I wrote this a few years ago for my children.  I love it and  I want to share it with you.

Some days are so busy my love doesn’t show.
That’s why tonight I’m telling you so.

I love your eyes.  I love your style.
Your bubbly laugh always makes me smile.

I love your ears.  I love your cheeks.
Wouldn’t it be funny if we both had beaks?

I love you all over; I want you to know.
From the top of your head, to the tip of your toe.

I’ll hold you close for a great big hug
Now climb under the covers, all cozy and snug.

It’s getting late and it’s time to sleep
Here’s a big kiss for you to keep

You are so precious and for you I do care
Now close your eyes and snore like a bear.

Good night…I love you.

One of my favorite posts is How to say “I love you” in sign language.

I hope you enjoyed this and if you did, please share it with others!

Affirmations and belief in ourselves creates happiness within. I want to share a post called The Power of Positive Thinking written by Lorelei, a friend of mine who has a wonderful blog for parents.

Within the post she shares a You Tube video called Jessica’s Daily Affirmation, which is so adorable, you don’t want to miss it.

Here is the direct link to the article and video:   http://raisingcreativechildren.com/day-smile/

Share this video with others and pass along the joy!

Looking for some positive words to use on your children when looking over tests and school assignments for the upcoming year?  I put together a list because I think it’s fun to use different expressions when complementing children on a job done well.   Here they are:

1. A+ student                    
2. Brainy
3. Bravo
4. Bright
5. Capable
6. Clever
7. Creative
8. Efficient
9. Glowing with knowledge
10. Honorable
11. Imaginative
12. Intellectual
13. Intelligent
14. Knowledgeable
15. Noteworthy
16. On the ball
17. On your toes
18. Picture Perfect
19. Quick
20. Resourceful
21. Right On
22. Shining Star
23. Study Bug
24. Top tester
25. Witty

For more positive words go to my older post 20 Positive Words for Kids.

It is summer time and people will flock to pools, lakes, oceans, and rivers. Warm weather brings unfortunate dangers such as drowning. The best prevention for children from drowning is close adult supervision.

Below are 10 safety tips to supplement the adult supervision:

Water safety in a canoe

1. Always have a competent swimmer and a floating life ring near
2. Any child who cannot swim well should be within arms length of adult protection
3. Do not drink alcohol if you are the person responsible for a childs safety
4. Children should always have a properly fitting life jacket on when they are in or near water such as a lake, river or ocean (this includes on docks and beaches)
5. Do not try to wade or cross a quickly running river
6. Air filled arm bands, toys, and mattresses are not subsititutes for properly fitting life jackets or adult supervision
7. Make sure there is no access to an unsupervised home pool
8. Small portable pools, with just a small amount of water, can be dangerous
8. Provide swimming lessons for your child until they become a proficient swimmer
10. Take a CPR class

Remember, nothing substitutes for parental supervision. Have a safe and fun summer!

Kids love surprises. Finding an unexpected note in their lunches, backpacks or on their pillow is so much fun and it means so much. Sending a letter or a card in the mail to your child can also be exciting. Children love to receive items in the mail. The best part about this is you don’t even need a special occasion. A “just because” or “I’m proud of you” are superb reasons to write a note.

Surprise someone you love with a special note the next time you have the opportunity.

Saying “I love you” or getting an “I love you” is one of the most special things I can imagine.  It’s fun to mix up how you say it to others.  One way we mix it up in our family is by using sign language.  Here are some pictures scanned from My First Book of Sign Language, illustrated by Joan Holub.  The book is by Troll, www.troll.com.

Have fun saying “I love you”. 

Tonight will be my daughters first concert experience.  We are seeing Cheryl Crow and James Blunt.  My daughter is very excited and I know we will have a great time.  We have been discussing it for a week.

I realize there is an important step I must take and that is to be sure my son feels special as well.  That’s where we (as a parent) are professionals….keeping it even.  My plan is to leave a post card for him.  It has a picture on the front and it says “‘You are Amazing!”  I will put a sweet note on the back and let him know it will be his turn next time.

Well, I’m off to pick up my daughter!