As promised here's a look at my new weekly series for my Examiner column (look at me being all not neglectful). May I introduce to you...Fun Fridays! The basic premise of Fun Fridays is to take a look at the fun, silly, light-hearted side of parenting. Given the response I got from the moms who participated in the first edition of Fun Friday, I'm hoping people will get a kick out of this series.
This week's article took the mom perspective with, You know you're a mom when...The responses I got were hilarious! I didn't even get to use them all, so definitely be looking for periodic versions of this piece sprinkled throughout our Fun Fridays. Next week I'm turning to the dads - they'll be answering the question in their form: You know you're a dad when...I'm really excited to see how their responses will differ from the moms.
So, if you've got the response(s) to either of these statements, please e-mail me and know you'll be included in an article at some time in the future. Please be sure to note if I can use your name and include where you live. Perhaps you have a topic you'd like to see covered in a Fun Friday edition? Toss those suggestions into the pot too!
I hope you'll wander over to the ol' Examiner page and let me know what you think of my first Fun Friday edition.
Fun Friday: You know you're a mom when... *Author's Note: I'm so excited about Fun Fridays that I've added a tab up top to keep you posted on all things related. Consider that your go to place to link you to all things Fun Friday. *(Originally written on October 5, 2010)
My most recent Examiner article finally fulfills the promise to cover some of the many areas/issues awareness is being raised for this month. One down, two to go, nothing like waiting until the end of the month. However, if you know me at all, you know I am a horrible, horrible procrastinator. There should be consequences for a procrastinator like me, but it seems I do my best work when it gets down to go time. For instance, I think it was my last year of college, we had an entire semester to get the paper done for one of my core classes and I had been "working" on an idea s l o w l y putting the pieces together throughout the semester, when the day before it was due I decided I wanted to shift the focus of the thesis entirely. I'm pretty sure I stayed up all night, got the research done, wrote the paper, and e-mailed it at the last possible second. 100%. See what I mean? That's just not motivation to getting things going earlier.
Talk about diving off topic, though! The latest Examiner piece I have to offer you talks about dyslexia. It gives you a brief overview of what dyslexia means and some of the signs you can look for in your child, but it also connects you to some resources. One website I've found over the course of researching various topics is my new personal go to site for nearly everything. This site is phenomenal - and here's why: This site gives you information if you're a parent researching, it provides information for kids and teens in ways that relate to them. It's completely helpful. The kid sections don't sound as though they're talking down, rather they put it into terms a kid can understand. But to get linked up to this website, you'll have to head over to the article. I know, I'm mean, right? But you'll survive, so let's stop dilly-dallying and get you the link:
Reading it right: Dyslexia Awareness Month
This posting will be a short one. I just wanted to share that I did a "guest spot" on Mary's Hurricane Riley & his Big Brother Rex blog today. As I've previously written, Mary is partaking in the 31 for 21 Challenge where she is posting something to her blog each day during the month of October. Remember October is also Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
I'd love it if you took the time and stopped by my first ever guest blogging spot. You'll find an interview I did with my sister in response to Mary's first ever Friendship Friday edition.
A friendship that shares everything - Christine's story - 31 for 21 day 22*(Originally written/posted on October 22, 2010)
As I shared yesterday, I had an interview today to discuss becoming a freelance writer for a local magazine. I also talked about how incredible my family is; let me start there...
My parents offered to have Abby while I went on the interview and upon arriving at my parents' house, the first words out of my mom's mouth were about how beautiful and professional I looked. Given that I had waffled over what to wear to this interview over coffee, these were words I needed to hear - even if they were coming from my very biased mother. The look on my dad's face as they sent me off on words of encouragement? Pure pride. Not too shabby of a send off, but still my nerves were jangling, but then...Getting in my car I saw I had a voice mail from my sister. As I drove down the road, listening to her message, I was wrapped in her words of encouragement and love. That was just what I needed - it was the icing on my encouragement cake. Not only that, but I'm doing a better job of letting God in on these things. It's clear things go better when I don't leave Him sitting on the sidelines. After my sister's message my nerves settled and I kept hearing her words over in my head and I went into this not only feeling good, but confidant.
