Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! Earth day is about getting rid of excess right? So as a family tonight we decided to get rid of some of Mike's excess hair although mid-process Ken was pretty concerned with how Dad was looking...(first pic) she kept asking what he was doing with his hair. She even

got a chance to cut a little of his hair herself. I was hoping to take her to the Dallas Arboretum today and to take pictures of the outdoors to celebrate Earth Day but she threw a fit this morning that frankly frightened me and Mike, all we could do was sit on the couch and watch it unfold. All I could think of was the exorcist. Her red hair was slashing around and there was weeping and wailing and nashing of teeth. She is really on one lately due the talk and preparation for baby...we have had all sorts of fun episodes with her. Funny that I should mention that and then suggest a parenting book but I am re-reading a book that I think is one of the best I've read on raising respectful and well rounded children and wanted to give it a little plug for other parents. The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children by Wendy Mogel.

There were a lot of great suggestions for "going green" today. Although I am not totally onboard with the whole global warming mania I do think we can all do more. I thought I would share a few that I have liked or done.

1-use a refillable coffe mug or water bottle instead of buying water bottles each time or a styrafoam cup.

2-Cone instead of a cup of ice cream

3-Use natural cleaners in your house like baking soda and vinegar

4-Get reusable grocery bags

5-Stop junk mail by going to dmachoice.org/mps and removing your name from mailing lists

6-Change light bulbs in your house to Compact fluorescent bulbs and use recycled tp.

7. De-lint your dryer after each cycle, pick safe paint for your house and dispose of it safely

8. Shorten your showers and turn off your computer when you're not using it.

9. Use one cup for yourself and kids all day or for several days, cuts down on dishwashing.

10. Lower your thermostat in the winter, raise in the summer

11. Unplug anything that is not in use

12. Get a lower flowing showerhead and if you are really brave use this motto for your toilet "if it's brown flush it down, if it's yellow let it mellow"

13. Turn off the water when shaving or brushing teeth.

There are a lot of great resources on the internet to help people get started, our family has a long way to go but I have enjoyed teaching Kennedy the importance of having respect for our surroundings and to take responsibility for her waste and creating good habits.