Generally I write my Publisher’s Thoughts just before deadline (our printer deadline, that is), much to the chagrin of my layout designer and proofreaders.  I usually spend the preceding days mulling around a few different ideas as I go over the pages and work with the designers and our sales team.

        The one thing that struck me with this issue was the word “experience.” That word and theme seem to resonate more than ever in our September issue. It’s funny, because “experiences” are really the heart and soul of what we try to offer families each month:  quality resources and information to provide you and your children the best possible experiences for building a positive and healthy future.

        Wow, that sounds a little deep when I put it like that. But I’ve always been one for creating and treasuring “the experience” through an activity or an outing, and building lasting memories and relationships based on life’s experiences. I believe that’s a terrific gift that we can pass on to our children, too—savoring daily experiences, small and large.

        I’ll show you what I mean as you walk with me through the pages and some of the stories in this month’s issue:

•   Eliminating morning madness: positive family experience

•   Science experiments:  at-home scientific experiences

•   Being a host family:  cultural experience

•   Cooking for a friend:  experience giving and helping

•   Field Trip Guide: learning experiences outside the classroom

        The last one really got me thinking about experiences and how rich our area is. There’s a multitude of learning opportunities and experiences we can offer our children inside and outside the classroom (see page 25 for our annual Field Trip Guide). An experience involves active and meaningful participation, which to me is a great combination for creating learning opportunities.

        As you continue to flip through our pages, you may also notice some differences in our monthly “experience” feature, our Family Event Calendar.  We mulled over these pages and made some design changes that we hope you’ll like. For more information on the groups and events listed, check out our monthly calendar at   treasurevalleyfamily.com and you’ll then have an opportunity to link directly to other websites. Let me know what you think.

        I could go on and on about experiences and enriching opportunities, etc., but it’s deadline time and I have others waiting for me to finish up my column.  Maybe next month I’ll experience what it’s like to get them my column early!