Disney On Ice

Good Thursday morning!

THE LEAVES ARE STARTING TO FALL! THE LEAVES ARE STARTING TO FALL! Seriously, folks. If you don't need me announcing the obvious, just let me know. I just get so excited every time I see anything that means AUTUMN is almost here. The most wonderful season of all. And it's just around the corner... and I can't wait much longer because I will be able to wear my pumpkin shirt.

That's right. I have a Barry Manilow shirt AND a pumpkin shirt. And I'm getting a 24/Jack Bauer shirt. I'm also going to start wearing a Survivor buff. Pretty soon, I'll be the nutty woman down the street who wears nothing but "theme" clothing. That will make my job of totally humiliating Roxie for life complete... And that (according to her) is what I live for!

I wanted to reiterate (good word) once again why family time is so important to me. I've shared several things the last two weeks out of my favorite books (Let's Make a Memory and 15 Minute Family Traditions and Memories). These were the first two books I bought when I began searching for ways to spend more "meaningful and purposeful" time with Mike and the kids. The following excerpt comes from Emilie Barnes' Family Traditions and Memories:

"In our hectic efforts to make a living and meet all the demands upon our 24 hours per day, we are often too exhausted to spend quality time together as a family to create treasured memories. When a slower day comes, we just want to lay back and do nothing. It becomes a catch-up day so we can be ready to start again. We continually ask, 'How do I get off this treadmill?' We have to do it on purpose. Learn to create treasured memories! They don't happen by chance. For the family to endure today, we have to plan for success. Let's take time to live life with a purpose." I love it, love it, love it! Have truer words ever been spoken?

At this particular time in my life, keeping our family "connected" is very important to me. With Austin living on campus 90 minutes away from home, I am purposefully and continuously thinking of new and different ways for the Faulkner Five to NOT disconnect. That's where the years of traditions will hopefully come into play. Right now, holidays are a given... birthdays are a given... watching Survivor together as a family (although 90 minutes apart) and talking about it afterward is a given... camping at least once a year is a given... the annual mountain trip is a given... going to the movies the day AFTER Christmas is a given.

These things are "set" in place. Now it's time to think of new ways to spend time together. Facebook is a good way for Roxie and Josh to communicate with Austin (as is texting). Quick telephone calls when something exciting happens (like winning a volleyball game or making a tackle in a football game) are good ways to stay connected, too.

Right now, I'm doing a lot of reminding (also known as "teaching") because we've never been here before. (And I don't care what the mean old lady at orientation said. He's still an 18 year-old kid, and there are still some lessons to be taught.)

And I won't be "reminding/teaching" forever. Actually, it's starting to work. Austin called a couple of days ago to see what size shirt Roxie wears because she wants a JSU hoody for her birthday coming up soon. And when I quizzed him on when her actual birthday was... Well, let's just say "class isn't over" quite yet.

Weekend Family Fun

As always, several of these ideas came from http://blog.al.com/bargain-mom. I always want to give credit where credit is due!

Leed's Folk Festival - This weekend you'll want to swing by Leeds for the Folk Festival. It is free admission and free parking. It's 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6:00 p.m. Sunday. There are so many things to do at this Festival.

1. There will be a strolling tortoise (Saturday morning only until the temperature gets too hot for him).

2. There will be a clay tent Saturday only 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

3. Attend the Mobile Dairy Classroom Saturday only with demonstrations at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

4. There will be a Whistle Maker Saturday only from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

5. Auntie Litter will be there on Sunday from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m.

6. A food court and a farmers' market will be open Saturday AND Sunday.

There will also be performances from Act of Congress, Rick Long and Ringing Strings, After Class, Voices of Autumn and more.

And if that isn't enough, in the kid's corner, children ages 4 to 12 can make crafts to take home (including corn shuck dolls, wooden whistles, clay sculptures and more).

Directions:

From Birmingham or Atlanta take Exit 140 off I-20 and follow AL 78 East into downtown Leeds for approximately 2 miles. Leeds is located 15 minutes from downtown Birmingham. Also, parking is free and available on Parkway Drive and around the city.

Michael's - This Saturday Michael's is having a free craft project that is sure to be a hit with your little girl. There will be three different crafts for your child to create.

It's part of Michael's new American Girl Department which will feature a new collection of creative supplies and fun projects available in November.

Every girl can make her own gifts inspired by American Girl books. Join us for a free craft event to create three American Girl projects.

It will only be held while supplies last. The time is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All Michael's locations should be participating, but always call just to be sure.

Trussville Public Library - If you have an American Girl fan, the Library has an American Girl reading club that meets once a month. It's designed for girls in kindergarten through fifth-grade. The next meeting is September 28. They will discuss Felicity. The club discusses books, makes crafts and eats a snack.

The meeting is from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Children's Department.

Wings & Wheels - The Wings & Wheels 75th Anniversary Air Show & Car Show will be held at the Bessemer Airport on September 20 and 21. They will showcase the famous Aeroshell Aerobatic Team. Suzanne Oliver will be skywriting over the Birmingham skies. Greg Koontz will do his daring aerobatics. The P51 Mustang and other warbirds will gather to create a day of thrilling entertainment for all. In addition to the great car expo and airplanes, there will be a children’s area, climbing wall, vendors, military and civilian aircraft on display and plenty of activities, fun and food for everyone to enjoy.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 12. Under 6 will be admitted free.

Directions:

Take Exit 6 from I-459 and follow the signs for a great day of fun! Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. Come early and bring your lawn chair. NO pets or coolers, please. For more information go to http://www.bhmairshow.com.

Disney on Ice

This November 4 through November 7, make plans to take your oldest child to Disney on Ice. Tickets run between $15 to $32.

Sometimes when you have several children, it is more affordable to take only one on a date that costs this much. The next year, you could take the next oldest child, and so on and so on. Also, although it is fun to enjoy this event as a family, both you and the child will get a lot of enjoyment making this memory with just the two of you. Without the entire family, you would probably be able to spring for snacks and a souvenir, too.

It will be something you AND your child would remember for years and years to come.

NOTE - When the kids were small, Mike did this with the Broadway Series that comes to Birmingham every year. He took Austin to see Bill Cosby one year. Josh and Roxie both saw different plays the next two years. Although it was pricey, it was doable and fun, and all three kids can tell you which play they saw with their Dad.

Have a great Thursday. Don't forget about Survivor tonight (if you're a fan). Tomorrow we'll have the book of the week, Weekend Happenings and the first TV Review of the season. I don't know about you, but I'm EXCITED the weekend is almost here.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda