My Mother’s Garden
My Mother kept a garden,
a garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
that gave my life it’s start.
She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem…
And when the winds and rain came,
she protected me enough
But not too much because she knew
I’d need to stand up strong and tough.
Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong
Markers for my pathway
that will last a lifetime long.
I am my Mother’s garden.
I am her legacy
And I hope today she feels the love
reflected back from me
~ …

Today is Earth Day!  Plant a tree. Read the poem below to find what you get when you plant a tree. The poem was written by my great-great-uncle, Henry Abbey. You can plant a tree on both Earth Day and Arbor Day – let it become a tradition for you and your grandchildren. Planting trees (on Earth Day, Arbor Day, or any day) is about keeping our natural resources intact for our grandchildren and beyond.  Also in honor of Earth Day, Avatar is being released on DVD today. Director James Cameron expressed his …

Mother’s Day is a wonderful family day for us. We get together, enjoy great food, play games, and remember mothers and grandmothers no longer with us. Reminiscing about the good times adds even more meaning to Mother’s Day. Now that I am our family’s Matriarch, I don’t have to do the cooking so I’m able to enjoy more time with my kids and grandkids. It’s very nice being waited on! That’s all the gift I need on Mother’s Day. An inexpensive, yet sentimental, gift that every mother would enjoy is …

Getting kids to pick up their toys and clothes without a battle has been an ongoing challenge for parents throughout time.  I know it was in our home…times three! I’ve been asked many times for how to approach this topic with minimal conflict.  To offer the best parenting advice, I’ve reached out to Emma Jenner, child development, sleep and behavior specialist who is the founder of Emma’s Children (www.Emmaschildren.com).  Read on to learn Emma Jenner’s positive parenting tips on…
How to Get Kids to Pick Up After Themselves Without a Battle
Tired …

Welcome a new baby or grandbaby into your or a friend’s family with a heartfelt baby poem. Two of my nieces are expecting their first baby within the next few months. It’s always a nice added touch to include a special poem with your baby gift. It will be something the new mother-to-be will cherish as a keepsake. Take one of the following baby poems, copy and past into Word, change the font to one of your choice, double space the lines, and print onto baby themed or pastel color …

Spring is a busy time of the year when it comes to special occasions…Mother’s Day, graduations, Holy Communions, Father’s Day, birthdays, christenings, baby and bridal showers, weddings, anniversaries, and the list goes on with house warmings, promotions, new grandchild…. In fact, any day can be a special occasion just because you choose it to be! With so many special occasions coming up for our family I need to get organized with gift ideas for each.
A wonderful gift idea that fits almost every special occasion is to give gourmet food gifts. …

When the expression of love is difficult to put into words, reciting or sending a short love poem can be just as emotional and meaningful between two people in love.  Read through the following short love poems…I’m sure you’ll find one that touches your loving heart.
True Love
True love is a sacred flame
That burns eternally,
And none can dim its special glow
Or change its destiny.
True love speaks in tender tones
And hears with gentle ear,
True love gives with open heart
And true love conquers fear.
True love makes no harsh demands
It neither rules nor …