The Birthing Month. Birthday Time Capsule.

One of my favorite things that we did for Nye-Nye's First Birthday, was to make her a Birthday Time Capsule of sorts. 

I wrote about it here when I was thinking about doing a Christmas Time Capsule.

It took a while to explain it everyone at the Birthday Party, but once all of the Indian Aunties understood my Odd-ball Idea they ran with it.

We handed out a letter form and a number to each group (we decided that it might be a little to overwhelming for each person to fill out their own, so we asked people to find a partner). The number was the Birthday they were suppose to write about on the paper they were given.

On Nye-Nye's 2nd Birthday, we opened the first letters. It was so sweet, I can't wait until she actually understands the concept. I have a special box where all the unopened letters remain.

Originally I wanted to do this for our Baby Shower but I wasn't able to get it together in time.

Here is an example of one of the letters.



Dear Bright Eyes,

Happy Birthday! Today, you are turning 5 years old. I am Catoctin Mountain Mama, your Mama.

My favorite memory (of when I was 5 years old) was when I was playing Soccer and I looked up from where I was standing and realized my Aunt and Uncle were on the side-lines. They had drove over an hour to come and surprise me. I felt so loved.

I loved playing soccer, going to my Ballet class, playing dress-up with Aunt Mimi, cuddling with the many, many kittens on our Farm, listening to my Mama sing, sitting behind Daddy when he drove the tractor in the fields, eating oatmeal in the Morning, listening to my Popop play the piano, learning how to read and playing with my Mama's long hair when I was your age.

Don't forget to spend many hours outside playing in all sorts of weather.

My wish for you is that you will always be fearless and willing to take chances (and fall flat on your face), that you will have faith in your ability to adapt to any situation, that you will learn to always listen to Your Inner Voice, that you will come to see Life as a Journey and not as a Race, that you will always treat others with Kindness and share that gorgeous of your yours and that you will be comfortable in your own skin.

I would also like to say that I want you to question EVERYTHING, especially when you are told that it's the only way (even if the person saying that is me).

Enjoy today. Greetings from the year 2014!

All My Love Forever and Forever,
Mommy

After Being Called the Ugliest Woman Alive...

Lizzie Velasquez fought back.

She decided she wasn't going to let a bunch of Internet Bullies define who she was and she certainly wasn't going to follow their suggestions to end her own life.

When she was in High School, she accidentally stumbled across an 8 second video declaring her to be "The Ugliest Woman Alive." The video had 4 million hits and thousands of cruel, negative comments. She read every single one. And, was completely devastated.

Instead of dwelling on such incredible negativity, she chose to set several concrete goals and use the hatefulness directed at her, as fuel for her ambition.

She chose to be Happy.

She is my Hero.

Lizzie was born with a extremely rare syndrome in which it is impossible for her body to gain any fat. At the age of 25, the most she has ever weighed is 64 pounds. At birth, her parents were told she would never speak, walk or accomplish anything. Lizzie has proven those doctors wrong.

She has spent the last 8 years as a Motivational Speaker, completed college and has just submitted the manuscript for her 3rd book.

Her Honesty, Grace and Humor inspire me.

Here is one of her TED Talks, where she discusses how she CHOOSES to be Happy.

You can find out more about Lizzie here.

Living More Fearlessly.

How can we live more Fearlessly? These 10 suggestions from one of my favorite writers is now posted beside my computer.

I love them.

And, I love Karen Maezen Miller.

Her book, Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood is one of my all-time favorites.

I'm really working hard on those first two. Man, are they difficult for me!

501 Posts. Gratitude Month.

This is my 501st Post here on Catoctin Mountain Mama. Two years have come and gone. Lots of Changes, lots of Struggling, lots of Growth. I am so glad to still be here.

This space has been my Creative Outlet, my Release. It has given me a little bit of structure as I wade through the Chaos of Mothering two small children.

I am so full of Gratitude for this little Blog and for my small (but dedicated) group of Readers. Thank you!

I have decided to listen to my dear friend, Ed, and finally join Facebook as Catoctin Mountain Mama. Please head over there now and find me! Much Love...

The Countdown Has Begun!

Thirty days to write a Novel? Impossible, you say?

