Guide to Growing Up

A Comic Strip on Aging One Year at a Time by Franki
Umm, please can I have a balloon? I have a dollar.

Yes. It costs one dollar. Here you go.

I want a pink one.
Please can I have a card?

It's a dollar.

Ok.

Here you go!
I'm picking a flower for you. I'm getting a lot of things for your birthday: a balloon, a flower, a card, and...
Please can I have a chocolate chip rainbow strawberry ice cream? Here's a dollar!
Oh! Happy Birthday!

What is your favorite thing about Aurora? Or how much do you love her?
(In less than a minute!)

What's a tough memory you have about growing up? How did you get through it?

We love you!
Dan, Dano, Victor, Jenika
Refsclan Faces do best with eating well and drinking lots of water. Refsclans like to shower daily or every other day. Most of us prefer morning showers, as it's a great way to start the day. What works best for YOU?

Enjoy the ritual of cleansing your face with Honey!
Wet face with warm water. Place a small amount of raw honey in your hands (less than a teaspoon is plenty) and rub your hands together.
Massage in to skin in a circular motion to get all areas of the skin.
Optional: Leave on for 5-10 minutes for deep pore cleansing.
Wash off with warm water and pat dry.
Enjoy the soft skin!
Want something more complicated?
Refsclans can wear bright colors and bold looks because we've got the personality, confidence and talent to match it. Try these Tips to Dressing for Success, and add your own, and tell us about them!

  1. Pick out your outfit before you go to bed. You won't be in a hurry, and it will be easier to think about your day and visualize what you'll be doing. If you're really rockin' and rollin', select your whole wardrobe for the WEEK on Sunday evening!
  2. Group your clothes according to type of clothes (bottoms, tops), and then by color or comfort level--so that you can quickly choose!
  3. Layer, layer, layer! Use layers to hide and accentuate. Just like when you're painting a picture, you can bring attention to your face by using certain colors, shapes and fabrics.
  4. Go pro: When in doubt or if you're having a bad day, step it up a notch with your wardrobe. Add a blazer or a necktie to your outfit (and try bizarre combinations like shorts + turtleneck + blazer), or wear your Church clothes on a boring Tuesday. Keep 'em guessing! :)
  5. Copy cats go meow: Check out your favorite TV shows for ideas on new ways to wear your clothes, and even inspiration for borrowing from your siblings (and your mom!).  Our favorite Tween Wardrobe comes from A.N.T. Farm. 
  6. Express yourself! You are YOU! And YOU are BEAUTIFUL!

Journal, Journal, Journal!
Click for a printable Journal page. Jot down ONE goal that you're focusing on this week, this month, or this year. Just focus on one at a time! We often forget to take care of ourselves, so there's a spot to write down something you did for YOU (reading a book for fun, an art project, talking to a friend). Also, remember to give as much importance to your FEELINGS as your THOUGHTS when you journal. And no matter what--know that you are loved, as you are, with all your feelings!
Choose ONE affirmation at a time. Say it in the morning when you wash your face, and again in the evening. Memorize the positive affirmation and say it in the mirror. Watch your face as you say the words; do you believe it, does your face wince or falter? If yes, it may be time to sit down with a journal or an Aunt or your Mom, to get some support on whatever challenges you may be going through! Say the affirmation 10 or more times in the mirror, and really FEEL it energize your body and soul! And as you go through the day, when you're having a tough time, speak it again for a little boost!