Get to it already, you say? Well why don't you just call me the latest freelance writer for Simply Family magazine! I am thrilled beyond all reasonable belief. I love, love, love this magazine! Truly. It's that perfect fit to where I'm at in my life right now. My first article is supposed to be in the January edition - here's to the next step!*(Originally posted/written on October 15, 2010)
For whatever reason I haven't really put my latest writing news "out there" yet, as I don't know exactly where it's going to go. However, as I was purusing my writings on here, I thought about how this blog is supposed to chronicle my journey as I work to find my way in this world of "being a writer." So, you're hearing it here first.
Tomorrow morning I have a meeting with the founder of a local magazine to discuss the possibility of me doing some writing for them. I'm insanely excited about this, but I really have no idea how this is going to turn out. I guess I didn't want to jinx it by talking about it too much, but felt it was only fair to put this out there, here.
As I'm writing this, I'm reflecting on the awesomeness that is my family. I'm thinking about what a phenomenal group of people they are - and how completely blessed I am that the individuals my siblings married are just as essential to this family as our original five. I couldn't have possibly asked for a more loving, supportive family. As I mentioned in my last post, my mom worked really hard to ensure that our family became an unshakable unit. While I don't claim to have the same kind of relationship with my brother that I do my sister; our love and loyalty are fierce. I know no matter what, these people have my back, and at the end of the day...That's not such a bad thing to have.
What on earth does this have to do with tomorrow? Well, first, without my sister and her friend, tomorrow might never have come to fruition. They both talked up my writing to this individual and they (the whole fam) are as excited about this as I am. I know this, I also know no matter the outcome, they'll continue to be my biggest fans and cheering me on each step of the way. I'll let you know how it goes. Think good thoughts for me!
*(Originally written/posted on October
This week I posted/published the first in my first ever weekly series. The premise of this weekly feature is centered around providing ideas for family night. Whether the family night occurs on Wednesday night (so designated years ago when "Church Night" got banned out of the school's verbiage - kids are suppose to come home with considerably lighter backpacks on "Family Night." So whether your family rocks a family night during the week or on the weekend, this column is here to provide ideas.
As we know, miss Abby is a fabulous 3-year-old, but she doesn't always stick to a whole game (I've come to the conclusion if we attempt to make it too obviously a learning experience instead of just "fun" she'll bail on us). My sister often comments that she better get on board pretty soon because Bryan and I are BIG fans of playing games. We tend towards card games, but put any kind of game in front of us and we're a happy couple. Should you be invited into our home for dinner, it's almost a guarantee you will be drawn into some kind of game.
For a look at our first set of suggestions, head on over to my Examiner page. But first let's talk about where you come in...I'm sure your family has special activities you've done or do to make the most of your family night. I want to include ideas outside of my own perspective, so if you've got an activity that you'd like to see featured in one of these weekly columns, send 'em my way! You can e-mail me, leave a comment below (or on the article itself), or find me onFacebook.
Family Night: What are your plans?
Enjoy your family!
Just curious, have you found ways to raise awareness for any of the many areas awareness is being raised for this October?
 Not only is October a month for raising awareness for Down syndrome, but for many others as well. A recent Examiner article of mine explores all the various issues awareness is being raised for during the month of October.
When I got the list I noticed there were some topics I had recently covered. This particular article is my "hub article" so to speak, which provides brief information (in some cases) about that particular subject, links to articles already completed on the topic, or the promise for articles to come. I'm blown away at all the pertinent issues being addressed this autumn month.
To take a peek at all that's happening this month, you'll, of course, be directed over to my Examiner page for all that informative goodness. Be sure to keep checking back throughout the month, or hey, subscribe to my Examiner articles so you can be sure you won't miss a thing.
Learn more about what's happening this month: October is a month of bringing awareness*(Originally written/posted on October 6, 2010)
 Did you know that October is National Down syndrome Awareness Month? (I'm thinking the title should have provided a clue, but...) Perhaps you remember the Kibbes? A Spokane family whose youngest child has Down syndrome. I did a series of articles on their family back in July.