Hundreds of thousands have participated in National Novel Writing Month (including myself). Thousands have completed the challenge of writing 175 pages of a Novel (more like a Novella) during the month of November. Five pages a day, every day.

Today is the start of National Novel Writing Month. How exciting!

This year, I have way too much on my plate. One of these days. One of these days. As I have mentioned before, successfully completing NaNoWriMo is on my Current Bucket List.

My first attempt was 7 years ago. I think it's wonderful how much NaNoWriMo has grown in the past 7 years. 

Now, they even have a fantastic program called the Young Writers Program. Perfect for a very organized Teacher or Homeschooling Family.

You can find out more about NaNoWriMo right here.

Best of Luck to all those "NaNoWriMo Writers" out there!

Birthday Time Capsule

One of my favorite things that we did for Big Sissher's First Birthday, was to make her a Birthday Capsule of sorts. I wrote about it here when I was thinking about doing a Christmas Time Capsule.

It took a while to explain it everyone at the Birthday Party, but once all of the Indian Aunties understood my Odd-ball Idea they ran with it.

We handed out a letter and a number to each group (we decided that it might be a little to overwhelming for each person to fill out their own, so we asked people to find a partner). The number was the Birthday they were suppose to write about on the paper they were given.

Last March, on Nye-Nye's 2nd Birthday, we opened the first letters. It was so sweet, I can't wait until she actually understands the concept. I have a special box where all the unopened letters remain.

My dear friend, Crissy, is about to have her Baby Shower and wanted to know what was in the Birthday Letters. (Originally I wanted to do this for our Baby Shower but I wasn't able to get it together in time).

Unfortunately, I lost the original template (sorry, Crissy)...but this is an example of one of the letters.



I am hoping to do the same thing for Bright Eye's First Birthday.



Dear Bright Eyes,

Happy Birthday! Today, you are turning 5 years old. I am Catoctin Mountain Mama, your Mama.

My favorite memory (of when I was 5 years old) was when I was playing

I loved playing soccer, going to my Ballet class, playing dress-up with Aunt Mimi, cuddling with the many, many kittens on our Farm, listening to my Mama sing, sitting behind Daddy when he drove the tractor in the fields, eating oatmeal in the Morning, listening to my Popop play the piano, learning how to read and playing with my Mama's long hair when I was your age.

Don't forget to spend many hours outside playing in all sorts of weather.

My wish for you is that you will always be fearless and willing to take chances (and fall flat on your face), that you will have faith in your ability to adapt to any situation, that you will learn to always listen to Your Inner Voice, that you will come to see Life as a Journey and not as a Race, that you will always treat others with Kindness and share that gorgeous of your yours and that you will be comfortable in your own skin.

I would also like to say that I want you to question EVERYTHING, especially when you are told that it's the only way (even if the person saying that is me).

Enjoy today. Greetings from the year 2013!

All My Love Forever and Forever,
Mommy

Climbing High.

Sorry it's been so long.

 

Over the last few weeks, we haven't been at home during the Mornings (when I do most of my writing) and when we have been home, the computer wasn't cooperating.

 

Now the wonky computer is fixed.

 

It's so nice to be back. 

 

What have we been up to recently? Our family joined a Gym with a decent Kid's Club (which means we spend 3 hours each day either going to or from the Gym or actually being at the Gym). We visited friends in Norfolk (and the Beach, briefly). The baby turned 4 months. Several French Yogurt Cakes have been made by the Big Girl (with a little help from myself). And LOTS and LOTS of daily Imaginary Play.

The video below is of my Big Girl climbing the Rock Wall at our friend's neighborhood Playground. She will be 2 1/2 on the 21st and is definitely in the throes of declaring her independence EVERY SINGLE MINUTE of the day (unless she is super-clingy and wants Mama RIGHT NOW).

It's been a challenge. I'm trying to find the Peace amongst it all.

Here at Catoctin Mountain Mama, this is supposed to be "The Month of Peace." Hopefully, I'll be able to share several posts on this Month's Theme. Wishing you a Wonderful September!

 

Mattie Stepanek Reminds Us to "Play after a Storm"

 

If you have been reading my Blog for a bit, you may have discovered that I am a fan of Mattie Stepanek's work. His short life was incredibly inspiring (Maya Angelou and Former President Jimmy Carter were also huge fans of Mattie). It never ceases to amaze me, how such a young child could write such poetry. Here and here are some examples of his poems. His Mother is also a Hero of mine.

