Surrender and Trust

Hi Everyone,

I am thinking a lot lately about how to adjust to and thrive through this time period we are all in.

I am mostly a positive person, I usually can pull myself back from the brink… at least most of the time.

Lately though, I am finding it more challenging.

I don’t know what your morning practice is… but each morning I spend some time trying to get my mind right. I have a number of motivational and inspirational sites I read, and think on. This helps me try to get my mindset properly focused for the day.

I used to be in the practice of also checking the main news sources, so I would feel informed and aware of what had happened in the world before I woke up.

I am reevaluating that practice…

It’s not that I don’t want to be informed, it’s more like I want to decide how to do that.

I actually have been scrolling through Twitter… here I feel I am more selective about who/what/where I choose to look.

I do though have to acknowledge that periodically this site too, makes me a little crazy!

I am grateful right now to be in a physical place that calms me, and that I feel renews my spirit. It’s our home that we have in a quiet place in the world… and yes, I am so thankful and appreciative of the chance to be here.

We arrived on Wednesday evening … and now that it’s Friday, I feel myself quieting… exhaling, breathing slower, thinking quieter thoughts…

Surrender… Trust.. those are words that I am thinking about a lot.

I saw a post addressing those exact words. And now, as I sit writing, there is s song playing about waiting, trusting and knowing that at the end of the road, there is a pot of gold.

Maybe that’s a little much, thinking there’s a pot of gold at the end of the road… but why not embrace it? If we think there’s nothing but dirt at the end of the road, where’s the fun or hope in that?

I think why not? Why not spend more of our time, trusting and surrendering to the hope and joy that can/will fill our hearts in believing we will find what we need…

We just have to surrender, and trust. Which can be much easier said than done, but I for one and going to begin to practice more… practice surrendering and trusting…

Have each of you noticed, that no matter the amount of worrying you do, it never changes anything? It just zaps you of your joy, and the chance to embrace the moments…

I am not saying we can all just be Zen… I am saying that with each day, as we understand what we can do, and can not do to change, alter, affect life, why not lean into trusting that there is always a force guiding us, even more so, when we are able to let go….

Surrender and Trust….why not?

Until next time,

Pam

Have you ever?

Hi all,

Have you ever, despite your good intentions, and positive thinking, and mindset… still felt stuck?

Well… that’s where I am at today.

Lots of people tell me “You’re such a positive happy person”… and generally I am, but like everyone, sometimes I have a sad day, precipitated by the most menial thing… which is happening today.

There are so many good things in my life, and for that I am always and constantly grateful. Yet, sometimes as I am working through life, and trying hard to keep the right… (judgy word) perspective… I just have to allow myself the time to cry, to be sad, to feel allllllll the feelings.

Life is an ever evolving story for all of us…

So, if you’re having a harder day, or when you have a harder day, be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to just go with all the feelings.

You will feel better for it, and as we all know, it too will pass.

Until next time,

Pam

Guest Blog Post: How You Can Prepare Your Child for Summer Camp

Photo via Pixabay

I am sharing this article from Emily Graham of the Mighty Moms blog.

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It’s probably the season children look forward to most. Summer means freedom, exploration, play, and being outside. And if your children are going to summer camp, you may want to take the time to prepare them with safe and active outdoor explorations.

Play in the Backyard

Sometimes, kids just want to play. A great way to introduce them to being outside is to get them active with backyard games. Potato sack, scavenger hunt, and cornhole are great classics. Once you've figured out which games to play, make sure you prep the yard for maximum safety and fun. If you don't have a fence, now is a good time to get one installed. Know the average costs of installing a fence ahead of time to help you stick to your budget; for example, a wooden fence costs an average of $16 per foot, while a vinyl fence costs around $30 per foot. With these prices in mind, gather estimates from highly-rated fence companies, which you can find on websites like Angi. That way, you'll get the best possible offer and service.

