Love has made some people do some crazy things. Love makes us stronger and can make us more passionate. There are millions of different forms of love and yet there are not even a dozen ways (in english) to say it. The same "I love you" to my daughters means something a little different than the one said to my husband or to my mom or to my best friend.

I was reading about why we celebrate Valentine's Day and Bishop Valentine marrying people in secret during a time marriage was outlawed. It is a beautiful gift he gave and he and those he helped obviously felt it was worth the risk. 

I think of the challenges some people face even today just to get married to the person they love. It seems odd that any human would stand in the way of another human's right to express love to their partner. Even with the Supreme Court saying marriage is a legal right there are still places refusing to provide these services. 

While I sit, snuggled with my husband and watching out daughters today; I am happy. I am living my dream. But I cannot help but think maybe Valentine's Day could be more. Maybe instead of a holiday that has been commercialized and caters to the chocoholics, maybe it should be a holiday of voices. We could let our voices ring out in gratitude for those who get to live this right and also let our voices rise together demanding this right for all. 

To feel loved is something we all need. We may show it in different ways, need it in different ways, and receive it in different ways; but love is a necessity. It is a basic human right. And marriage is one way we are able to express this love. The same act that Bishop Valentine fought to give people thousands of years ago is still withheld from some. In honor of Valentine's Day, in honor of Valentine's sacrifice, let's remedy this and give everyone the right to marry the love of their life.

I'm grateful to be so blessed to have been allowed to marry (twice). I'm grateful for my amazing husband. I'm grateful to live my dream with my beautiful family. I'm grateful to have assisted others in finding places they could marry when our own state did not allow. I'm grateful my state does recognize the right for same sex marriages. I'm grateful for everyone who is expressing love today. I'm grateful for the love I receive each day and for the abundant love I have to give. 

How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? How can you have your voice heard in making love available to all?

May today remind us that we are all human and all in need of love. May we share love as easily as we breathe and cherish our loved ones each and every day. Have a beautiful day!

Have you ever heard the little rhyme about girls being made of sugar and spice and everything nice while boys are made of snails and puppy dog tails? Like most things, this "one box fits all" saying doesn't seem to sit well with me. It's not that I don't like the rhyme or that I think my girls aren't sweet and nice (though there is maybe a couple extra dashes of spice in them); it just doesn't seem to fit their personalities in the rounder view. 

Today I was reading Sugar and Snails by Sarah Tsiang to my daughter. It had a cute take on different little rhymes to fit different personalities. I was a fan of little girls being made of snails and rocks and butterfly socks as the book offers. Maybe dresses and snails and racing down trails would be a good rhyme for my oldest. Instead she chose out of each rhyme (as is her personality to a T) so she said she is made of dresses and snails and race cars. It is more fitting that she chose her own path and doesn't care that it doesn't rhyme. And that is good too, it's her. 

My little one is still emerging as her personality unfolds for us. Some days she seems so laid back but man other days she can throw a fit for the world to hear. She loves to swing and gets shy around people other than her immediate family. Maybe acorns and swings and firefly wings would work for her for now, until she can choose her own style like her big sister. I'm sure each day she will teach us more and more about just what makes her.

The best thing about it is that not only do we not have to fit in the box, or in someone's stereotype of us, we also have the option to change it up every day, every moment, whenever we want. We are fluid people, ever changing. We can change whenever we want. And for me it is fun to think up some little rhymes to go with it.

Today maybe I am cuddly and calm with some cherry lip balm. Tomorrow perhaps I will be adventurous and crazy in something lacy. I like the idea that I'm part owl, part monkey, and a little bit spunky. Or maybe since it's Fall, my favorite season, I am pumpkin spice and fall leaves and cozy blankets please.

I'm grateful to be playful and test my mind with rhyme. I'm grateful to get creative. I'm grateful for Sarah Tsiang's spin on the old rhyme. I'm grateful for the idea that boys can be "flowers and swings and bumblebee wings" and girls can be "snails and rocks and butterfly socks". I'm grateful to know we can be whatever we want to be. I'm grateful to know we can change that as we see fit whenever we want. And I'm grateful to honor everyone as they are, even if it doesn't rhyme.

