Dazzling Dallas Delight http://ping.fm/teI1V

Dazzling Dallas Delight

What do you get when you add 5 sisters (all under age 10!) and this amazing replica playhouse?

(a)  Shrieks of delight and jubilant laughter,
(b)  A tea party/slumber party for the ages,
(c)  Enough magic to make even the hottest Texas day fly by,
(d)  All of the above.

You guessed it - D, "All of the above"!

Last week, our Service Technicians traveled to Dallas to install this spectacular playhouse.  A miniature replica of the parent's stunning new home, the specifications for this traditional colonial design are nothing short of amazing:

• 23' wide x 10.5' deep x 12.5' high
• Flemish Bond Brick facade
• Striking four-column front porch
• Cupola and Dentil molding accents
• Simulated slate roof (made from PVC)
• Rounded Porch and Balcony
• French Doors
• Two interior lofts
• Custom Play Kitchen
• Fireplace and Mantle
• Bookshelves
• Interior Sponge Painting
• Simulated Hardwood Flooring
• Electrical and Air Conditioning Packages

Whenever we consult with excited parents (or grandparents!) on the creation of a miniature replica of their own home, we never know exactly where the road will lead.  There are many decisions to consider along the way: certainly the overall size, but, as with most things in life, the essence is in the details.
     *What features do we want to highlight without cluttering the finished product?
     *What activities will the children be most involved with inside? What are their ages?
     *And how can we incorporate all this?

In this spectacular miniature, we knew we wanted to replicate the multiple roof lines, the cupola, and the front balustrades.  Inside, we wanted to offer the young ladies their living room area as well as the all-important kitchen to play in, but we also wanted to offer a place for quiet time, or better yet, girl talk!  Given the varying ages, we thought what could be better than two lofts for the girls, allowing them the fun and magic of loft time by themselves or as a group.

So how do we ultimately know we've succeeded in accomplishing all this? Is it:
(a)  The look of pride on dad's face as he leads his girls out to their new playhouse,
(b)  The final decorating touches that mom can't wait to include,
(c)  The eye-popping expressions on five little girls' faces (and subsequent squeals of glee!) when they are shown their new playhouse,
(d)  All of the above.

You guessed right again - D, "All of the above"! 

Memories from the First Day of School http://ping.fm/0OgDw

Memories from the First Day of School

Who can't recall the dread - and excitement! - of those "first days of school?"  Yes, summer is over, but you get to see your old friends.  Granted, earlier bedtimes become mandatory, but the rush of new notebooks, new lunch boxes, new school outfits! I remember like it's yesterday putting my oldest on his first big yellow school bus (and it's been 18 years!).  I remember the anxiety I felt....I could only imagine what he was thinking: new house, new school, new friends.  Here are some suggestions to help make this year's transition easier on you and your children!

ADHD and Kindergarten Cut-Off Date http://ping.fm/vTcRi

ADHD and Kindergarten Cut-Off Date

As of mother of three, I dealt with my fair share of anxiety over when to send each of my children to kindergarten.  The cut-off date certainly played a critical role, but so did their actual birth date, their sex, the advice of their preschool teachers, and yes, my gut instinct.  Now, new research says when you send them also plays a role in their perhaps misdiagnosis of ADHD.  ADHD is certainly very real and deserves proper treatment, but we parents must continue to be vigilant in making the best decisions for our children.

Resources for Parents (So Much Information, So Little Time!) http://ping.fm/xniAh

Resources for Parents (So Much Information, So Little Time!)

Parents of young children are, by the very nature of their lives, extremely busy.  No one needs to tell you that, right?! But the irony is there is so much information - and so many resources - out there that could make your life run more smoothly, maybe even save you a few headaches along the way, if only you had the time to sort through it all.  Talk about the classic Catch 22! 

So, I would like to offer my assistance and help filter through all the research, long articles, internet buzz, and then share with you timely, insightful information on raising healthy, happy, productive children.  Things like: Keys To Developing Your Child's Creativity, Do Your Children Know How To Play, Money Lessons for Kids, and Why Having a Sister Makes You A Kinder Person (the last two will be posted shortly), just to name a few! 

We will post them here on our blog as well as on our Facebook page and on Twitter, so you can follow along wherever is most convenient for you.  I look forward to hearing from you on what has helped you out - and what maybe missed the mark.  I always found the line "it takes a village..." to be especially true when I was raising my three children.  I would consider it an honor to be a small part of your village!

Stay Tuned!!