We all had a great time last weekend at the Mary Poppins Sing-A-Long (it's still going on this weekend, too!) at Cinema 21 here in Portland. The kids got these goodie bags with all sorts of items: a kazoo, a popper, a pixistick, a mini umbrella, a fan—all to use at various parts during the film, which was screened with all the words to the songs, facilitating the sing-a-long part nicely. I think I embarrassed Delia a bit with how loud I was singing. These flashcards were to be used at various times as well and now are prominently displayed in our house.
Unrelated to Mary Poppins-
There are many lists out there providing links on how to help the Japan disaster and our family is discussing these options, but the girls also have many questions and emotions that aren't addressed just by sending money somewhere, as do I. In the past year daily meditation has really helped me and I found these clear directions on tonglen meditation, which allows me to send out good vibes (my words) without ignoring that I feel sad. If the girls seem up for it I have also used this type of format as a way to guide them in a short meditation, but even more often just a talk about how they are feeling and it's pretty awesome.
