This Is What We Do Around Here For Fun...

Hi Friends,

Lucy is so sweet to treat us on her birthday to such a rocking concert. What about turning the tables just a little bit and treating Lucy to some entertainment of our own!?! We have some ultra talented friends in the crowd, and if the stage is set, how would you feel about combining forces and coming up with a few "acts" and trying to get in on the show as a birthday surprise?

One idea that comes to mind, is to think about the different decades of music that Lucy has enjoyed throughout her life. They are all distinct and lend themselves to great songs, costumes and props. What do you think about trying to do some kind of tribute to Lucy in the themes of the 1960's, 70's, 80's and 90's-present? Even magic or comedy?

There are 20 or so of us--and Ricky wants to be included, as well, so we could divide into teams, couples, girls only, boys only, whatever we are inspired to do.

Myself, I'm wondering if anyone would like to tackle the 80's and do a "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" thing with me-- a la the school play's Daddy Lear--could be girls or guys? Any guys/couple want to do Sonny and Cher? Lady Gaga? Kiss? I don't know, this is all off the cuff and I haven't completely thought it through. I just wanted to throw this out there and see what people think. I know Lucy loves the talent shows, what do you say?

I am not a singer, an actor, or anything except silly. No pressure, only if you'd like to do it, but please let me know quickly, we don't have long to plan, collaborate and connive!

Cheers,

Deb

My High Horse: What Are YOU Teaching Your Kids

Although I'm not a gainfully employed teacher at the moment, that was my pre-SAHM profession. I feel thankful to have found a niche of the world that I enjoyed so much and I definitely felt an immediate connection as soon as I entered teacher training.

I taught grades 7,8 and 9 English and Journalism. Then I moved to Canada and took my Montessori teacher training and degree for pre school ages 3-6. I am a bit of a jack of all trades, I enjoy all age groups, but especially love pre school and junior high because it is such a time of transition.

In pre school, a lot of the kids are leaving mom and dad for the first time. They have to navigate a new landscape on their own and figure out how this new world works. Junior high kids are the same--they have to figure out who they are separate from their parents. They start to make tough decisions that challenge their thoughts and ideas.

It really is a fascinating process to witness. That is one of my favorite things about Maria Montessori's philosophy--to observe and not always interfere. My other favorite saying from my Montessori teacher training is "Trust the child."

How often do we not "trust the child?" We rush in. We pre-empt any situation that looks like it could cause pain.

Example: While standing outside the 3rd grade class years ago, a mother approached me close to tears. Her son had not been invited to a birthday party. I told her my son hadn't been invited either. She was all over the emotional board: furious, fretful, sad, incredulous... She was bound and determined to call that mother and give her a piece of her mind, right after she complained to the principal of the school.

What? Here is the skinny. You are not invited to everything in this life. There will be parties, you will hear about them, you'll see pictures on facebook, your feelings will be hurt--but that doesn't change the way of the world. If you teach your kid to wheedle their way in and invite themselves, what are you teaching them? What are you setting them up for later?

I am not invited to stuff all of the time. Of course, sometimes I feel sad about this and left out. However, in the real world, invitations don't always have to do with someone liking you or not liking you. Sometimes, you are standing in the right place at the right time. Sometimes, there are only 8 place settings of china. Sometimes, your friends want to enjoy a different group of people.

I try to tell my kids early on, life is not a popularity contest. What you really have to do, is enjoy your own company. There are so many people that can't even stand themselves that they must fill every moment with a social event or obligation. If you can be happy reading a book or renting a movie, then you can be happy.