So what are you "made of"? Who do you choose to be tomorrow? How will you honor yourself exactly as you are this week?

May today remind us we are beautiful expressions of our uniqueness. May we let our quirks shine and be authentically our own beings. Have a beautiful day!

What does brave look like? Is it the firefighter running into a building to save someone trapped inside? Is it the person that stands up to a bully or speaks out against injustice? Is it the people who work to keep us safe?

These are often images that come to mind when we think "brave". But what about the million every day ways that we can each choose to be brave? 

Perhaps it is sticking to our values even when challenged. Perhaps brave is being able to speak up and admit we were wrong about something. Maybe brave looks like a parent fighting for services for their child. 

Brave could be wearing the clothes that express who we are, even if it goes against the "norm". Brave could be trying out for the team, applying for the job, or asking to run the committee. Brave may even just be opening our minds and listening to someone else's perspective.

We are born brave. We take first steps. We dream. We try our best. We "leave the nest". Sometimes there are challenges that make some of these things look a little different. Perhaps that first step came in a wheelchair. Perhaps leaving the nest was more of a symbolic milestone due to obstacles. Yet no matter what it looks like there is bravery inside of each of us. There is a power driving us to do our best.

I'm grateful to witness the ways my girls are brave. I'm grateful to see the unique strengths they each have and how they use it to fule their bravery. I'm grateful to know I have this bravery at my core. I'm grateful to know I can use this to make a difference in my life and in others' lives. I'm grateful for all the people being brave today. I'm grateful to see how many ways from great to small we can show our bravery. 

How can you show your bravery today? How can you encourage the people around you to be brave? How can we band together as one to be brave and make big changes?

May today illuminate all the bravery happening around us. May we allow our bravery space to surface and find ways to make a difference. Have a beautiful day!

In this new world reality, more and more I have people reaching out online. It is one source of connection that we still safely make. Phone calls, video chats, Facebook messages all flow with messages and reminders that we are in this together. Isn't it beautiful?

Neighborhoods are coming together in a way that most hadn't before. People are meeting their neighbors as they cross paths (distantly) on walks or make sidewalk drawings and games to share. Our neighborhood is having a driveway party this afternoon where everyone can chat with each other for a few designated hours from the distance of our own driveways. 

Before all this life was flying passed. We gave a wave, knew a couple neighbors' names, but mostly just kept up with our own busy life. Suddenly we find ourselves seeking those closest to us. We are building the community and connections that our great grandparents had. We are building something that will ultimately make us a stronger, more connected and more compassionate society.

I'm grateful for the ways to reach out to loved ones. I'm grateful to commit to weekly calls and video chats with family. I'm grateful to witness more connections growing in our neighborhood. I'm grateful to see all those who are healthy and out walking. I'm grateful to hear from my community that most everyone is well and has what they need. I'm grateful to see the outpouring of generosity for those who are not well or are in need of assistance. I'm grateful to all those who are maintaining social distance to help others stay healthy. I'm grateful to connect with family, friends, and neighbors.

What form of connection is helping you most? Who are you making a priority? Are you taking time to connect to people who raise you up as well as the people who are needing your help?

May today make the connections that fill our hearts. May we make it a priority to connect to the people who fill our hearts and soul. May we come out of this with stronger communities and families. Have a beautiful day!

Today I had the joy of hanging out with my group of mom friends. Six kids under the age of three (for a couple more days) and four mamas just enjoying the morning. It is that beautiful chaos that renews the soul. 

The best thing about mom friends is they are literally each other's sanity. You can say things that you wouldn't say to other people, compare notes, and pick up tips. And there is no judgment. We all get it.

Even as my little one screamed her head off, all I had to do was look up and my friends and know I was supported. It is the most beautiful gift a mom can have and I am lucky to not have 1 mom friend, but several. This group of women is my bliss and gratitude. And to top it off, there were homemade muffins today! 

I'm so grateful for an amazing morning. I'm grateful to just relax and chat. I'm grateful for our different backgrounds that helps share tips. I'm grateful for who each of these women are individually and I'm grateful to be a part of the group. I'm grateful to have my cup filled and my gratitude abounding. I'm so grateful to have met these women and for all we have been through together.

