I’m Thankful to be on Planet Mom

Mother’s Day is just around the corner so I wanted to let you know about a free ebook that’s just for us moms called I’m Thankful to be on Planet Mom.

Check it out at this site and grab the free download.

Thank you to Cheryl Moeller for letting us know about this little gem!

Mommy Dearest

Mommy Dearest

Moms deserve a special day all to themselves. Being a mom myself, I am probably biased, but… I believe that being a mother is the most difficult thing a woman can do & the accomplishment is something to be celebrated!

The origins of Mother’s Day have roots in the 1600s. Mothering Day as it was called in England, became an especially compassionate holiday toward the working class women. On the Sunday of Lent, servants and trade workers were allowed to travel back to their towns of origin to visit their families. Mothering Day also provided a one-day reprieve from the fasting and penance of Lent so that families across England could enjoy a sumptuous family feast—Mother was the guest of honor. Mothers were presented with cakes and flowers, as well as a visit from their beloved and distant children.

The modern day US celebration is very similar to the celebrations of the English so long ago. We shower our Mothers with flowers, greeting cards and gifts to thank them for their devotion and love. However, the Holiday is not specific to the United States and is celebrated all over the world in a number of different ways.

Argentina: During Día de la madre, young children gather their mothers together and read them poetry.
Japan: On haha no hi, families prepare traditional dishes that their mothers taught them to cook. The Japanese give their Mothers flowers (especially red carnations), scarves, handkerchiefs and handbags.
United Kingdom: The Mother’s day traditions include a gift of violet and the customary Simnel Cake, a glazed fruitcake inspired by a folk tale about a married couple, Simon and Nell. So the story goes, this pair could not decide bake or broil a cake. So in the end they did both. Thus Simnel Cake was born.
Finland: Mother’s Day is called aidipayiva and in the morning the family takes a walk, picks new flowers and makes a bouquet for their mother. A particular flower called the valkovuokko is favored. Mom is then presented with a decorated bouquet, while also being served breakfast in bed.
Sweden: Mother’s Day takes a charitable course; the Swedish Red Cross sells small plastic flowers leading up to the holiday, and the proceeds raised are given to poor mothers and their children.

This year to celebrate our wonderful Mothers in a new and different way, perhaps we can adopt a few of the unique customs that are celebrated around the world. Read a poem to your mom, bake a cake, serve her breakfast in bed, or make a charitable donation in her name. Take it from someone who knows, she will appreciate the originality and thought that is put into making Mother’s Day such a special and wonderful day of celebration!

Lisa Smith has a BA in Psychology & is the Owner/CEO of Regionz Kidz, a multi-cultural infant & toddler clothing line featuring ethnically diverse characters and designs. She publishes a blog on her website http://www.regionzkidz.com that discusses cultural diversity & children & is a frequent guest blogger on other blogs and websites regarding parenting and children’s issues

To Give is Better than to Receive – Eco-friendly Children’s Birthday Party Ideas

To Give is Better than to Receive – Eco-friendly Children’s Birthday Party Ideas

In this new age of social responsibility and environmental concern, parents are looking for easy and fun ways to teach their children about the necessity of giving back to those in need & cleaning up the environment. However, this has also become a time of extravagant birthday party celebrations for young children with inflatable jumping machines, balloon arches, disposable party utensils and lots of unnecessary gifts; none of which seem to teach our children about social issues or the environment. So, what can we as “green” parents do? There are several different ways to incorporate giving back to others and environmentally friendly ideas to create a fun and exciting Birthday celebration.

Invitations – Create recycled invitations from scraps of left-over paper, art supplies and items around the house that fit in with the theme of your party. There are recycled paper invitations, “tree-free” paper invitations, as well as seeded invitations, that, when planted, will grow into a flower garden. You can also send electronic invitations which cut down on paper and cost.

Location – Let your child choose the location based on their interests. Farms, parks, fire stations, zoos, museums, and animal shelters all make wonderful “natural” backdrops for a party and won’t require much additional decoration. In addition, the children (and adults) can learn about ways to help these local organizations, take care of plants and animals and enjoy nature.

Décor – Latex balloons, plastic utensils and paper napkins are a natural parent’s worst nightmare! Opt for some more earth-friendly items such as paper lanterns, non-disposable utensils, cloth napkins and table cloths and flowers or plants as centerpieces.

Cake or Dessert – Make your own vegan or organic cake or cupcakes. This provides you with an opportunity to teach your child about the importance of healthy & organic products, as well as allowing them to participate in the creation of a dessert that will be enjoyed by all of their guests.

Party Favors – The typical plastic goody bags filled with candy and useless toys can easily be replaced by earth-friendly items such as unique rocks, flower or vegetable seeds and planting materials. Home-made baked goods or art projects are always a thoughtful parting gift as well.

