Testing. . .1, 2, 3

Testing. . . . 1, 2, 3

Testing.  Ahem, is this thing on?

Okay good.  Glad you're still hanging around this here blog.  Since when did this become a once-a-month posting place?!  Oh right.  A long time!  Well, what's new?  Um, a lot.  A little.  Nothing.  Everything. 

We're entering mid-November with much enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming holidays!  Can you believe that I've already started my holiday shopping?  Yep!  Started last month with a few things here and there, and this month I intend on finishing up so that December can be relaxing and calm!

It seems that every day Hank and I enter a new dimension of parenting.  New discoveries, new challenges.  I swear every day I learn something new about my kids, and something new about myself as a person.  Parenting is by far the most important and most challenging job I've ever had, and fortunately I have an amazing husband with whom I can share this journey.  What would I do without you Hank?  I spend a lot of time reflecting on my parenting choices and style, and oftentimes I wonder how much of my own childhood  has influenced the decisions I make today.  (Parents) Do you ever think about that too?

Anyhoo, I just wish there were a Parenting Manual, complete with instructions on how to proceed when, say, your son flushes his underwear down the toilet (immediately after the plumber leaves).  Or on a more serious note, when your daughter writes something like this:

Yesterday we gave Alison a timeout, and the funny thing is I can't even remember why.  We don't give them that often, but when we do, it's usually so that our kids can calm down and so they can get their thoughts together.  After about five minutes, Hank found this (unfinished) note on her doodle board.  Initially I thought the note was cute and a bit dramatic, but after thinking about it more, I realized that Alison's feelings are a big deal to her.  And they should be to me also.

Alison and I talked through the problem, and we were able to think of a solution for future situations. . . But see?  I told you I need The Manual.  That should have been a no brainer, and yet I found myself stumbling through the "what do I do?" and "what do I say?" question-answer session.  Gah! 

****** Well, I couldn't leave this here blog without telling y'all about some new Gift Enclosure Cards that I just added to the shop. I've been having a lot of fun with pattern creating and brush making. Go check 'em out. And if you sign up for the newsletter, you can get top secret discount codes and other fun stuff.  Oh, and the FIRST FIVE people who comment below will win A Baker's Dozen Variety Pack of gift cards!  Go on now! :)

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And I'm terribly, terribly behind on e-mails.  I will catch up soon! I promise!  Have a great week (er, month!)