Teaching your children GRATITUDE through photography.

I just love when I can sit here in silence while BOTH my kids are sleeping. MMMM.... so refreshing to just be alone for a few moments before these two wake up and life gets hustling and bustling again. We all need a little moment right? I can actually hear my thoughts in my head.
Well...I have a thought I have been wanting to share for some time now and that's teaching children how to have a grateful heart.

Want to incorporate gratitude in your child's life? Give them a camera.

Ask them to snap shots of things they are grateful for and see what they come up with. Heck- do it yourself and see what you come up with! If they are too young to really get what gratitude means- tell them to shoot things they love and that make them happy. Most kids can understand that. 

Babbaco has their gratitude boxes you can buy which includes this camera. Little man snapped shots last week...

And I am just DYING to see what is on this camera! With being sick all week we haven't left the house much and I haven't made it to drop off this disposable camera! Sheesh-I forgot what photography was like back in the days when you had to WAIT for your photos! It's so hard!!

Anyhow- we are going to paste his photos in a little mini gratitude journal. So, get a camera and start letting them take some photos. I will show you what we come up with once the photos are back!

besitos 

xo

It's moments like this...

...that I feel alive. 

besitos, xo

Silence, Bath, Art, and Oreos: My Kind of Therapy.

The moment came. 
The moment I have been waiting for.
Fathers and Sons Campout!

After packing some sandwiches and kissing my boys good bye, I shut the door and soaked in the silence.

{Sigh} It felt good.

Now, what to do with myself...

My first reaction was to get to work- clean,  laundry, organize, errands, edit photos- imagine all the things I could accomplish!

WHOA THERE... 
I had a second thought... 

...and I made a mad dash to the tub. 
 I couldn't remember the last time I soaked in a bath- let alone had complete silence!

After a blissful soak, I opened the pantry, grabbed my mint oreo stash and some milk and listened to the silence. 

{Sigh} What better moment than to crack open that new Art Journal I have neglected.

 My theme: "Because the common or mundane daily moments and interactions might seem inconsequential-(but) are perhaps among the most critical and influential in character development and nurturing of family relationships"

I wanted to start the inside of this journal with something really simple and something I truly believe in. This journal will be filled with the mundane daily moments that are truly the most important things in my life.

 My little sister Bee sent me a card in the mail a few weeks ago -just because- with this photo of little man playing with him in the snow. I am so blessed to have a sister like her. Love you sis!

 I saw this phrase in a magazine and smiled- I had to add it to my writing page:

"Mom danced with me."

Often times, it is easy to wonder if the mundane and small things we do every day for our children really matter. Little Man and I had one of our dance session in the kitchen that day... and while we were dancing and giggling, I hoped that he would remember these moments forever.

My night ended with a chick flick and my snoogle pillow.

The dishes were left undone, the laundry sat in the dryer, and my to do list was ignored.

It was a good night. 

I must admit that after writing in my art journal- I missed my little man and the mister like crazy.
I can't wait to see them.

xo, besitos

under construction.

This blog is currently under construction.  So, if you push something that leads you to nothing... just wait- I'm working on it... Be ready for some amazing changes.

While you wait- Watch this amazing video with My sister's song "Grateful."

besitos, 

xo

World of Thanks- GIVEAWAY

I attended a Play Therapy conference a few weeks ago and they had some great vendors selling toys and books for children. I was in heaven.
 I came across this:

It was just what I needed to get Little Man involved in saying Thank You to others and understanding the meaning of gratitude. 

We went through a list of people we wanted to thank and he just loved creating his ocean with all the fun sea life stickers. 

He even wrote a little secret message that only he could read. A child is never to young to learn what gratitude is.

We are making progress even at out nightly gatherings. Every night we go around and talk about what were were grateful for that day. At first he didn't get it. Then he would point to me and say, " I am grateful for mommy." But now he can branch out and think of different things he is grateful for. It is always fun to listen to what a two year old is grateful for.

I

So- who wants one of these fun Thank You card kits??


Well good news!  I AM GIVING AWAY a set- The North American Animal Kit so you can make Thank You cards with your kiddos!

You are going to love how well made and fun they are for you and your kiddos!

It's free for you- all you have to do is enter here:



a Rafflecopter giveaway

besitos, xo

November 2012's Challenge: Give Thanks Daily

This month I have been working on teaching Little Man what gratitude means. Every night after we say our prayers we go around the room and say what we are grateful for. Every night he looks up at me and says, "I am grateful for you mom." It melts my heart. 

 I promise I don't do that every night just to hear him say that- although I love it when he does. :)

I am not totally sure if he gets the concept of gratitude but I know he is well on his way and I am planting the seed by doing it daily. The best way to teach our children about gratitude is to have a heart of gratitude ourselves.

So, your challenge is to:

Last month I asked you to take the time and be still on a daily basis. This month, you will set your alarm on your phone just like last month, and when it goes off- stop whatever you are doing and for 30 seconds or so list in your mind (or on paper) all the things you are grateful for right there and then at that moment. 