Mary has a blog of her own, which she started writing in 2008 in order to participate in the "31 for 21" challenge. So with the first day of October nearly over as I write this, she has posted 1 of 31 for 21 today.
I love this and look forward to reading her posts each day. For my part, I told her I'd comment every day on her posts. What can you do to
raise awareness? Take to your Twitter accounts, Facebook, blog, whatever and spread the word. Even today there are many misconceptions about individuals with Down syndrome. In the course of the research I did for their story I found this quote:
“The most important fact to know about individuals with Down syndrome is that they are more like others than they are different.”
--National Association for Down syndrome
I dare you to learn more about Riley and even for a moment question the wisdom of that quote. To me, it says it all.
Haven't had a chance to Meet the Kibbes? Simply mosey down the page just a bit for the links to their articles. Also, check out Mary's blog. Perhaps she'll leave us a comment sharing some of her favorite blogs who are also participating in the 31 for 21 challenge.
Part 1: Meet the Kibbes
Part 2: Learning about Down syndrome
Part 3: Resources for children with Down syndrome
Part 4: Just a boy and his big brother Rex
Part 5: Looking forward
Mary's Blog: Hurricane Riley & his Big Brother Rex
 Parenting. Like any relationship the parent-child relationship has its highs and lows. There are days when I feel like a complete and utter failure. Then there are days where we’re clicking and it’s perfection. And of course there are the in-between-kind-of-days. Regardless what kind of day it is, she is my everything and my heart feels ready to burst with love more often than not.
You might know that Abby is three-years-old. It’s such a short time for someone to be in your life yet so profoundly impact you, isn't it? When in truth, from the first moment I felt her move in my belly, I was hers.
My pregnancy was not easy, but still I loved having her with me all the time. I spent a lot of time talking to her when she was in my belly. The day I found out she had stopped growing and she would be coming earlier than expected, it was truly my first mommy moment. I remember driving home following that appointment alternating between talking to her and God. Reassurance for her and me and begging God to take care of this life I could no longer imagine being without.
But I digress…This week I’ve been very aware of the best part of my day, which is what spurred this post. My absolute favorite part of the day, one of the best parts of being a mama, is the end of the day last kiss before I go to bed. Often when I sneak into her room and lay the softest of kisses on her beautiful cheek, a smile will briefly flit across her lips.
Earlier this week we shared a similar moment and I swear- it felt as though my heart would burst into a million pieces. As I neared her bed, the floor creaked a little and it drew her every so slightly out of her sleep. Reaching her bedside, she automatically reached out her hand for me to hold. She murmured a few things as she hovered between that deep sleep and slight wakefulness, but wouldn’t release my hand. Her face was completely relaxed and more “baby looking” than I’d seen it look in a long time. I whispered equally unintelligible things to her as I knelt by her bedside, holding her hand, stroking her face for I don’t know how long, watching her sleep before I finally left her side. It’s moments like that, where everything is right in our world and it’s just us, that take my breath away and make all my shortcomings a little more bearable.
What are your favorite parenting moments?
*(Originally written/posted on October 1, 2010)
For some time now I've been mentally pulling together an article on Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree. For certain it is one of my favorite books, but the more I read it, not only as an adult, but as an adult reading it to children, I struggle with the premise of the book.
Recently I began wondering if perhaps I was missing something because surely something that starts off as a pure and beautiful friendship can't morph into this relationship where one friend turns up simply to use the other while this sweet, giving tree is apparently completely oblivious. I thought, "I must be missing something here," but I'm thinking...Not so much.
In all this thinking came the idea to read the book to my wide-ranging-in-ages nieces and nephews and get their immediate feedback on the book. I know the way I view this book has certainly changed as I've aged. Bottom line, when you're a kid, you just don't look that deep into these things. (Thank goodness for that in this instance). From here I'll take you to the actual Examiner article where you'll find out just what the kids had to say about The Giving Tree. We've got a nice variety of ages too; 10, 8 (almost 9), 7, and 4.
At the end of this I think the greatest gift this book has to offer is an opportunity to start a conversation with our children about what it means to be a good friend.
The video I'm attaching is one that I am addicted to. I love the song choices this person added to the slide show, are perfection. *(Originally written/posted on September 25, 2010)
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