iAmKidPresident.com

Who doesn't like cute and Grover?  And more cute?!

The organization IamKidPresident.com is running a campaign called Socktober.  The idea is to fill socks with hygiene goods and leave them for homeless people this month.

I love the idea!  My daughter Reagan would love to fill socks.  She's like that!  She also could have written and acted in the video above.  I love her for that!

Music Moment Monday

photo by SMW

Here are the pictures from the Hey Gracie gig.  It was a post Valentines Dance.  The music was great.  Wish you were there!

We would love to see you out at the next gig.

Parenting in the 21st century

some really great kids

So we've had this conversation a little bit before.  I just wanted to revisit it.  A friend of mine is a teacher at a private school.  She is uber frustrated at how entitled the kids act today, not to mention how they want to be entertained all the time.  Here at hour house, we have a wee problem of 'I'm bored' at our house.  

I made up a list of things to do when a certain child says this lovely phrase.  My reply "Go read the list.  If you don't like anything on it, fine.  But, go find something to do that doesn't involve a screen."  It worked for awhile.  Now we are back to ground zero.  Ugh.

I read this article about how one family raised their 12 kids. My hands are clapping for their good efforts of creating an independent child-raising atmosphere.  Boss Moss and I have done a good portion of these, even down to the college bit.However, we did help them for one year of college.   Did you like the bit about giving their child a car? I thought this would be cool thing to do.  

Since we are experiencing a family crisis we might not be able to afford to pay for weddings, cars, or college in the future.  We'll see what the future brings.

Then I read this really intriguing article about 7 crippling parenting behaviors.  Um, a little guilt twinge felt here.  I'm trying to grow leaders here, but hard to do.  Any ideas on how to get kids busy without spending a ton of money???

I would love your thoughts,

In harmony,
Leslie

Music Moment Monday

photo credit

"There was no one near to confuse me, so I was forced to become original."

I've been saying this all day, like my mantra.  Just sayin' there's nothing wrong with following, especially when you follow well.  We need to artists that follow because then someone, usually a frustrated artist will break away from the pack and create a legacy.

Thank you Master Haydn for showing us that being away from the crowd and confusion is ok.  Being alone can create art so tasty.

This quote is so juicy I can't get over it!!  What are your thoughts about having space to create?

Tuesday Music Video

Thanks to my friend Jen for sharing this meaningful video for today.  This is how I want my 2014 to look- not a typhoon, mind you- but finding more ways to help others.

Have a great night tonight, enjoying your family and friends!  See you on the flipside of 2014!

In harmony,

Leslie

Elf on the Shelf

simplymusicwise.blogspot.com

This is Boss Moss's Elf on the Shelf from the 1960's when he grew up.  My children and I claim that it is 'scary'.  Hence, we've never displayed it before.  You may thing that is scroogish- but if you were to walk through your house at 2 a.m. and see that face, what would you do?  I would probably scream!

If you've seen the popular book Elf on the Shelf, it can be a fun tradition.  This version even includes a skirt if you want to make your elf a 'she'!  Very appropriate for a house full of girls!

Now, if you are an elf-lover, you might get an elf costume to use on those special occasions- like a white elephant party at your mother-in-law's house.

Do you have an elf on the shelf tradition?  My mom always had us put our shoes by our door and put oranges in them in the morning.  She called it the good fairy, but we were never fooled.

Teaching your kids to eat healthy!

This is an average day at the Moss house, and many homes I know.  Teaching our kids about food: how to make good choices, where food really comes from (like Nature!), planting a garden, looking for local sources of food, and on and on.  It's a real hunt out there for good food and it's a teaching/learning process to show our American kids what Healthy is!

I happened upon a blog that had a HUGE explosion of discussion over this topic.  Get your hot water boiling now for hot chocolate, pull up a chair and read the comments- I found them extremely interesting!

First, I want to thank my mother for teaching me good eating habits.  She purposefully introduced us to unusual and healthy foods- like artichokes and lobster, red cabbage and sauerkraut.  We didn't always like it, but we were learning that there is a world of foods out there.

I'm doing the same with my children.  Have I forced them?  No.  Some have embraced healthy choices, others haven't.  But they can't come back and say I didn't show them or cook for them a healthy fare.  I've spent the better part of 24 years laboring over menu plans, shopping, and searching for healthy recipes.