It will fill your heart with love and charity as we get into the holiday season.

I will be sharing a million ideas I have thought of on how to teach your children about gratitude and I would love to hear your ideas as well!

But for now- go make that list!

besitos

xo

Gratitude.

My little man has been sick and I have been up with him a few nights in a row.  

 But honestly, I secretly love it. 

Well, not that he sick- I hate that part- but I love that I get a little extra time to just wrap my arms around his little body and kiss his warm squishy cheeks as he sleeps in my arms.

Is it normal to just want to hug and kiss your child all the time? I mean all the time- I feel like I could seriously cuddle with him all day and not get sick of it.

Is he going to have issues as a grown man because his mother was always smothering him with kisses and cuddles.

When does that stop?

 I just love that kid.

One day he will be all grown up and I won't be able to cradle him in my arms anymore on his sick nights. Well, maybe I could- but most likely it would just be plain awkward- mostly for his wife.

Anyhow- that is what is on my mind and my heart this morning. I woke up (WAY too early) from a night of restless sleep but with a full heart. A heart full of gratitude for these two boys in my life.

I love them.

That's all.

{Throwing rocks with daddy-" boy stuff" }

besitos, xo

Letter to my dad.

Dear dad,

Thanks for always believing that I could do anything I set my mind to...because I truly believe in that now.

Thanks for taking me around different parts of the world and giving us what you liked to call "A reality check" on how good we have it. I see the world differently because of that.

Thanks for encouraging us to keep in touch with our El Salvadorian heritage- you always were up for latin dancing and papusas.

Thanks for taking us to Annie during the Christmas holiday.

Thanks for teaching us how to serve and how to love the people of Latin America.

Thanks for staying up late with me and helping me decorate the coolest Valentine's box in the entire fourth grade class.

Thanks for helping me with my math homework.

Thanks for taking early morning jogs or going to Bikram yoga with me.

Thanks for encouraging us to learn spanish.

Thanks for teaching me how to ride a bike....even though you let go and I had to get stitches. I forgive you.

Thanks for teaching me how to ski...or at least attempting and then buying me snowboarding lessons.

Thanks for taking me to my first concert in 7th grade (Alanis Morrissette)  and sitting far enough away so you wouldn't embarrass me in front of my friends. 

Thanks for taking us hiking and backpacking despite getting lost for hours at times.

Thanks for taking work off early to see me run in track or cross-country and occasionally even running by my side during the long runs. 

Thanks for teaching us how to hook worms and gut fish. 

Thanks for giving me your camera and teaching me some pointers in photography that have stayed with me forever.

Thanks for driving down to Mexico when our VW van broke down and then riding a hot and long car ride home. 

Thanks for helping us move in 113 degree weather and then driving across country. 

Thanks for always picking up your phone when I call or answering my text- even if it is past your bed time.

Thanks for the Newsies Broadway tickets for my 30th birthday... it was amazing.

Thanks for being my dad.

Love you.

xo Besitos,

It's a new day...today is mine.

My sister Bianca's song "A New Day" has been in my head all day- the sun came out- birds were chirping...budding trees. It was like this song was meant for me today. You have to take a listen and even sing along with the lyrics...(see bottom of post for lyrics)

  

Today I felt a ray of sunshine because

Little Man and I:

-Had a camping adventure in my bedroom with a tent, popcorn and a movie.

-Listened to the rain.

-Pinned on Pinterest without feeling guilty that I should be doing something else.

-Hopped into our rain boots and got to work in the garden.

-Had a date with Target... and got all new and colorful gardening essentials.

-Explored in the grassy field with mister and Guapo (our dog)

-Caught ladybugs. Lots of them.

-Bought myself tulips.

-Drank horchata two days in a row.

-Planted the tulips and other flowers I received as gifts to honor this experience.

-Helped Little Man plant his starter seeds for his very own garden

-Snuggled with the mister.

-Snuggled with Little Man.

-Ate a lot more oreos.

I was driving on my way to pick up Mister from the airport and I caught a glimpse of Little Man singing to himself in my rearview mirror. I smiled as I thought- “I am so incredibly lucky to have him in my life.” I then later again watched him practice his jumping skills (which he is so proud of) off the curb into puddles… and I smiled again. I watched him “help” me with planting the flowers by picking other flowers in the yard and bringing them to me.

I am so incredibly lucky. And happy to have him in my life. One thought that occurred to me today was on the bright side of all of this- I am sure happy to not be nauseous on a day like today…I got to really enjoy the day and my family.

It's a NEW day and

today is MINE.

