Sunday, December 30, 2012

Sunday Story: 10 Apps

Week number nine of eleven - almost complete! Sunday Story - based on an incredible prompt list from Daring to Live Fully, where I will eventually have a list of 100 things I love.

I am changing this one. Instead of 10 websites, as shown in the prompt, I will share my top 10 apps. Six for preschool/kindergarten age, and four that I enjoy myself. 

10 Apps (iPhone and/or iPad)

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Post-holiday break

I am still working on photos from a wonderful Disney World experience and a sunny southern Christmas. The past couple months have been a whirlwind of activity! I'm taking this time to regroup (and figure out where all the new toys will go!). Happy new year!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

My Christmas Wish

I love Amy Grant's version of My Grown-Up Christmas List. These days, our world seems consumed with anger, violence, greed, and hate. If we all had one magical Christmas wish and poured our energy into love and peace, maybe we would have a chance.

(song lyrics)

Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee;
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies.

Well, I'm all grown-up now,
And still need help somehow.
I'm not a child,
But my heart still can dream.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Sunday Story: 10 Paintings

I missed a Sunday last week. I felt it was important to leave my Sandy Hook reaction post up for a couple days. I continue to remember and honor all those who lost their lives, and I ache for the survivors who are forever changed.

So this is post number eight of eleven. Sunday Story - based on an incredible prompt list from Daring to Live Fully, where I will eventually have a list of 100 things I love.

10 Paintings
  • Two I made myself. I recently discovered those painting class places that seem to be popping up everywhere. So much fun! I now have my very own Santorini and a Halloween whimsy tree.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Bright & cheerful

(Original post from Dec 2011) 

Chaotic holiday glory

Our upstairs guest room is transformed the few weeks prior to Christmas.

First, it is cluttered with shopping bags and purchases.

Next, it becomes bright and cheerful, with festively-wrapped gifts all over the bed. The joyful paper and bows detract from the giant a pile of bags, paper scraps, and packaging cluttered on the floor.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Your greatest thing ever

(This week, I am giving myself a holiday break and pulling up some favorite posts from 2011. Enjoy!) 

Thank You Bear

In my advertising life, I spend hour after hour searching for the best places to reach the most relevant audiences. Every client, every product has a target audience. You don't speak the same way, or to the same people, for every brand out there. I have come to realize, especially with the power of social media, that we are all our own brand. We all have a "unique selling proposition". We all have an audience.


This morning, I was reading a book to my little sweetie. It is more than just an adorably-illustrated children's book. I think it has a very useful life (and business) lesson:
know your audience.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Atlanta: Theater for the Very Young


Families of small children, this is a fantastic opportunity for some special fun! Get your tickets for a fun holiday break activity at the Alliance Theater. I'm taking Amelia in a couple weeks; we can't wait!

Waiting for Balloon

December 27-30, 2012, Thursday-Sunday, 9:30am & 11:00am
January 3-6, 2013, Thursday-Sunday, 9:30am & 11:00am
January 12 & 19, 2013, Saturdays, 9:30am & 11:00am

Two childlike hobo-clown characters are waiting near the railroad tracks for "balloon."  The problem is that neither of them knows exactly what "balloon" is.  Through delightful trial and error, exploration and interaction with the audience, the two clowns piece together what makes a balloon a balloon and celebrate all that is discovered while we "wait!"  An introduction to gentle clowning and the joy of creating puppets from found objects.  Waiting for Balloon is a Theatre for the Very Young production, developed for children ages 18 months - 5 years old.  

"Theatre for the Very Young engages both parents and their pre-school children in creative experiences. The fourth wall is dissolved as young ones willing become part of the experience," says Director, Rosemary Newcott.

Tickets for Waiting for Balloon are $10 per person, no matter how young or old.


Tickets are available online at Alliance Theater Waiting For Balloon




Fun alert: Radio Disney Noon Year's Eve

RADIO DISNEY RINGS IN 2013 ACROSS THE NATION 
Twenty cities will party along with Radio Disney at exciting family events on December 31st. The events welcome kids and families to their favorite locations including zoos, museums, and shopping centers for family-friendly celebrations. Kids will have the opportunity to enjoy all the excitement of New Year's eve - before their bedtime!