Since, we've been having some many Summer Storms, recently, here in Northern Virginia, I thought this poem was appropriate...

For Mr. Thompson

The people who like poetry are special.
They are the same people who hear
Lullabies and wind chimes
When the birds are noisy together.
They are the ones who see
Star-gifts in every season -
Tree-stars in the fall,
Snow-stars in the winter,
Dandelion-fairy-stars in the spring, and
Lightning-bug-stars in the summer.
They are the ones who have
Favorite colors that are wonderful gifts
Like sunset or rainbow or treasure.
They are the ones who have a
Song in their heart and
Words in their mind that
Come together and slip out
Into the air or onto paper as a gift
To someone else, or even themselves.
The people who like poetry are probably
The ones who know how to celebrate
Even when things are sad or happy.
We remember that sometimes,
Even if we don't understand why,
That the rain falls for a reason.
We remember how important it is
To play after a storm, just because
We need to keep playing and living.
And, we are the people who remember
To say thank You for God for our gifts.

-May 1996 (six years old) Mattie Stepanek

Pain Finds Us Without Fail

"Life is suffering. No one can make less of it. Pain finds us without fail. Hearts break; dreams die; hatred flourishes; sickness prevails; people and promises leave without a trace. I dare not trivialize. I only dare to turn toward the glimmer and let it lift me into a moment's radiant grace. This is the turn we have to take over and over, to make our way home, to reach the untrammeled peace, the pure marvel, of an ordinary life. We must finally see that the light we seek streams from our very own eyes and always has."

By Karen Maezen Miller from Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life

My Current Bucket List

Every time I start a new journal I write down a new "Bucket List."It's interesting to see how it changes every few months, depending on what is interesting me at that moment.

Here are a few things from my Current Bucket List...

1. Walk the Camino
2. Write and finish a Novel
3. Successfully complete National Novel Writing Month
4. Make a Stain-glass window
5. WWOOF on a farm
6. Learn how to make goat cheese
7. Visit India
8. Build a Herbal Spiral
9. Make a Pair of Wedding Rings with Papa Bear
10. Work my way through The 4-Hour Chef
11. Go to Burning Man
12. Spend the night in a Yurt
13. Make a Cob Oven
14. Take my girls to Prince Edward Island (after reading Anne of Green Gables to them)
15. Drive a Model T through Yosemite
16. Take a TRE Workshop
17. Take a Tintype
18. Help build a house
19. Take a class from a Cobbler and make my own shoes
20. Make a quilt
21. Become a certified Yoga Instructor
22. Visit the Buddhist Temple in Poolesville

My Love for "Love Dharma"

Love Dharma...  I can't tell you how many times I have bought this book and sent it to friends. It is the perfect antidote to a bad break-up. It has lifted me out of the Darkness after several heart-breaks and helped ground me during my tumultuous '20s. It may possibly be my favorite book. Or at least, one of the most influential.

This is not to say that this book would win any serious literary awards. Geri Larkin's writing is not something that will stand the test of time. If my daughters read it, (when they are in their '20s) they will probably say it feels dated. But, I don't care.

This book speaks to me. Larkin is a Buddhist monk who has been married 3 or 4 times, raised 2 children (including a son whom she almost lost to a drug addiction), had a high-flying corporate job and started a Sangha in the middle of Detroit. She's seen a lot.

It's refreshing to hear some Love Advice from someone who has been in a lot of relationships. You don't have to be a Buddhist or have any Spiritual back-ground to find Wisdom in this book. It's just plain good Advice. Her writing is open and accessible and makes you feel like you are sitting down for a cup of tea and a chat with a long-lost friend.

Larkin introduces the reader to numerous Buddhist women throughout history. Most of them are not well-known. She talks about the Crazy Wisdom these women found in Buddhism. I glean something new from this book every time I pick it up.

Can you tell how much I love this book?

Anala. 16 Days Old.

 

 

Today is a special day for our family. Our second daughter turns 16 days old, which is the exact age her sister was when she came home from the NICU.

I cannot put into words how much better I feel - emotionally, physically, mentally than I did two years ago.

