I really can not believe another year has flown by. Where has the time gone? In just a handful of months my baby has transformed into a little Einstein/explorer and my four year old is quickly reversing the roles, evolving into my teacher, daily testing my knowledge on subjects from arithmetic to fashion.
It’s funny to sit back and reflect on the progression of my life – where I have come from and what I have become. I think we are taught at a young age to dread the hands of time. Remember when the thought of turning 30 was almost like a death sentence? Strangely, I find myself so much more comfortable in my skin that my next major milestone, yes that would indeed be the 4-0, appears to be more of a fantastic adventure than a burden.
I also think it is comical how when we are younger we are so pressed for time and the next big thrill that we instinctually survive by living from one moment to the next, and with age, while we might not slow down in momentum, we seem to become so much more philosophical, pondering the actions, emotions and reactions of ourselves and everyone around us. Funny, I seem to have a lot more opinions, but am I really the wiser?!?
I can already hear the ringing of the Salvation Army bells. In the hustle and bustle they can seem like more of an annoyance than entertainment, but it is a good reminder for all of us to be thankful for what life has provided for us and to pay back and help those who are less fortunate. It has been years since I have spoken to one of my friends but one of her annual traditions has always stuck with me. Every year, before Christmas, she would literally dump out all of her children’s toys. One by one the children would go through them deciding what toys they couldn’t part with and what toys would be better loved in the hands of another little boy or girl. Then they would gather them up and deliver them to the homes of young children. How amazingly wonderful! So many life lessons, all rolled into one very powerful gift…giving! I think this is the year that our family will begin honoring this tradition.
I have to admit that I am not the biggest proponent of resolutions, but in my more philosophical phase (hah!) I am thinking it is about time to revisit the purpose…a promise to set a course of action. I am challenging my mommy network to do the same, so I have added resolutions to The Post Board in this issue, and would love to hear what your resolution will be.
More than anything I want to end this year by thanking all of our partners and advertisers who have continued to support Totts Magazine. I also want to give the highest acknowledgement to our team, from our amazing graphic designer, who will be spending this holiday season with her precious newborn, to our talented and graceful copy editor who transforms our publication into what you see before you, to our writers and marketing team. They are all so wonderful and amazing and I am so very blessed to have them in our family here at Totts. And last, but definitely not least, my family, thanks for understanding all my crazy hours and for being the muse that drives this magazine.
I wish all of you and your loved ones the most beautiful holiday season. May the new year bring you love, success and many wonderful memories.
We hope you’ll stay & play ~
Nicole Baker
Publisher
We simply could not wait to see the unveiling of the Cavelle Kids line at their upcoming fashion show January 20th, so we had them send us some of their super cute and unique pieces for this shoot.
To snag up some pieces of your own, join us on Saturday, January 20th at Bad Donkey, 350 North Villa Avenue in Clovis, or visit www.cavellekids.com.
Contests & Giveaways
