tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32633493655227582632024-02-02T13:32:07.466-08:00Family SenseMaking connections and staying connected to what matters most.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-8344799968409203892012-08-09T06:21:00.000-07:002012-08-09T06:21:07.112-07:00Back to school<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yikes, it's almost the middle of August and before we know it, the summer is gone and we all have to get back into the school groove. Last year I started a Special Breakfast Mondays with my kids; something to look forward to after the weekend and a new start of the week. <br />
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I just saw this <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/first-day-of-school-traditions/?utm_source=Families+with+Purpose&utm_campaign=c302d717ba-Things_We_Think_Are_Fun_August_10_20128_8_2012&utm_medium=email">blog post </a>from the Tip Junkie and I love the idea of creating first day of school traditions. If you have any of your own, please share in the comments portion.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-15844992434991048182012-06-14T19:14:00.000-07:002012-06-15T07:43:52.366-07:00Celebrating dad this year.Happy Dads Day! <br />
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For me this year is especially important for Father's Day because Steve is thousands of miles away from us - in Japan. BBQ accessories and golf tees are nice and safe, but I think dads would really appreciate something homemade from your kids. I have a good friend who makes a scrapbook page for her husband each year with a special note from each kid with a picture. I love that idea! <br />
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This year we put together a care package of dad's favorite magazines, personalized "<a href="http://allisonwaken.squarespace.com/allison-wakens-blog/2011/6/7/free-fathers-day-printable.html">all about my dad</a>" worksheets and drew homemade pictures. Another cute idea is this <a href="http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/fathers-day/dad-and-i-book.asp">Dad and I</a> book kids can make.<br />
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We always think of making special meals for mom or breakfast in bed but what about preparing something special for dad or making him his own special treat basket. Decorate a recycled container to make a pen and pencil holder for his desk. Make a coupon book and relieve him of taking out the trash for a week or other daddy type chores. Check out these <a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/fathers-day/entertainment-and-activities/72325.html?page=1">10 Father's Day Activities</a> for spending quality time with dad. <br />
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Have a wonderful and meaningful Father's Day!<br />
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Enjoy these daddy quotes: authors unknown<br />
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<span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">Someday i will find my prince but my Daddy will always be my King</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18pt; text-align: left;">Dad - Ask him when Mom says no.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cccccc; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty. </span></span></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-34644480566689127982012-05-26T19:36:00.002-07:002012-05-26T19:36:29.586-07:00Heading To The Farmer's Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the time of year most of your local farmers' markets are opening up. This is an excellent opportunity for a family outing. Kids can sample fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, explore different herbs and plants, learn about eggs, see local artisans' work and bring home some delicious produce. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><a href="http://www.localharvest.org/"> Local Harvest</a> can help you locate the farmers' markets in your area.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>More reasons to shop your farmers' markets: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 22px;">(by<b> </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shopping at local farmer's markets strengthens your communities.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Experiencing food at its finest can encourage even the pickiest eater to try a few bites. </span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since the produce is picked at the peak of the season, nutrients, and phytochemicals will be more abundant. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">Farmers Market Fun</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> (by<b> </b></span><span style="font-size: 14px;">Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian)</span><b style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif;" /> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Try a new fruit or vegetable, or prepare your produce in a new way.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />Ask the vendor his favorite way to prepare a particular type of produce.