Dear friends and neighbors,
I hope that August finds you well! Our kids and pets issue is one that is near and dear to my heart, especially since every day brings me closer to meeting my new addition, a little brother for my three-year-old son, Coy! Now that we are welcoming a new little man to the house, I'm outnumbered. It's just my little Jack Russell terrier, Lily, and me against a wave of testosterone!
My heart is never more full than when I think of my family, both furry and human. Lily and Coy are best friends, which is the cutest thing to see. Animals are such a blessing and can help teach so much empathy to our kids without saying a word.
As a dance teacher at a local studio, I've always loved kids but becoming a mother took that love to a whole new level. There are days that I feel like a superhero. There are other days that I feel like I'm fighting an uphill battle (mom vs. the three-year old=battle royale somedays!). But there's never a day that goes by that I don't know that what I'm doing is important--raising the next generation to be kind, gentle, and courageous.
As one more little life enters our house soon, I know that I'll be giving Coy some extra cuddles. And Lily? Well, I can't say enough how she's been a trooper for adapting to life with an energetic toddler, and I know that she will be just as wonderful with his brother. If you have a child or a fur kid at home, give them an extra hug today. They are the greatest gifts in the world!
Happy August!
Jeron Traphagen, Publisher
Jeron.Traphagen@lifestylepubs.com