I have to take thirty continuing education hours every three years to keep my license as a therapist.  I went to a conference today to gain six of the hours. 
    The conference was a good one - but something in particular stood out.  The speaker began to talk about how important it was to get enough quality sleep every night.  She said that what we do BEFORE bedtime, can actually affect this.  
    Evidently, there is something called "blue light".  This light stimulates our brain and suppresses the secretion of melatonin - or the "sleepy hormone".  Where do we find this "blue light"?  From our televisions, computers, video games, energy efficient light bulbs, electronic gadgets, etc.  The presenter said that when our eyes and brain are exposed to it, it takes approximately 90 minutes for our minds to slow back down again and prepare for sleep.  An HOUR AND A HALF!!!  
      What do our kids do right before bed?  They watch one last show, play one last video game, spend ten more minutes on the computer and so on and so forth.  Adam and I wonder why EVERY single night, all four of them jump from bed to bed and flip through the air.  They're wide awake and it makes us crazy.
    We decided to see what would happen if we changed things around.  We told them that they had until 7:00 to do whatever they wanted, then absolutely everything had to be shut off.  When 7:00 came, we gave them baths and put them in their pajamas.  The hardest part of all, was that WE shut our TV shows and computer off too.  It really made a difference.  The house was quiet and calm, while the extra "noise" wasn't there.  
      The kids got into their beds and read books.  We said our prayers with them, sang a couple of songs and left their rooms.  We waited...aaaand nothing.  No jumping, giggling, hitting, kicking, snorting...nothing.  All four were sound asleep. 
    I don't really know what to think about it, but I can't believe it could be that simple.  I'm anxious to try it over the next few nights to see if it was just a fluke.  
    I know it will be hard to turn everything off.  Come to think of it though, I'll be happy to do it if it means having nights of peace and quiet without our crazy monkey children screaming from room to room.  I would hope that they/we would feel so much better and well rested the next day too.
    I can't imagine that it will really work, but I know at least for one night, the house was as quiet as a mouse.  If you decide to try it too, we would love to hear if this "Blue Light Special" works for you. 

    Having three boys ages five, seven and nine usually means having video games.  I have no idea how any of them work, but when I was a kid I did play a mean game of Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.  My older brother and I would compete on our Atari and have a ball...so...I get it.  It's fun to hang out and be together.
    As long as I've known my husband Adam, he's never been the type to sit and play video games.  I actually like this about him.  Even when we dated many moons ago, he wasn't the kind of guy to spend hours on the couch in front of the TV.  
    Today, something happened though.  Adam was going through some boxes and came across an empty Wii box from our son Ethan's birthday.  My Mom and Dad had given him the Wii back in April.  When little Ethan opened it, he was so excited that he screamed and jumped up and down.  It was so funny - that nobody even realized there was a bonus "Mario Brothers" game included in the box.
      Today, when Adam happened to find the game, a strange look came over him.  He held it as though it was a million dollar winning lottery ticket.  He kept saying, "Whoooaa...I used to LOVE this game!!!"      
    The boys ran to him yelling, "What IS it, Daddy?!" Adam looked my way with the biggest smile and whispered..."It's Super Mario Brothers".  There was some crazed look in his eye.  
    Little did I know that when Adam was maybe 10 or 11 years old, he LOVED playing this game on his Grandparent's trusty "Commodore 64".  (I don't even know what that is.)
    Needless to say, for the rest of the afternoon, there were FOUR boys, ages five, seven, nine and thirty-seven, sitting on the couch together...screaming and laughing as they cheered each other on.  
    Thanks to Mario, it looks like it's going to be a loooooong winter.   

    Three words.  Hallmark - Christmas - Movie.  It's the time of year when you get to snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good Christmas show.  "Come Dance with Me" is the perfect movie to do just that.  
    I loved this movie and was really impressed with the acting skills of the awesome Andrew McCarthy ("White Collar") and the stunningly beautiful Michelle Nolden ("Numb3rs").
    McCarthy plays Jack, an executive in a financial brokerage firm who is trying to get a promotion.  The president of the firm is Drew Clayton (Chris Gillett, "Suits") who happens to be the father of Jack's girlfriend, the fabulously rich and elegant Demi Clayton (Stephanie Mills, "Urban Legend").
    Demi's mother, Clarisse (Jane Moffat, "The Kennedys") is planning the annual high class Christmas Ball, so Jack secretly begins to take dance lessons to learn how to Waltz - in hopes of making an impression.
    The impression is made on him however, when his dance instructor, Christine (Michele Nolden) opens his eyes...and his heart.
     The Hallmark Channel Original Movie World Premiere, "Come Dance with Me" airs Saturday, December 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, 7:00 C.
     Oh....and don't forget the hot chocolate! 