Hosted by Radio Disney's local stations, the "Noon Year's Eve" events will feature the "Top 50 of 2012", interactive entertainment, and prizes.
 
Cities include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Tampa, Miami, and more! Check your local station and media for more information and locations! 

Happy Near Year (almost)!


 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Mental illness is not evil


My friend posted a very wise and extremely brave post on Facebook today. She gave me permission to share, although I choose to keep this anonymous.

I wanted to project her words beyond her Facebook friends, because this is a very important discussion that our nation needs to have. No more hiding this very real issue.

To my dear friend, you floored me today. I am proud of you and love you! 

- - - -
I am coming out of the closet. Not that kind of closet, another one. For the past 12 years I have struggled with a mental illness. It's been a "dirty little secret" I felt like I had to hide. I have a severe form of bi-polar disorder. 

Monday, December 17, 2012

What do I do with Pinterest?

Do you know that fine line between young and old, current and out of touch? I feel like I am on the wrong side these days. I don't recognize most of the artists on the radio, I have no idea what movies are out in the theaters (unless it's G-rated from Disney), and I am slipping behind in the social media sector.

Clearly, I was once an early adopter. I have been blogging for a few years, I'm an avid Facebooker, I tweet, schedule updates with Hoot Suite, check my Klout, and support blogging talent via Triberr tribes. But I am missing the boat when it comes to some of the newer social media sites/tools.

What exactly do I stumble? Or tumble?

Friday, December 14, 2012

The unspeakable


I am in pain. Heartbroken over the news coming out of Connecticut today.

Senseless, evil violence on innocent people...

Devoted teachers who were going about their day instilling values and knowledge into future leaders...

Beautiful, kind-hearted, YOUNG children who were probably looking forward to a weekend of playtime with friends, siblings, parents...

Parents who will have to decide what to do with wrapped gifts already under a Christmas tree...

Moms who can no longer complain about carpool line...

Too much Christmas

Santa visits. Singing. Christmas play. Parties. Wrapping gifts. Shipping gifts. Planning activities. Decorating the house - and cookies. I love Christmas festivities, but enough is enough. We are still 11 days away! And what does any of this chaos have to do with the real meaning of Christmas?

Add in surgery recovery for my girl and a very unexpected replacement of our entire water line from the street to the house, not to mention the job I feel like I'm completely neglecting. It's all too much right now.

I need a day of nothing. It is too bad our weekend is packed with obligations already. I need a day where I don't have to make or plan something for someone else. A day to enjoy the sound of silence, just me and my favorite fuzzy PJ pants and aloe-infused socks.

That's what I want for Christmas!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

#WW: She did it!

Amelia woke up on Saturday morning, 48 hours after eye surgery, in a bit of pain. But she wanted to dance. She had been practicing the winter recital dance with her two classmates for weeks, and had her heart set on performing. So we dosed her up with ibuprofen, helped her dress in her leotard and tights, and headed to recital.

She nailed it! So very proud of this tough little girl. She has just the right amount of sass to pull of this adorable dance. (She is in the center)


I have watched this at least 34 times. Can't get enough!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Pick a doctor like you would pick a spouse

I have another guest post up at LittleFourEyes.com today!

This time, I focus on our lesson in choosing a physician. I titled it "pick a doctor like you would pick a spouse", because the same important qualities really do apply.

 Trust. Listening. Respect.

 Please support this wonderful community of loving parents; click on over to read it there.

  Choosing a pediatric ophthalmologist 

Thanks!

Monday, December 10, 2012

I left my heart on that table

As a mother, I long to hold my little girl tight and keep her close. I stand prepared, ready to fight off the world's evils and dangers. I watch over her sweet heart, wary of those who might cause her pain. I want to shield her from lumps and bumps and scrapes.

Sometimes, though, being Mom means I have to step back.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Sunday Story: 4 Desserts

Week number seven of eleven. Sunday Story - based on an incredible prompt list from Daring to Live Fully, where I will eventually have a list of 100 things I love.