For example, a friend and I went to an Asian/Indian grocery store.  I've seen a lot of strange fruits and vegetables but this one had new furry, blobby looking fruits I'd never seen.  And everything looked delicious and natural.  Not pumped up, fakey, warehouse looking produce!  We came away with samples of new food, spices for new healthy experimental dishes, ready to show our family that healthy is an adventure!  Nutrition Taught!!

Let me know your thoughts on teaching your children to be healthy!!  Many of you are concerned I know, and most of us are trying to be better than what we were shown.  Let's help each other out with a new legacy of teaching our children to choose healthy.

In harmony,

Leslie

Thanksgiving and Giving and Legacy

Boss Moss and I have been thinking about giving a lot lately.  But, first we've been really pondering Thanksgiving- not the holiday, but the action!

Giving thanks isn't always easy.  Ok, sure, people do it for days, even a year, on facebook.  It seems easy and can be easy to write down.  But, how Thankful are we.  Do we stop buying mindless crap, and give that money instead to someone else?  Do we hug our kids a little more and bless each day that they are alive? Do we erase 1 mindless thing we do with our time and replace it with something meaningful? (For example, take away one 30 min. tv show and spend that time giving service).

This isn't meant to be preachy...we've just changed our thinking and actions lately.  We've cut out a few things and WOW has it freed up time and we don't miss that surplus activity that didn't really matter.

Have you ever tried to change your routine?  Have you found more meaning being Thankful + Giving?

I love the above video.  I like how the lady was real at first- she said Giving for her didn't mean much until she put a purpose label with it.

At our house, we are trying really hard to change ourselves into Givers, not takers.  We also want to be Thankers.  In my mind, I think this is how you start the process of creating a legacy.  Legacy making takes time, action, and thought.  They aren't easy to do.  But they are worth it.

What did you think of the video above?

In harmony,
Leslie

Happy Veteran's Day

My Dad is the 2nd one from the right

photo credit

I attended the best Veteran's day assembly last Friday at Kent Prairie elementary.  You know, the parents or friends who are in the military come as a representative of different military;  each grade sings a military type song; the principle gives a little talk to thank the veteran's.  If you haven't been to a school in the U.S. of A. then get yourself to an elementary school around Veteran's Day.  You'll need kleenex.

This year 2 things struck me.  The kids that sang knew all the words and sang with feeling and gusto.  Yes, that's a tribute to their music teacher (go Mrs. Breon!).  But, that means they also understood the words and were able to put an emotion behind what they were singing.

Second, Mr. Olson, the principle, reminded the kids to talk to their family or friends who served in the U.S. military.  They have amazing stories....and once they are gone, no one will know their experience.  Those stories are the backbone of our country and what makes us free and the home of the brave.

I want to thank my Dad, for serving as a Navy Pilot during the 1950's.  Not a real happy time to serve, for him or my mother.  

Enjoy this day to reflect what service, peace, and country mean.

In harmony,

Leslie

More comedy in life!

I think comedy can be a legacy!  Some people have it and most people don't!  So if you're inclined to be comedic PLEASE pass it on to your kids.  

I think we are all in love with the Bisque Man- and this episode is too precious!

What are your favorite Studio C episodes?

A home in Space- Legacy

photo credit

As a kid, I was entranced with space.  I actually told everyone I wanted to be an astronaut.  That is knee-slapping hilarious, because I soon found out that science wasn't my strong hold and I'm more of a history/language kind of gal.  So much for dreaming.  That doesn't keep me from loving everything space though.  When we lived back East, we spent most of our weekends at the Air and Space Museum.  Sometimes, I wish my kids could have that experience.  I have very fond memories of that place and all that I learned.

Enjoy as you read about an astronaut Mom in space!  This is incredible to me.  Not sure if I could stomach leaving my kids that long.  But, what an experience!  Have you done anything this far-reaching?  Or rather far-reaching for you?

Tuesday Video

Since I did a repeat of Lindsay Sterling on Tuesday Music Video, I felt like I owed you.  This isn't a music video, but it is comedy!  And we all need a laugh every day.  At the Moss house, we watch this specific episode often and all the other Studio C episodes. ( Did you think we'd watch an episode about junk food?  Nah!)