    Mom and Dad left for an awesome vacation back in October.  They traveled through several different countries all over Europe.  It sounded like a dream trip.  
    Meanwhile, back here in reality, while they were gone the kids asked constantly where "Grammie and Papa" were and when they were coming back.  It was a loooong time, but finally a few days ago...we went to the airport to get them.
    The three boys have been on an airplane and loved every minute of it.  Lauren has never flown so she constantly asks when we get to ride in a "pain".  We talk about flying with the four of them eventually, but going to the airport, reminded us of how crazy it would be.
    The last flight we took with the kids was to see Adam's family in Texas for Thanksgiving.  I was pregnant with Lauren and the boys were ages one, three and five.  You know how some people totally freak when a baby gets on a plane?  You can literally hear their brain screaming, "Oh no, no, no...not by me...please no..."  Yep.  Picture that plus two more kids and one HUGE preggo Mama.  People began to shift uncomfortably in their seats and put their bags in empty spots beside them.  It felt like that scene from a movie when nobody wants you to sit with them in the cafeteria.  Adam walked behind me through the aisle and I heard him quietly laugh and start saying to people as we passed, "We're sorry in advance." 
    The flight turned out to be fine, we made it through with little drama - but still haven't mustered up the courage to do it again.  
    This brings us back to the airport the other day.  I know the kids were excited and all, but holy cow.  To try to keep all four contained in one area while NOT letting them cross some imaginary line for non-travelers that they couldn't see...well, the term "herding cats" comes to mind.
      Mom and Dad eventually DID appear and people stared as the kids screamed and waved.  
     If you happen to be traveling with little ones for the holidays or if you're traveling beside them...hang in there and know that no matter how long the "pain" ride may be, it will be worth it in the end.  After all, there's no place like home for the holidays.  

    Having three boys within four years of each other sometimes takes an act of God to manage.  Here are some things that we have learned so far...
1.  When they're first born, cover their front when you change their diaper...trust me on this.
2.  When they're older and learning how to potty train, buy stock in bathroom cleaner.  What possesses them to have "sword fights" when they go or see how far back they can stand?  One may never know.
3.  When the house is perfectly quiet and you think it's a miracle, go find out what's happening...fast.
4.   Seriously, when the house is perfectly quiet and you think it's a miracle, go find out what's happening...fast.  
5.   When they're learning how to dress themselves but you still have to stand behind them to help with their buttons or zippers...bite down and clench your teeth.  They jump up hard and fast...causing your chin to bleed and teeth to chip...their little heads never seem to even notice.
6.  When you happen upon a beautiful snowy day, don't be surprised when they decide to "write their name" in the middle of it all, just because they can.
7.  Apply number six to the woods as well. 
8.  Boys fight.  I mean...FIGHT.  Sometimes it's good to break them up immediately and other times...let them go for a little.  The amazing thing about this, is that when they're done - they're done.  It's over. 
9.  Boys move.  They're physical and active.  They climb trees and flip on furniture.  It's hard to expect them to sit still or focus for long periods of time.  Some inner howler monkey comes out of them when they do.  
10.  Boys love, completely and wholeheartedly.  When they're older, it's a rare day to get them to snuggle however.  They usually attack with a quick and unexpected hug that would parallel the precision of a Stealth Bomber.  When they do though, it will melt your heart and warm your soul...and you'll never, ever be the same again.  

    Once Upon A Time there were four small children who desperately wished for snow.  "How can it be Christmas without snow?" they would ask.  As the days of December began to pass, they worried that Santa couldn't arrive without it.  
    To make matters worse, the weather was warm and sunny.  There were no signs of winter at all.  Jack Frost had skipped their land it had seemed.
    Suddenly, the youngest child went to the window.  "LOOK!"  she said.  As the  others followed, they saw the air filled with hundreds of feathery white fluffs of magic.  "They're SNOW Fairies!"  She cheered as she ran outside.  
    Her big brothers followed as their mother watched in wonder.  She tried to figure out where these white "Snow Fairies" came from but instead, found herself smiling as she watched the children run and laugh.  They chased the fairies tirelessly and tried to catch each one as if they were fireflies of the winter.  
    Growing weary, the children came inside to  rest.  "I hope the Fairies bring us snow!" the little one said.  
    Their mother wondered if that might ever happen but she knew one thing for sure...anything is possible with the magic of the season and the spirit of a child.  Who knows...during this time of year, you might even see a Snow Fairy come to life. 

(I tried to get a picture of it even though it doesn't really do it justice.  It was some kind of plant or flower that seemed to float through the wind all over the back yard.)

