Theme for the Year: JOY!

Yes, I know we're past the 1st of January when I should have already had a theme, lots of books and crafty ideas, and generally had the entire 365 days planned. But, that didn't happen (what with flu that wouldn't leave our house, a new puppy, Christmas with little folks who still "believe", and the general mayhem of being stuck inside with sub-zero temps outside).

But enough moaning about what "could have been". Onward, and (hopefully) upward!

So, my theme for this year is JOY! Seeking, finding and taking joy in everything we do, in everyone we meet and everywhere we go .... JOY.

There is a Christian-poster I once saw that spelled out how to achieve JOY ...

putting Jesus first

then Others next

then Yourself last

As a focusing theme for the "littles" and our home-learning environment, I turned to my friends at 4real for inspiration. One thread that Susan posted had the perfect subject line: A Magical Childhood! Doesn't that sound wonderful? Creating an environment where each child's formative years are focused on the magic and wonder of each day ... finding God's magic in different spots ... creating an environment where each child can find his/her own magic and making memories while learning! Doesn't that sound wonderful?

Susan's 4real post pointed me to a website called, A Magical Childhood, where the site-owner shares her motive for her site:

This site was born out of my desire to share ideas and celebrate
the neat parents out there. In an age when kids are getting scoliosis from
toting home such heavy backpacks and people are trying to teach their infants
French, I thought it was high time there was a place that focused on plain old
happy, goofy, silly, leisurely life for our children.

Over the next week, I'll be posting some of my ideas of how we'll focus on JOY this year and also how we'll be creating a "magical childhood" environment here in our home. If you have any comments, suggestions, or even criticisms, please post in the comments below ... I'll need all the help I can get!

Happiest of New Years to you all!