It's amazing how having a Joyful, Peaceful Birth can truly transform one's Post-Partum experience. My heart is full of Gratitude at having a healthy baby who I can hold and cuddle without interruption, without having to leave behind at the end of the day.

This is not to say that the last 16 days have been easy. There has been pain (especially those first 3 days), there has been much exhaustion, there have been tears. But, oh...what a difference. 

In Celebration of this family mile-stone, I took a few photos of Anala wearing the same outfit her sister came home in, which is almost too small. Yup, our Little Piglet LOVES to eat. At 12 days, she had already gained almost a pound OVER her birth-weight. Today she is hovering close to 10 lbs already! We love those sweet cheeks so much.

Here she is...the many faces of Juliette Anala....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Assumptions I Had While Pregnant With My First Child

I am reposting this piece, I wrote right after Nye-Nye turned One.

Here are some of the Assumptions I had before becoming a Mother....

1.   I would be sore for 6 weeks or so. I knew I was going to be sore. I knew I would bleed. But, I thought after about 6 weeks or so and then I would be feeling mostly better. Nope, my stitches hurt for 3 months. It was difficult to walk or sit. I carried a donut pillow around for ages. Every time I squatted for months afterwards, I ached. Not expecting that one.

 

2.   I probably would not pump. I didn’t even think I would end up buying a pump. But, with my daughter in the NICU for the first 16 days of her life, the one thing I could do for her was pump my milk. So, I started and haven’t stopped. Pumping means I’ve been able to leave her in the safe hands of her Grand-parents countless times. Not expecting that one.

3.   I was NOT going to give my child a pacifier. Like maybe never. Things changed when I was wheeled in the NICU, when she was 6 hours old and caught the nurse about to give her a pacifier. I was not happy. But, the nurse explained that my baby was trying to get pull all her tubes out. Although, she was sedated, she was still uncomfortable and a pacifier was necessary. So, I caved. Not expecting that one.

4.   I have worked with children since I was 19 years old. I’m a teacher for Christsake….I have a degree in patience. One child can’t test your patience that much, can she? The answer is “yes.” I thought I would have a leg-up. Nope. Not expecting that one.

5.   I would LOVE breast-feeding. Don’t get me wrong, I am so very happy that I’ve been able to breast-feed my child for a year. I just thought it would be a mystical, beautiful bonding experience. There are definitely such moments. But, I have a VERY active child who LOVES to do yoga and gymnastics while nursing. Ummm....not so fun for Mama. She's also easily distracted and nibbles. This translates to nursing frequently....also not so fun for Mama. Not expecting that one.

6.   Cloth Diapers will only be one extra load of laundry a week. Okay, maybe if you have a TON of diapers. But, my husband has not been gung-ho about the cloth diaper thing, so I haven’t been able to buy many diapers. We switched to pocket diapers at 6 months. Right now, we have 9 diapers. That means I’m washing diapers about 4 times a week. Not expecting that one.

7.   I could not survive on being woken up 5-7 times a night for 9 months. Not fun this one. I've only survived by napping with her once a day and by spending 5-6 nights a month at my parents' house. She sleeps in their room and I get some beautifully, uninterrupted sleep. The rest of my days, I soldier through....usually sore, usually cranky in the mornings. But, I'm still going. Not expecting that one.

8.   No plastic crap would be entering my house. I have not bought any plastic crap for my child. But, other (well-meaning) people have and so we do have some loud, plastic toys at our house. My daughter always seems to find where I hide them. Many of them have found a new home at Dada and Dadi's house (a win-win situation for everyone). She relishes every chance she gets to play with them. Not expecting that one.

9.   My child would not glimpse a television until she was at least 2 years old. Okay, she does not watch T.V. at our house. But, we lived with my in-laws for the first 5 months of her life and they watch a lot of T.V.. I had to accept the fact that she would occasionally be enraptured by various commercials on the Indian channels. Dada tried to get her into watching Nick Jr. (thankfully, she resisted). I just had to bite my tongue. Not expecting that one.

10.   I would love being a Stay-at-Home Mama. This is what I always wanted (at least staying at home for the early years). I knew it was going to rough. And, I was right. I just didn't think it was going to be such a struggle. Doing laundry at midnight is not fun. Trying to make conversation at the play-ground is hard. Attempting to do dishes with a fussy toddler attached to your leg is impossible. There are many days, I just want to drop her off at the nearest day-care and not come back for a LONG, LONG time. Not expecting that one. Then, I see this smile....