Gifts – This is where things can get a bit tricky – most children enjoy and look forward to receiving gifts during their Birthday celebration . Before you begin planning the party, you should re-evaluate what a birthday party means for you and your child. If a discussion occurs early in the process and clarifies the expectations for the party and the gifts, children will be excited about the good things that will be created from their very special party. The key is to combine your social and environmental values with a theme that your child will embrace and enjoy. Along with the theme, choose a charity or organization that will benefit from monetary or product donations. Take a tour of the shelter, charity or organization that your child has chosen or, if the charity is not local, view their website to help your child form an emotional connection with that particular group.

If this type of involved planning really isn’t your thing, there are companies out there that will do it all for you. One such company is Inspired Birthdays . They offer 5 different themed parties focusing on anything from wild animals, to healthy living, to volunteering & they have several different planning packages depending on how much help you need. Each them is partnered with a charity and parents can choose from different donation options for their guests. They can bring everything you need or just the entertainment – you decide!

These party planning options are easy, fun and can be enjoyed fully by the guests, the birthday child and parents alike. They keys to raising socially and environmentally responsible children are to educate them on about giving back and showing them how much fun it can be. A Birthday party is an experience that children look forward to and remember. Why not tie in some simple but meaningful themes and ideas that will change your children and their outlook on the world for the better?

Lisa Smith has a BA in Psychology & is the Owner/CEO of Regionz Kidz, a multi-cultural infant & toddler clothing line featuring ethnically diverse characters and designs. She publishes a blog on her website http://www.regionzkidz.com that discusses cultural diversity & children & is a frequent guest blogger on other blogs and websites regarding parenting and children’s issues. She is also a monthly contributor to Educated Mommy Magazine. You can contact Lisa directly at: lisa@regionzkidz.com

Why to Adopt a Cat

So you’ve decided to embark on the great adventure of cat ownership! Or maybe the cat or cats who already share your home are ready for a companion. Should you adopt your new pet from a shelter or rescue group, rather than buying one from a breeder or pet store? And if you decide on adoption, what and where should you go? Here are some tips.

Adopting a cat is equivalent to saving a life. Every year millions of cats are put to death because they can’t be placed in loving homes. Many cats end up in shelters because their owners have had dramatic life changes which make it impossible to keep their pets. And many had wonderful homes but became lost and couldn’t be reunited with their families. Irresponsible humans, of course, abandon some.

Pet store suppliers and breeders may engage in cruel and unhealthy behavior. The breeding of pets requires meticulous care and organization. Too often unscrupulous “pet mills” force animals to breed at a rate, which is too fast and consequently hard on the mother. Kittens are taken from their mothers too early, leading to emotional and behavioral problems. And conditions are unsanitary and don’t provide for fresh air and exercise. Of course most breeders love animals and do a great job. However it can be difficult to determine the source of many of the pets available at pet stores.

Even potential owners who want purebred cats can adopt. There are many organizations, which specialize in placing purebred cats in loving homes. Because different breeds have different temperaments and care requirements, these organizations work with their clients to be sure that the home and the cat are a good match. Even your local shelter may be a good place to find the breed you are looking for. Pedigreed cats end up in shelters, too, and need good homes.

Most of the cats available for adoption are adults. One of the advantages of getting a grown up pet is that its personality is already formed and apparent. Most shelters provide adoption counseling to help new put owners together with the appropriate cat. Adult cats are also more likely to be trained and past that rambunctious phase which can make kittens so exhausting! Because kittens are so universally appealing, the adult cats at a shelter may languish and ultimately be put down.

Another advantage to adopting a cat is that you will likely be able to find a pet, which has been fostered. These animals have been kept in temporary loving homes while they wait for adoption. Not only have they been socialized in their foster homes, any behavioral problems will have been addressed. Fostered homes provide millions of animals shelter and love while they wait for their “real” families to find and adopt them!

Finally, cats adopted from shelters have been screened for illness, inoculated against common feline diseases, and usually spayed or neutered. Only healthy pets are offered for adoption from a reputable shelter. There are so many reasons to adopt your next cat, and so many cats hoping to be adopted.

Catpert is the most complete website about cats and kittens.

4 Tips For Mom’s Planning Birthday Parties

4 Tips For Mom’s Planning Birthday Parties
by Meryl Rose
Many moms believe that hosting a birthday party is filled with more energy, creativity and patience than they think they have. This is simply not true! I have gathered some of my favorite party planning tips, For more hints and ideas and some great birthday party ideas, please make sure to visit http://www.chitchatformommies.com.

1. Start Planning Early - But Not Too Early

If possible, begin planning your party 4 - 5 weeks in advance. Allowing plenty of time for on-line shopping, cake orders, party site shopping and enlisting any friends, family or teenagers you may want to help.

If you begin to plan the party too early, you run the risk that your child will change his/her mind as to the theme/location/cake type, etc.

