Giving Thanks Part IV: Practically free, priceless ways to tell family you love them

It's Turkey day. Yes, today I will stuff myself silly, because 1) I don't get turkey dinners cooked by my talented mother-in-law (insert brownie points here) everyday, and 2) calories don't count on Thanksgiving. Didn't you know?

And I really enjoy my family. I really, really do. Both my husband's side and mine have endeared themselves over the past several years by loving on my sweet kiddos and helping out when they can, and that just makes me all fuzzy wuzzy inside and on the prowl for the perfect way to thank them for all the loving attention. I mean, jeez, my kids are pretty darn cute, but I've seen how they act with a little refined sugar. That's means I'm very grateful for everyone's help.

So how do I communicate that? Well, with an advanced degree in communication, you'd think I'd just know how to express my thanks perfectly, right? No, I'm much better with delivering helpful information and sometimes even sarcastic humor. But gratitude? There's got a be a perfect way to let someone know it.

So, here are my four, un-scientific methods for telling someone in your family, "Thanks," with no purchase necessary.

Say it. In the next few days, I'll have the opportunity to see a number of my family members. And maybe I'm a better writer than a speaker, but there's nothing wrong with the personal touch of going straight up to a person and telling him or her exactly why you appreciate them. Sometimes, I think it's easy to get caught up on the ways we don't think family members are perfect. And just remembering why you value them, even one single detail, might help you remember that we all have "hard to love" moments.

Write it. Oh yes. All that handwriting practice in grade school can finally come in handy when it comes to delivering a note. Sure, you can send a thank you by email, on Facebook, or even one of those nifty little e-cards. But there is something about getting an envelope with your name on it, either through the mail or at the dinner table, with a note that someone took the time to scribble just for you. And as a bonus, unlike spoken words, written words can be read over and over, remembered time and again.

Show it. As a writer, I'm not so fond of the saying, "A picture's worth a thousand words." I don't actually believe that's true all the time, although, visuals can affect people in deep, emotional ways. That being said, a more unique way to say thanks beyond the common note card would be to dig up a picture from a trip or get-together containing a happy memory of you and a family member. On the back of the picture, write a brief note (that's right, you're not getting out of the writing part!) and tell them why the memory is so special to you.

Do it. Okay, so I said this wouldn't cost anything. Actually, I said these were practically free ideas. So here's where the practically comes in. Time is one of the most valuable things in our society. With the internet, activities, family commitments, work, television, (deep breath), sporting events, Christmas shopping etc. etc., having time to spend one-on-one with a family member comes at a high price. But there is nothing, NOTHING, like giving your time to go do something with a family member--going out to eat, watching a movie, shopping, whatever. Because, at the end of the day, you might discover that the more you give, the more you receive.

And that, my friends, is the spirit of the season.

Free summer learning - Keeping the kids sharp (and entertained) through library programs

Every few months I teach a creative writing workshop for teenagers through the Metropolitan Library System. Whether it's a one-day workshop or a six-week long course, I always find that the kids and I spend a great deal of time laughing and talking about one of our favorite subjects--you know, books. Oh yeah, and we do some writing too.

I feel blessed to be part of a library system that works so hard to provide quality programming for all ages, with a special emphasis on children's learning and development. I am also a member of several official and unofficial "Moms" groups, and many of us with preschoolers enjoy the opportunity, especially during the week, to get the kids out of the house, away from Dora the Explorer, and in a stimulating environment. It doesn't hurt that other parents are there. Mommies and daddies need playdates too!

I talked to Amy Thomas, Children's Librarian at Edmond Library, about what the library  seeks to do with these programs. Here's what she said:

"We look for programs that will educate and encourage curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.  We hope to introduce children to new information, a new experience, a new style of music, or new art form that they may not have encountered before."

Thomas also mentioned that the possibilities for programs "are as limitless as the creativity in our community.  There are so many talented people out there who, thankfully, are willing to share their gifts and knowledge with our children." 

For example, here are just a few of  the fun things coming up at the Edmond Library in July and August:

Preschool Story Time (Mondays)

Mother Goose on the Loose (Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

Summer Movie: Magic Schoolbus: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! (July 30)

The Magic Archeologist (July 16)

Pajamatime (Thursdays)

Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament (second Saturday of each month)


And that's just the beginning (check out more here). Other nearby libraries, such as Belle Isle and Northwest, have a great activity lineup as well.

"I can tell the library staff really tries to find programs that will entertain the kids and get them coming to the library over the summer," said Terra Snavely, Edmond mom of three. She adds that she especially likes the summer arts programs that many of the branches offer.

Of course, the library has its reasons for these programs. "We want the library to become a place that is familiar and comfortable for children and their families, someplace they will return to over and over again throughout their lives," said Thomas about whether they hoped the programs would stimulate a child's interest in the library.

Well, its hard to argue with that. Seems like something most parents might be on board with.

So here's to learning...and reading...and taking advantage of a place that has even more to offer than books.