4 Desserts 

Only four? This list could probably be fifty long for me. I am a sweet tooth kind of girl! Here are four top favorites.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Disney Update: Monsters & Inside Looks

Tickets are now on sale for MONSTERS, INC. 3D which opens everywhere on Wednesday, December 19th! Mike Wazowski in 3d? Now that will be funny!

And in case we need more monster-iffic laughs, MONSTERS UNIVERSITY is coming to theaters on June 21st, 2013! The first poster was released last week:

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Surgery update

5:30 p.m. here, six hours after we left the surgery center. Amelia slept for a few hours but has since been very fearful and tearful. She has moments of calm and is eating a bit, so I know we're going to make it through this day!

Her eyes are their usual red after such a procedure, but otherwise looking great. A good night's sleep is going to work wonders on all of us. Then we begin the long 8-week waiting game. Last time we had a "perfect" six weeks, this time we need to make it past eight. Eight weeks until an all-is-well report. We are longingly looking towards that day for sure.

The day is here... again.

My sweet girl has eye muscle surgery again today. The first one was in January. The second was in March. In September, we tried bifocals for her. Surgery number three is our only remaining choice. Once again, we cling desperately to hope that this time will be "it". I am feeling good about it and look towards a happy day when all of this is in life's rear-view mirror.

Send us happy thoughts and prayers if you can spare a few today.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

#WW: Coooookies!

One more photo of our Stone Mountain Christmas fun.

My little cookie monster, hungry for a sweet snack after tubing excitement. She decorated it herself, then shoved it in her face. Yum!



Monday, December 3, 2012

How to have fun at Stone/Snow Mountain #Atlanta

Stone Mountain Park, Georgia's most visited attraction, is all decked out for the holidays!



Stone Mountain Christmas, presented by Humana, is open on select dates now through January 1st. And where else can you find SNOW on 60+ degree southern days but Snow Mountain, the region’s only snow park? Snow Mountain opened on November 22nd and will operate on select dates through February 18th.

I live almost an hour away from Stone Mountain, so we have not visited in many years. I was surprised by how much it has grown! It really is a theme park now, with almost never-ending things to do and see. It was our very first time visiting Stone Mountain for the winter/Christmas fun, and seeing it through Amelia's eyes was just priceless. 



Sunday, December 2, 2012

Sunday Story: 6 Drinks/Beverages

Week number six of eleven. Sunday Story - based on an incredible prompt list from Daring to Live Fully, where I will eventually have a list of 100 things I love.




6 Drinks/Beverages 

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Celebration anticipation

* * *
Our stockings are hung by the fireplace today.

Baby decorated the tree in her own special way. 

"Twas the Night Before Christmas" is ready to read, 

Final touches on our lights are all that we need. 

* * * 

We did trick-or-treat, 

We had our turkey to eat. 

Now December is here, 

Which means Christmas is near! 

Friday, November 30, 2012

It's OK to slow down

 
"Nature is never in a hurry, yet everything gets accomplished." -Lao Tzu

I seriously cannot believe it is not yet December. It seems like we have had holiday to-dos and events for weeks already! Tis the season for purchases, events, school plays, parties.... never ending "do this" and "don't forget that". Throw in a surgery for my little girl next week, and I am a frazzled mess!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Rock out with Mickey's Music Festival

Another fantastic Disney Live! performance may be headed your way. If you love rockin' with your little love to the tunes of classic Disney movies, then Mickey's Music Festival may be the holiday gift idea for which you have been searching. Mickey Mouse and his friends rock and roll with special guests including Ariel, Aladdin, and Toy Story friends.

#WW: Escalators

Amelia loves escalators! This one, in a Westin hotel, is steep and fun. We had no idea that our nice Thanksgiving dinner out would include a ride!


Photobucket


Happy Wednesday!


Monday, November 26, 2012

Happy and healthy holidays

Our long Thanksgiving weekend included nights of fever and ibuprofen. Not to mention a trip to Children's urgent care. What we thought was a virus for Amelia turned out to be an infection. She is on the mend, but the experience made us even more mindful of germs and the importance of frequent hand washing. We are determined to get through the next exciting holiday illness-free!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Sunday Story: 10 Games

Week number five of eleven. Sunday Story - based on an incredible prompt list from Daring to Live Fully, where I will eventually have a list of 100 things I love.


