Teaching Empathy skills through our BabbaBox.

So you know that GIVEAWAY going on right now with BabbaCo for a Babbabox? You don't?...Well get over there and enter right {here} because they are absolutely one of my new favorite things!

And do you want to know what my most favorite thing about this box this month was?

This.

I am obsessed with children's book and use a lot of bibliotherapy  in the work I do with children. This book is absolutely one of the best books in teaching young children about empathy that I have seen in a long time. 

It has pictures and scenerios that young children can relate to. 

My son really related to this page for some reason and could see how sad that little boy was feeling sad due to his broken airplane. He could also see how the Big Bear was listening, nurturing, and helping him feel better. So fabulous!

I even have pulled this book out on more than one occassion when I felt that Little Man wasn't understanding how another person was feeling- (like many two-year olds when it comes to sharing) and he imediately began to slow down and get caught up in the book and talk to me about feelings.   

He even started to share with me different facial expressions...he is especially good with his sad face. Huh...that's how he suckers me in.

Anyhow- go on over {here} and enter to win! I love them and I know you will love them too!!

**Also for those of you who want to know what book this was- It is called: "When I care about Others" by Cornelia Maude Spelman and illustraded by Kathy Parkinson. It's inexpensive and a fabulous teaching tool for young children.

Besitos, xo

My birthday gift of TIME. (letter #3)

 What every girl wants for her birthday... TIME.

This glass vase reminds me of what's really important.

This letter comes again from another inspiration I had at Women's Conference a month ago. I was reminded of the rock, pebble, and sand metaphor in managing time.

The first priorities were placed in the jar first- they were the big rocks or my ESSENTIALS. What were the things in my life that were absolutely non-negotiable and essential?

-Making memories with my family 

-Teaching and playing with my children

-Enriching my marriage

-Keeping connections with friends and family

-Praying, reading scriptures, temple, and pondering spiritual matters

-Serving those who are in need

The pebbles are second- they are my "Want-tos." I want to counsel. I want to take photographs. I want to blog. I want to workout. I want to be a great cook. You get the idea.

And lastly, there is the sand that fills in the cracks of the jar- those I like to call my "Be nice-tos"

such as it would be nice to get a massage, it would be nice to eat lunch with a girlfriend, it would be nice to take a bubble bath without interruptions- you catch my drift. The things are still really important and good things but ranked third on the daily priority list.

Dear 30 year old self-

It's official. Today, I am 30.

I can't believe it.

At times I still feel like I am still 18- with the same energy and vibrancy for life but looking through the eyes of 30 year old.  

20's were good to me. Marriage, buying our first home, Graduate School, new job, and the life changing event of becoming a mother.

 With motherhood, I feel like my priorities in life have changed. All of a sudden those once important things that were so important in my early twenties don't matter as much anymore. I now have a little soul I am in charge of (and absolutely in love with) and want to provide the best life that I can possible.

Watching him grow so quickly is a reminder that time does not in fact stand still. He is growing older. 

And so am I.

I want to cherish every moment I have with my friends and family.

So, my gift to myself is this vase that represents my TIME and is filled with with rocks (essentials), pebbles (want-tos), dirt (nice-tos), and a succulent plant (joy). It is my reminder of the gift I am giving myself this year... and forever.  

The gift of time. 

I want to start each day with my ESSENTIAL ROCKS even if that means waking up earlier to accomplish them. Maybe I can learn to be a morning person this decade- hasn't happened yet in the last three.

I am hoping to spend my thirties with balance, peace and happiness- enjoying every moment that I am granted.

And now, I must go- pay attention to those essentials.

Much love, 

The birthday girl

besitos, xo

Got Art? Make a Mother's Day card!

I have so many finger paintings around my home from Little Man that I am not sure what to do with them all. At first, I just hung them on the fridge (until they fell off each time opening the fridge) or on a little art display wall and admired at what talent my little boy had in making incredible squiggles and hand prints... that is until we made more... and more... and more art... and the piles around the house began to grow. Yes, it's true. I confess- I am a pile person. I have a problem of piling something that I plan on putting away later. (sometimes it could be months though)

And obviously- I don't have the heart to throw out these beautiful lovelies. After-all, it is his self-expression and his own little art journal.  But I am afraid if   if I don't do something quick then I am going to be on The Hoarders episode titled: "Buried Alive in Finger Paintings" 

So here is a cute idea my friend Nicole came up with to make Mother's Day cards that are similar to Eric Carle Books. If you don't know these books...you are missing out. I LOVE them!

1. Take your child's masterpiece (with their permission of course) and find different interesting shapes.

2. Cut out shapes. 

  

3. Glue it to your card.

4. Give this to your mom for mother's day. 

Easy huh? Here are some other flowers I laid out.

It's perfect for a last minute mother's day card don't you think??

Besitos, xo

P.S. Thanks for those of you who commented or emailed for the visual schedule printables part one. I am working up some more and will have a way for you to download right here on the blog! So-stay tuned.