Cultured. This adjective is used to describe something that can be cultivated or made. It can also be used to describe a person who is intellectually- and artistically aware, as well as courteous and well-mannered. And, at some point this year, I came to the beautiful and humbling realization that it also describes the family that my husband and I have created. From the moment that each of our daughters were born, my husband and I have tried to raise them to be individuals who want to continually learn about, and positively impact, the world in which we live. Specifically, we want them to value and care about the people…
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Some Trip Essentials Can’t Be Shoved Into The Overhead
According to travel experts, parents traveling on an airplane with kids should always have a carry-on bag with them that is filled with items they may need during their flight. Among the supplies that are typically recommended are snacks, wipes, a spare outfit, a lightweight jackets and age-appropriate forms of entertainment. I benefited greatly from following this advice when my girls were younger. But, my list of trip essentials never stopped there. I actually took several additional things with me when my family of four traveled together and none of them were ever shoved into a crowded overhead bin or stuffed under the seat in front of me. The things…
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How To Make A Fall Wreath
Thanks to my mom–who paints walls AND canvases, as well as creates window decor–I’ve always liked making beautiful things (and making things beautiful). Over the years, I’ve made gift baskets, floral arrangements, Christmas ornaments and Christmas wreaths. I once even made two velvety, gold-painted royal thrones and a standing rose bush for a school play, but that was a huge project that I’m fairly certain will only be revisited through photos and our memories! However, for various reasons, I haven’t done this during the past few years. But, I think that’s about to change. And, I kicked off my craft-making comeback this week by creating a colorful fall door wreath!…
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Happy Spanish Language Day!
If you read my article about the United Nation’s creation of French Language Day, you may remember that my oldest daughter has been studying French for several years and that my husband studied the language for a while years ago. You may also remember that Spanish is one of the other official languages that was honored with a special “holiday” with the hope that people will become more aware of the importance of learning other languages. What I didn’t share in that piece was that my youngest daughter decided to take Spanish when she started high school a few years ago, a move that made me (someone who wishes she’d…
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Celebrate French Language Day
Happy French Language Day! French Language Day was established in 2010 by the United Nation’s Department of Public Information to honor multilingualism, cultural diversity, and the equal usage of its six official languages. There are also special days for the other official languages–English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Russian. But, due to the fact that my oldest daughter has been studying French for six years (and my husband also studied the language for a while), I thought it was fitting to set aside time today to consider how families could celebrate French Language Day. Some reports about the French language indicate it is one of the most studied languages, as well…
