Ahhhhh! Summer Break Is Almost Here!!

Summer break is almost here! Although, it hardly felt like it today with temps in the fifties. Brrr!! Still, we're approaching the middle of May and there are only so many weeks left of school. Where did the school year go?? How will I ever survive both of my kids in my hair full-time all summer long? Will I have time to write a single word during the day?

*Hyperventilating* (Taking a few deep breaths...)

I can do this...I have done this. I've just gotta plan activities and keep 'em busy. There's the library, the zoo, the park, the movies...arts and crafts, music lessons and playdates. It'll be fine. The summer will fly by just as fast as the school year did...right?

Right. And in the meantime, I've gotta cherish each and every one of those days leading back to school in August...my babies are growing up fast!

~AN

Bigger Dreams...

I just finished watching President Obama and his wife, Michelle on Oprah. No matter what you think about his policies or how he's handling the job of presidency, there's no denying his commitment to this country or his family.

How wonderful it is to see the President with his wife. The two of them obviously connected by their love and commitment to one another. When they look at one another you can feel the undercurrents of love. You can't fake that kind of stuff..well, I guess you can, but it doesn't usually come across as genuine. These two seem to have the real deal relationship.

I appreciated Michelle's candor about how tough marriage came be. I can't imagine the stress of being the first family heaped on top of all the day to day rigors a husband and wife face. Both of them are so devoted to their children. As a parent, I admire them both. I'm thankful for two extraordinary role models for my children and for our youth all over America.

Michelle mentioned she's so proud her husband becoming president has been and will be instrumental in getting little boys and girls of color all over the world to believe anything truly is possible in this country. Indeed, young children like my own will never know anything else. Their dreams will be bigger because another barrier was shattered when Barack Obama became president.

When a child hears, but also sees any dream is possible with hard work and perseverance the possibilities for their future are brighter, bigger...endless!

~AN

Writing is Like...

Writing is like...

An old friend. You have great days together. You have not so great days together and there are times you don't speak at all, but your bond can never be broken.

Writing is like...

A beautiful sculpture. Every curve of stone that makes up an entire masterpiece reminds me of the words, sentences, paragraphs grouped together to create a finished work.

Writing is like...

Your life...a journey that requires growth, change, courage and tenacity to raise above the bumps in the road.

Writing is my touchstone, my own personal playland where anything is possible!

How cool is that?

~AN

Three New Fabulous Children Programs!

We all know television isn't good for kids all the time, but I haven't met a parent yet who hasn't allowed their children some time in front of the tube. I don't think television is harmful to kids as long as they aren't sitting in front of it all day and watching shows like CSI or something just as inappropriate.

There are so many quality choices for children on television I think every parent can find a great show that they approve of and that their kids will also in enjoy. With two young kids, deciding on what to watch when it's TV time can be a challenge. Thank goodness for the following new shows that are a treat for the kids and mommy approved:

1) The Bubble Guppies~ I love this show! The cartoon is so colorful and the story lines are fun and educational. The show is filled with catchy tunes and my kids like to get up and dance to the music.

2) The Cat In The Hat Knows A lot About That! ~ Martin Short's the perfect quirky guide in this imaginative children's show. Toe-tapping songs and amazing voice talent bring this cartoon to life. I love the animation and the lessons within each episode for my kids.

3) The Wild Kratts ~ There are a couple of shows geared towards introducing kids to animals, but The Wild Kratts bring fresh energy to the concept. These two brothers are fun and it's obvious they love their work. The animated portion of the show really brings the brothers and the animal of the day they're discussing to life. Both of my kids enjoy this show!
It's nice to know there are shows that hit the entertainment and educational mark perfectly!

~AN

Take Nothing For Granted...

I'm so happy the weather is finally warming up. There's nothing like warmer temps and a little sunshine to brighten one's mood! The beautiful weather here is like a gift, but I can't help but think of the people in Japan battling the aftermath of Mother Nature at her fiercest. My heart and prayers go out to that nation.

It's hard for me to concentrate or be creative when such terrible things happen. I feel guilty for enjoying even the simplest pleasures when so many are barely making it through the day. Writing has always been an escape, a wonderful escape that makes me happy...no fulfills me in ways I never expected. Tragedies like the one unfolding in Japan make me pause even more frequently to appreciate the good things in my life.

My family is whole, safe and happy...nuts some days, but there's a lot of love to get us over the bumps. We are not suffering for the basics: Shelter, water, food, medicine and love. I wish that were true for every single person on this planet.

We all deserve the basics and so much more. More than anything, I'm realizing to take nothing for granted...cherish the people in your life and appreciate even the tiniest conveniences.

~AN

Spring is Coming!

I know it's only middle of February, but today it got up to almost 60 degrees! Do you have any idea how warm that is compared to the frigid temps we've had here in the Windy City? I've got Spring Fever bad. I can't wait to drop the boots in the back of the closet and don a lighter coat. Autumn is my favorite season, but Spring is a very close second.

I love seeing the stark barren look of winter melt away as Mother Nature awakens once more, turning the Earth green. The colors of spring truly renew one's spirit and I for one can't wait for pleasant weather, sunny days and beautiful butterflies. ;-)

~AN

To My Valentine...

I love you more now than when we first met.

How could we have know what challenges we would face?

The hardships we'd endure...

We've faced them together and I love you for that and for so much more but especially for always making me laugh.

I love you for supporting my dreams...
for encouraging me to spread my wings and fly.

I love you for listening...
for caring and sharing your heart.

You are my Valentine on this special day...
every day
and
I love you...

~AN