Labels!

Having our kids in daycare means that their names need to be on everything. The extra clothes, the clothes they're wearing, socks, cups, plates...you get the idea. We have found a company that is greate at creating labels for all of these places. They don't come off in the dishwasher, washer, microwave, or anywhere else. They don't fade or tear or otherwise disappear. Check them out!

Mabel's Labels

Hands Up!

The weekend was beautiful and we tried to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Karalyn loves to "help" her Daddy in the backyard - she has her own rake and broom to sweep up the acorns and leaves off the patios. She also decided to humor her mother and pose in her newly knitted sweater. This is our game, "Hands Up" where she runs around with her hands in the air while we chase after her. The point is for us to catch and tickle her in the armpits. She thinks it's great fun.

Who Knew That Snow Can Be Fun?!

Continuing on my rant of "Nature Deficit Disorder". Okay first of all, there really is no such thing as a disorder but it was just coined by an author, to sell his book, as you may think.

Anyhow, I decided to "Just Do It" as in the 90's Nike Ads and take Erik up and play with the snow a little bit. What a wonderful experience!!! We absolutely enjoyed ourselves and can't wait to get the right gears and have another go at it! YAY! I had to wonder, what the heck is it so scary in the first place?!

So a great big Thank You for Lynette and family for encouraging us to go to the snow in the first place and lending us their fantastic sled (hope the 3 of us didn't break it!)

I'm now "less scared" of the snow. Next time we meet, ask me about my first camping experience for a good laugh :o)

Nature Deficit Disorder

Do you as parents believe there is such a thing as "Nature Deficit Disorder" and are our kids in danger of it today even more so than compared to our generation or our parents' generation?

I was listening to National Public Radio (NPR) this afternoon to the dentist appointment and heard about this "Nature Deficit Disorder", coined by author Richard Louv, where children's experiences from nature are withdrawn showing symptoms of stress, trouble paying attention, feelings of not being rooted in the world.

I have to thank back when I was growing up, I definitely have Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD) Before knowing Chhimi, I had NO interest in doing anything remotely nature-like including a simple outdoor hike. Seriously, grassy or woodsy area scares me. I need my concrete jungle! I still do. If I have a sidewalk versus a grass to walk on, I'd choose the sidewalk. However, Chhimi definitely did NOT have (NDD) since growing up in Bhutan, the forest was his playground! He's completely opposite of me and craves the nature!

So in our family, I'm glad we have Chhimi to introduce nature to Erik (and me) or else poor Erik would probably be scared of a tree!

How about you guys? Do you think your children or the next generation is lacking in experiences of nature? Such as hiking? National Parks? or even the cul-de-sac area full of trees where the kids can just enjoy watching the leaves fall? (FYI, a soccer field and neighborhood parks may not not count as nature). What are you guys to introduce nature to your little toddlers? Share! Share!