 

and listen to her laugh. And, I change my mind (about the whole not returning for a long time thing).

 

There they are...10 Assumptions smashed into dust, after becoming a Mama.

My Husband's Wedding Vows

Today, is the last day of my Month of Love. I thought it would be nice to end with sharing my husband's Wedding Vows. You can find my Wedding Vows here.

I have so much to say but so little time. These Vows on this paper are my Promise to you, but I can never write how much you mean to me on a single piece of paper.

I decided to start with the first day we met. As I recall, we met at Raj and Erin's party at about 1:30 am and my pick-up line was I am "6'2, 220 pounds with a rocket laser arm." A line that I stole from a Peyton Manning commercial. Then, I proceeded to have a dance off to win a date with you. And, a few dates and dinners and many dance-offs, later...

I am standing here getting married to the most wonderful person I have ever met.

So, when I decided to writes these vows, I had a few things in mind. First, I though about what makes "us" us. And, I though about our differences. We may be the two most different people in the whole world.


You like Art, English, Reading, History
I like Business, Math and Finance

You like Ballets and Art Shows
I like Football

You like to walk
I like to sit

You like reading books
I like reading reading business proposals

I like Hot 99.5 and you hate it

You kinda like the Lion King
I think it's the best movie ever made

You are White
I am Brown

You are from Maryland
I am from Virginia

But, when I think of our differences, it really makes us closer. You have opened my eyes to so many things and I am so grateful for everything you have showed me. The most exciting part of our relationship is that our differences give us a chance to learn about one another and that every day, I know I will learn something new. I will never be bored because you are so passionate about life and you show it every moment.

Second, I thought about our similarities. And, I thought about how we love to cook and dance and then, I thought about our Core Values. That's what made me fall in love with you. Our Loyalty, our Compromise, Our Understanding, Our Hope, Our Forgiveness, Our Kindness, Our Open-ness, Our Laughter, Our Love and most importantly, our Friendship.

Friendship to me is one of the most important things that I have to offer you. Today, I stand here and let you know that you are my best friend for life. I want you to know that I promise to love you, I promise to take care of you, I promise to be a great partner and father. And, most importantly, I promise to be your friend. I could not be happier to marry my best friend. I love you.

Happy 23 Months, My Big Girl!

My Dearest Darling,

It is unbelievable that you are about to turn 2 years old. It has been awe-inspiring watch you grow into the independent, hysterically funny, imaginative, compassionate person that are you today.

You have gotten better at sitting down with us at meal-town and insist upon feeding yourself with a fork and spoon. You will eat absolutely everything and are developing a taste for spicy Indian food. You eat whatever Mommy and Daddy are eating including unusual foods like quinoa, goat cheese, seaweed, Brussels Sprouts, brie. You get sad when you eat a soup that doesn't have any carrots in it it. We are so lucky that getting you to eat your vegetables is no problem (hopefully, this will continue).

You remind us before every meal that we need to "jay-jay" or pray (your Dadi introduced you to doing "jay-jay" in front of their puja, a few months after you turned one and you've been going strong ever since).

You drink water from a regular cup without spilling (most of the time).You love to tell me when are "thirsty" (although it sounds like you are saying "sushi" - sushi being one of the only foods, you haven't liked). You are still on a Milk Strike and haven't refused to take a sip of cow milk's since you were weaned from drinking it in a bottle, three months ago. You went from drinking 32 oz a day, to refusing even a sip. Stubborn? I think so. Luckily, you devour Greek Yogurt and cheese, so we don't have to worry about your calcium intake.

Dada and Dadi are still visiting family in India and we miss them. When asked, you will tell us who you know that is Indian. "Daddy...Indian, Dadi...Indian, Dada...Indian, Kaka....Indian, Kaki...Indian, Sagar...Indian, Heena...Indian, Baby...Indian (pointing to herself). Mommy...not Indian (shaking her head)." We can't wait to see the beautiful clothes, Dadi will bring back for you from India.

It is the flu season and you remind me to give you "Elderberry" every day; you love getting your daily spoonful. When anyone coughs you say "sick, germs." You watched a Curious George episode on germs and it left a serious impression on you.