Who is your "boat in the storm"? What groups lift you up?

May today remind us the power of a loving, non-judgmental space. May we give and receive this beautiful gift. Have a beautiful day!

My oldest daughter will turn three in one month. I can't believe how the time haws flown. In these three years she has proved to be an exceptional child. She is observant, precocious, stubborn, with the most joyously infectious personality I think I've ever met. 

She has been picking out her outfits since she was barely one year old. Her fashion sense and mine do not generally agree but I do my best to guide a little and give as much fashion freedom as I can. Currently she is very into skirts and tutus. 

Back in the Spring, my daughter's school had an art show. I had the privilege of helping set up for it and one of the tasks I got to be a part of was helping the kids paint a skirt for the art teacher to wear on the big night. Yes, you read that right. The art teacher made a white skirt and let each student add a little paint decoration to it for a completely custom art show outfit. I love this art teacher and all her creativity! 

My daughter talked about the skirt for weeks. So with her birthday approaching I asked her if she would like to make a special birthday outfit rather than buy one. She emphatically said yes! And just like that we were off to the fabric and craft store to get some supplies. 

Currently my sweet daughter's favorite color is white. In all the years I have worked with preschool age children I believe she is the first kid I have known to claim white as their favorite color. This made it easy to find a t-shirt to paint! One white t-shirt, check. Next we went to the fabric section to pick out the tulle for a special birthday tutu. Much to my surprise she decided she wanted lime green tulle only but with white ribbon trim. Hopefully what I can pull off is satisfactory to the image she has in her head. 

There are three things I love most about this project. One, it honors creativity and her own sense of style. Two, it will allow her to be part of the process and show her how capable she is as she designs and carries out helping make her outfit. Three, it is one of those bonding moments that I will cherish forever as we get to spend this special time together.

I'm so grateful for my daughter's awesome art teacher. I'm grateful for this fun idea of making a special outfit. I'm grateful to have some basic sewing skills and an abundance of creativity myself. I'm grateful to do creative projects with my daughter and watch her excitement. I'm grateful for my daughter's strong personality and fashion sense. I'm grateful to try my best to honor her and let her be herself. I'm grateful for these moments that I will cherish forever.

What is a memory you will always cherish? How do you make things special, whether it be an outfit, a birthday, or just a moment in time? What is your creative outlet?

May today remind us to honor each other as uniquely beautiful beings. May we take every opportunity to create cherished memories. Have a beautiful day!

I've written before about the idea of comparison being the "thief of joy". And I've read parenting book after parenting book that warns against making comparisons between siblings. Yet I still see it in round-about ways popping up.

All through this pregnancy I keep having people tell me "just remember your next child probably won't be as smart/ advanced/ social as your daughter." My usual response is to laugh and say, "yep, but maybe the next one will sleep!" The truth is these are still comparisons. And how do you compare smart or advanced anyway? Every person has different strengths. Why should that be different as children? 
 
Last night I went to a picnic with a group of friends we haven't seen but maybe once or twice since my daughter was born.  When my daughter entered this world I had hoped to become closer to one of them in particular and yet it was not a mutual wish. Comparison seems to separate us. We will be having a pleasant chat but the second the kids come up the conversation shuts down. 

I don't think I am a braggy mom. If fact, I feel I vent my frustrations to mom friends more than triumphs. But in relaying conversations that I have with my daughter I must admit that her language skills and reasoning is beyond what I thought a child under three was capable. 

I have had many friends comment about this as well. Or comment on how their child's language is not as advanced. Meanwhile their child is fully potty trained, or off climbing the jungle gym by themselves, or interacting socially with kids their age while my daughter still stands to the side saying hi but not quite sure how to engage. They all have their strengths. None of these strengths are better or worse, they just are, and yet it gets in the adult mind. 

It is not just this one friend. I don't mean to single her out; it was just my most recent interaction where it was obvious. I catch myself doing it too, especially now as more and more of my daughter's friends become potty trained in a weekend. But these comparisons don't help any of us. They aren't healthy for us as parents or for our children. Even the warnings I get that my next child will be different, as if somehow I will be let down by number two's differences, plants harmful thoughts. 