{I have a little helper}

{Target shopping spree- I should buy stock in this store- I love it}

{In honor of the last three months- flowers were given as gifts from others and myself - representing growth and renewal}

{Thanks for all the love. I have so much gratitude!}

Besitos, xo

Lyrics to 

A New Day

I can see a ray of light

Beaming through my blinds

Shining in a new day

Shining in a new day

I can hear the little birds

Chirping loud for all the world

Singing it’s a new day

Singing it’s a new day

Chorusish:

No matter how long the night feels,

The promise of a new day is sure to come-

I can see the bright blue sky

Feel the breeze blowin’ by

Whisperin’ it’s a new day

Whisperin’ it’s a new day

I can see the budding trees

Turning bright green for me

Showing it’s a new day

Showing it’s a new day

Chorusish:

No matter how long the night feels,

The promise of a new day is sure to come-

telling me that today is mine, today is mine...it’s a new day and today is,

today is mine...

Bridge:

I can choose to put grey colored glasses on-

To keep the sun from shining down or

I can choose to put rose colored glasses on-

To help me see the flowers, they’re comin’ up

And they’re telling me… that today is mine, today is mine, and it’s a new day,

today is, today is mine.

I can see a ray of light

Beaming through my blinds

Shining in

Shining in

I can hear the little birds

Chirping loud for all the world

Singing, yeah

Singing, hey hey hey

Oh oh, it’s new day, and it’s new day, today is mine

Thanksgiving 2004...a day I will never forget.

Today, I am grateful for the blessing of ABUNDANCE that I have in my life. 
I am so blessed with  food, warm water, shelter, a comfortable bed, and a variety of clothes in my closet. 

Remember that photo I showed you a few posts back of the boy from the dumps? Well here is more to his story.

In 2004, as newlyweds, Brooks and I flew down to El Salvador and came upon a garbage man who let us take a drive on his truck or I should say Brooks- I was behind him filming. (I know random) Brooks was interested in filming a documentary and thought it would be a good adventure. When we arrived at the dump- words can't describe what we saw. As we approached the facility, the smell was so strong that I had to hold my breathe. That's when we saw it....hundreds of people (including small children) were collecting trash to take to the recycling facility in exchange for about one dollar for a days worth of work. What the?? We couldn't believe our eyes.

We knew we had to do something. 

Upon arrival back to the states, we immediately gathered our resources, raised some money, and were able to collect an entire container (40 feet by 10 feet tall) full of clothes, shoes, hygiene kits, and toys. What better time then around Thanksgiving to distribute our items.

It was that Thanksgiving that I will never forget. 

We spent it in the garbage dumps of El Salvador handing out the food and clothing for an entire community. We raised money to help a baker rebuild his oven that was destroyed by an earthquake. We gave jewelry and taught the women how to make items to sell. We fed and clothed the children.

Most importantly,  We became their friends. 

The images and their stories will be forever etched into our minds.
   If you want to read more you can find some articles Here  and here and here.

That was then...we were poor newly weds- so, obviously it was easier then. Wait, what? That can't be right...what is my excuse now when we actually have something to contribute? If two poor college kids could do it- then anyone can. What's holding me back? Inconvenience? Time? Being a mom? 

If I want to teach my children what my parents taught me growing up about serving...It's time to begin now.

Some of the friends we made that trip

This boy found an American flag and held it up. What a sign that we needed to do something.

This little boy stole my heart. 

We found this little boy eating fried chicken he found amongst the trash. The exact fried chicken from a place we ate that same day.

This little girl's name is Marisol. We fell in love with her too.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
What are you grateful for today?

besitos, 

 

Grateful for good twilight...don't judge k.

Today I am grateful for being able to escape with all teen twihards in the valley to watch Twilight at the midnight showing Friday.

 It was radical.

 

waiting.

besitos, 

Grateful day 3

I am grateful for hot chocolate with whip cream. 

Especially when it ends up on my nose. 

xoxo.

Grateful for girl time....

Gratitude Day 2

Yet another attempt to eat at Goldy's (one of my favorite breakfast places) downtown Boise...but over an HOUR wait.

So, Dar and I hit up Goldy's Corner to warm up.

I am grateful for good girl time.

Photos taken by Golden Moments and Cristi Dame Photography

What are you grateful for today?

besitos,

Charity is not an act...it is a condition of the heart.

Today I start my 60 days of gratitude challenge: 

Today I am grateful for this guy.

So, as the holidays touch our hearts and we want to serve-

 how do we teach our children to have gratitude and charity?

Answer? 

Practice it ourselves- then teach them through example.

I had another fabulous class by Carleen Tanner last week. We discussed charity. 

The thing that stuck out to me the most is the reminder that 

charity is not an act...it is a condition of the heart.

How do we condition our heart to be like this?

She  gave us a continuum that looked somewhat like this one below...and asked us where we we fell on the spectrum of serving others.

Oh boy...

The idea is to reach #5 one day- "The May I Serve" category where we are continually looking for ways and others to serve. Once we are there...our children will learn what gratitude and charity means.

Wow...looks like I have some work to do.

No better time then now I guess?

#1 I WONT SERVE:	#2 I HAVE TO SERVE:	#3 I WILL SERVE:	#4 I WANT TO SERVE:	#5 MAY I  SERVE?
Doesn’t want to serve.	Does it but complains.	Serves out of duty not joy.	Willing to give the time required when asked.	Seeks out ways to serve others

besitos,