Wiggle. Wiggle. Wiggle.

There is cause to have an extra special day today. We just might finally have a Democratic presidential nominee, it's Earth Day and this week is Turn TV Off Week (or something like that).

And, at our house, we are trying to celebrate all three without jeopardizing all of them. We do have some TV exceptions (American Idol/election results) for the adults. And, I may make another (Planet Earth DVD) for the tots if it's raining outside.

Here are some of the things we are going to do today to celebrate this momentous intersection of celebrating life today. As I learned from Preschool Mama, one of my new favorite blogs, it would be fun to mix things up a bit today. We're going to try and do things a bit differently today.

These are all frugal and green activities and games to help us realize the importance of listening to others, respecting our planet and loving each other compassionately.

I set up our days at home like preschool, with blocks of physical play followed by blocks of calm play, and so today will be no different in that regard. And, of course, we will walk to the farmer's market to buy some organic fruits and vegetables.

1. We're going to take our typical art and music activities either outside if it's nice or upstairs to another room for a change of pace. We also might do art with music today to really give it a twist. I'll pick fast songs; then slower songs.

2. We're going to do one activity that brings us closer to nature. My hope is that we'll play hide and seek with a stuffed animal -- outside. I want to hide; let them find it.

3. We're hopefully going to play a game of stop and go or walk and stop, depending on the mood. This is something I think is a good, fun way to teach them to listen better.

4. We're going to look at our family globe and spin it and I'll sing my favorite Unitarian Universalist song:

Spirit of Life, come unto me.
Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea;
Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold me close; wings set me free;
Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.

5. Finally, we will make cards today to send to some family and friends who are in need of a pick-me-up or just a simple hello.

And, on a personal note, a little research for work led me to this conclusion: that I need to take a few minutes each day to just do nothing, to be still and quiet; to respect myself and Mother Earth. Doing nothing is much easier than scolding myself, again, for not meditating. And, ultimately, sitting quietly leads to meditation, I've learned. So, I will take this time today as well.

Mama-Stay