You spend 1-2 hours a day drawing with markers and pens in your own journal. When someone comes to the house, you have to point the paintings you made in your "Little Stars" class at the local Rec Center. You say "class" and "big kids" and proudly show off your Art-work.

Life has been a little bit easier as you begin to speak clearer and have started speaking in simple, short sentences. Your working vocabulary is probably at 700-800 words, but you almost always repeat whatever new word someone says in front of you. We call you our Little Parrot.

We listen to you talk about colors all the time, but you can't correctly identify them. First everything was green, then purple, then yellow and now it's pink.

Almost every time, we walk down the stairs, you practice counting. You have been able to count to 15 correctly a few times, but not consistently. Your ability to sing the "ABC Song" has improved a lot, you almost have it.

Legos continue to bring you much joy and now you adore playing with tinker-toys. You still do yoga several times a day, including your favorites: upward dog, downward dog with a lifted foot, butterfly, bridge. The latest development being your ability to do a sitting twist and tree!  We are constantly amazed at your ability to balance - I think it's time we get a balance beam.

You spend several hours a day, immersed in imaginative play. Your babies get lots of love and play. And, now that you have a toy infant car seat, as well as a toy stroller, a baby bath-tub and bed, they are getting extra attention. The car seat was definitely worth the $6 spent at our local thrift store. Your babies also seem to enjoy sliding down the slide on your play-set in your Rumpus Room.

You seem to understand about Mommy growing a new baby. One of your favorite books is "Baby, on the Way" by Dr. Sears. Aunt Mimi gave it to you for Christmas and you request it to be read to you at least once a day. You love giving Mommy's belly lots of hugs and kisses and love talking to your Sissy. We talk a lot about how babies cry a lot because they can't talk like you.

In the health department, your right leg has straightened up quite a bit. Now, it's only your left leg that is stilled bowed. Your left foot still points inner-ward when you walk. You have an appointment in a few weeks to get another x-ray and see if there has been much improvement. We have until the Fall to determine whether you will need to get braces to straighten out your legs. Crossing our fingers that won't be necessary.

You seem to have developed a mild case of eczema. Your Daddy has eczema, so it's not surprising that you have developed it. We have an appointment to get it checked out and make sure there is not a serious underlying cause. You have been eating more wheat over the past few months, so I wonder if you have a mild allergy. Besides those two issues, your health is wonderful. We are so very lucky.

We adore our giggling, fierce Big Girl. You seem to have left the "Terrible Twos" behind and seem so much happier than before. Your laugh fills our hearts with such Joy and we are so very, very Blessed to have you in our lives.

Know you are very, very loved,
Mommy and Daddy

Queen for the Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, I am Queen for the Day. Today, I turn 34.



I grew up in a blended family of 6 kids, where Birthdays WERE A BIG DEAL; each Birthday was a time when every child in my family was made to feel extra special.

How am I going to make myself feel extra special today?


I am going to go for a swim.

I am going to work on a painting.

I am going to eat Cerignola olives.

I am going to meditate.

I am going to dance to J. Roddy Walston and The Business.

I am going to try some Henna Belly Art on myself. *

I am going to take some self-portraits. **

I am going to go for a walk along the Potomac and look for driftwood. ***

I am going to take a nap.

I am going to eat some Alaskan Crab Legs.

I am going to take a yoga class.

I am going to do a Belly Cast with some help from my husband.


Looking forward to a day full of lots of Self-Love!

Many thanks to my Mama for doing the hard work of bringing me into this World in the middle of a Blizzard, 34 years ago. And, also many thanks to my Mama for watching my darling daughter, so I can spend the day savoring my favorite things.


* I actually did this Sunday night. It was one of the things I really wanted to do this pregnancy and never got around to do during my first pregnancy.

** I already did this Monday afternoon. One of my intentions this go-around was to celebrate my body more by taking more photos.

*** If the weather cooperates and it stops raining.

Quick...Send Out A Valentine with Paperless Post

paperless post (Photo credit: 'smil)

Whoops. Time flies and you didn't get to send out the Valentines you wanted. What have I done in the past? Jumped over to Paperless Post and ogled all their pretty designs until I narrowed it down to a few pretties.