 This week - 10 games.
I am listing some of our favorite things to play with our sweet Amelia. 

10 Games

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

#WW: Thankful pilgrim

We recently had the 4-year-olds' Thanksgiving Feast at Amelia's school. Parents brought in assigned dishes and we shared a meal in the fellowship hall. The children showed up in costumes and ran, arms wide open, to their parents. I am thankful that I was able to attend.(Don't I have an adorable little pilgrim?!)


Monday, November 19, 2012

Mommy, why do you say I'm special?

My child is the sensitive type. At age 4 1/2, she already doubts herself. Kids are mostly sweet at this age, but every now and then someone hurts her feelings. And she stands aside quietly and does not say a word.

When she has a bad night and pushes our buttons with rudeness and a complete lack of listening, she ends up crying quietly to herself in bed. She asks us later, "why am I a bad kid sometimes?" It seems no amount of encouraging, loving, and praising can break her strong will to blame herself. Amelia is an amazingly smart, considerate, well-mannered, wonderful kid. She has her naughty moments (like every other kid on earth), yet she takes it to heart and concludes that she is a "bad" person.

The other night, in the dark of her room before sleep took her to dreamland, Amelia whispered to me, "Mommy? Why do you say I'm special?".

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Sunday Story: 10 Foods

Week number four of eleven. Sunday Story - based on an incredible prompt list from Daring to Live Fully, where I will eventually have a list of 100 things I love.

This week - yummy, yummy foods!


10 Foods that I love

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Ultimate Leap Frog #giveaway

Now for the second big holiday giveaway! An assortment of Leap Frog gadgets for the "big kid" in your life. Amelia got a Tag Jr. a couple years ago and has really enjoyed it. They make smart and fun learning gadgets for kids of all ages. Good luck!


Holiday Giveaway: Ultimate LeapFrog Prize Pack

Friday, November 16, 2012

@Cirque WOWS again with TOTEM

I cannot let today go by without a mention of last night's fun times with @inthekitchenKP.

I drove into the city from the 'burbs when it was already dark -
Alone.
No kiddo.
No husband.
... exciting stuff!

Step2 play kitchen #giveaway!

Here it is! The first of two fantastic giveaways I joined to hopefully help YOU get some amazing gifts for a child you love. The Step 2 Lifestyle Fresh Accents Kitchen is a really good one. Amelia has a little tiny kitchen that I, in fact, won from a blogger two years ago. She has gotten many hours of enjoyment from it. This deluxe Step 2 kitchen is even better! Good luck and happy holidays!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Happily keeping our secret

Almost a month ago, I let you in on our little secret: we're going to Disney World! We have kept this plan a secret from Amelia and will continue to do so. Probably until we're actually in the car on our way to sunny Florida.

The funny thing is, Amelia asks to go to Disney World nearly every day. Over and over again, she flips through her photo book from our February 2010 trip. She makes comments like, "I know it is expensive, but I really wish we could go there again sometime." She is such a kind and understanding four-year-old!

Family photo with celebrities, Feb 2010

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

LeapFrog #giveaway - coming soon!

Almost Turkey Day! I have not done many giveaways lately, but I have a healthy dose of holiday spirit! I can't pass up a chance to help one of you to possibly win a few great prizes. I posted about the Step 2 kitchen giveaway recently. That one, along with this one, will go live in just a couple days. Be sure to check them out, and good luck!

Ultimate Leapfrog Holiday Prize Pack Event

LeapFrog Prizes:
  • Leapfrog LeapPad2
  • Leapfrog Leapster Gs
  • Leapfrog Brave Game
  • Leapfrog Leapschool Math Game
  • Tag with Human Body Discovery Pack
 
Event date: Nov 17th, 2012 to Dec 3rd 2012

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

#WW This poster is Great & Powerful!

