As I’ve blogged about in the past, I met my stepkids after dating their dad for a year and a half…that fateful day was actually in December, 2007 on my 31^st birthday (what a present!) At any rate, we took the path toward getting to know each other one step at a time.  For instance, I’d come over for one of the days on their dad’s weekend with them, so I could gradually become a regular part of their lives.

Well, one of the days I wasn’t there was on Friday, February 29, 2008, the last Leap Day – and now I’m pretty excited I wasn’t. Apparently, on that day, the kids and their dad created a “time capsule” to be opened on the next Leap Day, containing all sorts of things, including individual items, “family” items, and a few surprises for yours truly.

I remember first hearing about the capsule…it was about a year later when the little guy was bursting to open his, not remembering exactly what he had put in it. And as the years have passed, the anticipation has grown so strong for all three kids that their dad has had to lock up the capsule (ha!) The excitement is so great now that even the 14-year-old has been talking about it all January!

And I must say that now that I know the kids so much better (it’s been an awesome four years!), I literally cannot wait to see what’s in store for us this coming Leap Day.

Add a Little Excitement to Your Next Four Years!

As we approach Leap Day 2012, here are some items you can easily gather to create your own time capsule for Leap Day 2016:

- Written personal predictions and hopes (I was fortunate to have a 5^th grade teacher who made us write letters to ourselves, which she mailed to us when we were Freshmen…priceless!)

- Written family predictions and hopes

- Small toys

- Fun pictures

- Ticket stubs

- Stuff that would be just plain fun to “rediscover” after 4 years, like current family jokes, neighborhood stories, hobbies, or even crushes!

Make it as personal, goofy, heartfelt, big, or small as you’d like. No matter what, it will be amazing to see how things have changed – and how they’ve stayed the same – four years from now!

I will report back on the wonderful things we discover inside our mysterious time capsule!

S. Moo
Last-Minute Mom

PS. What types of things do you think would be fun for you and your family to include in your Leap Year Time Capsule?

From Young Adult Health - http://bit.ly/ynC83s

I had an eye opening experience the other night. I went to “High School 101” to learn about the four great years ahead for my stepdaughter (yay high school!) Now, let me start out by saying the school she is going to attend is phenomenal. This is not a rip on the school at all. But as I listened to the faculty discuss college prep courses vs. career readiness courses and tell me to sit down with my student and think about her plan for the future, I had to look around me. Was I at “College 101”? What in the world?! As the presentation continued, I could actually feel the parental anxiety growing in the room. I was sitting there thinking, these poor kids. What are we doing to them? Why are we pushing them so hard into adulthood? If I haven’t been clear, adulthood inevitably means PRESSURE!

As the presentation ended, the faculty wisely said, “We are just giving you the information and the tools. No matter what path your child takes, they will be successful here. Don’t take the stress you are feeling about this and put it on your kids.” Ok, I could take a deep breath, but I could not help but to think that many of the now totally-freaked-out parents around me were going to run home and, in turn, totally freak out their kids.

So here’s the thing: how do we balance the pressure we feel about setting our kids up for future success without taking away their right to have fun while they’re still kids (play is so important that the the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights has recognized it as a right for every child. Read more.)

I don’t have all the answers (jeesh…I’m working on my own pressure issues…please see my last post), but I do believe that it starts by listening to what the high school faculty said: Don’t take the pressure you are feeling from life and dump it onto your kids.

As adults, we’ve been through it. We know the stresses that can go into doing well in school, securing a career, raising a family, etc., etc. but we simply do NOT have to put the pressure we’re feeling on our kids. We can work to control it. Here are some ideas how:

1. Walk away from the kids, and reach out to your friends to vent when the pressure is building

2. Show your kids a balance of play, work, and relaxation by taking time off to actually play and relax WITH them (this will force all of you to unwind)

3. Really listen to what is important to your kids (you may want them to take all the hard classes but perhaps they’d like to balance their homework time so that they can continue to play on a sports team they love)

4. Try not to tell your kids that life only offers one path (I think a lot of people believe that if certain boxes aren’t checked or t’s not crossed, that life will take them down a path on which they will be stuck forever, but remember that this life gives us the ability to reinvent ourselves – over and over. It’s a beautiful thing, and kids should be made aware of it!)

Now to you: Do you have any advice on how to balance future success with present fun?

S. Moo
Last-Minute Mom

I haven’t been feeling too well lately. I’ve been putting way too much pressure on myself, always worried that I should be working later, tweeting more, making more connections, doing better. I’ve been a stress ball. Then 2 “ah ha’s” happened:

“Ah ha” #1. When random marks appeared on my face a few weeks back, I went to a physician. Not only did I have stress-induced Shingles, I (like so many these days) have a Vitamin D deficiency. My doc told me, “You need to relax, get a little sun on your skin, get some more fat in your diet, and have some fun.” (Ok, that may have been some of the best doctor’s orders I’ve ever gotten…ha!)