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Many have recipes to share.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Check if there are any special events being planned at the Farmers Market.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Many have cooking demonstrations, tastings, and fun activities for the kids.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />Give your children each $2.00.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Let them explore the world of produce and make a new selection.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">There is a much greater chance your child will try this new food since it belongs to them.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">(When my daughter was 3-years old, she loved the color purple and selected a purple turnip.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">To this day, she still enjoys eating raw purple turnips with ranch dip!) </span></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-39644462303275752012012-05-08T14:05:00.000-07:002012-05-08T14:05:15.420-07:00Happy Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you have a non-traditional family like I do, Mother's Day can get quite expensive. I have my mom, step-mom and mother-in-law to all think about. I'm not really one to relish a breakfast in bed type of day. My family has always enjoyed strawberry picking on Mother's Day. Having a special tradition to look forward to every year can be really nice for the entire family. <br />
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There are some really nice gifts you can give mom that won't take a lot of time or money to make. Here's a few ideas:<br />
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Homemade <a href="http://www.maybematilda.com/2011/04/baby-shower-gift-homemade-sugar-scrub.html">sugar or salt body scrubs</a><br />
Homemade soaps<br />
Tea cup card with tea bag attached<br />
Chocolate dipped strawberries<br />
Small album with pictures and special memories written out beside them<br />
DIY jewelry stand (<a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/03/15/craft-of-the-day-jewelry-stand_n_1344721.html?ref=stylelist-home">tutorial</a>)<br />
Acrostic poem with your mom's name or use Nana, Grandma, Mommy<br />
<a href="http://www.good.is/post/for-mother-s-day-honor-your-mom-by-helping-another-mother-in-need/">Help another mom in need. </a><br />
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And one of my favorites!- the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6P2w5GkXmU">William Tell Overture Mom Song video</a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-50266316091844634682012-04-22T18:11:00.000-07:002012-04-22T18:11:58.803-07:00For the night stand... No Regrets Parenting<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think I'm going to have to purchase this book,<u> No Regrets Parenting</u> by Dr Harley Rotbart.</span></div>
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To learn more, check out the website <a href="http://www.noregretsparenting.com/">http://www.noregretsparenting.com/</a>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-4138172358386502512012-04-20T20:07:00.000-07:002012-04-20T21:09:59.945-07:00Happy Earth Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcueaug1ujMCZ-QJo1Sz6JuqYgC-ruEy5zg1TCl3P-TMSMxohIjTYlQBtOyTzkwQqs_aVVFKEXdLQd9BkNRnheOIn-HMu450PxfCKumefUyfq2gExVEiW4lHVQOaez2M5M6-76EiIaD7YG/s1600/earth+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcueaug1ujMCZ-QJo1Sz6JuqYgC-ruEy5zg1TCl3P-TMSMxohIjTYlQBtOyTzkwQqs_aVVFKEXdLQd9BkNRnheOIn-HMu450PxfCKumefUyfq2gExVEiW4lHVQOaez2M5M6-76EiIaD7YG/s200/earth+day.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Earth Day 2012 is this</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday, April 22. </span><br />
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It's a great opportunity to teach little ones about conservation and protecting the earth's resources. Even preschoolers and toddlers can participate. Many local libraries even hold Earth Day Fairs; you can check for schedules on their web pages.<br />
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This week in my enrichment science class, I taught the four year olds what biodegradable means. We discussed how our trash goes into the ground and can either harm or help the soil and earth. We walked around and collected items in the school that can be recycled. Then we took a<a href="http://www.naturerocks.org/extras.aspx"> nature treasure hunt</a> outside. We saw the trees' branches swaying in the wind as if they were waving to us and we waved back saying, "hi trees, we're going to help take care of you." <br />
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A great earth day craft is just emptying out the recycle bin and seeing what items can be used to create all sorts of things, even building cardboard box towers or cutting open a cereal box and using the inside of the cardboard to decorate, gluing on lids of cans to other materials, turning tp rolls into binoculars to spot the birds. <br />
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For more Earth Day craft ideas and activities check out <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/earth-day/earth-day-crafts/">Family Fun's</a> page.<br />