Oz, the Great and Powerful comes to theaters March 8, 2013. I have mentioned it before, I know. I love the idea of the storyline and the posters are so great! The full three-panel poster was revealed on Tuesday:


You can see a trailer, read the synopsis, and view more photos on the official Oz the Great and Powerful website. You can also follow Oz The Great and Powerful on Facebook for up-to-date news and information.

Monday, November 12, 2012

#TOTEM dazzles Atlanta

I owe a fellow blogger big! She is taking me as her +1 to the current Cirque du Soleil show - now playing at Atlantic Station in Atlanta. I get to have a grown-up evening enjoying one of my favorite entertainment spectacles. Over the past eleven years, I have been dazzled by amazing and eye-catching acts via Mystere and O in Las Vegas, La Nouba in Orlando, and Varekai and Dralion touring shows in Atlanta.

Photo credit: Pouya Dianat/Cirque du Soleil

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Sunday Story: 10 People

Week number three of eleven. Sunday Story - based on an incredible prompt list from Daring to Live Fully, where I will eventually have a list of 100 things I love.

10 People
  • Amelia Rose. My baby girl. Funny, smart, and with a flair for the theatrical. 
  • Steve. Husband and awesome daddy. "The funny one", according to our daughter. 

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Surgery - 3rd time's a charm?

The pediatric ophthalmologist appointment went pretty much as expected. Mamas know these things. Her glasses are not helping the eye crossing enough. Our only course of action at this point is a third surgery, this time on the inner eye muscles, next to her nose. We do not know yet when the surgery will take place, but we will do our best to balance holiday events and recovery time - we want her to have every chance at a fun-filled holiday season.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Velma G has glasses too

Friday afternoon - an event for which we have been waiting in anxious anticipation for nine long weeks. We're going back to the pediatric ophthalmologist! Amelia has proudly (and adorably) worn her pink glasses for nine weeks. She says they help, but she tends to tell us anything helps (perhaps so we will leave her alone). We still see the eye crossing. She still makes funny head tilts. This mama is ready for a plan C. Probably back to surgery? We will see. I have my questions ready. I hope the doctor has enough time in his schedule for us! I plan on grabbing his undivided attention for a while.

Until I have an update, why don't you pop over to the beloved Little Four Eyes Site to read my latest post: a review of Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

#WW: Beginning to look at lot like...

Christmas!

Amelia and I went to the mall for lunch and browsing on November 2nd. We had barely put away the Halloween decorations, but the mall was already decked out for Christmas! In fact, Santa was scheduled to arrive later that night. Seriously! He is at our mall already.

Amelia was excited about the beautiful space awaiting the jolly guy himself:


Monday, November 5, 2012

Step2 Kitchen Event (bloggers wanted)

Bloggers, here is a chance to be part of a really great giveaway! And parents/grandparents, keep an eye out - starting 11/16, you have a chance to win this great prize for a kid you love!




Mommy & Me: Halloween costumes

Yet again, we had a family theme for Halloween!

Amelia was a lovely Cinderella. She wanted her Daddy to be her prince. That left me to be either an ugly stepmother or the Fairy Godmother. Luckily, my child laughed off the ugly stepmother, claiming that I could not be that ugly. So I whipped up a magical cape, gray hair, and a wand, and we were ready for some neighborhood fun.



Sunday, November 4, 2012

Sunday Story: 10 Restaurants

Week number two of eleven. Sunday Story - based on an incredible prompt list from Daring to Live Fully, where I will eventually have a list of 100 things I love.

10 Restaurants (my Atlanta area favorites)
  • Stoney River  - They claim "legendary steaks", and I have to agree. The caramelized onion mashed potatoes are also delish! And the caprese salad, and the french onion soup.... 
  • Bistro Niko - Modern French and soooo yummy. The cheese puffs are my favorite pre-dinner treat! My only complaint is that the basket should be much, much larger.
  • Texas Roadhouse - A casual chain restaurant, but my daughter's favorite. She loves when the servers line dance! Food is tasty and very reasonably priced.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Disney Update: Witchy!

I can feel it... Oz the Great and Powerful is going to be epic. March 8th, 2013. 

