Is It Spring Yet?

Desperately awaiting the Springtime and fresh air, I ponder what lies in store during this upcoming season of growth and starting anew.  Spring break, the final months of school, and birthdays all come to mind.  As does a sense of relief that comes with not feeling trapped indoors the majority of the time. 

When winter begins, there is the excitement of holidays, and playing in the snow for the kids of Michigan  and other northern states.  Yet as the season drags on, even the children are ready to see the green grass and blooming flowers.  They tire of snow pants and boots just as much as mom and dad do.  Tossing off the winter coats, hats, gloves, and all other winter gear, encompasses a sense of freedom.

Breaking away from the cold, I long for the sweet smell of a light spring rainfall.  In my mind I can picture umbrellas up, rain boots on, and two young boys singing, dancing, and splashing in the rain.  With the sunshine comes soccer games, bike rides, displays of sidewalk chalk art, and just running around in the open space.  The warmth of the outdoors tends to warm our hearts as well.

Please hurry Spring!

What are you looking forward to this Spring?  Do you have any special plans?  What is your favorite part about Spring?  Will you splash in the rain puddles?

Terrifical Books and a Movie

Have you ever read a book in the Beezus & Ramona series?  Beverly Cleary captured the bond of sisters, friends, and family in such a way that the stories are timeless.  You are charmed and smiling (and of course laughing), whether you fancy yourself to be more like Beezus, Ramona, or Henry Huggins.  If you aren't a fan already, just trust the generations of Beverly Cleary fans on that fact.

This past Summer I re-read the original Beezus & Ramona book to my sons.  We hold true to a rule in our home that states, "you must read the book before seeing the movie."  After we laughed at the written version of silly Ramona, we scheduled our date to catch the film starring Selena Gomez as Beezus & Joey King as Ramona.  A number of actors and actresses beautifully portray the other heartwarming Cleary characters.  I must say the that theatrical performance was simply terrifical!  Sharing the beloved creations, that began in the 1950's, with my boys was even better than terrifical... it was fantastical!

As a family movie, I haven't seen anything better come along in countless years.  Bringing treasured characters to life, such as Beezus & Ramona, is a tall order, but it was certainly pulled off.  I recommend that everyone take the opportunity to watch it.  The film is available on dvd & blu ray, so pick up a copy or check out your local redbox.  Don't forget to read the books too!  

What did I learn (as a somewhat grown adult -- often mistaken for a teen) from the stories?

#1 If you don't  have an aunt like Aunt Bea, you are missing out!  Lucky for me, I was blessed with a couple of aunts who compare.  Love ya!


#2  Sisters are supposed to grow up at some point and realize they have an instant best friend... if only they take the time to realize & appreciate it.

#3  Families have ups and downs.  It's how we treat each other in the good times and bad times that determine if we'll be the kind of family that we want to claim when the day (or year or experience) is done.

#4  Don't be afraid to color outside of the lines.  Be yourself.  Enjoy who you are, even if it means that you are classified as "different."

#5  If something doesn't go your way, it is acceptable to use one bad word... "GUTS!"

#6  Aunt Bea is lucky have Hobart in the form of Josh Duhamel.  Oh.  Ooops.  I guess that one is my own personal learning experience.  ;)

Are you a Beverly Cleary fan?  Have you read the Ramona series or some of her other great stories?  If you could choose a Cleary character to define yourself, who would he/she be?  Have you seen the latest movie?  What did you think?  Are you inspired to re-read the series or pick up the film?

For the writers:  Do you feel that your stories are worthy of a "timeless tale" genre nod?  Would you rather fit into a best selling trendy mold or hit the "classic favorites" list?

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I Can't Wait To Grow Up...

On Friday, a second grader told me that he couldn't wait to be an adult.  My reply was the typical response of most adults.  "Oh you don't want to grow up too fast.  You'll miss out on so much!  You'll have to get a job and have all kinds of responsibilities.  Enjoy being a kid while you can."  I remember those days myself.  Of course there were many reasons I couldn't wait to grow up and get out of the house.

Dealing with the bittersweetness of my own children growing at warp speed and moving into my 30's in recent years brings forth a lot of thoughts & feelings regarding age.  As kids we can't wait to grow up, but when we become adults, we don't want to grow old.

What is seen in the future that is so shiny and beautiful that we would wish childhood to be rushed?  The mysterious "freedom" that we assume will be acquired when we reach that magical age of 18?  Is it being taller (or in some cases not so much) or maybe the excitement of eventually driving a car?

Why do we fear or avoid growing older?  Is it just the gray hair, wrinkles, and body changes that make us wish we could freeze time?  Could it be the fact that we just feel older as our children grow?  Are we affected by the goals left unaccomplished and worry that we won't ever achieve them?