Studio C is a BYUTV version of Saturday Night Live, but clean.....clean in only the way that a true mormon likes comedy.  We are known for being VERY silly (that happens when you don't drink, smoke, or party).

Here is another one of our favorite episodes, it might become a regular at your house too.

In harmony,
Leslie

Unknown French Filmmaker- Legacy

Africa and Reagan

Drill in the Village, July 2013

Reagan has been back for a month now, but we've been busy reconnecting, saying goodbye to Eden for 6 months, and playing as a family.  We still haven't heard all of her Africa stories- there is SO MUCh to tell.  Let's start at the beginning.  You might remember the fundraiser that started it all, way back in April.  That feels LONG AGO.  Thank you again for everyone that helped, participate, and donated for the drill!  

Reagan getting Drill ready

expedition group getting drill ready to transport

Reagan with the finished drill

villagers happy to enjoy clean, easy to access water right at home

Wholives.org drill helps lives change

Reagan participates in the drilling

villagers help with the drill

As you can see, the WhoLives village drill changes lives for the better!  Reagan loved helping the people of the village get a dream come true- clean and accessible water!  Can you imagine, not understanding 'water from the tap'?  We are blessed.

Come back in a few days to see how American kids tried hauling 40-50lbs of water.  No small feat?
Does clean water seem like an important issue to you?  Tell me your thought.

Simple travel tips for Jackson Hole, WY

 playing disc golf at Teton Village mountainside

If you are ever in Jackson Hole, WY, you'll want some tips to do the 'not usual' activities.  There is SO MUCH to do there.  Most families tour Yellowstone National Park and downtown Jackson Hole*, then call that enough.   Of course that should be sufficient because of the 'aweness' factor of God's creations in this national park. Even the tree hugger in us must admit that it's a lot of nature to behold in a few days or a week.

However, don't scratch hiking off your Jackson list because you've seen "enough" nature. Otherwise, you'll be missing out totally. On your glorious hike, chances are you'll meet people from all over the world, and even some that know your little town (which is what happened to us, someone knew little Arlington, WA and a person that lived here).  So cool! The picture below is of Taggart Lake.  You'll need to drive into Teton National Park (pay park fee) and then less than five minutes later look for signs and a parking lot for Taggart and Bradley lakes.  Less than 5 miles round trip of hiking includes gorgeous wildflowers like Indian Paintbrush, stunning mountain views, and crystal clear water to cool your hot feet in.  Sheer Joy!

Just like any destination, there are pricey activities, but some are closer to free. Go to Teton Village,about 12 minutes drive west of downtown Jackson.  This place has all the pricey events galore.  Sidestep some of the expensive stuff if you want and take a peek in the hotel lobbies. It's like walking into Bavaria, Germany.  Then, head over to the Outdoor Gear place over by the bungee jump.  Inside that store, next to the register, they have discs for disc golf.  A little known fact is that you can play for free on the mountain.  You will need to buy a set (to keep) for $30.  This includes 3 discs that normally would be $18 each.  The course is a good one hour to one and a half hour round trip hike with throwing a disc at  a metal basket which is the 'whole'.  You have a score card and a map to show you where all the baskets are.  We loved the game, not to mention watching all the intense mountain bikers come down the mountain, and the stunning vistas.   I just found out that my town has its own disc golf course- who knew? The first picture in this long post is of Pierce and his cousin Sam playing their round.  Eden and I spent most our time looking for our discs in the forest :)

Next, on your packing list, bring your life jackets and your blow-up floaties.  Tourists spend a chunk of change on floating down the Snake River with a river guide.  You can do it on the cheap.  On your way to Teton Village, west from downtown Jackson, (there is only 1 road) right after the bridge out over the Snake River, hang a quick left and you'll see where the locals park near the side of the bridge.  Walk north along the river about 200-300 yards then float back down to the bridge.  Repeat.  Get cool.  Have loads of fun.

Listen up!  This hike is COMPLETELY free.  No park pass and no special equipment needed.  In town, SnowKing ski hill is a busy hike....meaning lots of people are doing it.  Why?  Because it's an excellent work out you can do fast, the view is amazing, and it's a great place to catch some sun. But beware- you out of towners- this hike is hard. For us, sea level folks, you will be sucking wind and taking stops.  My sister was very kind to put up with my huffing and puffing up the hill.  In fact, it did cross my mind to take the ski lift down after the hike up.  Who does that anyway?  Going down is the best part! 

