Time In A Bottle

Where has the time gone?  Today is my daughter's fourth birthday.  In my family, we have a birthday morning tradition that my Mom started when I was a little girl.  There was an album, remember those, titled Happy Birthday From Sesame Street.  The very first song on the album was called A Little Bit Bigger.  Every year, my Mom has sung this song to me.  When I wasn't living at home, away at college or now as a Mom with a home and family of my own, my Mom still calls me every birthday morning to sing this song to me. 

Browsing a music store when I was pregnant with my first child I came across the CD of the album.  I snatched it up and was so excited that I would be able to carry on this tradition with my child.  To my disappointment, the most important song that my Mom sang to me growing up was not included on the CD.  I called Sesame Street and spoke to them about the song, the special memories associated with my Mom singing it to me each birthday and that I was about to have a child of my own and would love to have a copy of this it.  Crazy, I know, but they were wonderful and sent me a copy of the song.

The mornings of my children's birthday I play the song for them.  The song is so simple, but says a lot.  Especially, the third verse.  Now that I have children of my own it puts a lump in my throat as I hope I get to enjoy a long life with them, watch them grow and create families of their own.  Here's the song lyrics - enjoy singing this to your children on their birthdays!

A Little Bit Bigger

Your birthday comes, your friends are here
And you're a little bit different than you were last year
You're growing tall, that's one thing new
And there's a brand new answer when I ask, "How old are you?"

(chorus)
You're little bit bigger, a little bit older
A little bit smarter than you were before!
You're a little bit bigger, a little bit nicer
And every year we like you even more!

Well you're my friend, so let me say
The day that you were born was a very special day
So once a year, here's what we'll do
We'll have an extra special party just for you!

Now time goes by, soon you'll be grown
Someday you may even have some children of your own
Still every year, here's what we'll do
We'll wish a wonderful, Happy Birthday just to you!

I found it on You Tube in case you want to take a listen click here.



4 Years Old

1st Birthday

 
Do you have any traditions?  Have they been carried on from your childhood or have you created your own?





photo credit: Happy Birthday -Giant tags via photopin (license)

Channeling My Inner Artist

Summer vacation is only two short weeks away.  I am starting to put together ideas of places to visit and activities to work on during the break.  When I was going through the closet, taking inventory of games and art supplies, I came across our Klutz Face Painting book and paints.  We have had this book for a couple of years and it is an excellent item to have in your parenting arsenal.

I am no artist.  I can't even make a stick figure look decent!  This book makes it easy and foolproof.  Every time we go to a carnival or fair, my son always asks me to let him get his face painted or a design on his hand.  Now we do it at home anytime we want.  Easy, step by step instructions and illustrations.  The ideas in the book range from simple (butterflies, puppies and rainbows) to more complex (full face make up for fairies and superheroes).  The quality of the paints are excellent, professional grade, that go on smoothly and last for a long time.

I know this book will help us get through those long summer afternoons.  Just when boredom might  set in, I know I'll have a great tool in my arsenal to raise spirits around my house!

What do you have up your sleeve to get you through those long and restless summer days?

Spring Is In the Air

Today is the first day of Spring!  I am looking forward to longer days, warmer weather and spending more time outside.  I just received Spring jackets I ordered for my children.  I love them, and am happy I ordered them.

I am a creature of habit.  I shop at different stores for different things.  GapKids is where I go for girls' and boys' denim and khakis.  Children's Place for boys' twill pants and polo shirts.  Carters for boys' sweat pants and thermal crew shirts.  Carters is also great for girls' sets of cotton tops and bottoms.  Target for socks and underwear.

When I have to buy outerwear, I turn to LL Bean.  I have never been disappointed.  Snow pants, down coats, parkas and fleece sweaters.  I have ordered from them for years and always been happy with the quality and customer service.  Let me share a story with you how great their customer service is.  I purchased my son's winter coat the end of September.  Two months later his zipper got caught.  Instead of asking for help, he kept tugging at it until it broke!  I couldn't believe it and to top it off, he outgrew his winter coat from last year.  I called LL Bean and told them exactly what happened.  They sent me a replacement coat for next day delivery because they stand by the quality of their product.  In my new package they were including a prepaid envelope and only asked that I return the damaged coat. 

By the next evening my son had his new coat.  I don't know many companies around providing that level of customer service.

For Spring, I ordered my children the LL Bean Casco Bay Jacket.  A great transition jacket for Spring and Fall seasons.  Lightweight and water resistant, with a soft jersey-knit lining.  Plus, for my daughter I love the elasticized waist for a flattering fit.

LL Bean Girls' Casco Bay Jacket

LL Bean Boys' Casco Bay Jacket

Plus LL Bean offers free shipping on every purchase.  There is no minimum order to get free shipping and it is offered every day!