The kids had this past Monday off for MLK day (which feels like a million years ago). I look forward to this day all year long. It may seem silly or overdone to some, but MLK has become one of my favorite holidays. A few years ago, we started honoring the holiday with artwork, a special reading and a skit. Because nothing says holiday like a skit.
Maybe I love this holiday because I can totally wrap my head around it. There's no guilt about lying about Santa to the kids or questioning if my faith is strong enough; there's no candy hangover or shopping overindulgence; Hallmark hasn't cornered the market in MLK cards. Nope, it's still pretty pure. It's about service, peace, non-violence, the power of words, moral courage, integrity....and there's no pressure to dress up and make a passing dish. Yeah, I f*#&ing love this holiday.
But don't worry, by making it such a big deal in my house I've managed to make it all holiday-ish. You know all too much expectations and pressure. When I sat down to write the script with my kids, they didn't want me around.
At first my feelings were hurt and I was all like, um, hello, the show can't go on without me. But then I saw them working together and putting together the cutest damn MLK-inspired puppet show there ever was.
I sat in the audience and then went to the snack bar they set up during the intermission.
Sure I wish I could have been in more control, just like I wish Beyonce would've sung live at the inauguration. But that's what parenting is all about right? Giving them the tools for a good script and then letting them write their own?
It's a tough lesson, but learning and growing and the getting through the tough stuff is what parenting and holidays are all about, I know that for sure. And also that my kids are pretty amazing.
Here's what else I know for sure (this week):
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| Our MLK Day wall of words--the kids' interpretation of Dr. King's message. |
Maybe I love this holiday because I can totally wrap my head around it. There's no guilt about lying about Santa to the kids or questioning if my faith is strong enough; there's no candy hangover or shopping overindulgence; Hallmark hasn't cornered the market in MLK cards. Nope, it's still pretty pure. It's about service, peace, non-violence, the power of words, moral courage, integrity....and there's no pressure to dress up and make a passing dish. Yeah, I f*#&ing love this holiday.
But don't worry, by making it such a big deal in my house I've managed to make it all holiday-ish. You know all too much expectations and pressure. When I sat down to write the script with my kids, they didn't want me around.
At first my feelings were hurt and I was all like, um, hello, the show can't go on without me. But then I saw them working together and putting together the cutest damn MLK-inspired puppet show there ever was.
I sat in the audience and then went to the snack bar they set up during the intermission.
Sure I wish I could have been in more control, just like I wish Beyonce would've sung live at the inauguration. But that's what parenting is all about right? Giving them the tools for a good script and then letting them write their own?
It's a tough lesson, but learning and growing and the getting through the tough stuff is what parenting and holidays are all about, I know that for sure. And also that my kids are pretty amazing.
Here's what else I know for sure (this week):
- I can't wait for the Dallas 2-hour premiere on Monday. I am pretty much a lifelong fan of the show---dude, I used to play Dallas when I was a kid. While other kids were talking about play dates in 1981, I was talking about who shot JR. So, yeah, I was skeptical when this new version of the old show came out last year. But I was beyond happy with it. This new version is pure soapy good fun. I'll be watching this Monday and you should too.
- Anne Lamott is awesomely wonderful and messes are all good. I was reminded of this quote from the must read Lamott treasure Bird by Bird and it will be hanging on my wall of words very soon. I. Love. This.
- Boxed water is retro and modern all at the same time.
- This is the best thing that happened as a result of the Lance Armstrong hysteria. Jimmy Fallon singing "You're A Crazy Bitch (But You Ain't Fat)"
- It's been one week since I saw Les Miserables and I am still singing a lot. Like a lot a lot. Like I wish life were a musical a lot.
- Catching moments when my kids are loving each other is priceless. And makes me so grateful for my iPhone which is always at the ready to capture the moment.
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| They are watching video of JT's basketball game. So cute. #unposed |
- I can't help it, I can't stop dancing to Scream & Shout. I know everyone's all about Justin Timberlake this week and that's cool. I know Britney is so medicated and using her weird British accent and I worry about her, but I can't help it. I can't help it and I can't stop dancing to this song.
- Vlogging is the new blogging. No, I'm kidding. But I am having a blast over on my YouTube channel and being a part of MomPulse. Check out my review of snow hats, yes snow hats. And hey, click here to subscribe if you want!
What do you know for sure (this week)? C'mon, we're friends, share what you know. Leave a comment here or on the Facebook page.
Come play with me on Instagram @jumpingwithmyfingerscrossed.
Oh yeah, and come follow me on Twitter @AngelaYBlood and subscribe to my MomPulse YouTube channel here.
I'm linking up today with my friend Greta from Gfunkified.com and her pal Mamamash.com for the #iPPP link up. They host a link up where they encourage people to share "your funny, your yummy, your heartfelt, your favorite photos of the week" from our phones.
Your kids ARE amazing. I love that you make MLK day a big deal, because it is. I should take a cue from you. (Also, I LOVE their script)
ReplyDeleteHave I told you lately that you're awesome, Angela? Because you are.