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You can really get into the spirit be singing some of these <a href="http://www.preschooleducation.com/searth.shtml">Earth Day songs</a>. <br />
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Pick an area around your community or neighborhood and help clean up any litter.<br />
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Have a picnic outside. <br />
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Plant some seeds. <br />
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Learn about the history of Earth Day and meet the <a href="http://www.planetpals.com/earthday2.html">Planet Pals.</a> <br />
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It's important that we don't take our precious resources for granted and that we teach our children little ways to respect our planet. Happy Earth Day! <br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-27628227952059443462012-04-12T19:46:00.003-07:002012-04-12T20:17:36.433-07:00Spring Breaking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoe3imnqdjuABVf5nimS64wgo33ESm8KpXTmZ0Vs7x_-3EtCOQGTdmIX7wU1VKMX4P6CHp3ngoMg-dTY40FkrU7joCBxEMyJZpQ2TEmVgjIk93WpmPoJlXbFalEyPU0xZE-9Ok4uVMa_Kz/s1600/spring-time.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoe3imnqdjuABVf5nimS64wgo33ESm8KpXTmZ0Vs7x_-3EtCOQGTdmIX7wU1VKMX4P6CHp3ngoMg-dTY40FkrU7joCBxEMyJZpQ2TEmVgjIk93WpmPoJlXbFalEyPU0xZE-9Ok4uVMa_Kz/s200/spring-time.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730717838233017490" /></a>Ahhh, spring is here. Such a great time to renew ourselves and recharge our spirits. The days are getting longer, the grass is turning greener. I love hearing my resident woodpecker every morning and having that feeling that we are all coming out of our own hibernation period. <div><br /></div><div>If you're out shopping, this handy wallet sized <a href="http://printables.familyeducation.com/fruits/vegetables/62523.html">spring seasonal produce list</a> is a great resource. <div><br /></div><div>For a little mommyhood inspiration check out these tips on becoming a <a href="http://family-life.familieswithpurpose.com/4-ways-to-be-a-happier-mom/">"happier mom" </a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Spring is a great time to get our kids outdoors, exploring and enjoying nature. <a href="http://www.naturerocks.org/">Naturerocks.org</a> is a great site to give you activity ideas by age, treasure hunts, nature games, plus all kinds of fun ways to connect to nature. </div><div><br /></div><div>And we can't leave out spring cleaning. Nobody likes to do it but at least we can get some humor out of it with these quotes: </div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; ">Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; ">walk before it stops snowing. ~Phyllis Diller, </span><i style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; ">Phyllis Diller's Housekeeping Hints</i><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; ">, 1966</span> </div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; ">Our house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy. ~Author Unknown</span> </div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; ">I'm not going to vacuum until Sears makes one you can ride on. ~Roseanne Barr</span> </div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; ">I like hugs and I like kisses,</span><br style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; "><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; ">But what I really love is help with the dishes!</span><br style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; "><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; ">~Author Unknown</span> </div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; ">Please don't feed the dust bunnies. ~Author Unknown</span> </div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 221); font-size: medium; ">Dull women have immaculate homes. ~Author Unknown</span> </div></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-44088937654533025902012-03-10T06:10:00.007-08:002012-03-10T19:45:58.982-08:00Do you need a screen time savior?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXqPOuGCS01StAbIyHYBv_7_XFZXOXNDvWa8DYRpWh9bNv7GWHBnFEGp-7Yyoi7rOD6ywJWubjTRcVHe-rE-V1Z4sXMdVTnH1ZeMdE7HKMmcL7SwRgZt6xrUSqKx8VDgqUGU9LNV-b2NE/s1600/tv.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718480417739774786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXqPOuGCS01StAbIyHYBv_7_XFZXOXNDvWa8DYRpWh9bNv7GWHBnFEGp-7Yyoi7rOD6ywJWubjTRcVHe-rE-V1Z4sXMdVTnH1ZeMdE7HKMmcL7SwRgZt6xrUSqKx8VDgqUGU9LNV-b2NE/s320/tv.gif" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>It seems like most parents' dilemma these days; how to control screen time. And where does is end - from built-in dvd players in cars, games on the cell phones, and portable lap tops. Apparently never because the culture seems to want to keep our kids entertained 24/7. Can you believe that children are spending on average 7 hours a day in front of some type of screen/gadget?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Creativity and conversation seems to be lost, and what about just being okay with being bored some times. Isn't that okay? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I thought this <a href="http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/Outdoors/Archives/2012/Limit-Screen-Time.aspx?s_email_id=20120310_BOT_ENG_Newsletter_March_EditionSTBot">article </a>written by Jenn Savedge had some very good ideas for controlling the use of gadgets. There is also a huge impact on our children's health. Some of these facts are outlined on Disney's <a href="http://family.go.com/parenting/article-561071-limiting-screen-time-t/">Family.com </a>site. If I had enough courage, I'd love to just say the heck with the tv and get rid of the two dinosaur televisions we currently own, but until that happens the least I can do is follow some of these tips and motivate my children to be active, creative and occasionally bored. </div></div></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-57789087752493489442012-02-28T12:35:00.005-08:002012-02-28T13:22:29.632-08:00A Little Note Goes A Long Way<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsRWdjI-3dGuOKg5fbOAL74hWRdgvdDNLaxn1i_x7jT-f3ptZ8tIaKgI1RwSbhVPw0XAXYjkQ87iGXhq5N7gW1mDG4x7PM9gomvVWpFbF4hYDbbfrejn3EY6Vj0hM7WrWVKagD-Np4hbN/s1600/fortune+cookies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsRWdjI-3dGuOKg5fbOAL74hWRdgvdDNLaxn1i_x7jT-f3ptZ8tIaKgI1RwSbhVPw0XAXYjkQ87iGXhq5N7gW1mDG4x7PM9gomvVWpFbF4hYDbbfrejn3EY6Vj0hM7WrWVKagD-Np4hbN/s320/fortune+cookies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714289855072199650" /></a><br />I used to be so good about putting a little note into Benjamin's lunch box with encouraging words or just a heartfelt sentiment. This site called <a href="http://www.positivelyproud.com/" style="font-style: normal; ">Positively Proud </a>has inspired me to start doing this again for both of my kids so that in the middle of their day they they get a little special love boost from mom. <div><br /></div><div>You can also make your own from a sticky note or recycled greeting card front. <div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><span>Here are some wording suggestions: </span></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div><i>Have a great day! </i></div><div><i>Looking forward to seeing you soon! </i></div><div><i>Keep up the great work! </i></div><div><i>You are special to me! </i></div><div><i>Do something nice for a friend today. </i></div><div><i>You put a smile on my face. </i></div><div><i>Roses are red...</i></div><div><i>I love you more than...</i></div><div><i>Inside is an extra special treat for you. (Attach a little candy)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-25599330561549130652012-02-21T12:26:00.001-08:002012-02-21T12:31:22.463-08:00Make your own sticky board<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9z5vTPf2wvbONo7K6PXTO2LM63oE-2wBTMToJylZQLpU0pb5krPpIWd8BWR9UP3tlk7MgUIgoiSN0fSuYB8u_NKjNGKFH6ujIYhF8CE2fxRimRt_AQrmbgQpDA_cViIS9m-JULeSefl4d/s1600/sticky+board.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9z5vTPf2wvbONo7K6PXTO2LM63oE-2wBTMToJylZQLpU0pb5krPpIWd8BWR9UP3tlk7MgUIgoiSN0fSuYB8u_NKjNGKFH6ujIYhF8CE2fxRimRt_AQrmbgQpDA_cViIS9m-JULeSefl4d/s320/sticky+board.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711688720993903458" /></a><br />This activity kept my two and three year olds VERY busy today. It is soooooo simple. <div>Thanks to the awesome blog by <a href="http://makedoandfriend.blogspot.com/2012/02/process-art-on-our-diy-sticky-table.html">make do and friend</a>, all you have to do is apply some contact paper over any flat surface. I used the tops of plastic containers, sticky side up and used painters tape to tape the edges down. Then I gave the students bowls of plastic and rubber animals, legos, rubber pom-poms, plastic bugs and spiders - and they had a blast arranging them on the sticky board. <span style="font-size: 100%; ">I was really surprised at how long each student would stay at the activity.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Next time I'm going to use cut up colored plastic straws to build designs with. </span></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-52491870405951508942012-02-08T16:42:00.002-08:002012-02-08T18:13:08.134-08:00Totally Cool Roller Painting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3SewHUYT0bAZUzmAB0Jv_pSw4Lzt8PgE2s-75NInIWlI_8Bc53Y5U3X_m_lXkYxFzDzVpQIpAf7E6nH-wqAZNdGWi92osYj_UTtqaN8tNh_cqA5bzpi-VrC_JOZ4vy3PpQmxlOyCXMue/s1600/paint+roller+craft.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3SewHUYT0bAZUzmAB0Jv_pSw4Lzt8PgE2s-75NInIWlI_8Bc53Y5U3X_m_lXkYxFzDzVpQIpAf7E6nH-wqAZNdGWi92osYj_UTtqaN8tNh_cqA5bzpi-VrC_JOZ4vy3PpQmxlOyCXMue/s320/paint+roller+craft.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706930450140804018" /></a><br />I fell in love with this painting idea using paint rollers and toilet paper rolls. I found it at <a href="http://www.artful-child.com/2012/01/art-of-painting-6-roller-painting.html">The Artful Child</a> blog. Just in time for Valentine's Day or any occasion.