Happy New Year

Ahh, I can breathe! Well, sort of despite the cold I have once more. The house is again clean from all the excitement though it's sad to take down the Christmas decorations. I'm already seeing Valentine's Day products all over the place. It has occurred to me (on more than one occasion) that Americans are too caught up in the got-to-have it mentality which makes every holiday a "Hallmark Holiday". All too many are concerned more with what they bought for someone else than strengthening their relationship through time and talents. Nothing helps you to understand this better than your own children. Unfortunately I don't always pay attention and in turn I miss the opportunity. Just yesterday Iolana was wanting to play with me (as it seems this every waking moment) and I was busy either cleaning house, paying bills, caring for Kaylin etc. She then asked again during her bath time to have me come and play. I was about to say I have things to do, but instead I played. What says I love you more than the time I spent playing with my daughter? You can give any toy in the world to a child, but without a friend to play and share it with, it means nothing. (Now if only we could get Iolana to share with her younger sister life would be grand!)