In the past year I have struggled with deciding what my talents are when it comes to writing. I know that I *want* to write, I know that I *can* write. I just don't know what on earth to write ABOUT. I want to write for kids, of all ages. I have hundreds of stories, poems, songs, novels and jokes rambling around in my brain.

Just recently I started writing down my stories and came up with a birthday idea. I always struggle with birthday gifts for my daughters; they have toys piled to the ceiling, drawers jammed full of clothes, various stuffed friends and all kinds of books, movies and music. Plus a huge assortment of family and friends to add to the collection when Christmas and birthdays roll around.

However, this next birthday will be a special one for Chloe. I am making her a book full of original stories and poems, I'll have it bound and spend some time making silly illustrations (since I am no artiste!). I sincerely hope she will keep it forever and look through it often to remember how much fun I have had making up stories and challenging her imagination.

I will give Alivia her book when she is five. I know I'll need that much time to work on another. Right now my goal is to have 10 short stories, 5 poems, a couple of songs and a longer story in each book.

This is a song I created for Chloe when she was a newborn. She nursed so frequently and we spent MANY a night in her bedroom, gently rocking in my rocking chair while she laid in my arms. She was so quiet and peaceful and she loved when I sang to her. I sang Hush Little Baby over and over so many times and realized how outdated it really was (horse and cart? mockingbird?) so I made up a fresh version.

Hush, little baby don't make a noise
Mama's gonna find you a bunch of boys.
And if that bunch of boys won't play
Mama's gonna buy you a bale of hay.
And if that bale of hay gets dry
Mama's gonna sing you a lullaby.
And if that lullaby sounds awful
Mama's gonna make you a blueberry waffle.
And if that blueberry waffle tastes bad
Mama's gonna buy you a big Leappad.
And if that big Leappad won't beep
Mama's gonna buy you a baby sheep.
And if that baby sheep has no wool
Mama will still think you are beau-ti-ful!

We still sing this everynight and both girls know all of the words. I haven't made one up for Alivia yet, because I didn't spend most of her babyhood rocking gently in a chair. I spent most of it rocking back and forth in the corner tearing my hair out whilst my ears bled!!!

Tuesday Ten

Ten Things That Have Happened in the 9 Months Since I've Blogged:

1. Chloe turned four and Ali turned 2.

2. The Hubs and I became The Ex and I.

3. Got a car, a roommate (cousin), fell down the stairs at work, took an ambulance ride, did all the everyday Mommy stuff and fell in love with life.

4. I graduated college.

5. I started working at a high school that I hope to teach at within a few years.

6. I laughed, smiled, joked, giggled, appreciated and enjoyed. A lot.

7. I realized that my 4 1/2 year old is quite possible the most charming child in the world!

8. I realized my 2 1/2 year old is quite possible the most irresistable character in the world!

9. I read a lot of books, wrote a lot of stories, did some puzzles, read some blogs, caught up on Tivo....you know, geeky things.

10. I became very zen and realized how damn good life is!!!

I've missed everyone, I hope to make blogging a regular part of my week now.