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-884669072410995332012-01-16T16:33:00.000-08:002012-01-16T18:13:01.300-08:00Positive Parenting And Using Incentive Programs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-4_07n0uA1dHpGfkU9jyegCkGzLXCfVPaOlBGfyZ1uL-hIX5uvrTIFp6QQ23jcm37bK3ZtlxCImO6RDTGf-q0-H9JE6opH_I7nAw5vf1ALW1QCmbuby0phoWv1wO3iOUn6FxZZPLjxGD/s1600/reward+chart"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 160px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698409980820050178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-4_07n0uA1dHpGfkU9jyegCkGzLXCfVPaOlBGfyZ1uL-hIX5uvrTIFp6QQ23jcm37bK3ZtlxCImO6RDTGf-q0-H9JE6opH_I7nAw5vf1ALW1QCmbuby0phoWv1wO3iOUn6FxZZPLjxGD/s320/reward+chart" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I'm a big believer in reasonably rewarding your child or children with incentives. It's worked in my house for years. However, it is not a one size fits all process. You will have to find out what leverage or incentive works best for your child.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>With my son, his leverage is using tv or video games. My daughter can be more complicated. Usually a small treat or dollar store type toy works best. But there are many ideas you can use. I've also used a bag with "coupon" type of rewards that worked really well. A coupon or ticket might say "bake with mom" or "pick a game of your choice."<br /><br />There are all types of sites that offer free printables for incentive charts. I found this <a href="http://www.kidpointz.com/printable-charts/">Kidz Pointz </a>website that offers a ton of great incentive charts and other resources. Some other great home reward suggestions listed by age group are listed on <a href="http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/parenting/rewards.shtml">this site</a>.<br />Whatever task or behavior change you are trying to bring forth, make sure to be consistent, pick an incentive program that your child gets excited about, and make a big deal about praising the positive behavior. </div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-71185976005909878562012-01-07T16:16:00.000-08:002012-01-07T18:28:57.783-08:00Coping with Child Anxiety<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeS0m3uuFseKA_nnd8rvZds4_06VvJ3SYfqJE7wNBKz6a17arPuCZQKkbubcWQuERTQ0fXCwSu8-uApoRAM5oQ4MPrU-Fpyp4VsLlVj472_fGoRPc69vAoqg3vjtc_jukbWOVWmxEFxuD/s1600/anxiety+book"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 232px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695060519795695842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeS0m3uuFseKA_nnd8rvZds4_06VvJ3SYfqJE7wNBKz6a17arPuCZQKkbubcWQuERTQ0fXCwSu8-uApoRAM5oQ4MPrU-Fpyp4VsLlVj472_fGoRPc69vAoqg3vjtc_jukbWOVWmxEFxuD/s320/anxiety+book" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div>If you are a parent with a child who suffers from anxiety, you know how frustrating it can be. You want to help your child but you don't know how and it leaves you feeling desperate while your heart is aching for them. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This is how I felt nearly a year ago when my son began having panic attacks and severe anxiety around bedtime. The one thing I <em>did</em> know was that I was going to find the resources to get him help. A good place to start is your pediatrician. Our pediatrician was very helpful in referring child psychologists to contact. Even before our initial appointment the psychologist recommended some very useful books and workbooks. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A wonderful book is called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Freeing-Your-Child-Anxiety-Practical/dp/0767914929/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325983725&sr=1-1">Freeing Your Child From Anxiety </a>by Tamar E. Chansky, Ph.D. And there are two workbooks that my son and I did together from "What-to-Do Guides for Kids." We used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-When-You-Worry-Much/dp/1591473144/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c">What to Do When You Worry Too Much </a>and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-When-You-Dread-Your/dp/1433803186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325983671&sr=1-1">What to Do When You Dread You Bed</a>. These are great tools for kids in overcoming anxiety using cognitive-behavioral techniques in a very child friendly way. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>They are illustrated and interactive. In the "worry" guide, it compares the worry thoughts to a tomato plant that keeps growing and growing because you are tending to it. Just like worries will grow if you pay too much attention to them. