Parenting Advice from a Non-Parent

Rule #1 when I'm a mom will be not to break my kids down. There are enough other people and situations in the world that will do that.

I want my kids to think they're good at everything and, equally importantly, that I think they're good at everything.

I've mostly lost my voice due to this nasty cold and what's left of it would best be described...hmm...imagine that a baritone and a frog had a baby and he loved to sing? Like that.

While butchering Christmas songs this morning (due to my cold, mind you, not my normal, lovely singing voice), I was lamenting to my mom that I wouldn't be able to sing carols this year. I proposed that maybe I could be the Christmas whistler. After a quick audition, she said that perhaps I'd be more suited for the bells or accordion.

Now, this was all in jest, of course.

But why not lift your kids (even if they're adults) right on up? Fill those self-esteem buckets to the brim.For whatever reason, kids still look to their parents for approval, whether they're 2 or 32.

Your kid stinks at baseball. Practice with them in the backyard.

Your ballerina isn't graceful. Applaud after every living room performance.

Your little poet can't rhyme. Hang those poems on the fridge.

Your Christmas whistler can't carry a tune. Let her whistle in your fictional caroling scenario, for crying out loud.

Who ever heard of a Christmas carol accordion player anyway?

Christmas Card Lane

Many, many Fridays ago (December 10th), after viewing half of Toy Story 3 and eating a delicious dinner at Islands, my friends and I took an entertaining walk around Christmas Card Lane in PQ.

This is Kim. She enjoys riding on carousels. The reindeer and snowman are also clearly enjoying themselves. More importantly, ELF IS PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND! Eeeeeee!!

This is Jar Jar (and friends). This one's mostly for Mok. Actually R2D2 is for Mok. I'm sure he hates Jar Jar. Also, amusing/frightening: Yoda in a Santa costume.

*Cue Circle of Life music here*

Wha...?

These dolls are Creepsville. Susan & Kim are understandably afraid.

Dobby!!!! Oh, poor, sweet Dobby. Damn you , Bellatrix Lestrange!

This one's for Mok, too. Although, I think he'd be pissed that Batman's not in front. But at least he doesn't have a douchey Santa hat like Superman or lameass antlers like The Flash.

Although this post is super late, the rest should be timely. I finally got all the pictures from my new camera on the computer last night, so we're good to go from here.

Happy Holidays!