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Thanks and have a great day, Robin

Tip: Prepare for the Empty Nest

Some things to do to prepare for the empty nest phase:
Plan a fun trip
Make a career change
Read great books
Try new recipes
Take a class
Learn a new hobby (What is it you've always wanted to learn how to do but never had time?)
Decorate and/or paint a room (I really enjoyed this.)
Have lunch with friends
Adopt a pet
Renew old friendships
Get involved in political issues
Serve in the community
Serve in your church
Participate in a Bible study
Re-focus on your spouse
Recognize your new role as a behind-the-scenes prayer warrior (this is exciting!)

Remember the key is to plan ahead. The empty nest phase of life doesn't have to be empty. It can be filled with fun, family, and friends!

Have a blessed day, Robin

Tip: The Empty Nest Doesn't Have to be "Empty"

Sending kids off to college can make for quite an adjustment for mom and dad at home. There's the busyness of the senior year of high school. Then suddenly in August life, as we have known it the past 18 years,comes to a screeching halt. We know. We have been there. Some couples look forward to the empty nest and adapt beautifully. Others struggle. I struggled. Several years ago when our boys went off to school, it was a tough time for me. First of all, since we have twins, it all happened at once. I was at a loss. I eagerly waited for Friday afternoons when they would walk in with their smiling faces and their dirty laundry. I felt as if I wasn't needed any longer. In fact, I was just plain mad. I never wanted my kids to grow up anyway. I loved being a mom. I took it out on my husband. It's not that he did anything to deserve it except that he was just there. Finally, as they left for their 2nd semester, I realized that I was missing out on what could be lots of fun. And now, my husband and I are having a great time. In the next blog, I will list some things we have done adjust to this wonderful new phase of life. Robin

Mothers and Sons - Part 2

Listed are ways that we can guide our boys as they grow into young men:
Resist our desire to dominate and control. Let them make age appropriate decisions. They will make mistakes but that's how they learn.
Allow them to carry heavy things for you. For example, let them carry the groceries in at a young age. Begin this good habit early because as men, their bodies are made to lift heavy things whereas ours aren't.
Keep lots of Band-Aids on hand. Girls can be content with colors and a coloring book, not so with boys.Get ready for bumps and bruises. Give them healthy outlets to be active. Present opportunities for them to play outside, participate in sports, take karate, climb, and jump. They love to do "dangerous" activities and be daredevils.
Allow them to be your protector. If you go out for a walk after dark, insist that they go with you so that you will feel safer.
When teachable moments occur, talk to them about their role in defending the weak and helping the helpless. Look for opportunities. For example, ask an elderly lady at the store if she needs help getting her packages out to the car.

Have a blessed day, Robin

Tip: Mothers and Sons - Don't be a Mother who Smothers - Part I

There are several books written about mothers and sons. I haven't read one; however I have 21 years of OJT. Like many of you, it has been 24/7 with no morning or afternoon breaks. Of course, there are times we are physically apart but never have I had an emotional break. That's how it is with motherhood.

Like other family relationships, the bond between a mother and her son is a unique bond. However, for our sons to grow into independent productive young men, we must resist our urge to smother them as they grow older. When our boys turned 18, much to my surprise, my husband told them that they no longer had a curfew. After he said that, I followed him into our bedroom, closed the door, and asked him what he was thinking. Their curfew was midnight. I couldn't sleep until they arrived home. So now it looked like I was going to be awake even later awaiting their safe arrival home. I will never forget his response. He said, "Rob, you have to let them grow up." It's as if he took my heart out and crushed it. I didn't want to let them grow up. But the truth is, that's what we raise them for. Our hearts desire is that they grow into God-fearing young men who provide for and protect their families. We will do them a great service if we begin early to empower them to fulfill their God-given role. This is essential because the world will tell them that there are no male or female roles. On Monday, I will list ways that we, as moms, can help prepare our sons to become God's young men.

Have a blessed weekend, Robin

Tip: Great Books for Summer Reading

As parents, we want to raise lifelong learners. One way this is done is by fueling in them a passion for reading. Summer is a great time for pleasure reading. Below are recommendations for some great books. Most should be available at your local library.

Upper elementary and JH: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by Konigsburg - My 6th grade teacher read this book aloud to us. It is great. It is about a brother and sister who run away from home. They end up hiding in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While there, they try to uncover a mystery. There is also a movie based on the book. It is called The Hideaways.

Upper elementary and JH: Twenty and Ten by Bishop - Great story of how 20 French kids hid 10 Jewish kids during WWII. There is a fun part in the book about a chocolate bar. It is an easy read. There is also a movie based on this book. It is called Miracle at Moreaux.

High school: The Cure for the Common Life by Lucado - Great book about what to do with your life. It helps to look ahead as to what career is best suited to your gifts and talents.

High school: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Covey - There is also a book specifically for teens. I haven't read the one for teens yet. Covey books are filled with anecdotes that offer inspiration to lead a disciplined life.

Hope these ideas are helpful.
Have a blessed day, Robin

Tip: Be Sure to Display Your American Flag

Saturday, June 14, is Flag Day. It is one of my favorite holidays. One reason is because it was my dad's birthday. The other reason is because I love our American flag. I love all it stands for, and I am thankful to God and our armed forces daily for allowing me to live in the greatest country on earth.