“Ah ha” #2. I’ve been in Physical Therapy for months for a nerve issue in my arm. As my stress worsens, my arm seems to be getting worse. I went in for my weekly session with the worst pain ever, and here’s what the therapist had to say: “Your body is too stressed. You need to stop being so hard on yourself. Take more breaks, go on walks, and breathe in the happiness around you.” (Ok, that’s two professionals telling me to CALM DOWN!)

When you’re the founder of a children’s company all about playing and happiness, and your doctors are telling you to play more and be happy, you have to take an honest look in the mirror and say: “Practice what you preach, woman!”

I truly believe in the power of happiness. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have started Planet Fassa. Please think about this: when you are happy, you literally cannot help but to spread that happiness to others and draw more to yourself.  As the president of Planet Fassa, I am now pledging to get back to happy – because #happyparents are essential for #happykids.

5 Great Resources to Help You Get Happy!

Here are 5 great resources I pledge to use to get me back to happy. Please check them out and add a comment to share resources you use that help you be happy.

1. Stress Free Kids (@StressFreeKids) – Lori Lite has created a line of books and CDs designed to help children, teens and adults reduce stress, anxiety, and anger. She offers several wonderful items for children and teens, but since this blog is focused on getting us adults in a better place, I recommend the CD Indigo Dreams: Adult Relaxation for simple, guided relaxation.

2. Five Global Values (@FiveValues) – Rakesh Malhotra is an incredible source of inspiration for people from all walks of life. His posts ask thought-provoking questions that serve to inspire, rejuvenate, and motivate you! Check him out to be reminded that “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money, it lies in small little things happening around us every day.” We believe very much in Rakesh’s vision, and are currently highlighting him as a Planet Fassa Featured Friend.

3. 30 Second Mom (@30secondmom) – These ladies are awesome. In 30 seconds or less, they give you wonderful advice that will help you reduce stress from your daily to do’s and create more time for yourself and the things that make you happy, like being present for your kids. I recommend signing up for a personalized tip stream based on the type of advice that would be most helpful for you.

4. Happy Heartbeat Counters (@KidsHappyHearts) – A few weeks ago, Planet Fassa was blessed to be recognized by a group called Happy Heartbeats that is asking all of us to take a moment after we do things that make us feel happy or are good for us and others (like reading or taking a beloved pet for a walk) and upload our happy heartbeats to counters so the world can see POSITIVE numbers going up (vs. numbers like unemployment and the national debt). This movement is new, and we’ll be explaining more about it in weeks to come, but imagine the power people will feel when they log their happiness into counters that the whole world can see!

 5. Planet Fassa’s 52 Weeks of Fun! (@PlanetFassa) – Yes, I’m plugging my own book – because I’ve used it to create breathing moments for my family, and, therefore, some happiness. In it, we’ve given parents an EASY way ONCE A WEEK that they can force themselves to unplug and sit down with their little guys, outside of school, lessons, practices, etc. and do something that helps you all remember what life and play are all about!

Again, please check out these great resources, and tell us about the ones you pledge to use.

Looking forward to being happy with ya!

S. Moo
Last-Minute Mom

This is a great way to start the New Year together. So, if you haven’t (or even if you have!) made a New Year resolution yet – there is still time to start. Pick a night this week to sit down together and tell your family about your intention to set a family resolution together. Get the ball rolling by putting a few ideas out there and then let everyone in the family put in their ideas. You can choose 1 or even 1 from each person! It’s all up to you and your family.

We put together 5 ideas to get you started thinking about what to resolve to do as a family:

Family Ritual Night: This is a blast! You can pick a set ritual (movie & popcorn night, pizza night, family game night) or you can switch it up every time. Resolve to do this once a week, or once a month – whatever works for your family.

Family Morning in Bed: Ahh, morning cuddles are the best. Invite the kiddos to come jump into bed on a relaxing, weekend day and start your day off together talking, giggling, and planning out your weekend.

Date Night Out or In: This is a wonderful thing to do if you have 1 child or multiple. Connect with each of your children individually at least once every month, or couple months. Set aside time for each child and plan something fun. These can be simple things done at home (have a spa day or movie night, cook a meal together, take a long walk, or just sit down and talk!)

Save Items for a 2012 Scrapbook: Get a manilla folder, shoebox, etc., and have your children write their name on the outside. Throughout the year have everyone gather pictures, ticket stubs, wrappers, brochures, etc. (at first your kids may need some suggestions on what to collect.) Be sure to save important stuff of yours as well! At the end of 2012, put together a scrapbook of your year as a family and then leave it out so everyone can enjoy the memories.