Outdoor Crafting

Another great way to have kids spend active time outside is by making outdoor crafts. You can weave tree tapestries together to hang around your neighborhood or in your backyard. Come up with stories about your tapestries to make it even more fun. Are they fairy catchers? Are they butterfly beds? Ask your child what they are designing theirs for. You can bake pebble plaques by going out and collecting stones to then bake into “plaques,” and create different designs in your dough. These sorts of tasks double as fun but also may mirror some of the crafts they do at an outdoor camp.

Explore the Outdoors Together

Sometimes, simple exploration can lead to unforeseen adventures. Bring binoculars, a magnifying glass, and perhaps a butterfly net. Discover what kinds of bugs you can find, but also look out for unique birds. This activity is a fantastic way to encourage your child to explore, observe, and learn how to be active outside and have fun. You can let your child guide your little group, and give them a taste of independence.

Go Camping

What better way to prepare your children for camp than to take them camping? Start by looking at what campgrounds are near to your home, so if something goes wrong, going home isn’t a hassle. The closer you are to the city, the easier things may be. Instead of having to roast your dinner over a campfire, you can potentially order takeout to be delivered or picked up on the way. Involve your children in assembling the camp gear itself. Have them pitch the tents, with help where they need it, or have them set up the sleeping bags or inflatable mattresses. If you’re going to be cooking at the campground, have the kids help. They can gather twigs and sticks to use as kindling, and help assemble the meal once it has been cooked.

Play With the Environment

One way to involve kids in the outdoors is to simply let them entertain themselves outside. Nature provides its own toys for our kids, and they are creative and imaginative enough to find ways to have fun in their environment. Digging a hole can quickly turn into making a fort. Trees with low branches are great for climbing. Allow your children the ability to explore for themselves to have fun, but be sure to always supervise.

Children today often find themselves indoors for the bulk of their time. It’s important to teach and prepare them on how to go outside and be in nature. Camp is a great experience, but make sure you take the time to teach your child how to feel comfortable and safe in the great outdoors.

The Importance of Children’s Books!

Remembering Eric Carle

Eric Carle has passed away… a sad day for all lovers of children’s books.

When I was a young teacher barely out of college, I was teaching elementary school in Dayton, Ohio. Every summer, as part of our teaching contract, we had to complete continuing education hours.

I love, love, love Children’s Books! So when I found out that Eric Carle would be offering a two-day seminar on Children’s Picture Books, their importance, and his unique art process, I was thrilled!

The seminar was in Cincinnati, Ohio… so an easy drive from Dayton. I remember still the morning I woke up to drive down for the day, and the anticipation I felt! My husband and I were newly married, and it was so exciting to be living in a new state, and starting all the parts of our life together. Exploring new adventures and beginning our careers.

As I drove to the seminar, I wondered if I would have the nerve to talk with this wonderful man. I had been enamored with his art, and his process since I learned about him in my college Children’s Literature course.

He did not disappoint!

During the two days I was lucky enough to spend with him, he delighted all of us with his stories and his art…. He even let us try his process! ( I discovered I was not an artist… ) We discussed how he wrote and why… I remember him saying he loved to delight Children… with art and words.

Boy, did he do that!

I think everyone knows his story The Hungry Caterpillar. This iconic book, and the many others he wrote, delight and inspire children all across the world, as his books are translated into a number of other languages. The Hungry Caterpillar alone is translated into 40 languages. Imagine the reach that gives him and his words!

"The Mixed up Chameleon," by Elena S., age 6
Inspired by Eric Carle's Mixed Up Chameleon

As I think about stories, the way they are crafted, the importance they hold… it makes me again realize how valuable they are to children. Children’s books touch children’s hearts, provide them with vivid imaginative process, comfort and delight, as well as teach them the importance of the written word.

I always say that once a child can read, the whole world opens up to them! A book can take you anywhere… show you new worlds and inspire kids to try new things! Let’s all remember to appreciate the value of time spent reading to children… big and small. Go find a good one, settle in with a favorite child on your lap, or just choose to smile yourself!

Happy reading!