I have a friend who speaks multiple languages. I have a friend who has a high income, high demand job that she navigates on top of being a mom. I have a mom that's zen level is unmatched and she seems to have infinite patience and grace when interacting with her kids. I even have a friend that seems to find the beauty in every situation and keep things positive which is always a goal of mine. We are all different. There isn't a better or worse because we are just all a completely different makeup. And our differences are what makes us good for each other and bring our own light to the world. 

I want to give this same grace and understanding to kids. They don't need our judgment or pushing. I hope that someday even these subtle warnings will not be necessary.

I'm grateful for my daughter and the things she does well. I'm grateful for the areas she struggles that allow me space to grow myself as I try to help her learn. I'm grateful for all my mom friends that allow me to talk about my daughter and share their own stories as well so we can celebrate and brainstorm together. I'm grateful to know that the moms I cannot seem to connect with have mom friends of their own as they navigate their own journey. I'm grateful for each child and the special set or strengths and light they bring to this world. I'm grateful to be excited to see what traits my newest addition will hold and how she will help me grow in motherhood. 

When do you find comparisons sneaking into your thoughts? How do you reframe those thoughts and quiet the external chatter? 

May today remind us that our differences are our strengths. May we find better ways as a society to honor those differences and leave comparison behind. Have a beautiful day!

Today is National Smile Day. There is nothing so simple and pure that you can give to anyone than a smile. It doesn't require knowing the person well or even at all. It is a gift that anyone can accept and everyone can enjoy.

We never know what is going on in the lives of the people we cross paths with during our day. The person that cuts us off in traffic or honks at us the second the light turns green could be in the middle of a personal crisis. The grouchy person in the checkout lane could have been up all night with their ailing parent. We don't know each person's story but we can give then grace no matter where they are coming from. 

The grace of a simple smile can make a difference. It can let them know there is no judgment coming from us on where they are and their current disposition. It may bring them a little cheer or a little comfort. If their day is going well then it may give it an added boost. But do you know what else a simple smile can do? It can boost our own day.

A smile can keep other people's negative energy from sticking to us. It can keep us in our own positive mindset and loving light. A smile is an act of love both for ourselves and those around us.

I'm grateful for National Smile Day. I'm grateful for the reminder of the power of a smile. I'm grateful to have seen it work on those around me. I'm grateful to have felt its effects myself when I receive a random smile on a rough day. I'm grateful to know that this gift is always within my power and my budget. I'm grateful to also recognize it as a gauge to my own mood and self-care. I'm grateful to strive to see the best in others whether I know their story or not.

How can you find a smile to give to someone in need today? Can you think of a time that someone's smile made a difference in your day? How many smiles can you share in one single day?

May today's challenge be accepted with love. May we share our smiles with all and may we receive some smiles in return. Have a beautiful day!

Teachers are the foundation for the future. They teach the important facts and principals to help us understand and navigate the world. And they inspire us to reach a little higher, go a little farther, and bring our own light to shine in this world.

Many times teachers are found in our schools. They spend all day with our kids, patiently helping them grow. Someone asked me why teachers get summers off; many don't, but my answer is even angels have to take a break to renew their hearts and wings. No one can pour into everyone else's cup all day and all year long without taking time to take care of themselves as well.

There are teachers found outside of schools. Sometimes they are people who inspire like Neil Degrasse Tyson or Mr. Rogers that reach out with important lessons through media. Parents are teachers as they help their children learn and grow. There are teachers everywhere.

Having teachers doesn't stop when we step out of high school or college. Sometimes we change to calling them mentors. Maybe it is someone we seek out for growth or maybe it is someone we stumbled upon that has wisdom to share. Sometimes teachers appear in less positive roles. Even the people who push our buttons are in their own way a teacher for us to explore our own reactions and beliefs. 

Today is National Teacher Appreciation Day. Anyone who knows a school teacher, has one working with their child, or is still in touch with one that made an imprint on their own youth; reach out and share some thanks today. These teachers give more than facts and lessons. Teachers give their hearts. 

