Swinging on Birches

I feel, oftentimes, that we live in such uncertainty. There are so many things in flux...jobs, children, homes, income, health, the economy...and the list goes on. Sometimes when I feel the lack of certainty with such intensity, I go into what a friend dubs, "paralysis by over-analysis" mode and I have a hard time moving forward with anything at all. This weekend, I have been thankful for so many certainties.  Family. Friends. Love. Home. Happy.  My little, fascinated by every new thing we do.  Fresh air and screens in windows; welcoming in a new season of growth and beauty. Quiet, focused time with my two favorite boys (one behind the camera). Independence coming so quickly..."Do it 'self mommy."  Happiness and lovely.  Creating something beautiful and delicious for others--fully homemade chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes...  and Iced Lemon Poppy Seed scones.  And an early visit from the Easter Bunny, w...

Well, shock of the century, here's me spouting off about something again:)  I worked on this post after reading a post from  Sarah , whose blog was the first one I ever read and happens to be my favorite to this day.  Seriously, she's amazing, and cracks me up because she gets all awesome-fiery, and does it with such tact and without apologizing--LOVE that! Anyway, she really was talking about the teenage girl (and younger) phenomenon in regards to clothing, magazines, movies, music, etc. and how we could ever combat that as moms looking to raise basically, wholesome kids.  She called for a parenting revolution--and, as usual, I TOTALLY agree with her. I've long thought that parents should have to take a vow, similar to those we take when we choose our life partners.  Although I'm sure this will evolve over time, here are my beliefs on paper.  (And, just to clarify, my husband is a wonderful partner, but I was looking at these things as something each...