Guest Blog Post: New Parent? These Top Apps Can Come in Handy

Photo via Pexels

I am sharing this article from Emily Graham of the Mighty Moms blog because I know that new mothers can use all the help they can get during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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As new parents, you know time has taken on a new meaning. You want time to slow down to enjoy every moment of your baby's life, and you want other parts of your life to speed up so you can spend more time with your new family. While nothing can be quite as valuable as reading books to your child, these five apps can also prove useful during your parenting journey. 

WebMD Baby

What new parents don't have questions at two in the morning when their baby spikes a fever? WebMD Baby has an extensive library of medically-approved content related to baby and toddler care, and it offers tracking tools for feeding, nursing, and sleep schedules. The app makes it easy to look for answers as you pace the floor or rock your baby to sleep. Instead of combing the internet, use the WebMD Baby app to get the answers you need as quickly as possible.

Cozi Family Organizer

Many new parents find that they’re no longer as organized as they were before parenthood. The Cozi Family Organizer is designed to help fix that. Through the app, you can manage schedules and activities on a virtual calendar, create grocery lists, and share to-do lists. There's even a recipe box that lets you schedule meals directly on the calendar. Your family can also access the calendar so that everyone is on the same page with coordinated tasks.

Wonder Weeks Milestone Memories

The Wonder Weeks Milestone Memories app tracks your baby's development with pictures! Milestone Memories, a sibling to the Wonder Weeks app, follows the Wonder Weeks guide to track your baby's development for the first 20 months of life. Using pictures, you can document all your baby's firsts and put them together in a timeline of memories. Years later, you will be able to see your baby’s first reactions to food, for instance.

Baby Monitor 3g

If you have two phones, tablets, or computers, you have the start of a video baby monitor. Just add the Baby Monitor 3G app, and you can securely transfer live video from your baby's room to your smart device or computer. The Night Light feature lets you see your baby after the lights are out. The app means you don't have to fit a traditional monitoring system into your travel bags or remember to take it with you for a day with grandma.

Babytime

Babytime is a dedicated app for tracking a baby's schedule. Whether you breastfeed, bottle feed or both, Babytime tracks when, how long, and how much. Record sleeping information to track sleeping patterns to see when and for how long your baby sleeps. You will need to track diaper changes to make sure your baby is eating enough. With the late nights and frequent feedings, it is hard to remember what happened when. Babytime can make it easier by showing trends and highlighting patterns. 

Protecting Your Device

You've got the phone, and you've got the apps. You're feeling pretty good about this new parent thing. Then, you drop your phone while bathing your baby. Or maybe you let your little one hold your phone while you change a diaper — until the phone ends up in the diaper. What about those counter spills or sticky hands that somehow end up on your phone? These incidents are a recipe for disaster, so consider purchasing a new case for your phone. There are several options, including slim cases for a less clunky appearance and hardshell cases that prevent your device from getting damaged during imminent falls. Not to mention, a new case will also make your phone look more aesthetically pleasing.

These parenting apps are designed for a specific purpose; there's no need to pay for an all-in-one app that falls short or is so hard to navigate that it takes forever to find what you were looking for. Any of these apps can help you make the most of parenthood and allow you to better enjoy this new chapter with your little one.

While these apps can come in handy, the most valuable tool you can have in your repertoire is books! Stock up on educational and fun children's literature such as Pam Saxelby's books.

Gaining Traction

One of the recent pieces I wrote was about Personal Renaissance and a path to renewal after this past year.

I think we are gaining traction…

We have more vaccines daily, people are reemerging, shots are in more peoples arms, and we are finding a path forward.

Like many of you, I have tried to be open to new ideas and new ways forward.

To that end, I have been sharing blog posts and ideas with a fellow blogger. She has some insights into how to turn some of this reflective time and inward view into renewal and new opportunities … I am excited to share her newest guest post with all of you.

And, on my end, I now have some visibility into my newest work The Right Monster for Reese which is being published by a new publisher, Vinal Publishing Inc. I am excited for this new beginning in my author life, and look forward to sharing it with you. It’s a story of a young girl who emerges in a playful and loving way from a time of the doldrums with joyful love from her wonderful Dad. I think this is something that will resonate with all of us… how to care for those we love, including ourselves, and find joy and happiness after the rain.