Disney released a new poster panel this week. Take a sneak peek at the witch!


In case you missed it, here is the first Oz poster and a brief synopsis of the film (from a July Disney update). 




Thursday, November 1, 2012

Friday Funny: What If?

This sounds exactly like my daughter at bedtime! Sharing a Friday funny from my favorite writer, the great Shel Silverstein:

Whatif
By Shel Silverstein
from the book "A Light in the Attic" (1981)


Last night, while I lay thinking here,
some Whatifs crawled inside my ear
and pranced and partied all night long
and sang their same old Whatif song:
Whatif I'm dumb in school?
Whatif they've closed the swimming pool?
Whatif I get beat up?
Whatif there's poison in my cup?
Whatif I start to cry?
Whatif I get sick and die?
Whatif I flunk that test?
Whatif green hair grows on my chest?
Whatif nobody likes me?
Whatif a bolt of lightning strikes me?
Whatif I don't grow talle?
Whatif my head starts getting smaller?
Whatif the fish won't bite?
Whatif the wind tears up my kite?
Whatif they start a war?
Whatif my parents get divorced?
Whatif the bus is late?
Whatif my teeth don't grow in straight?
Whatif I tear my pants?
Whatif I never learn to dance?
Everything seems well, and then
the nighttime Whatifs strike again!



Sunday, October 28, 2012

Sunday Story: 10 Activities

We are in it now: crunch time. The season of hustle and bustle. It begins in October with fundraisers, festivals, and numerous school activities. Once we get a breather from October, November will be peeking around the corner. That includes Thanksgiving - then the Christmas rush!

Life has been fun, but busy to say the least. To help me keep up with posts, I am starting my own Sunday Story. Eleven weeks. Based on an incredible prompt list from Daring to Live Fully, where I will eventually have a list of 100 things I love.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Mothers are unique

Mothers are like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike. 


I am a mother of one, reveling in the eccentricities of a girly girl.

I worry in my own way and I laugh inside (but not always out loud).

I have little fear of junk food, but I understand moderation.

I work sometimes, play sometimes, and rest much less than I used to.


I know another mama, a laid-back chauffeur and cheerleader to sporty boys.

She keeps Band-Aids on hand and tends her fair share of bumps and scrapes.

She is here and there and everywhere, always on time and looking sharp.

I think fashion is her link to a feminine world. 



Mothers are masters at adapting, accepting, and adjusting.

We become who we are as we watch our joys learn, live, and grow.

We are powerful within our family cocoons - and unique to the world.


 
- - - -
 Linked up to Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop: "Write a post in just 12 lines."


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

#WW: Hiking fashion from a princess

No matter the occasion or activity level, sparkle hairbows and frilly skirts are always a plus. This fashionable little lady hiked two miles up a mountain (and back down again), stylin' and talking all the way.


Monday, October 22, 2012

The right kind of silence


Now, this kind of silence is another story. Last week, the daytime silence had me uneasy. This morning, I find myself noticing the quiet again.

The wake up clock sits dim in her room, awaiting its moment to activate the soothing green glow. Her body is still, her chest gently rises and falls without a sound. Sheets, rumpled and tangled, rest at her feet while stuffed animals lie askew next to her, on her, and on the floor.

I am showered, my hair has been dried. I have nine minutes. Nine minutes to catch up with the news of my world through a quick scroll of Facebook. Maybe put a word or two on the blog. This is the best kind of silence. Cool air outside means a cozy blanket on my toes. A peaceful sleepy head in the other room means a moment to breathe for me.

Wake up time will come soon enough, bringing with it the chaos of yet another school day. For one more second, I turn my head and listen. To nothing.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Disney Update: We're going!!!

Today's Disney update is a personal one -- we are going back to the Magic Kingdom!

At the end of December 2011, we stopped at the Wilderness Lodge and had dinner with Cinderella and Prince Charming at the Grand Floridian.


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Expert advice: Parenting for your child's self-esteem

This guest post is written by a real-life friend, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor working in the field of mental health since 2006. She shares some valuable advice for parents who want to build self-esteem in their children. 