I'm so grateful for all the teachers I had growing up and all the teachers I have in my life today. I'm grateful in particular for my 3rd grade teacher that taught me how much a teacher can love. I'm grateful for the teacher I had my 4th and 6th grade years that got to witness my struggle with growing into who I wanted to be, bullies, and self-esteem and helped em to navigate that a little more gracefully. I'm grateful for my high school physics teacher that was both a mentor and inspiration for my love of science as well as embracing myself and growing into a capable woman. I'm grateful for my anthropology professor who did not believe in me and admittedly wanted me not to succeed because she ignited my fire to prove her wrong and her praise and apology at the end of the year meant that much more knowing where we started. I'm grateful for my mom who teaches me so much every day but who also taught me important lessons about standing up for myself when people try to put a limit on what I am capable of achieving. I'm grateful to have her as my advocate, teacher, friend, and mom. I'm grateful for all my friends that became teachers and all the beautiful work they do. I'm grateful for all the teachers out there who do their best to raise the next generation. And I'm so grateful for my daughter's teachers as we navigate our first year of "preschool". They have taught her and me so much about this transition and how to grow gracefully through the bumps.

Which teachers made the biggest impact on your life? What type of teacher do you try to be for the young people around you? How can you leave a positive mark on future generations?

May today inspire us to share our best lessons. May we find gratitude for all the teachers we have had and actively seek teachers and mentors at every age and stage. Have a beautiful day!

April is Autism Awareness Month. In the past I have written write at the beginning of the month about what this means to me and how much respect I hold for the people living with and assisting those with Autism. I was happy to see lots of "Light it Blue" and Puzzle Pieces at the beginning of the month floating around on Facebook and other media. Now it seems everyone is back to their routines and usual posts.

Today is still part of Autism Awareness Month. If you haven't yet, I ask you to please take some time to educate yourself on the large spectrum that is "Autism" as well as what you can do to help local families. There are special programs for law enforcement and community service personnel on how to assist if a special needs person is lost or needing help. There are resources online about fund raisers and even just educating yourself on the struggles they (and their families) can go through can help increase compassionate responses. 

I worked for many years with preschoolers with Autism and other communication delays and I can assure you they taught me as much if not more than I taught them. Hearing words come out of a little one's mouth who has struggled to express themselves is one of the best feelings in the world. And now as a parent I cannot even imagine the challenge of witnessing your child struggle with this twenty-four hours a day and all the control it takes in the roughest moments.

The last few days I have been trying to create a visual schedule for my toddler for some transitions that she has been struggling. Given my background my mind immediately went to PECS (picture exchange communication system) icons that we used for schedules in the school district. I like them because they are basic and convey the activity fairly well. And in my naïveté I thought surely there must be a website that allows parents access to these icons to help their lives go a little smoother. Instead what I found was lots of websites offering pictures but in a jumble and hard to pick out specific ones without having to buy a program. It was frustrating. But it also brought me back to the big picture.

I thought back to all the parents that I met over the years working with their beautiful children. I thought about all the struggles they already had going on and here was one more. Now during my time at the school we would provide pictures for parents that matched ours at school, when asked, because consistency is huge. But it had not occurred to me that they would not have access to their own. I think of the last two and a half years I have had and the struggles I have faced as a new parent and I realize how blessed I am in those.

I'm grateful for all the amazing parents out there raising their kids through a variety of challenges. I'm grateful for every parent that looks lovingly at their child and does their best for that child no matter how that may look in the moment. I'm grateful for parents and families of children with Autism that truly know what it means to be a champion and put your child first. I'm grateful for every child shining their unique light. I'm grateful to be blessed with a daughter that can speak her mind even if it is not what I want to hear because I know that there are parents that would do anything to hear a single word. I'm grateful for my experiences working with kids with Autism and communication delays and their amazing parents. I'm grateful for one minor frustration in my life bringing me back to the big picture, my bounty of blessings, and awareness of a need that can be fulfilled.

Have you had the privilege of loving someone with Autism? Have you educated yourself on how you can provide support even if it is just a comforting nod to the parent in the store? Have you counted your blessings today?

May today remind us that we each have our struggles but there is always someone going through harder. May we join together in love and kick judgment to the curb. May we find ways to support the people in our lives and our communities. Have a beautiful day!