Perfect Place to Read

Today, I'm searching for the perfect place to read ...... ahh, think I found it.

Magic MOMents

"Every day, God gives us, as well as the sun, a moment when it is possible to change anything that is causing us unhappiness. The magic moment is the moment when a “yes” or a “no” can change our whole existence. Every day, we try to pretend that we do not see that moment, that it does not exist, that today is the same as yesterday and that tomorrow will be the same too. However, anyone who pays close attention to his day will discover the magic moment. It might be hidden in the instant that we put the key in the door in the morning, in the moment of silence after supper, in the thousand and one things that appear to us to be the same. This moment exists, a moment in which all the strength of the stars flows through us and allows us to perform miracles." - Paulo Coelho

There are so many magic moments to discover in Motherhood. I call them MOMents -- the MOMents every mother lives for. . . MOMents that melt our hearts, take our breath away, and warm our souls. . . magic MOMents spent with those little people who mean so much to us. . .

My magic MOMent shown here happened on a day this summer when our weekly preschool nature program was cancelled unexpectedly. We were so excited to show up at the park that day to learn about "Butterflies." When we realized upon arrival the park ranger could not meet with us because of a family emergency, my daughter and I set out to discover Butterflies on our own. Wouldn't you know -- there was not a single butterfly in sight!

Instead, we discovered a beach at the park we had never seen. We met a fisherman who let us peek in his bucket to see his daily catch. We were startled by a stingray (called Skates up here on the Chesapeake, according to our friendly fisherman) jumping along the surface of the water. (My daughter now giggles every time she sees a skate.) We skipped along the beach, wrote in the sand, and stopped for a rest on the most peaceful bridge we could find.

I love how sometimes our favorite memories are the ones created when our plans fall through, when life presents us with a detour that leads to beautiful journey of discovery. . . A magic MOMent indeed.

Junior Ranger Rules! National Park Program for Kids

“I, [child's name], am proud to be a National Park Service Junior Ranger. I promise to appreciate, respect, and protect all national parks. I also promise to continue learning about the landscape, plants, animals and history of these special places. I will share what I learn with my friends and family.”

Several years ago, while searching for ways to keep our sons actively engaged during our family vacations, we learned about the Junior Ranger program offered at National Parks across the country. These programs invite children to become a part of the National Park family through the completion of educational activities during park visits. Once a Junior Ranger has completed his activities and discussed what he (or she) has learned with a Park Ranger, he earns a Junior Ranger badge. My children have earned several of these badges -- after our years of moving and traveling during our military life.

An excerpt from my son's scrapbook shares how enriching the Junior Ranger experience was for our family:

"The summer of 2004 was one you will always remember! During our visits to Mesa Verde, Arches, and Grand Canyon National Parks, you became a Junior Ranger. You were completely in your element as you explored nature, completed assignments, and soaked up as much knowledge as you could about the Parks we visited. You took your job very seriously! I was so impressed with how you took responsibility for the environment, learned from the experience, and loved every minute of it. You should be very proud of yourself! We certainly are!"

Tools for the Trail: Or What Ranger Andrew carried each day.

1. Bottled Water - Lots of It!

2. Sunglasses

3. Magnifier

4. Nature Guide

5. Sunscreen

6. Trash Bag

7. Pen and Notebook

8. Good Walking Shoes

9. Can Do Attitude

Some Ranger Rules -- things to remember for the trip:

Stay on Trail! The cryptobiotic soil is alive! If you walk on it, it dies. It takes 50-250 years to grow back!

Keep the trails clean.

Help your brother along the way.

Visit the National Park Service website to learn more about Junior Ranger programs.