Never Give Up On The Things You Believe

Never give up on the things you believe, whether you want to fly into space or find a cure for disease.  For belief in yourself is where it all begins, when you're alone in the dark or running on mountaintops with the swiftest of winds.

If you believe that you can, there will be no room for doubt, whether running the greatest marathon or eating a tub of sauerkraut.  Your goals will be your own, no one else will compare, the race will be yours to win against the tortoise or the hare.

For belief is the gift you give to your heart, made of magic and inspiration it's where all wonderful things start.  Mix it with sweetness and baseball and dream of the key and all will come running to share what you see.

The greatest of places and most wondrous of things all began so simply without a care in the breeze.  The biggest of trucks and the grandest of cheese would never be with us without this decree.  So reach for the skies and the deepest of seas and remember to never give up on the things you believe.

The Greatest Pony Ride Ever

There don't seem to be many things that fascinate kids more than animals.  Just watching them run around with boundless energy or simply lounging in the sun are an equal amount of fun.  The first time I took my daughter to the zoo it was like entering a magical kingdom and she couldn't get enough.

The monkeys were a big hit.  She could not get enough of them. There was a whole lot of laughter going on and that was coming from all the kids watching, and a few of the monkeys.  My little girl loved the way the mother monkeys would swing around on the trees while their babies would hang on around their bellies.  It was kind of mesmerizing.

However, nothing could prepare us for the sheer joy that was about to engulf our little girl.  About half way through our visit we found the pony ride.  She couldn't run over to get in line fast enough.  All we heard for the next five minutes was how she wanted to get on the white one and how the white one was the prettiest.  We tried to emphasize that it was more important to be the nicest.  I don't think she heard us.

Around and around she went. "This is the greatest pony ride ever!" she called out. She took three more turns.  Afterwards she begged us to get her a pony.  I told her she could start with a little one, that came in a box.  If it was still in one piece after a year, we'd talk about it.

When you're talking great stuff for kids, don't forget about the pony rides.

He Skates, He Shoots, He Scores!!

Remember as a kid how incredible it felt putting on your skates at the beginning of the season.  The excitement you felt in your belly, anticipating those first few steps out onto the ice.  You could feel the chill in the air, maybe see your breath rise up against the sky.

You pulled the laces tight. Real tight.  Sometimes so tight your fingers hurt or the circulation cut off in your feet.  It didn't matter though, it was all worth it.  Those first couple steps out onto the ice.  That was the best because suddenly you were flying without having to leave the ground.  That is some great stuff for kids.  If you have the chance, make sure the kids try some skating.  They tend to be quite fearless and often, they love it.  Great way for the kids to have a great time together as well, away from all those hand held devices.

Who knows, your kid might be the next Gretzky or Kwon or Spicoli.  See you out there.

Cotton Candy Smells Like Great Memories

It never fails that every time I smell cotton candy it takes me back to when I was a kid doing somethng absolutely amazing.  It almost always involved a roller coaster or waterfall at some amusement park.  It is clearly one of the most amazing kid landmarks on the journey of life.

I'll admit cotton candy isn't the greatest for the teeth.  That shouldn't be too difficult to deal with.  It is great stuff for your kids because I guarantee it makes for an amazing time, a memory not soon forgotten and you don't even have to bite the stuff since just putting your tongue on it makes it melt in your mouth. Literally! How great is that?!!

Regular affection with newborns leads to healthy development

Here is some great stuff for kids.  Especially babies!

It has been categorically demonstrated time and time again that by physically caring for a newborn baby, in particular holding a baby's head, that physical contact helps promote healthy brain development in the newborn.

So, next time that baby is crying, don't be afraid to pick them up, hug them and sing them songs.  You are not only caring for the needs of your child, you could be contributing to the development of a future rocket scientist or brain surgeon! 

Who wouldn't want one of those in the family.

"Hey Mrs. Jones, can Billy come out and play?"

"I'm sorry Tommy, Billy is doing his homework right now... on the moon."

Walking On Clouds Can Be Done Everyday

Walking on clouds can be done everyday! During the months of April, September and May! If you hold your head high and smile wide and strong, there is nothing you can't do, nothing can go wrong.

Walking on clouds lifts you above everything below, you move faster and stronger and have meaning as you go. Your legs are like wings, sharing the skies with the birds, the most remarkable things are up there, unlike anything you've heard.

But to walk on the clouds you must go outside, you have to run and jump and play and slide. Be brave and embrace the days as they come, it all awaits you, you're the only one.

For walking on clouds is a gift you see, for the joyous, the friendly and the climbers of trees. It's the great stuff you find in the air everyday, that you pass onto others as you do, share and say.