Just the same, if you begin planning too late, you run the risk that your site is booked or your 1st choice party favors are on back-order.

2. Pick a Theme

Whether you are looking for something simple at your favorite pizza place or you want an elaborate princess or pirate party, selecting a theme will help you organize your thoughts. Even if the theme is something as simple as your child’s favorite color - you will then plan all of your party supply purchases, games and decorations around that theme.

3. The Best Party Times Are. . .

1 - 3pm or 2 - 4pm if the kids have grown out of nap-times. All you will need to do is serve a few finger foods/munchie stuff if you want parents to stay (no need for munchies if parents aren’t staying - but it is a nice touch).

If kids are still napping, try to aim for 10 - 11:30. Lunch isn’t necessary - but it would certainly be a nice touch.

4. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Children remember what they did at a party, much more than what they ate, what the plates and napkins looked like or whether the house had a speck of dirt on the floor!!

Most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy the celebration of your child’s special day!

Meryl D. Rose is a mommy to an adorable 5 1/2 year old girl and has been married for almost 13 years to a wonderfully supportive husband. Meryl has over twenty years’ experience teaching and counselling children and parents both in and out of the classroom. Meryl was bitten by the proverbial computer bug and created www.chitchatformommies.com - a website created by moms for moms. Once you enter the website, you will find brand-new as well as time-tested, creative and simple solutions to help multi-tasking moms of today thrive in their most important roles - as mommies.

http://www.chitchatformommies.com

This is a “Shareware” Article
(what’s that? read on…)

This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2008 Meryl Rose.

Easy, Fun Games With Numbers

Games with numbers can be great fun and excercise the mind! Below are a few number games with directions on how to play:

Who Can Reach 100 First? This game is easy to understand, and many people can tQ taken in by it. The game may be played several times without the opponent guessing the trick of winning. Two players are needed. The winner is the one who reaches 100 first.

The person who starts - let’s call him George - chooses a number. His partner - say, Ken - adds any number between i and 10. Now it’s George’s turn. The two players take turns in adding a number between 1 and 10 to the previous total. Who will win? Who will get to 100 first?

The winner is the one who can make his opponent reach 99. If Ken reaches 89, then he has already won, because the largest number George can reach is 99. In order that Ken can reach 89 first, he must also reach 78 first. If we continue along these lines, Ken must also reach 67, 56, 45, 34, 23, and 12 first. If George does not know the game and he starts with any number other than 1, then Ken replies with a number which gives a total of 12. Already the winner has been decided, because George can increase this total by 10 at the most, giving a total of 22. Ken makes it 23, and so on, until the total of 100 is reached.

Different rules can also be used. It is possible to fix a target figure different from 100; the upper and lower limits for the numbers to be added can also be changed. We can win all the games if the sum of the largest and smallest number is subtracted from the target figure. In this way we get a series of numbers that ensures victory. If, for instance, the target is 80 and the numbers added must lie between 2 and 7, then the winning series will be 82-9 = 71, 71-9 = 62, then 53, 44, 35, 26, 17, and 8.

The same game has an even more exciting variation. Count out 40 matches. The two players take turns, removing at least 2 and not more than 5 at a time. The player removing the last match is the winner.

This problem is easy to solve: the winner is the one who leaves 7 on the table. Since his opponent must remove at least 2 and not more than 5, in the first case 5 and in the second 2 would be left. So that 7 matches will be left, the winner must also leave 14 previously. Similarly, this applies when the number left on the table is 21, 28 and 35. These are multiples of 5 + 2 = 7 - therefore, if the person who starts knows the game, he simply removes 5 matches and the game is as good as won.

If, however, the person who knows the game does not start, he may not be able to win. Suppose that Ken knows the game, but George insists on starting. George takes 4 matches, leaving 36. In this case Ken cannot reach 35. It is possible that George will play into Ken’s hands on the next move, but if George thinks about it logically, then whatever Ken’s second move is, George can prevent Ken reaching 28. Therefore, Ken has lost the game.

If the rules are changed so that the loser removes the last two matches, the one who starts must try to leave two matches after his last move. This he can achieve if the number left after his next-to-last move is 2 + 2 + 5 = 9. We get this number by adding, to the last number to be left, the smallest and the largest number that can be taken away. The number 9 can be reached if the previous total is 9 + 7 = 16. Then, the previous totals are 23, 30, and 37. The person who starts must, therefore, remove 3 matches. Naturally, only the one who starts can be certain of winning.

Think of a Number. This is a well-known game with many variations. Let’s have a closer look at some of the more interesting ones. Katie says to Valerie, “Take a piece of paper and a pencil, think of a number, and write it down. Multiply it by 10 and take away the number you first thought of. Add 36 and cross out one of the figures in the final number (except the last one, if it is o). Tell me the figures that make up the final number, in any order, and I will tell you the figure you crossed out”. Valerie writes down 312. She multiplies it by 10: 3,120. 3,120 - 312 = 2,808. 2,808 + 36 = 2,844. She crosses out the 8 and rearranges the remaining numbers: 4, 2, 4.

