.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am especially thankful for Pennsylvania mountains and wild flowers!  There is just something about this place that is so comforting and brings peace to my soul.  

The rain has finally stopped on this beautiful first day of May {at least for now}, I get to hear my little's heartbeat in a few short hours and I have spent the morning getting crafty for the Mother's Day brunch we are planning!  It's a good day!

Happy Thursday my friends!  What are you thankful for today?