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>No matter what the anxiety is, know that it will be a process, and you will need to take little steps, and be VERY patient in helping your child deal with his or her fears. The resources along with the therapy have been completely helpful! No more panic attacks and sleeping soundly back in bed - hooray! </div></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-45671119565501603172012-01-03T19:09:00.000-08:002012-01-03T19:32:32.984-08:00Owls Are Back<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRVa4LF7g2fSVh30d4bC_3BblhFHhpb7oVT2PEJKkFUltwl8VbTROZ4Qtbju5QxBeyc5eXWYu89CqkLk9f62VcyV2sxzCOj6IA4rs54txdV0tIg4ySjDsEEtMtlwZ_oZ_HtmQyo-GFV26/s1600/blog+stuff+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRVa4LF7g2fSVh30d4bC_3BblhFHhpb7oVT2PEJKkFUltwl8VbTROZ4Qtbju5QxBeyc5eXWYu89CqkLk9f62VcyV2sxzCOj6IA4rs54txdV0tIg4ySjDsEEtMtlwZ_oZ_HtmQyo-GFV26/s320/blog+stuff+004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693612387385536066" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjmSUO8B0sY2DaHvBbuRBjvxw5yXvxzH3GgI41XakO_SsbDiGv35yoy5HRxX5xBdMaMIR9nfyCo_-RFqM37q4eSQqQQBvWXO-AG9FJbCWZ5ZzrLv3g7j6csuDHDAc8OAmVW-52Jm1OhW_/s1600/blog+stuff+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjmSUO8B0sY2DaHvBbuRBjvxw5yXvxzH3GgI41XakO_SsbDiGv35yoy5HRxX5xBdMaMIR9nfyCo_-RFqM37q4eSQqQQBvWXO-AG9FJbCWZ5ZzrLv3g7j6csuDHDAc8OAmVW-52Jm1OhW_/s320/blog+stuff+005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693612293121976818" /></a><br />Owls are so popular these days. I don't know if it's a cyclical thing or not - remember those macrame owls from the seventies? <br /><div><br /></div><div>One of my very favorite hobbies is rubber stamping and making my own greeting cards. I have to say that I think <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/">Stampin' Up</a> products are the very best for their card stock, inks, stamps, punches and accessories. Everything color coordinates so nicely. They even sell fabric now. <div><br /></div><div>My friend and neighbor, Rachel is my Stampin' Up demonstrator and I'm in her stamp club that meets once a month. At the last stamp club we made these adorable owl calendars (magnet on back). I was soooo excited about these owl calendars I got a little over zealous and decided to make 8 of them as holiday gifts. Well, the holidays are over and I've only made 4 so far. There is no stamping involved but it's a bit tedious putting that cute little owl together. I still love how they turned out! </div><div><br /></div></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-69363369930924877502012-01-02T14:10:00.000-08:002012-01-07T17:20:48.958-08:00Instant Snow!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlxkXuIE3yqav2Le2UCmXJ6-HEZqtCh561qLN74EDk3TDbPUiNdNNiU14C9vHPeNuN1eDNyb8N7TQ6pQYFrV82Uka41czlvKZS8vvjnWSmgiHWll5PF4NrnIBJw_whu_cLAEgyoj7v6AB/s1600/snow"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693168847214271426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlxkXuIE3yqav2Le2UCmXJ6-HEZqtCh561qLN74EDk3TDbPUiNdNNiU14C9vHPeNuN1eDNyb8N7TQ6pQYFrV82Uka41czlvKZS8vvjnWSmgiHWll5PF4NrnIBJw_whu_cLAEgyoj7v6AB/s320/snow" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div>This week my preschool class is learning all about winter. Living in Richmond, VA you don't get to experience a lot of snow. And even if we did, the fun would be mostly limited to outside, but instant snow making kits are excellent for inside winter fun in sensory tables, tubs or buckets. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You just add water to the snow polymer and like magic it puffs up into play snow. It has a soft texture and even feels a bit cold like real snow. If you put it in the freezer for several hours it will feel even more like real snow. It's super easy and the kids love to watch the "magic" happen. You can buy "blizzard" kits online or you can just buy the instant snow powder. Here is an example of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Be-Amazing-4100-Blizzard-Bucket/dp/B000COE5F0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1325542165&sr=8-2">blizzard kit </a>we have for our classroom. I know I sound like an infomercial, but even adults have a hard time not playing with it. </div></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-16769169527158843452011-12-31T18:47:00.000-08:002011-12-31T20:06:27.104-08:00New Year's Vision Boards<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1biV16GRWVLv4sJbwQMW1LtkWuC-L-UMkjbMe-Icnt-3DJrKqK_s0mapKdhBuPlFQrJ18-yzjsJBkQzgchdsCCgaNwgBp-tdS1cORNgZoHPzjLQRAeQ-fbJwSbNa-LUaH2L-HHItwNjq/s1600/DSCN1284.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692499965226992706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1biV16GRWVLv4sJbwQMW1LtkWuC-L-UMkjbMe-Icnt-3DJrKqK_s0mapKdhBuPlFQrJ18-yzjsJBkQzgchdsCCgaNwgBp-tdS1cORNgZoHPzjLQRAeQ-fbJwSbNa-LUaH2L-HHItwNjq/s320/DSCN1284.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK4jcL6MaQH3nb2bvf2NTlOxVtM1vG4JhDM_20Nf-5sBmnRVRUmmWznCRf8szYtr6-4uCeNg_pj7dyotal7T6tkeWhqJYW6kFMVQZnonfRHhsGdzr__fX6V_kzdjPUvU7otghqFXXb5CU/s1600/DSCN1281.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692499681162609266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK4jcL6MaQH3nb2bvf2NTlOxVtM1vG4JhDM_20Nf-5sBmnRVRUmmWznCRf8szYtr6-4uCeNg_pj7dyotal7T6tkeWhqJYW6kFMVQZnonfRHhsGdzr__fX6V_kzdjPUvU7otghqFXXb5CU/s320/DSCN1281.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions, however I am a believer of <a href="http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Make-a-Vision-Board-Find-Your-Life-Ambition-Martha-Beck/1">vision boards</a>. I feel they are a great tool for focusing on a goal or goals, and reinforcing the goals on a daily basis. So despite my lack of enthusiasm over New Year's resolutions, I felt it was an appropriate time to create a new vision board, since the last time I made one was about three years ago. I also thought it would be a great project I could do with Benjamin to start off 2012.<br /><br />All you need are some old magazines, glue, scissors, and some cardboard.