Memorial Day

I've cleaned the house (which my children tore through at the speed of light), I've googled "creative Memorial day recipes" (which was hard to navigate since someone smeared peanut butter all over the "enter" button) and have smiled endlessly at the idea of my husband (the work horse) being home for three days straight. I plan to Zumba like crazy in order to devour the red, white and blue oreo balls and flag bread I plan on making. Yes, I am ready for the three day weekend....only....I'm not even close.

Here I am, starting a blog in hopes of building my children's character, getting them more involved in the community and the world and I'm so pre-occupied by my own selfishness that I've completely forgotten about those who have lived and continue to live the most selfless lives possible. So, my to-do list might have gotten a bit longer (and much more fun) but this holiday was never about me and nor should it be (although a federal holiday in my honor would be welcome. Just if anyone wants to start a petition...)

• Most Memorial days have a moment of silence. Participate with your children. Encourage them to think about the good guys in the world who fight the bad guys, who keep us safe, who fight for our freedom (of course, say whatever is most age-appropriate). For faith-based learning, encourage them to pray to God, to the soldiers who've passed, for the safety of those still serving. Don't expect them to last a full minute as I know plenty of adults who can't sit still that long.
• Send a card. The Veterans for Foreign Wars is making it super easy by offering to print out and send out the cards. All you need to do is sign your name. This is a great activity to do with kids of all ages.
• Hang up your flag at half-mast until noon to honor the men and women who have died and then raise it high to honor those currently serving. Don't have one? Sit down with your children to make one! A simple rectangle, strips of red paper, 51 stars....okay, that's a lot of stars to cut. For those with laziness-induced-carpal-tunnel like me, here's some coloring pages to print out and a collection of crafts for all ages. This is also a great selection of ideas for crafts, puzzles and other word searches.
• Who doesn't love a parade? Okay, my child doesn't but who else doesn't? (Don't answer that) Explain to your children that Memorial day is a day we thank the men and women who keep our country safe. Encourage them to clap, wave their home-made flag, do the chicken dance, whatever they feel like doing to say "thank you" as our military walk by.
• When in doubt, read a book. Most preschoolers don't need to know about the details of war. Thankfully, authors tackle the topic so we don't have to! Search your local library or ask your librarian. Some recommendations: Memorial Day Surprise by Theresa Golding; F is for Flag by Wendy Lewison; Red, White and Blue by John Herman.
• Make a donation to the Purple Heart. Go through your house with your child and collect clothes, appliances, toys, etc. Their website takes you through a list of items they accept, schedule pick-up online and put it out front! Your items are then sold to thrift stores and the proceeds benefit the veterans.

Hearing accolades about my killer ham and pasta salad or my prompt delivery of beverages may be something I hope for this weekend but I will also make sure to keep the REAL heroes a part of our celebration because really? They are the ones who make sure there are no monsters under our bed or in our closets. They are the ones who stay up all night keeping watch so that we can burn the hot dogs and lick up the popsicles. They might not wear capes but my family will know them as the superheroes they are.