Take a deep breath.  Look around you and take note of where you have been and where you are in life.  Think of all the people who have affected you and the ones you have affected.  What makes you happy?  What makes you lucky?  Take a look in the mirror.  Do you see those eyes looking back at you?  What have they seen so far in this life?  What have they yet to see?  What happened in your years to give those eyes depth and sparkle?  Smile and appreciate how much you have grown as a person and how much you have yet to grow.   Life is too short to worry about rushing it or slowing it down.  Take the time to enjoy the moment you are in.

Did you wish your childhood would rush by so you could be a grown up?  Do you feel apprehension about growing older?  Do you feel content at where you are in life?

A True Short Story

Today I bring you a true short story.  

I hope it makes you smile and warms your heart, as it did mine the day it occurred.

Once upon a time there were two young brothers.  These smart young grade schoolers were enjoying a day at the Magic Kingdom with their mom and dad.  While strolling through the many shops on Main Street U.S.A., they came along a plastic Mickey Mouse gift card that had seemingly lost it's owner.  Spotting this tiny treasure, worth an undetermined amount of money, these youthful gentleman were instantly animated.  While many other may have pocketed such an item, the lads did nothing of the sort.  Their exclamations were for one purpose only... returning this prize to the person who would most certainly be upset to find it missing.  With nobody in the vicinity visibly searching for what had been misplaced, they turned the gift card in to the nearest WDW cast member.  After a sincere thank you and compliment about being, "such good thoughtful boys," the family was on it's way once more.  As the parents glanced towards each other, they knew without an exchange of words, that they had two amazing young boys to be proud of.  Not once did these children think greedily.   Instead, their actions showed great maturity and honor... especially for the ages of 5 and 7.  May they always carry this kindness and responsibility with them.

Have your children (or any child) ever inspired you?  Have they done something that absolutely knocked your socks off?  Do you have a heart warming story to share on this Monday?

Don't forget to check out Diane Estrella's blog all week for great giveaways!  Tomorrow Diane will be featuring me, so check it out!  Happy Monday!

Usher In 2011

As we usher in each new year, we often make a list of personal (and professional) resolutions.  While many toss these tasks out the window early on (*cough* diet & exercise), some items on the yearly agenda actually do stick.  Last year I made a resolution NOT to make a resolution, simply because I found humor in the irony.  Seriously.  What really is the success rate of those annual new year's resolutions?  Regardless, I'm actually putting forth an effort and making a list of goals to accomplish in 2011.

My 2011 Resolutions

1.  Blogging: Stick with a writing post on Monday & Stampin' Out The Work Week crafty post Fridays.

2.  Stampin' Up:  Enjoy the creativity as always and make a profit in 2011.

3.  Etsy:  Create on Etsy shop for CMOM Productions items!

4.  Write:  Get back to that book I began pouring my heart into.  Complete by 2012!  I have to be realistic with this one.  

5.  Personal:  Take care of myself physically, mentally, & emotionally.  Eat right & exercise, dates with the hubby, quiet reading/writing/crafting time to myself, and whatever else fits in this category.  Embrace the fact that I am human and don't beat myself up if I'm not 100% all the time.

6.  Most important resolution in 2011:  Appreciate, admire, be thankful, dream, smile, take time, love, & live!  Remember all of the beautiful things in life.  Be grateful for friends, family, & loved ones every day.  I will not let the bad days get me down!  Keep moving forward!   Repeat but important:  Embrace the fact that I am human and don't beat myself up if I'm not 100% all the time.  Flair & amazing surprises can sometimes be found in the imperfections.

What are some of your past resolutions that did not survive?  Did you have success with any former resolutions?  How did you pull it off?  What are your resolutions for 2011?

For The Love of Disney: One Man's Dream

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World (Florida), don't overlook the attraction known as One Man's Dream.  While running to your Toy Story Mania destination to grab your Fastpass, take note of OMD's location, grab your golden ticket, and then turn around to experience one of the best attractions in Hollywood Studios.

One Man's Dream has more to offer than you might think at first glance.  Entering through the doors, you begin wandering through a selection of Walt Disney's historic pieces.  Among the Disney paraphernalia, you will find the desk Walt used in 2nd grade.  My sons loved seeing that the man who created "the mouse," had to sit in school at one time as well.  An antique Tinkerbell, a diorama built by Disney, Walt's office, costumes from Zorro, the Rocketeer's jet pack, and Big Bunny from Honey I Blew Up The Kid are just a few of the unique items found in this treasure trove.

When you complete your tour of the display, a video awaits.  Here is where you will learn more details in the story of our beloved Walt Disney as narrated by Julie Andrews.  As it states within the film, "Walt always said, 'it all started with a mouse,' however it really began with a man."  What an inspiration that man really is.  I was grateful to have shared Walt's story with my children.