Get Outside and Play! We love this one over here at Planet Fassa. Make a pledge to each other to get outside 1 time or 2 times (more is even better!) a month together, no matter what the weather is! If it’s cold and snowy, bundle up and build a snowman. If it’s rainy, grab some umbrellas and boots and go jump in puddles. I love the Norwegian saying, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.“

Family is such an amazing gift, and the simple things you do together are what you and your children will remember best. Any resolution you make will be wonderful, as long as it brings you together. And the best part – maybe your resolution will become tradition!

Enjoy each other.

Kelly
Crazy Crafty Mom 

We look forward to this next year and all there is to come. We wish you a happy and healthy 2012 for you and your family. As a token of our gratitude for you and our excitement for this new year, we have another fun background for your computer!

Click on the image for full-size, then right-click on the image, and save to your computer. Then, set as your desktop wallpaper. Enjoy!

Also, check back with us soon for our simple Family Resolutions ideas for 2012 from Crazy Crafty Mom!

The Planet Fassa Team

Blog 1
Have a laugh with Crazy Crafty Mom as she shows how to inspire good behavior and teamwork in your little ones:

Taking Advantage of the Naughty List, Part 1
Taking Advantage of the Naughty List, Part 2
Taking Advantage of the Naughty List, Part 3 
Taking Advantage of the Naughty List, Part 4

Blog 2
Think about what really matters as Davey talks about how to focus on giving back to the community:

3 Ways to Give Well this Holiday Season

Blog 3
Get the creative and thrifty juices flowing with Go-to-Gal’s 5 simple ways to save:

5 Ways to Cut Back this Holiday Season

Fun Alert! Please enjoy this fun holiday background for your computer from Planet Fassa! Your kids (and you!) will enjoy the extra festivity.

Click on the image for full-size, then right-click on the image, and save to your computer. Then, set as your desktop wallpaper. Enjoy!

Our entire team would like to thank all of you for your support throughout this past year, and we wish you happy and healthy holidays!

The Planet Fassa Team

Yesterday our elves gave us some old stockings they “found” in our home and a ten dollar bill for each of my children. Their task was to take the ten dollars to the dollar store, and purchase a toy and some basic necessities for little boys and girls that don’t have as much as they do.

Geronimo and Alyssa's note! Click to enlarge.

The note finished with,

“I would like you all to go out and fill your stockings with toys and goodies for another little boy or girl. Then have mommy show you a place that you can bring your stocking and give to someone who really needs it. When you do this your hearts will be full of love and the true meaning of Christmas. Have a superb day! – Geronimo & Alyssa” 

They were so thoughtful with everything they picked out.

The kids were more than excited to do this and putting a lot of thought into the items they would buy. They each purchased a hat, gloves, or warm pair of silly socks, and then a toy. Each one of them looked hard to find each item for their child. They never asked for a single thing for themselves and made careful decisions to pick the perfect thing. I was touched.

In the Christmas spirit!

I truly believe that the threat of the Naughty List has really helped my kids to be better citizens. My biggest concern is will this behavior continue without the elves?  I guess I could use the Easter Bunny, Leprechauns and maybe even the Tooth Fairy to help me throughout the year…

Bonus! Right before we left to go to the store we had to wait for a service man to finish his work at our house. My youngest child asked his brother and sister to come up to his room and play ships with him while they waited.  And much to my surprise without a blink of an eye, the three of them traveled upstairs and began to play.  I listened from the foyer with a gigantic smile on my face and almost a tear in my eye. They were sharing, talking through situations, and getting along. It was hard for me to tear them away from playing so we could leave.

See Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of Taking Advantage of the Naughty List

Kelly
Crazy Crafty Mom

For links to all of our holiday themed blogs read Planet Fassa’s Blogs to Get You Through the Holidays!

The Kids Making Gingerbread!

Yay! Working the Naughty list has really helped de-stress my household during the holiday season. Every day that my kids get along they get rewards from their elves. The elves always mention they are proud of the kids and why.

Note from Geronimo - Click to Enlarge

This gives my kids positive reinforcement for the efforts they have been putting in to get along, be respectful, and compromise with each other. They run downstairs every morning to read their notes from the elves, and then promptly run back upstairs to share with me how proud of them Santa and the elves are. The smiles on their faces are priceless.

Geronimo & Gingerbread Kit!

Today our elves delivered a Gingerbread Kit for the kids to do together after school.  They were so excited that they were discussing what their Gingerbread people would look like and who was going to have what job. Wow, with the help of Santa, the elves, and the Naughty List they are learning all about teamwork and working together. I just love it!