Wow, if you have made it to the end of this post, you deserve a treat!  Here is my virtual brownie for you!!   Now really what's better than brownies for an almost 12 year old boy?? Shooting guns with his older cousin!  Mucho gracias to Ben for letting Pierce throw clay pigeons and shooting guns at all hours of the day.  He's hooked!

 

 

 

Your trip to Jackson, WY can be spectacular with nature and a few fun inexpensive events to sprinkle into the beauty of the earth! 

 

In harmony,

Leslie

 

 

* FYI the locals don't call it Jackson Hole, they distinguish themselves by saying just Jackson,WY.



Garden 2013- August Report

 

 

I'm tickled with this year's garden.  It just keeps going strong with gusto.

 

Here is what I have harvested so far:

 

radishes

 

carrots

 

green beans

 

green onions

 

snap peas

 

kale

 

spinach

 

 

3 kinds of lettuce

 

beets

 

rhubarb

 

 

We didn't buy lettuce at the store for over 2 1/2 months.  I'm sad the lettuce is over, but I'm going to try planting a new crop next week.  My pumpkins and tomatoes don't look like they are going to make it (sadness).  We always grow our own pumpkins, so a little disappointment here!

 

My cucumbers seem like they've been in a holding pattern for a month so we'll see how they do.  Any tips?  How is your garden thriving this year.  From the word on the street, it's a great year for garden produce!

 

 

In harmony,

Leslie

Reagan in Africa

Reagan is in Kenya doing fine.  She says the kids there are wonderful and silly.  If you weren't able to go to the Wholives.org benefit concert in April, here are 2 videos worth watching.  I wish I could put the whole evening up there- but that would be long!!  Ha!  Enjoy.





In harmony,

Leslie

How to find your identity through shopping! Making a Legacy

photo credit

I felt a special kinship with this author's search for identity in the material world.  It took me a long time of experimental frivolity and blatant foolish spending for the sake of fitting in to realize that it wasn't me I was pleasing.  Those old vices like envy, pride, vanity, selfishness, maybe even a little conceitedness pop up when we try to make ourselves something we aren't.  Now that I'm well into my 40's I feel more confident with my buying and not-buying: truly it's ok to not buy, repurpose, reuse, or again just not buy AT ALL.  That is my new mantra chez Moss- is it a necessary purchase?!

I hope you enjoy Brenda from Recovered Identity as much as I did.  I know I'll be returning to glean from her wisdom and the legacy she is producing.

In harmony,
Leslie

Piano Recital

photo by Rocio Montero

Piano recitals can be exhilarating or boring.  I have to humbly reply that this one was the latter and it was fantastic.  I felt electricity in the air- there was a freshness about all the students performances and an added measure of maturity in their playing. 

In this photo, I am playing with an ensemble- meaning 4 people playing at once.  I stepped for a student who hadn't been able to practice with us for a while.  They all did great.  My son, Pierce, is even in there on the left (with the 'high waters'- he won't stop growing). 

My students should be very proud of the hard work last night.  The solos were amazing, the duets were stellar, and hardly anyone messed up!  And, some came with solos memorized without telling me!!

Thanks for another great year.  This wraps up 18 years of teaching piano.

In harmony,
Leslie

Jon Schmidt- from the Piano Guys

We had an amazing chance to see Jon Schmidt from the Piano Guys play and speak tonight.  He is a gentle, soft-spoken soul, who has a big spirit, obviously he speaks through his music.

He played 4 songs: his version of All Creatures of our God and King, Waterfall  and a tribute to his sister (all his own composition), All of Me, and an amazing arrangement of Onward Christian Soldiers!

It was an uplifting evening.  The best part was when my 11 year old son (who's taken piano for only 3 years) told me he wanted to meet him.  We waited an hour to meet him and Mr. Schmidt was so gracious.  He let Pierce measure hand spans.  Jon Schmidt's fingers were about 1/2" longer than mine, and I have very long fingers.  He also fist bumped me because I'm a piano teacher!!

AWESOME Night! My kids were so excited to meet him.  This is what leaving a legacy is about- giving your kids something to dream about.

Thanks for coming with us Laurie, it was fun.

** if you want to watch a great evening of tv, watch the Piano Guys on PBS this week.  It's really an emotional performance.