Hilary practices at Reflective Counseling Services, LLC, with counseling services in Marietta, GA.
- - - - - -  

Kid Problems are REAL Problems
Hilary Delman, LPC
  

As parents, it’s easy to look at our children’s “problems” and shrug them off.  We, after all, are busy worrying about bills, planning meals, getting the house clean, laundry…we are worried REAL problems.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

What do to with quiet?

Every now and then, I find myself on a work-from home day with Amelia at school and a very light work load. I run an errand or two, investigate the latest coupons, and get the laundry started. I refresh Facebook and my work email every few minutes, looking for a new conversation or task. I watch the clock.

These days are really slow.

Amelia is in extended day school because I work several hours per day - sometimes in the office, sometimes at home. I do not pick her up until 4:00. On days like this, my body feels lazy. My mind is sleepy. By brain has no idea what to do with all of the quiet.

It is funny how I often find myself begging for some alone time with no responsibilities and no pressures. But when I get it? I have no idea what to do with myself!

Snacking and TV are not going to cut it. Three loads of laundry are already clean, dry, and tucked away in various closets or drawers. The carpet is sporting brand new vacuum lines. The sun is shining... perhaps I should go for a walk? If I burn more calories, maybe I can enjoy a cold ice cream treat with my girl this afternoon.

It is not often that life and work both reach a quiet place. I should enjoy it, I suppose. But I miss my chatterbox, a perpetually singing and dancing little wonder. My ears have grown used to having her around. 

What am I supposed to do with all of this silence? 
  

Monday, October 15, 2012

Mommy & Me: Autumn Mountains

Mommy and Me Monday!

This past weekend, we visited family in the North Carolina mountains. The past couple days have been gray and dreary, but Saturday was gorgeous. Sunny and bright blue skies. We all piled into a van and took a ride up the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the lovely fall color. In the highest elevations, we missed "peak" by a few days. Around 4,000 feet, the color was beautiful.

Here we are at Water Rock Knob!





Mommy and Me Monday at Really, Are You Serious?
Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Saturday, October 13, 2012

A culture of bullies

Many of you probably heard of 15-year old Amanda Todd this week. She committed suicide after suffering bullying, reaching out for help via a video, only to be bullied more. She also suffered from drug and alcohol abuse from a lifetime of feeling down and alone. It is truly a tragedy. And unfortunately, one that is all too common today.

Kids and teens have access to technology these days. Hurtful words no longer travel only by mouth; they can sting from across space, broadcast to millions in a matter of moments. Stupid decisions can be posted on the Internet, never to go away. Secrets can be blown wide open in more dramatic ways than ever before. It is a tough lesson to learn, especially for teens.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Disney on Ice: Rockin' Ever After

What a magical evening! We had a special family night out, a trip into the city to see Disney on Ice: Rockin' Ever After. Amelia counted the days beginning weeks ago, and the show did not disappoint.


This was our second Disney on Ice show. Last October, we oohed and ahhed throughout Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream.We pointed excitedly as each princess appeared on the ice and we clapped along to the music.

This year's show was no exception. If last year received two thumbs up, this one probably deserves two thumbs and an extra finger. We really enjoyed it.

Five rules to live by

My take on living the good life.

Understand that all people are different and accept them for who they are. 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

#WW: Loves to learn

This is one of my favorite all-time videos of baby Amelia. She is now a 4 1/2 year old smarty pants. She was a smarty pants back then too! She has always loved to learn and succeed.

"Yaaaaay!"



Happy Wednesday!

Monday, October 8, 2012

How to compliment someone

My child has glasses. And she looks awesome in them. Compliments are always welcome, but experts say there is a correct way to serve up praise. Apparently, the way compliments are given can directly affect the child's own feelings about wearing their glasses and consequently, affect their self-esteem. When I read the advice, it made sense. And I find it applicable to anyone in any situation, not just adorable bespectacled kiddos.

Experts say that we should not compliment just the glasses (or the shirt, or the hair), but the person him/herself. For instance, instead of "Those glasses are so pretty", we should say "YOU look so pretty with your new glasses". For a child with glasses, a properly-phrased compliment is more effective because it is not just about the object being worn, but about them. They are not defined by the object, but can embrace who they are as an entire, whole human being.

