My Connections to Play

“It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.” Leo F. Buscagli

“Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” Joseph Chilton Pearce

As a young child my parents supported my play in many ways. They encouraged me to be creative and to think outside the box. I wasn't able to sit inside and watch tv or play video games. I had to use my imagination and be outside. I remember playing a lot outside and using the things around me as props. As a child, some of my favorite toys were books. I would sit and pretend that I was reading. I would ask my mom and dad to read to me. And I had books memorized and would know if they weren't reading them correctly or skipped a page. Musical instruments and toys were also really important to me as a child. I started playing the piano at a young age and practicing made my heart happy.  Not only did I play music but I listened to music as well. Some of my favorites were New Kids on the Block and Beach Boys! :-)

I feel play has changed throughout the years. I know that when I was a child I had toys and used my imagination. Today, I feel like kids have a lot of access to video games, electronics and television. I know the times have changed but I also feel the electronics have taken away some of the value that toys can bring.

Relationship Reflection

Throughout the week I have reflected on my past and how many of my relationships have changed and evolved over time. I have changed and grown over the past few years and with that I have grown away from people I thought I would be friends with forever and stayed connected with others'.  I have met new friends and said goodbye to old friends. The most important relationships in my life at the moment are with people I know will be a part of my life forever, they are a balance between the old and new. 

My husband:

Donnie and I met in October 2011. We went on a great first date but I wasn't sure about it.  Donnie on the other hand had other thoughts! He says he knew I was "the one" from the moment he saw me and was persistent on seeing me in again.  I took two months of us growing a friendship before I would agree to go on another date. Once I did, I saw what he saw and we were inseperable.  We got engaged just a short 2 months later and our wedding was in August of 2012.  Our relationship is strong because he is my best friend! We do almost everything together! And he supports me with everything. I have learned to believe in my self and trust that he will always have my back.  Our ability to communicate and talk about everything is what I appreciate the most! 

My puppies:

Yes, you counted correctly there are FOUR! These four dogs have been a big part of our family.  I had two when I met Donnie.  He had one and then we got one together! You could say we are a Brady Bunch sort of family! Bentley and Jagger my original two have seen me through some dark days. I had a really tough year in 2011 and without them I don't know if I would have made it through! They brought me sunshine when my days were dark! I learned what the saying "dogs are a man's best friend" really means! 

My granny:

This woman is the most strong and inspirational woman I have ever met. She is genuinely my favorite person in the world! Our relationship is more than just a granny and granddaughter! She is a piece of my heart.  She has loved and supported me when no one else would.. She has taught me what it means to love and be loved! She has shown me what unconditional love and acceptance is.  Without our relationship I wouldn't be who I am today. Without her I wouldn't be striving to be half the woman she is!

Nick:

Nick and I have been best friends since our sophomore year in high school! He is someone who I have grown up with. He is a part of my past I am lucky to still have in the present! Our friendship has given me a sense of security.  He is the friend I know I can call in the middle of the night. He is the person that will be there for me in the event that my husband can't be. He has taught me how to be a friend and what true friendship is. Our friendship hasn't changed even as our lives I have.

Each of these relationships has taught me different things. I am the person I am today because of the people I  just shared with you.  There have been challenges along the way with each relationship.  However, it is a reflection of how strong our relationship is that we were able to work through those challenges and come out victorious. The challenges we have faced has only made our relationship stronger! I am thankful each day these people are in my life!