why i wrote ‘dirt&sunshine’

It’s been two and a half years since I published ‘dirt&sunshine’ and just over two years since I began blogging. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what I should focus on and I think I’ve finally figured it out. Starting this month, I will be posting in-depth articles that further explore the ideas presented in the book as well as new ones we’ve explored since it was launched.

As much as possible, I’ll try to give you my perspective after almost fifteen years of parenting: what has worked, what hasn’t, and how our parenting approach has evolved over time (yes, a preview of how patterns laid down in baby and toddler-hood can effect teen behaviors!).

In addition to parenting topics, I’ll fill in from time to time with party ideas, recipes and community-related items that catch my eye. I can’t get away from my old-fashioned desire to connect people… one party at a time!

And finally, my main point is this: I wrote ‘dirt&sunshine’ to share the parenting wisdom I’ve picked up along the way. I originally assembled these thoughts in a handmade book for our friends, Laurie and Kevin. This was after they had their first baby (Max) and I was unable to make the trek to Phoenix to impart my ideas and philosophy in person. We had vacationed with Kevin and Laurie in Italy when Dane and Tate were toddlers and I never forgot Laurie’s request that I share my parenting strategies with them. My husband had dinner at their house in Phoenix last night and called me afterwards to rave about how wonderful their kids are. Even though I really had nothing to do with how they’ve turned out, I’m still a proud psuedo-fairy-godmother!

I hope my book has helped you, too. If you like it, please consider sharing it with other parents you know (it makes a nice baby shower gift). ‘dirt&sunshine’ can be purchased on Amazon.com and on my website via the link below:

http://dirtandsunshine.com/where-to-buy.html

Thank you to everyone who has bought ‘dirt&sunshine’. I really appreciate your support!