This makes so much sense! People like attention. They enjoy compliments. They like to talk about themselves. I am going to take this advice and try to apply it more often in real life.

You look lovely in that shirt. 

You really look nice with your new haircut.

You are awesome for finishing that race.

 Give it a try - compliment someone you love today!

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Spooky spooky! Halloween decor

"Spooky spooky spooky! Our house is spooky!"



This is the new song in our house. Amelia and I pulled out all the Halloween decor the other day. We have pumpkin rugs grinning up from the floor and a flowing white ghost chilling out on the door. We have a bouncing vampire on a spring, bobbing by the window with his buddy, a springy skeleton. Jack-the-Lantern gleams from the mantel and a giant spider rests on a gnarled, black "spooky tree".

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Measure twice, cut once - another sumbission to Little Four Eyes

Posted a summary of our anxiety-ridden eye journey on the Little Four Eyes site!

It is my second post for them - I cannot thank them enough for including me. I have already "met" some moms with a similar rare outcome like ours, and I even have a new question or two for our doctor when we see him again next month.


Send over some support to this great site:
Measure twice, cut once: Our tale of strabismus surgery 



A blur of rainbow colors

Busy week! I did not get anything written, so I am reviving my post from exactly one year ago. Enjoy!


Wind and a blur of color
10/4/2011

T-shirts and sneakers whiz by in a blur of rainbow colors. Heat from sun-warmed metal radiates through our clothes. Wind lifts my hair, tangles it. The volume of her voice rises and falls as we, too, rise up and glide down, around and around.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Daddy is hilarious

Unless he is working late or traveling, my husband is in charge of Amelia's bedtime. He loves spending time cuddled on her bed and playing silly games.

We still have a baby monitor in her room because even now, as of age 4 1/2, she does not leave her room. She has gotten out of bed perhaps four times in her entire life. Instead, she calls for us.

"Hey Mom-MY... Hey Dad-DY..."

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Being a friend for the "after"

I have a few friends in the midst of serious medical issues with loved ones. I see so many people reaching out via social media, offering kind words, prayers, and virtual hugs. Often, a question is repeated, "how can I help?"

Those words bring me back to a time where I was the person disseminating news of a dear loved one's trauma and recovery. I was being asked, "how can we help?". Sometimes, a tangible answer would arise out of a current need - a lunch here, a phone call there. But most of the time, we simply asked for positive thoughts and prayers.

When a crisis happens, a crowd of caring people rises up to voice their concern, share their support, and to offer assistance.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Disney Update: Frankenweenie and a monstrous sweepstakes

The movie opens across the country in a few days, and you can still enter this spooktacular sweepstakes!



Enter the Frankenweenie Monstrous Sweepstakes for a chance to win a monstrous vacation for four to experience all the fun of Halloween Timeat the Disneyland® Resort. 

Friday, September 28, 2012

Peer support for kids with glasses

I contributed to the Little Four Eyes site today!

Come visit the post: Bifocal Questions and Answers

LittleFourEyes.com is "a community for family and friends of little ones in glasses. A place to share experiences, tips, tricks, and pictures." Such a fantastic resource!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Gooey, cheesy deliciousness

Savory, mouth-watering aroma of aged Italian cheeses.
Bread, handmade that morning, rising as it bakes in a hot, open oven.
Oregano warming within gooey, bubbling red sauce.



 Pizza is an iconic food for many of us. A true comfort food. A convenience food. A football and beer or picnic-by-the-pool food.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

#WW: Apple Picking in North GA

"Almost Wordless" Wednesday...

Fall has arrived! In the Atlanta area, we are finally enjoying some cool morning temperatures. We wake while the neighborhood is still dark and burrow further underneath the covers for "just a few more minutes". Amelia and I don our matching hot pink fuzzy socks before heading downstairs to launch our day. By afternoon, we can play outside without jackets and soak in the sun's happy rays.Soon, we will observe the changing leaves nestled along the nearby mountains.
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