Much can be said about the man who created one of our favorite characters of all time.  Discovering that he held a close relationship with his brother, a true love found with his wife, and proof that he was truly a devoted father was icing on the cake.  Walt began his life as part of a family who struggled financially. He never let that stop him.  Walt pursued dreams and never gave up, even when he had an almost crushing professional blow.  He regrouped and before long created a character that danced into our hearts... Mickey Mouse.  This is the point where Walt claims it all began, but I (along with others) believe differently.  The man that created the mouse, truly started it all.

Endless family friendly movies and characters followed Mickey.  Disneyland and Walt Disney World were created due to the love of a devoted father who wanted to share experiences with his children.  Would we enjoy these animated pleasures in life if it hadn't been for the man who drew up a squeaky mouse with a positive attitude?  Where did that mouse get his spunk?  I believe it came from Walt himself.

One of my favorite quotes by Mr. Disney says a lot about him.  "Get a good idea, and stay with it.  Dog it, and work at it until it's done, and done right."  Walt Disney is a positive inspiration to many.  My own two children came away from this theme park attraction with an understanding that it doesn't matter where you come from, how much money you have, or if you fail along the way.  If you truly believe in something, have a dream, work hard, and never give up... anything is possible!

Thank you Mr. Disney for dreaming, following all of those dreams, and encouraging others to dream!  Another big thank you for creating a place where I found my own true love and can now share with our children.

My Walt Disney World Vacation

Thanksgiving day brings travel for many families, but for mine it was an extra special road trip.  While others were making turkey, pie, and all the fixings that accompany a glorious meal, we loaded up the car and headed to Walt Disney World, Florida!  Our travel adventures took two days, with an overnight stay in Tennessee.  The long days were worth it when we pulled onto Disney property and our vacation officially began.

After unloading the car, we headed to Downtown Disney.  While the entire admission free area is split into three sections (The Marketplace, Pleasure Island, & The West Side), our favorite spot to roam is The Marketplace.  It's full of shops and restaurants with Disney flair.  A giant Lego store, with huge Lego creations outside, is one of my boys' favorite stops.  This night, we bypassed many of our favorite shops in favor of our dinner destination.  Delicious meals from Wolfgang Puck Express in Downtown Disney's Marketplace will always be on my favorite foods list.  The penne alfredo, that was calling my  name before we left Michigan, did not disappoint my taste buds.

The Magic Kingdom was our destination for the first full day of Disney.  When we arrived, we were thrilled to find ourselves going from one ride to the next without a big wait.  Crowds were not overwhelming as they have been in the past when we've visited.  Christmas atmosphere seeped into every area of the park, even Cinderella's castle lit up with gorgeous lights when the sun when down.  It was simply beautiful.

As we skipped from one attraction to the next, I began to notice a growing trend.  In fact, I caught my husband and myself participating in this a number of times as well.  While waiting in a line or sitting at a meal, cell phones were front and center.  Thankfully, I picked up on this fairly early into our first day and when I had time to talk to my husband quietly, I mentioned my concerns.  Many parents were spending those free moments exploring their gadgets instead of interacting with their children.  As we didn't want to fall into the technology trap, we agreed to limit our time on phones during our vacation.

Throughout the remainder of our trip, we gained so much.  Our family had true quality time with very little interruption.  We used wait times to learn about things around us, practice lines, do "homework," and discuss our experiences.  Our goal was to absorb everything possible.  Had I attached myself to my cell phone's apps, I would have missed out on many special moments with my husband and boys.  Instead, I saw through the eyes of my children and felt my heart warm on countless occasions.

My husband and I both felt our eyes were opened to various new and different thoughts and feelings  during repeat experiences on this trip.  New perspectives were gained because we have grown and are at different stages in life than we were before.  We are excited for what our children gained with their new and repeat experiences well.

Walt Disney went away on trips to come home renewed, refreshed, & "a new man."  When we headed home on December 2, 2010, I completely understood that feeling.  I had not been so relaxed in a very long time.  Over the next few weeks, I hope to share more of what I learned while on my Walt Disney World vacation.  

*****

A very special memory to be cherished for years to come was created on this Disney vacation.  We met up with my father-in-law and his girlfriend, P, at Hollywood Studios on Monday, November 29, 2010.  Unbeknown to P, a surprise had been in the works for some time.  Our family enjoyed the Beauty & the Beast stage show from VIP seats.  After the show, we were given the privilege of meeting Belle & the Prince "backstage."  During this extraordinary meet & greet, my father-in-law proposed to P.  We were honored to be a part of the surprise & celebration!  I couldn't ask for a better step-mom-in-law!

Congrats on your engagement M & P!!!

*****