Do you remember the tradition of giving may baskets. This may just be an old-fashioned mid-west thing, but as a child, we used to make may baskets out of paper cups and fill them with candy and May flowers. Then we would deliver the baskets to our friends. The trick was to not get caught delivering the basket. So we quickly ran to the door, rang the bell, and ran back to the car. You see, if you got caught, you could get kissed!! Often, when we arrived home from delivering our baskets, there would be a couple of baskets on our own front porch.

My mother has continued this tradition by delivering may baskets to the elderly in her community and to her grandchildren. This year, I decided to ressurect this tradition with my children. We are new to our community, and are working on forging relationships with our neighbors and friends, and what better way do that than with treats. So, last weekend, my kids sat at the kitchen table with paper cups, colorful napkins, markers, scissors, and glue and created some may baskets. Sunday was a beautiful day, and many of our neighbors were outside, so we delivered our baskets a couple of days early. I’m still not sure if these neighbors are aware of the tradition, but they were pleased to get the treats! But in the end, I think my kids had more fun than anyone.

Tags : gifts, May Baskets, May Day

Last weekend was rare for us. There was nothing on the calendar! For the icing on the cake, it was a beautiful day. Originally, I thought I would spend the day painting a bedroom or working in the yard. But the idea of missing out on a free Saturday was too much to bear. We started the day by having our coffee on the patio while the kids put up their tent. Later, the kids and my husband played ball in the backyard while I read a book and watched. (I know, I know – I should have joined in.) In between relaxing activities, we would take the dog for a quick walk or go for a bike ride. We topped off the day by grilling out and then going out for ice cream.

At the end of the day, there were dishes in the sink, paperwork untouched, a room that still needs painted, and yardwork to be done. But that’s OK. I’m thankful for the rejuvinating gift of a free day.

Tags : gifts, time management

It is such a gift to see your child excel at something he or she has a passion for. My youngest daughter is playing t-ball. She is very small for her age, but she is very active and persistent. While this can drive us crazy at home, it has proved to be a benefit when playing ball.

At her first game and first time up at bat, she hit the ball the typical two feet. But the second time at bat, her determination showed through. She hit it into the outfield, and got a home run. She then pestered the coach into letting her play “pitcher”. (She knows this is where the action is!) After letting one runner get past her, she then got two runners out at home plate.

The evening was cold, and it was pretty late for a 6 year old, but she was on a real “high” from the game and her performance. It was great fun to watch her do well at something she worked hard at and has a passion for. I hope she has many such successes in all areas of her life!

Tags : gifts, girls sports, parenting

Last weekend, my family spent a very cold day at an amusement park. The day could have been miserable, but the park was featuring several shows in indoor theaters. These shows were displays of dance and music from around the world. There were Irish and Scottish dancers, Polynesian dancers, Chinese acrobats, as well as singers from Russia, and Africa. Besides being able to sit in a warm enclosure, the performances were fantastic. My children were so excited to see the costumes and learn about the traditions from other countries, they completely forgot about the fact that it was too cold to ride the train or take a spin on the roller coaster. My parents, my husband and I were thrilled because we really wanted to see the shows instead of getting queasy from riding the merry-go-round one too many times. If the weather had cooperated, I’m sure we would have spent the day standing in line for ride after ride and begging the kids to go to just one show. As it was, we all went home with our stomachs in tact and with a bit more knowledge about how people around the world live and celebrate.

Tags : family fun

I spent my entire Saturday painting my daughter’s bedroom. We moved into our new home four months ago, and I have been promising to paint her room ever since we moved in. I finally lived up to my promise.

The room is a cute little space with a small alcove at one end. But it was a bit dark, as there is only one small window. And the ceiling and walls were the color of mustard yellow – very nice for a living room or an adult bedroom, but not a good color for a young girl.

So, I pained my first ceiling (aching neck and all) a bright white. Three walls were painted a light yellow, and the remaining walls a violet color. (Can you tell she is a pre-teen girl?) Now the room is bright (it’s amazing what a difference the white ceiling makes) and fun. My daughter is thrilled, and feels as if she has a new room!

Tags : children's room decor, gifts