Years ago I picked up a framed poster from a little gift shop on State Street in Boise, which unfortunately is no longer in business. Our daughter was just a toddler then, and I thought it would be a great addition to her bedroom decor.

        It was a Christmas card verse dated 1970 (author unknown) and illustrated by Anne Shneider. Here are a few lines from the verse entitled “Idaho’s Child”:

Idaho’s child grows swift like the waters, and free as the eagle that soars o’er the land…

Idaho’s child is strong like the tree bark, and pure as the snow that falls at his feet…

Idaho’s child breathes deep like the gorges, his roots are spread far like sage on the plains…

        These few lines and the full version exemplify the hopes and dreams that I had and still have for my Idaho child, for all Idaho children. The words define what makes us strong, makes us unique, and makes us proud to say “I’m from Idaho.”

        For some, it’s been a rough go lately, and many are ready for 2010.  So let’s celebrate, not just on New Year’s Eve (or on Monday, January 4 during the Fiesta Bowl for the Boise State Broncos), let’s make a commitment every day to celebrate our life here in Idaho.

        Docena Holms’ story “Interesting Idaho” provides some “If you can… did you know” tidbits about living and growing up in the Gem State.  Sharon Miller Cindrich reminds us of some things families can do together, small things that matter a lot, especially when the going gets tough.

        A source of Idaho pride, inspiration, and strength resides right here in Boise, our Idaho State Capitol. For the last two years, it has been under extensive renovation, remodeling, and expansion. On January 9, the work will be unveiled and Idahoans are invited to attend the Capitol Rededication Ceremony.  Soon after the ceremony, sleeves will be rolled up again for more hard work, the 2010 Idaho Legislative Session. Starting this month we’ll include a “Children’s Capital Corner” column highlighting some of the issues regarding the changing needs of Idaho’s families and children.

                Things are ever-changing, whether it’s businesses, whether it’s a family’s needs and interests, the remodeling of our state capitol building, or the rivers, seasons, and landscape of our great state. January celebrates a new year, and another year to celebrate being an Idaho child.