    So - I get that there are people who use Q-tips and
people who don't.  Personally, I love cleaning my ears with Q-tips.  I don't know why, I just do.  I don't really think that you're supposed to use them to clean the inside of your ears, but for some reason, it feels so good.
    My graduate work was done in Speech Language Pathology.  In this field, you have to take Audiology courses as well.  Why do I mention this?  Because there was one Audiology professor who would go crazy at the thought of putting a Q-tip in your ear.  He even told us about a man who was cleaning his ear while standing in his bathroom when his wife came flying in and slammed the door right into his elbow...you can imagine the rest.  It makes me cringe to this day. 
    Despite the risk of injury or pushing wax into my ear, I just love using them...that is until now.  When I use Q-tips, they're dry...when Adam uses them, he wets them down.  Over the past few days, the Q-tips in our bathroom have all been wet.  I wondered why Adam was doing this - but figured he had some reason.  It wasn't until he asked ME why the Q-tips were wet that we both looked at each other...the kids.  
     When we asked them all why they were putting the Q-tips in the sink, they innocently shrugged their shoulders.  The one thing we've learned about having children, is that sometimes it's best not to ask a specific question.  What we should have asked was a more general, "What are you guys doing with the Q-tips?" type of question instead. 
       It wasn't until a few days later that I watched as our three year old little girl went into our bathroom and climbed up to the sink.  She pulled the Q-tips out and one by one, stuck each of them up her nose.  WHY would she do this?  Who knows.  I began screaming and totally freaked out telling her how she couldn't do that and how dangerous it was...not to mention...gross.
    Yes, it's going to be a long time before I'll be able to use a Q-tip again.  Come to think of it, please excuse me while I go scrub my head.

    My parents left for vacation back in October and asked us to keep their dog, Abby.  It was a great chance for us to see what it would be like to have a family dog.
    Everyone in our house seemed to enjoy it (minus the cat) but our five year old in particular grew to be the most attached.  Preston would run outside and play with "his dog" and then bring Abby back in for her snack.  He would rest his head on her when he watched TV and then take her back out to play again. 
    Early yesterday morning, I heard Preston "talking" to Abby downstairs so I went to see what was going on.  As I peeked over the top of the stairs, there they were, together at the bottom.  I swear it looked like Abby was listening to every word he said.  It was such an image of how wonderful and pure the bond between a boy and his dog can be.  
     Mom and Dad came back from their trip and we're so glad they're finally home.  They had to take Abby home with them today and Preston has been so sad without her.  He keeps asking when we'll get to keep her again.  The house truly does feel different with her gone.      
    It makes us realize how much a family dog can add to  warm a home.  They bring happiness to the people who love them...and joy to the heart of a child.

    The whistle blew.  Four little noses pressed against the car window as the kids screamed..."Look at the TRAIN!"  Adam and I gave each other a grin of excitement and gathered them in their pajamas to hurry out through the cold air. 
    Boarding the train, we were welcomed with the warm scent of hot chocolate and cookies.  Tables were arranged with baskets of goodies and glowing candles.  Taking their seats, the whistle blew again and we were off.  
     The Conductor appeared asking for tickets.  Little eyes watched in awe as he punched away with his clicker.  Music was playing as the rhythm of the smooth glide of the train started to become more familiar.  It soothingly rocked back and forth as we passed trees and rivers under the moon lit night.
    Waiters arrived and began to dance down the aisle with cups of hot chocolate.  The cream was so thick on top - you could eat it with a spoon.
     As little bellies began to fill with goodies and drink, it was time to read "The Polar Express".  The train became quiet as the children followed with their books and the magical story came to life. 
    When the reading was over, the train slowed.  A glow of lights appeared outside as everyone shuffled to the windows to see.  Santa himself stood waving as little mouths dropped in amazement.  He walked toward the train making everyone wonder if he would come on board.      
    Hearing the sound of the whistle, the train shifted directions and slowly started to push back the way we came.  "Did we miss him?  Will he know we're here?"  Our five year old questioned.  All eyes were to the front of the train car as suddenly, he appeared. 
     Santa greeted each child and took time to give them the first gift of Christmas - a shiny bell tied with a red ribbon.  The train car filled with the song of bells ringing as the smiles and wonder filled the air.  
      All of the children sang Christmas Carols on the journey back as they each held their bells tightly. 
    Waking up this morning, it seemed like a dream.  The kids held their bells making us wonder if they would ever let them go.  
    No matter when that might be, I hope they will always hear the sound that rings from within...and Believe in the magic of Christmas.       

Sooooo Excited!!!  Tomorrow night we're taking the kids to something that we've wanted to have them do for so long...we'll post pictures soon!!!