Below are the answers to our Flag Day quiz.

There is no evidence to support that Betsy Ross made the first flag. Evidence actually points to the fact that Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, designed the first flag.

The 1st U.S. President to be born as an American citizen under the U.S. flag was Martin Van Buren, our 8th President.

The idea of celebrating our U.S. Flag came from a small town Wisconsin school teacher named B.J. Cigrand in 1885. Hooray! Let's hear it for our schoolteachers!

Pennsylvania is the only state that observes Flag Day as a legal state holiday. It has done so since 1937. Way to go, Pennsylvania!

The 50 star flag as we know it today was designed by a junior in high school named Bob Heft in 1958. It was a class project. He got a B- on his project.

The U.S. Flag Code was adopted on June 14, 1923 at the first National Flag Conference.

The first official flag (the star arrangement and its dimenstions) was established by an executive order signed by President Taft in 1912. This cut down on private citizens designing their own flags.

The salute to the Pledge of Alligiance was changed in 1942. It was felt the original too closely resembled the Nazi Germany "Heil Hitler" salute.

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Have a great Flag Day, Robin

Souce: http://www.marcleepson.com/

Flag Day Quiz

With Father's Day coming this Sunday, look back at the tip entitled: A $2 Treasure. It is a great idea that can be implemented on Father's Day.

Patriotism - love of our country - is a passion we must pass on to our children. We do this by recognizing patriotic holidays as well as the stories that are behind them. With Flag Day coming this Saturday, it is time for a quiz again.
Who made the very first flag?
Who was the 1st US President to be born a US citizen under the US Flag?
Which state is the only one that celebrates Flag Day as a legal state holiday?
Who designed the flag as it looks today with its 50 stars?
The Pledge of Alligiance has not always been saluted with your hand over your heart. What was the original salute and why was it changed?
Who is connected with the idea of and the conception of Flag Day?

I will post the answers on Friday.

Tip: Go to the bookstore or library and get a children's book about the United States Flag. Talk about the flag rules. Point out that we enjoy our daily freedoms thanks to the loyalty and sacrifice of those who have gone before us.

Have a great day,
Robin

Tip: The Birthday Letter

This is one of those things I wished we had started when our boys were babies. Having twins, we spent much of our time in "survival mode."

Write your child a letter each year at the time of his/her birthday. What can you write about? You can include highlights and events of the previous year. You can also include some ordinary activities and as well as funny stories. More importantly, include moments of pride, not necessarily for accomplishments and honors but for character. Think of times your child worked hard for a neighbor, told the truth when it wasn't easy, helped a friend in need, stood up for someone being picked on, gave sacrificially of time or resources, honored his/her parents, shared with a sibling, etc. This is a great place to tell of times where the Lord has been faithful throughout the year by answering prayers you prayed on your child's behalf. Then, add words of encouragement for the upcoming phase of life. Be sure to include how much you love him/her.

When do you want to give the letter? Well, when your child is a baby or toddler, put the letter away for later. You can give the letters to him/her at high school graduation or perhaps the 21st birthday. As they get older, you can give the letter on the actual birthday. Be sure to keep the letters together in a file or notebook so your child (even as an ) can look back and read at a later date.

The possibilities are endless. Grandparents can do this for their grandchildren. Also, it doesn't have to be a birthday letter. It can be at the beginning of the school year, graduations or other meaningful times.

Robin

The Out of the Box - "Why NOT Me?" Generation

Whether they deserve it or not, our youth get a lot of bad press. We often hear about the senseless things they do. Well, within the last week, I have been amazed at some of the young people who have crossed my path. Let me tell you about them.

I got an email from a friend who is serving as a missionary in Africa. She has a huge heart for the African people. She wrote, "...Rwanda needs missionaries who are faithful and willing to die with them to the end, if need be. I want to be that missionary. The one that stays with the people until the end, God willing." I had to read this several times for it to sink in. My friend is 21 years old. Wow.

When I arrived at church last Sunday morning, our regualr praise and worship team was not on stage. Instead many of our high school students were singing and playing their instruments. I was enc ouraged yet humbled as they led our entire congregation in worship. They did an outstanding job. It was priceless.

Last Saturday morning, we went to the funeral. Our friend died at age 57 leaving his wife of 27 years and 2 kids. I sat amazed as his son, a young man in his early twenties, spoke about his dad. Through his tears, he read Scripture and talked about his love for his dad in front of hundreds of people. What an amazing young man.

Last Sunday morning, the high school graduates were introduced in our church service. We were told about their plans after high school. One student plans to attend Texas A&M and then go into missions. What? You mean after getting his degree he doesn't plan to find a good paying job and make lots of money? Wow - Amazed and humbled once again.
And the list goes on and on.......

When I was in my early 20's, I was nothing like these young men and women. I was totally self-absorbed. I am humbled as I think about this next generation. I call them the Out of the Box - "Why NOT Me?" Generation. They are travelling all over the world. They are on stage using their God-given gifts and talents. They are grieving loss unashamedly. They are working through issues and nailing down their beliefs. They are surrounding themselves with "big picture" people. They are reading Maxwell, Ziglar , Covey and others who challenge them, and I am proud to say, they are accepting the challenge.