By Adria Manary
Purchase Adria’s book “Mommy Magic” HERE
I would like to begin this first post by expressing my personal thanks to Ron and Holly Hatfield, for giving me the opportunity to share some thoughts on creating an enchanting world for our children, with the parents of the beautiful princesses that I have had the opportunity to meet at the last two festivals. For those who are just finding out about these wonderfully precious stories and events, I can tell you that you are in for a unique and heartwarming adventure!
If you’re like me, the holidays have snuck up on you once again! I’m pretty sure that I say this every year, no matter how well my plans are coming together, so I might as well accept the yearly anxiety that comes with the responsibility of making sure everything is as perfect as possible. Of course, we all know that the joy of seeing the wonder in our children’s eyes every year makes it all worthwhile!
Personally, I appreciate the fact that the holidays begin with Thanksgiving, because gratitude is such an important lesson for our children to embrace, especially before the presents start rolling in! One tradition we have at our Thanksgiving table is to take a few moments to let each person share what they have been thankful for during the past year. Having the person who is speaking hold a candle or other meaningful item when it is their turn, and then passing it to the next person when they are finished, adds a bit of formality to the experience, which helps everyone remember whose turn it is and respect what is being said.
I give thanks every day for my four incredible children, and as much as I have taught them, they have taught me. One of those valuable lessons has come from seeing the world through their eyes. So when I get stressed about how the turkey will come out this year, I will reread the words that I wrote in the following poem, which I also hope will help you!
A Fresh Look
A child’s heart overflows with joy
Their love is fresh and true.
Their eyes look clearly on the world
Few tears have blurred their view.
Childhood is a special place
Where trust and love abound—
The smallest things bring happiness
Like puppies, hugs and clowns.
Remember how you saw the world
When you were only three.
Then close your eyes and fill your mind
With thoughts that set you free.
Clear away your worries
And rest in solitude—
Then look into your child’s bright face
With refreshed gratitude.
—
Adria Manary, a friend of the Princess Festival, has appeared on MSNBC as a parenting expert and been featured on dozens of local TV and radio shows such as Good Morning Oregon and Fox Morning News. Adria’s favorite and most important title will always be, “MOM”! As the mother of four incredible children and two amusing dogs, her home life is delightful and was the original inspiration for her bestselling book, “Mommy Magic – Creative Activities and Inspiring Stories to Deepen the Bond with Your Child” (purchase HERE). Recently released in its third edition, “Mommy Magic” is the flagship book in Adria’s new series, “The Magic of Life”.
Adria is the author of five books, a contributing author to five more, and the singer/songwriter of her family music CD, “Precious Souls”. In her list of achievements, her most cherished include winning the Gold Award from the New York TV and Film Festival, and raising over a million dollars for the New York Special Olympics. With degrees in Psychology and Communications, Adria is also a sought after professional speaker who blends researched facts with inspiring stories about the very real magic of love…in the reality series we call life!