No Recess?

I was looking for some information on homework and young children but found these two articles instead. I shouldn't be shocked, but I am.

Is litigation taking the 'play' out of kids' playgrounds?

School recess still common, but no longer a given

Parents...let me know what is going on in your schools...

In a time when child obesity is on the rise, how smart is this?

For more info on child obesity, look here

To Your Kids!

Kathleen at the Toddler Tamer

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My Daughter Is Back

Have you ever had your child gone for an extended period of time, say anything over a few days and notice that she is a different child when she returns? Definitely the case with my daughter after her trip to Hawaii. She looks taller and acts older...

But sometimes that can happen overnight! I swear, my daughter will come out of her room and I will think, "oh my gosh, who is that child?" Her face will be older and she will look like she has grown an inch.

My mother always told me...never get a house with a daylight basement, your kids will walk up the stairs one day and you won't recognize them.

Now I know what she means!

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Happy Mother's Day!

It has been very quiet in this house...too quiet! I am ready for my daughter to be home...I never really was ready for her to be gone...

I know she has had a great time, who wouldn't have a great time in Hawaii, but I have missed her so much.

I am so glad that she is coming back today. Having her safely back at home is the only thing I want on this very special day.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mom's out there!

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No Kids in the House...Weird!

My daughter is still in Hawaii and it is very quiet here. You would think that I would be out running around, going out, and having fun, but deadlines await and I have been busy trying to make them. So, what is different without my daughter? Everything! It is quiet here, very quiet! The biggest difference for me...

...is the fact that I don't have to worry about what time it is. My day is usually centered around school bells, dinner time and bedtime, so this is different. I am finding out a lot about my natural schedule, something I haven't had for 6 years now, and it is very interesting to me to notice when I work best. And it isn't late at night after my daughter is asleep, that is just something I have had to do. I really work best if I can work straight through the morning, get out for a walk, run or ride in the afternoon and work when I get back. I have 4 more days where I can do this, so I better make the most of my alone time, because...

my daughter will be back on Mother's Day...the best present yet!

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Emily Goes To Hawaii

Emily left with my family this morning, they are on their way to Hawaii. I opted out of the trip, everyone asks why...you probably do too, but I am content staying here in sunny Central Oregon. I look at it as my own personal 7-day vacation package in recreation paradise, complete with my own bed and a DSL connection...

I went for a bike ride today...without a watch. School is out... I think. I don't have afternoon snack, and that's okay. I will work straight through dinner tonight and it will not cause a problem for anyone. I can clean the house and it might stay that way.

The "mommy vacation package" sounds good on paper but I miss my sweet girl already and feel like part of me is very far away.

I look towards Mother's Day, the day my daughter gets back with all of her fish stories and whale tales.

Hug your kids tonight when you put them to sleep, and...

Aloha!

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Happy Birthday Emily

My beautiful daughter is 6 years old today! I can't believe it. She is asleep, and I just wanted to take a couple of minutes to wish her a happy birthday...
Emily, you are the light of my life. I can't believe that six years has gone by so quickly. I didn't know you when you were born, but I felt you in my heart. May 3, 2000 was a day to remember. May 5, 2000 was almost better, because that is the day you were referred to me. I was living in Bisbee, Arizona at the time and when that email came to me, I am sure my screams of joy were heard all the way to Guatemala.

You are a special child for so many reasons...you are my special girl, you are sweet, bright, incredibly funny, and I am the luckiest mom in the world (okay, that is how I feel anyway!) You are a great kid and you are loved by everyone who has ever met you.

Happy Birthday Emily!

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