Our sunshine: linkies for bright spots with kids.
Songs, pants, cinnabons, and WE GOT US
Well hello, friends,
It's snowing again, so. My kids have stopped drawing on paper and started drawing on other things. I am allowing this, within reason. My two year has started singing along with his favorite songs in the car this week, and it is heaven. And--as I have found my saying in every single letter I've sent out so far-- all the rest.
This week I've got a smattering for you, with an emphasis on colors, tasty food, good sounds, and other yummy things.
It's time for some endorphin dressing. Modern Rascals is the place for that, and their sale section is on fire. If you are looking for the world's comfiest, cutest and longest lasting kid pants, look no further. I want them in the cat pattern for my pink-obsessed little dude, and this violet pattern for my purple queen.
It's also time for some cinnamon rolls. I've been making these Cinnabon copycats for a few years, and they taste just like the ones I used to eat at the mall in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in my 20s. You'll love them.
Maybe also some salad. This dressing take 90 seconds to make and both my kids eat it. Also super great as a dip for pizza crust.
It's time to call in Spring with our favorite spring-calling song. Little Miss Anne forever. If you want to feel some big feelings about launching kiddos into the world, check out this song too.
It's time to sign up for a CSA! Trust me, this is a good time to lock in your veggies. OneSoil Farm is our local fave.
And some action items to look for in your area and participate in as you are able:
-ICE watch trainings. Siembra has this one going on in my area.
-Resources to thoughtfully support gender nonconforming kids in school. Rainbow Collective for change is offering this one online.
-Nugget's first virtual book club meeting featuring "A Kids Book about Racism" by Jelani Memory. I told you they were the real deal.
And grownup challenge I've issued myself:
When the kids in my life run into a reasonably solvable problem, I'm trying pause and encourage them to ask each over for help first. I stay nearby and talk them through it, but I ask them to turn to each other first. I don’t always pull it off. I've been surprised at the mutual satisfaction they seem to gain from, say, unsticking a stuck chair as a team. I've also been noticing how much is BURNS not to jump in and solve a problem for them. Seems good for all of us?
That's it. That's what I've got. Plus a lot of love for us, and even more for the kiddos. It's not their job to be our bright spots, but they sure are anyway. One foot in front of the other, and spring will come. And all the rest. And whatever comes after that. We'll be ready.
Love,
Anna
ps: I'll be launching the second component to this newsletter, the Kid's Documentary project "My Story", later this week! Stay tuned.