See Part 1 and Part 2 of Taking Advantage of the Naughty List.

Kelly
Crazy Crafty Mom 

For links to all of our holiday themed blogs read Planet Fassa’s Blogs to Get You Through the Holidays!

Their Cute Gingerbread People!

Trader's Joes' Holiday Tags

1. Reuse brown paper bags for gift tags. I love Trader Joe’s. This year they printed holiday gift tags all over their brown paper bags – so instead of buying gift tags this year, I’m using these. They are super cute and I love how they look on the gifts. If you don’t have Trader Joe’s where you live, or don’t shop there, you can use plain brown paper bags from your grocer and create cute tags by cutting out different shapes. Decorate the tags with markers, puffy paint, glitter, etc.

Happy Holidays, Davey!

2. Go through what you already have to find something to give to a local charity. It’s important to remember those less fortunate than yourself during the holidays, even when things are tight in your own home. This time of year there are tons of food and present drives. Go through your pantry and find some canned goods you can bring to a food drive. Also, go through your things and your child’s things and find gently used (or never used) items to give to families in need.

Shhhh!

3. Do Secret Santa in a big way. Davey’s side of the family is pretty big (well, compared to my 10 person family – including my extended family) and this year we all decided to do a Secret Santa instead of buying gifts for each family member. We all picked a name and are spending $100 on that one person. This way, we can get each other something nice, rather than spreading it thin to be able to get something for everyone.

Secretsanta.com is a fun site that helps set up a Secret Santa for you!

4. Make “coupon” books for your loved ones. Davey did this for me last year and I loved it. Create a coupon book out of small pieces of paper or cardboard stapled together for someone you love. It can be for anything you want! My coupon book last boasted hand massages, a trip to the movies, a dinner date, and other sweet stuff. It was fun to get and I loved being able to extend Christmas by redeeming my coupons.

I found this cute and easy-to-use site to make your own coupons and print them. Here’s one I did for my stepdaughter.

Easy and cute homemade decorations!

5. Create holiday decorations out of items you already have. This year I wanted to decorate more, but it’s not in our budget to go out and buy a bunch of decorations. Instead I found things I already had around the house. I had these 2 cute lanterns and I filled them with the classic glass ball ornaments in assorted blues and pine cones. I also took a jar I had and filled it with red and green glass ornaments and tied a green ribbon at the top. Another thing my stepdaughter and I did was make our own decorated wreath. Already decorated wreaths can be really expensive so instead we bought a plain wreath (about $5), then added mini ornaments and a cute “Merry Christmas” sign ourselves.

Please share with me another other great ideas you have on ways to save, I can always use tips! I hope you all have a safe, fun, and family-filled holiday and a happy and healthy New Year!

Errin
Go-to-Gal 

For links to all of our holiday themed blogs read Planet Fassa’s Blogs to Get You Through the Holidays!

“For it is in giving that we receive.” - St. Fransis of Assisi

1. With your child, go through their possessions and/or gifts from last year. If they haven’t touched them in the past year (or years), tell them it’s time to pass them along to a child who would love to receive this gift. Whether it’s a donation to a local church or charity, teach your kids about spreading the gifts and the spirit of the season. Talk about the importance of giving back, and praise them for giving back

2. Think about getting your child some useful gifts. Sure, the newest craze may be exciting, and sure “everyone” else has the newest thing, but are they seriously going to play with it more than once or twice? For example, last year we bought her “Color Explosion Spinner” that she had emphatically begged for. She used it twice and it found its new home at the bottom of her closet by February 1st. This is not an easy concept for children (adults even!), but try to find some gifts that your child will really get some use out of, or hold onto for a long time.

3. Try to shop locally for gift-giving and for your child. Instead of overloading on the cheaply, foreign made items – look for great local shops that carry hand-made gifts, as well as gifts that support local laborers.  For example, pottery shops often have fun sessions to make a neat keepsake (or this is something you can do together!) or for older children in your life, maybe they’d like to have a pizza party with dinner supplied by the local pizzeria, or a trip to one of the smaller movie theaters (they do still exist!) Making a book of cool redeemable coupons is also great way to give cool local gifts (see Errin’s post on cutting back this holiday season!) These are gifts that can be enjoyed together and also give back to your community.

Here’s a great article on reasons for shopping locally, “Why Buy Locally Owned?” by Sustainable Connections

These are just a couple ways you can give back and “give well” this year. I’d love to hear any suggestions you have for “giving well.” Have a Happy Holiday, and enjoy your family. That’s what it’s all about!

Davey
Young(ish) Dad 

For links to all of our holiday themed blogs read Planet Fassa’s Blogs to Get You Through the Holidays!