The lost practice of Song Dedication

Whens the last time you dedicated a song to someone...or for that matter someone dedicated (or even texted) you a song that "reminds" them of you...
What happened to that? In the land of ipods and digital music, apparently we forgot that feeling when you are having "that kind of day" and BAMB, there is that song on the radio that makes it all better.  Nitty Gritty Dirt Band instantly paints the image in my head of my brother and his new wife sneaking out at midnight to go fishing when she was pregnant and couldn't sleep. Willie Nelson's twang revives the memory of moms meatloaf and dancing in the kitchen to 61 country on the AM radio. Toby's Keith's "Let's Talk About Me" reminds me of my dad serenading my mom on the back deck (seriously funny) You get the idea...it's magic for the memory just like smell of your grandmas cornbread and chilli in the fall.  Instead of sitting in your car alone thinking to yourself, "wow, what a great song,  I wish someone thought this about me..." do something about it...text them..call them on the fone (taboo I know)...let them know...I was thinking of you when I heard this today, and now magically, you will think of them when it plays. ...well Allie Jo, this one is for you baby, "I Like You Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars

Have you Filled a Bucket Today?

"Have you filled your Bucket Today?" by Carol McCloud...Allie has asked I read this to her every night before bed for the past couple of weeks. We talk about what we did to either "fill" or "dip" into others buckets that day. It has been a great way to tackle several issues...between her and Ethan, or the kids at school. Noticing its "National Bully Awareness Month" I would recommend this to all parents...someone said to me, "I've heard this for older kids, but can 3 yr olds really comprehend the concept?" Really? Ask a kid whose thrown rocks at or have had rocks thrown at them at the playground how they feel. They grasp feelings caused as a result of an action. For Allie this week, she learned that the kids throwing rocks at her were bucket dippers, and they must be really sad, even though they laugh when they are naughty...Allie then says, "mmm, maybe I'll try to say something nice to them like about their artwork, and maybe that will fill their bucket." Later that evening, the kitchen and dining area was a disaster from my adorable "disgruntled midget" Ethan...debris was everywhere! Exhausted, I grab the towel and cleaner spray and go to work...Allie (3 mind you) says, Mom, can I help?"  "Sure Allie...if you would like to" "Yes mommy, I want to be your bucket filler." WOW. What started as a routine "clean-up isle 10" turned into a "life lesson, 10 items or less check-out express"