A guest post by Melissa Medina
I believe in leprechauns. Well, at least this month I do,
with St. Patrick’s Day approaching. Next month, I will believe in the Easter
Bunny. —
This month, I will create leprechaun traps and
end-of-the-rainbow cupcakes with my kids. I will assist that pesky leprechaun
in turning everything–from lunches, treats and potty chair water–bright
green. I will help the little guy with silly pranks like putting all the chairs
on the table, or tying the kids’ shoelaces together. Anything is possible. Last
year, even the dog ended up green.
Why do I do these crazy things? Because I believe in
celebrations. Any reason to celebrate is a good reason. From a party rewarding potty-training
to a full day of leprechaun uproar – if there is an opportunity to make a
memory for my kids, I usually jump on it.
It warms my heart to see my seven-year-old son starting to
adopt my excitement for all things celebratory. This year he took over for our
Groundhog Day party by spearheading projects like groundhog cupcakes and pop-up
groundhog puppets. He completed the day with a flashlight show so the groundhog
could see his shadow. He also instituted “Brothers and Sisters Day.” For a boy
who usually has little patience when it comes to his sister, that one was as
surprising as it was heartwarming. That holiday is sure to become a family
tradition.
As a mom, I know that I can easily become too wrapped up in
the day-to-day and forget to stop and appreciate what a precious time this is
for myself and my children. Right now, my kids are still small and they can’t
get enough of my love and attention. They treasure these special days as much
as I do.
Before I know it, my kids will be too cool for me and our
little parties. When that day comes, I will hold tight the memories of these
days with tear-filled eyes. For now, I am busy trying to come up with some new
ideas for that sly little leprechaun. Maybe this year, he’ll fill the kids’
rooms with green balloons while they are sleeping. Or dye their socks green.
Whatever he does, I will make sure that the cupcakes are yummy and the failed
leprechaun traps are filled with gold coins in consolation. And the camera will
always be charged to capture the smiles. Why do I do all of this? Because I believe in
celebrations.