So stay tuned, and stay tuned into all the new beginnings, options for renewal, rebirth, and joy that will present for all of us in the coming months! Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog Post: Tips for Starting a Business With a Baby on Board

Photo from Pixabay

I am sharing this article from Emily Graham of the Mighty Moms blog because I know that expecting mothers can use all the help they can get during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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You decide to start a family and a business at the same time. While you may experience a few hesitations and reservations, you have what it takes to make both dreams a reality. To better navigate the waters of uncertainty, here are several insights from author Pam Saxelby to help you settle into pregnancy and parenthood while laying the foundation for your new enterprise. 

A great way to spend time with your new baby in your off hours is to read him or her Pam Saxelby’s beloved books! Buy your copies of The Great Grace Escape, Josie the Great, and Max and Bear on her website or add them to your registry.

Prepare Throughout the Pregnancy

If you have yet to welcome your baby into the world, spend the pregnancy getting set up for success. Depending on the business, that may mean funneling more money into an emergency savings account in case you need to devote more time than anticipated to your infant. Do you think you may need to spend more hours at home than in the office for the first few months after your baby arrives? If so, set your company up so you can run things from your home without the business operations or your employees suffering.

Tell Your Employees and Clients About the News

Your clients and employees deserve to know about your new baby. That way, your clients or customers can decide if they may want to either take their business elsewhere or delay projects or services with you until a later date. Sharing the news of your baby may bring in business since your customer base could feel more connected to you by learning such a personal detail of your life. 

Form an LLC

Do you want to establish a home-based business? If so, consider forming an LLC. With this arrangement, you experience flexibility, don't have as much paperwork to maintain, enjoy limited liability and can benefit from tax advantages. This business structure allows you to free up time and resources that you can devote to bonding with your baby. Because states have different requirements for establishing an LLC, research the latest regulations in your geographic location before moving forward. Consider using a formation service like Zen Business to save even more time and sidestep expensive legal fees. You can register your company online, or if you feel more comfortable having someone talk you through the steps and everything you’ll need, speak to a representative. The Zen Business phone number is 1-844-4-ZENBIZ (1-844-493-6249).

Create a Routine

Both babies and businesses benefit from routines. If you're still waiting for your bundle of joy, create the beginnings of a loose system to give yourself an idea of where you need to make time adjustments when it comes to caring for your company and baby. This routine may change as you get to know your baby and learn how your business operates on a daily basis. Learn what to prioritize, what you may want to delegate to someone else and what you could eliminate from your routine and schedule entirely.

As GoDaddy notes, think about your baby's sleeping and feeding schedule and decide how you can use it to get work done. For instance, while your baby naps, you can respond to an email or return a phone call. It may take a bit to learn the times your baby usually sleeps and wants to feed, so give yourself space and patience to adjust.

You do not have to choose between having a baby and having a business, not when you can do both simultaneously. See how these tips work for two of the most important things in your life.

Santa is Good for Any Time of Year!

Life can be full of fun coincidences!

I am excited to be collaborating with Rich Sulzer on his YouTube efforts to create content for kids that excites them about reading.

I met Rich through his wife Bette, who I got to know completely outside of education. She was our contact person at a financial advisor we have worked with for years. After The Great Grace Escape was written and published, she said her husband, who has worked as a performer for many years, was interested in the story. Rich contacted me, and the result is this fun and whimsical video that I hope you enjoy with kids everywhere!

Please tune in and support Rich’s efforts to provide stories and songs for children everywhere! We can all use some extra fun and joy right now…especially our children!

Thanks for watching!

Guest Blog Post: Pregnancy and the COVID-19 Pandemic — How to Help Expecting Mothers

I am sharing this article from Emily Graham of the Mighty Moms blog because I know that expecting mothers can use all the help they can get during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Pregnant women have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. From trying to plan for an unstable future to taking extra precautions to stay safe at doctor’s appointments, expecting mothers have faced one challenge after another. If you have a pregnant friend or relative, you can give her the support she needs. Whether you’d like to gift her a children’s book by Pam Saxelby or help her connect with the right midwife, these tips will inspire you to reach out!

Finding New Ways to Celebrate

Does your loved one really have to cancel classic milestone celebrations? Nope — you can work together to come up with alternatives!

• Offer to host a baby shower online for your loved one, It’s a safe option compared to an in-person gathering.

• Your loved one can even take her baby’s gender reveal online with these creative ideas for a virtual party!

• Does your loved one need a way to commemorate these milestones? Help her put together a pregnancy scrapbook.

Planning for Her Due Date

Your loved one may be nervous about coming up with a birth plan. With advice from her doctor and trusted friends, she can feel confident as her due date approaches.

• The pandemic may have encouraged your loved one to research the possibility of giving birth at home. Talk to her about whether she’s a good candidate.

• If your loved one isn’t interested in home birth but feels hesitant about a hospital birth, suggest that she look into local birthing centers.

• Is your loved one looking for a midwife? Recommend any professionals you know in your area.

• Your loved one may want additional assistance during her final weeks of pregnancy and labor. Get her in touch with a reputable doula.

Giving Generous Gifts

If you want to make your loved one smile, it’s time to get to work picking out the perfect pregnancy gifts!

• Your loved one will definitely want to read her new little one, so consider buying a few children’s books!

• Will your loved one be giving birth in a hospital? Collect items for a hospital gift basket that you can send in.

• Every mom needs some comfortable underwear — if you’re close enough with your loved one, surprise her with a cute pair!

For many pregnant women, this pandemic has been a time of uncertainty and confusion. If one of your loved ones is expecting, your support will mean the world to her. By reaching out and offering your help, you can brighten her day. Keep in mind that everyone has their own process and judgment is not part of any point of this article. Please find a way to offer support that suits the lifestyle of both you and the expectant mother.

Looking for the perfect children’s book to give the mother-to-be in your life? Check out the adorable books by author Pam Saxelby! Browse the collection on her website today.

Photo via Pexels

Transparency, Science, Biology, Love

Lately, as we all know, there’s a lot going on in this world.

I wonder… how do we take good care of children right now? Not just their bodies, more specifically, their minds and hearts. How are they doing? How are they feeling? Can we help them better?

It’s hard enough to process the facts and events of a pandemic, a time unforseen by all but a few, as an adult.  I can’t imagine how challenging it must be for kids… especially the littler ones (say 2 on up) to make sense, to understand in a way that they can process.

As a Mom, and now also a Grandmother, I think about the conversations to have. How to chat  with kids about all our current realities.

When I wrote my last book, The Great Grace Escape, one of my goals was to embrace a subject that people, especially adults, can feel uncomfortable with when talking with children. The topic of childbirth, and how babies come to be.

At the end of the book, after the story is done, I have a Guide for Parents with some ideas and suggestions for how to continue the conversation. 

I suggest talking honestly and openly about how babies are made, and where they come from at an age appropriate level. Answer questions children have. They will show you what they want to know, for now.  They might not be ready for any of the specifics quite yet… they’ll let you know. Our youngest daughter was quite ready when she was 5. Our son, not until he was 11.

Lead with love, and use science and biology as your factual guides. 

Science, biology and love…. All interconnected! So use these three subjects as a tools to honestly talk with children about important topics.

Right now, we are in an age where Science has amazed me!

While trying to help kids understand and feel less uncertain about this time we are in, discuss how Science has worked hard and quickly to help us find answers and ways out of this pandemic. A vaccine in less than a year!  Whoop, whoop, whoop!!!  Thank you Science for understanding biology and the process of disease to be able to create this life-saving tool.

Leading with love and talking honestly with children builds trust and comfort. Respecting children by talking openly and clearly with them helps them feel safe. Parents build an open, honest ongoing conversation with your kids. Demonstrate they can find the answers to the questions they have by talking with you… that’s how we help.

Lead with love, use science, use biology, use whatever fact-based information you need. 

Your kids will thank you.

 Actually, the whole world will!