<br /><br /><div>As you can see, Benjamin is going to work on his dental hygiene, and work on loving his younger sister more.<br /></div><br />I'm not quite finished with mine, but I'm hoping that if I am able to see Martha Stewart smiling at me every morning, she will inspire my housekeeping efforts, like keeping up with the laundry and organization skills. I would hate it if her smile turned into a big frown if she saw the flood of laundry that usually invades our house.<br /><div><br />Happy New Year! </div></div></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-48418910973813541462011-12-29T17:33:00.000-08:002011-12-29T18:43:54.220-08:00A Guide to Daily Happiness for KidsAre you a bucket filler or a bucket dipper?? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1epxu437yj3SCB8K5Q5VsXMfKftfQ_aSlMtB3OEWaRCGd_GmsMTWhMrsT6n5rTDsfp96Q-0u_aKFDP_MjFulVxQRBeqvIqVLA44G7BXRWvWXcEu66F4hCehSvksZzsFfJQJVUX-B4PbPr/s1600/bucket+book"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691737308420899074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1epxu437yj3SCB8K5Q5VsXMfKftfQ_aSlMtB3OEWaRCGd_GmsMTWhMrsT6n5rTDsfp96Q-0u_aKFDP_MjFulVxQRBeqvIqVLA44G7BXRWvWXcEu66F4hCehSvksZzsFfJQJVUX-B4PbPr/s320/bucket+book" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>I just bought this wonderful children's book called <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/have-you-filled-a-bucket-today-carol-mccloud/1102047428?r=1&ean=9781933916163&cm_mmca2=pla&cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-Book-_-Q000000633-_-9781933916163">Have You Filled a Bucket Today?</a> by Carol McCloud. It is the winner of many awards including the Mom's Choice Award. It is a story about how everyone carries around an invisible bucket, and our job is to fill our bucket with happy thoughts and feelings and how to help other people fill their buckets by doing nice things for them. In Judaism we call that doing mitzvot; good deeds.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I love when simple stories like this have profound messages and take tangible things, like in this case a child's toy to create a symbol for compassionate behavior. It also reminds me of one of my all time favorite books, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-moved-my-cheese-spencer-johnson/1100490904?ean=9780399144462&itm=1&usri=who+moved+my+cheese%3f">Who Moved My Cheese </a>by Spencer Johnson. We also have <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-moved-my-cheese-for-kids-spencer-johnson/1005551987?ean=9780399240164&itm=1&usri=who+moved+my+cheese+for+kids">WMMC for Kids. </a>My son always enjoys when I read him this story about about making changes and overcoming fears, when two little mice and Hem and Haw can't find their "old" cheese in a maze, and what they have to do to find "new" cheese. This story had a huge impact on my life when I had to make a big life-changing decision several years ago.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Have you filled somebody's bucket today? </div></div></div></div></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-75225330935772271222011-12-28T14:01:00.000-08:002011-12-28T20:44:17.585-08:00Family fun during meals or on the road<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVCQ6xwp4TuJNL-Ujz5xdg_TYwY_TH15WqUN2tdc_1vDYWBeWhvY8IsWQZ4Dmvv_ns7Zrx7weNBotYjpkQP_bio10RruQ4lrPJMOLyDKoFMis_jJypFpSXp5UBMQr8Rw2L7sWXlEtIbzY/s1600/chatpack.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVCQ6xwp4TuJNL-Ujz5xdg_TYwY_TH15WqUN2tdc_1vDYWBeWhvY8IsWQZ4Dmvv_ns7Zrx7weNBotYjpkQP_bio10RruQ4lrPJMOLyDKoFMis_jJypFpSXp5UBMQr8Rw2L7sWXlEtIbzY/s200/chatpack.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691391524563214706" /></a>A while back I bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chat-Pack-Kids-Fun-Questions/dp/0975580159/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325130897&sr=8-1">Chat Pack for Kids</a>. I think I bought mine at Ben Franklin (teacher discount). They are tiny laminated slips of questions like, "If you were creating a movie about toys coming to life, what type of toy would be the main character?" These are great for restaurants, weekend nights, family dinners, and road trips and fit easily into a small bag or purse. If you have younger toddlers, you can always simplify a question or when it's their turn just make up something like, "what's your favorite animal?" They love to participate too. We have a similar game from Discovery Toys we enjoy called "Wiz Kidz." It appears they have a newer game out called <a href="http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/esuite/control/product?PURCHASE_STATE=STANDARD&product_id=3171">Speed Wiz</a> that looks like fun as well. <div><br /></div><div>Here is another game that looks like fun in or out of the house. </div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Table-Topics-Conversation-Cards-Kids/dp/B00178YX20/ref=pd_sim_t_4">Kids Table Topics</a></div><div><br /></div><div>For a more frugal option, you can make up your own questions and place them in a mason jar or other decorated container. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's amazing how well these types of games and activities bring your family closer together, you don't have to worry about a winner or loser, and they can be played just about anywhere. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-54805922173748863482011-12-28T06:37:00.000-08:002011-12-28T20:44:56.976-08:00Sibling Rivalry for Dummies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkChmpKIfJsiW-EOaG6Y0tcHaSflErMDRGZPPOhu1b01-8zpIYJyWsEYDx57MZkQnLWqYDoXGA75W7YnT-va0XCEHeoy25VtsrAkMaDZdWp7vP-_eJcc7h2MLEX2A3TmStalA6v5Dbl2e/s1600/sibling+rivalry-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkChmpKIfJsiW-EOaG6Y0tcHaSflErMDRGZPPOhu1b01-8zpIYJyWsEYDx57MZkQnLWqYDoXGA75W7YnT-va0XCEHeoy25VtsrAkMaDZdWp7vP-_eJcc7h2MLEX2A3TmStalA6v5Dbl2e/s400/sibling+rivalry-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691191761320536546" /></a><br />Did this picture resonate with you?<br />As the oldest of NINE children, you'd think I could relate to this topic. Soooo not true. I honestly have a great relationship with my younger sibs. Most of them are ten years or more younger. But there isn't anything I find more frustrating than dealing with my own kids' sibling rivalry. Why can't they just have one big love fest?? Okay, so maybe I'm being naive. Here are some sites and tips that I find very useful in the matter. <div><br /></div><div>One thing I'm learning is that you have to try and stay out of it. This site has good tips. </div><div><a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/sibling_rivalry.html">http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/sibling_rivalry.html</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>A great book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Siblings-Without-Rivalry-Children-Together/dp/0380799006/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325084002&sr=8-1">http://www.amazon.com/Siblings-Without-Rivalry-Children-Together/dp/0380799006/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325084002&sr=8-1</a></div><div><br /></div><div>My local library had a copy I was able to check out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Good website for "dos and don'ts." <a href="http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/parenting/sibling_rivalry.shtml">http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/parenting/sibling_rivalry.shtml</a></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-77496333230339794272011-12-27T17:15:00.000-08:002011-12-28T20:45:26.312-08:00Volunteering made easy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4xl2pUTB8gOfC4XdjP7qr9ypdcgQX7A-JdM-C969fDTZsQaE0nt6tCln5a8Vk-qvPfhgGT0tyxy5eLfK2VTu1ehZd7wApWr2PabF8I83AsRoHcbr7C3sB-x8is68R7m9yBvW_KnoQiHI/s1600/volunteermatch.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 223px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 76px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690986912406103842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4xl2pUTB8gOfC4XdjP7qr9ypdcgQX7A-JdM-C969fDTZsQaE0nt6tCln5a8Vk-qvPfhgGT0tyxy5eLfK2VTu1ehZd7wApWr2PabF8I83AsRoHcbr7C3sB-x8is68R7m9yBvW_KnoQiHI/s400/volunteermatch.gif" /></a><br /><div>A couple of years ago I was looking for a way to volunteer in my community. However, having two small children at the time, made it difficult to dedicate extra time or energy. After a quick internet search, I found volunteermatch.org and scrolled through the opportunities when I saw a posting requesting volunteers to make greeting cards. It WAS the perfect match for me since I love making my own cards, could make an extra set here and there and drop them off for the ElderFriends organization which provides companionship and support for isolated senior citizens. Maybe you will find your perfect volunteer match as well.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.volunteermatch.org/">http://www.volunteermatch.org/</a></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263349365522758263.post-57589589722571988062011-12-27T16:37:00.000-08:002011-12-28T06:03:43.129-08:00Connections<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFB1743DrAbtUtXwshK3_8YMM3RplISNbeoeucxMueVIJjZq_sQdQ107SfdW2HMfbyeIaFJwXtFVcrounHZns_CzmddQkEEeXxhYiExYASZPl5ZmjNRXN3Hp_5Up1fbf0Smvdt_wJv5tC/s1600/Lightbulb.jpeg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 191px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690998671955234962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFB1743DrAbtUtXwshK3_8YMM3RplISNbeoeucxMueVIJjZq_sQdQ107SfdW2HMfbyeIaFJwXtFVcrounHZns_CzmddQkEEeXxhYiExYASZPl5ZmjNRXN3Hp_5Up1fbf0Smvdt_wJv5tC/s400/Lightbulb.jpeg" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I LOVE to share information that I find useful in hopes that it may help a fellow parent or friend. If there is a product or information out there to help my family run more smoothly, I want to know about it. If there is a way I can help my family save money while saving the environment, I want to do it. If there is news out there that piques my curiosity, I want to dig further into it. I hope that by following my posts, you may have an aha moment, feel inspired, or feel connected when there is so much out there these days to make us feel disconnected from our family and lives.</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349393592912991472noreply@blogger.com0