I've been a huge fan of Paperless Post for several years, now. I loved their designs so much that I used them for my Wedding Invites and every other significant event since then.

Once you create an address book, it's embarrassingly easy to send out cards. It's cheap, too. And, good for the Environment. You can even print them out, if someone REALLY wants a hard-copy.

I like Paperless Post much better than Evite. My Inner-Print-maker loves how you can see the texture of the paper and the dizzying array of envelope liners. It's amazing the variety of designs, they now offer. They've come a long way in a few short years. Can you tell, I'm a fan?

Important Things

English: Mr. Keller (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In honor of the snow that fell yesterday in the D.C./NOVA/MD area, I thought I'd share one of Mattie's poems about snow. As I mentioned here, Mattie Stepanek is one of my heroes.

During his short 14 years (spent mostly in a wheel-chair), he wrote 6 poetry books and worked tirelessly on promoting World Peace and visibility for people with disabilities.

Former President Jimmy Carter spoke at Mattie's funeral and said these words,

We have known kings and queens, and we've known presidents and prime ministers, but the most extraordinary person whom I have ever known in my life is Mattie Stepanek. His life philosophy was 'Remember to play after every storm!' and his motto was: 'Think Gently, Speak Gently, Live Gently'. He wanted to be remembered as "a poet, a peacemaker, and a philosopher who played".

If you can, go out and play in the snow today and think of Mattie.

 

Important Things

When I grow up,
I think maybe
I will be a snowman,
Because when it
Snows outside,
I'll already be cold
And like it.
And children will
Play with me,
And laugh
And sing
And dance
All around me.
And those are important
Things to have happen
When you grow up.

-Mattie (December 1993) Age 3

Making Sense of the Senses

beautiful butterfly (Photo credit: Amy Berry)

Our eyes are for looking at things,
But they are also for crying
When we are very happy or very sad.
Our ears are for listening,
But so are our hearts.
Our noses are for smelling food,
But also the wind and the grass and
If we try very hard, butterflies.
Our hands are for feeling,
But also for hugging and touching so gently.
Our mouths and tongues are for tasting,
But also for saying words, like
"I love you," and
"Thank You, God, for all of these things."


                            - Mattie Stepanek, April 1995, age 4



I am just in awe of Mattie writing such beautiful words at such a young age. Four years old. Incredible. His story is one of the most inspiring I have ever read and helps me through those whiny, self-pitying moments.  Here is the post, I wrote earlier this month about him. He is one of my Heroes.

Putting the Movement Back

MLK Memorial (Photo credit: alvesfamily)

 

Today, is a special day. Not only are we remembering the Courage and Conviction of Martin Luther King, Jr. but our 44th President is being Sworn-in for a second term. In honor of MLK Day occurring on the same day as his Inauguration, President Obama is calling for a National Day of Service.

I'm thinking that something simple we could do would be to go for a walk on one of the trails along the Potomac and pick up trash. It would be fun to see the Capital Building and all the Monuments across the river (and not have to deal with all the traffic and people). The wonderful blog Kidfriendly DC has a list of tons of activities for children in DC celebrating the Inauguration.

One of my favorite things about living in the NOVA/DC area is the bookstore Busboys and Poets.  The bookstore is run by the staff of Teaching for Change, a non-profit devoted to providing "teachers and parents with the tools to transform schools into centers of justice where students learn to read, write, and change the world." Pretty exciting stuff.

"Teaching for Change" is a amazing resource whether you are a teacher or a parent unschooling, homeschooling or just encouraging your child to become a life-time learner. In honor of MLK and President Obama's Inauguration, I want to mention the book Putting the Movement Back into Civil Rights Teaching.

When I was teaching at a Friends School, I discovered this book; it's full of some very brave and sometimes very ordinary people and deserves to be read and used in every classroom. There are tons of primary sources from such activists and writers as Leonard Peltier, Marcus Garvey, Ward Churchhill, Sonia Sanchez and Gwendolyn Brooks. Not only are there lessons on lesser known part of the African-American Civil Rights Movements but the Native American, Latina, Asian-American, Gay Rights and Women's Right Movements are also examined. There are numerous ideas for teaching students from Pre-School until High School.

I can't wait until my daughter is a little older and I can start using this fantastic resource!