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Birthday Rituals: What we still do
It has been so fascinating to watch how our children interact with birthday rituals over the years. At 10 years old, Henry is in such a sweet spot! (Thanks to this approach to parenting, our relationship has been much, much stronger.)
A couple days before his birthday, I told him I would be hanging his birthday banner and pictures soon. He asked, “Why haven’t you done it already?” I clarified, “Are you wishing they were already up?” He then responded with an emphatic yes. It was so heart-warming.
Then, a day before his birthday, he asked, “Can we light my candle now?”
So we all gathered around the table. … Read More
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Moments of Authenticity: Trying to Collect Them
When I was in my twenties, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I was really eager to figure it out! It occurred to me that I should collect “moments of authenticity” as if they were the most beautiful butterfly specimens. My thinking went: if I collect and save each small moment that really resonates with me, I might be able to find patterns. Then I can intentionally build the kind of life I want for myself.
Now that I’m in my forties I’ve tried to switch from building my life to savoring it. And yet I find that living our best lives does require us … Read More
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Camping Birthday Party: Reducing COVID Risks
Well, we are celebrating our final birthday during COVID! Tate’s birthday was first (outdoor movie in our cul-de-sac). Then Matt’s. Then mine. Now we are finally at Henry’s birthday. Last year, his slumber party birthday was pretty much right before the lockdown. This year, we are opting for a camping birthday party.
The infectious disease expert that we consult with for the school continues to say that the COVID transmission risk is low in an outdoor setting. Therefore, camping seems like an okay option. Thank goodness for [normally] mild temperature in Austin! Saturday looks like it will be about 64 degrees, and Sunday looks to be about 73 degrees. However, … Read More