Katie adds these together, 4 + 2 + 4 = 10. She subtracts the sum from the nearest number larger than 10 that is divisible by 9, that is, 1 8. The remainder is the number Valerie crossed out.

Why does this work? Valerie, when she had finished the sum set, arrived at a number divisible by 9. If any number is multiplied by 10 and the original is subtracted, then the remainder is 9 times the original number. If we add to this 36, that is, 4X9, then the sum will also be divisible by 9. We know that if the figures of a number divisible by 9 are added together, the sum will also be divisible by 9. So the missing figure, with the sum of the other figures, gives a number divisible by 9.

Valerie did not want to be outdone and asked Katie to think of a number. Then she said, “Double it, add 4, divide by 2, add 7, multiply by 8, subtract 12, divide the remainder by 4, subtract n, and tell me the result. I’ll tell you the number you thought of”.

Katie thought of n. n X 2 = 22, 22 + 4 = 26, half of 26 = 13. 13 + 7 = 20, 20 x 8 = 160, 160 - 12 = 148, 148 /4 = 37. 37 - 11 = 26. Katie tells Valerie the result: 26.

Valerie subtracts 4 (22), halves that, and says, “The number you thought of was n”. Naturally, Katie is very curious. Valerie explains, “You take four from the final result, halve that, and you have the original number”. They try it several times, with different numbers, and the answer is always right.

Malcolm Blake has written articles on all manner of games, including popular flash PSP games.

Cashing In On Your Spare-Time Interests

Have you ever thought about earning a full time living from your hobbies? It doesn’t matter if it’s sports, crafts, or even trading merchandise - it’s more than possible to earn a living with your hobbies - it’s the major source of income for millions of people all over the world!

Sometimes what seems like a career actually begins as a hobby for someone. Many couples that are adept at home repairs have a hobby of investing property, fixing it up, and flipping it into a profit.

The key to making mounds of money from your hobby is to pick something that makes you happy. You may not enjoy home repairs like your neighbor. Maybe you have a passion for taking everyday things and making an extraordinary piece of art from them.

The best thing about profiting from your hobbies is that you’re doing something that relaxes you and gives you joy in life. Not many people can say that about their jobs. In fact, most people in surveys would love to trade in their 9-5 corporate gigs for something more rewarding.

You don’t have to be a degreed expert in a particular field to take advantage of what your hobbies have to offer. Your expertise is simply the time you’ve invested learning your craft.

If you’d love to turn your hobby into a money-maker, then you have to treat it like a business of sorts. You can’t rely on people to just come up to you and hand over their money.

One way you can make money from your hobby is to simply sell the work that you do, if it’s applicable to what your hobby is. If you make jewelry, then you can create a website where you sell it on the Net. If you write as a hobby, then you can launch a business ghostwriting for others.

But there’s another way you can cash in on your hobbies - by teaching others what you know about it. You see, if you’re interested in something as a relaxing, enjoyable pastime, then chances are there are thousands, if not millions, of other people who have the exact same interests as you do - and are willing to pay for more information!

Think back to when you first started dabbling in your hobby. Did you read books about it or visit websites to learn from others? From knitting to golfing, people pay for information that helps them enjoy their hobbies even more - and you can be the resource they need to make their dreams happen!

Learn the ins and outs of how to make money online and work at home at www.how-to-make-money-online.info a site focused on the best help, tips and advice for work at home businesses.

Baby Showers - What About The Invitaions?

If you are hosting a baby shower, then odds are you already know that every minor detail will be up to you, unless you have other people who are helping you to host the event. Once the budget has been prepared, and the guest list generated, the next thing you will need to do is find and create the invitations.

A baby shower is a truly special event, so you should really put some thought into making the invitations special. You don’t have to spend a fortune on them, and in fact, they can even be handmade, but you should make certain that each guest receives a formal invitation, rather than a phone call or email about the event.

You can choose to have the invitations professionally done, more common with a formal shower, or you can find them pre-made either from your local stores, or online. Keep in mind that if you order them online, you will have some time to wait before they arrive. To save money, and if you are the crafty sort, you can certainly create your own invitations as well, and in some instances, this may even be the best option.

Other than picking out the invitation that you like, you also need to know what information you should include in the invitation. Of course, you want to let your guests know who the baby shower is for, who is hosting the shower, so that guests know who to contact if they have questions, the day and the time that the shower will be held, where it will be held at, and directions on how to get there, and a phone number or address for an RSVP. If the shower is going to be an adult only event, you should make certain that you include this in the invitation as well.

There are some other pieces of information that may or may not be included in the invitations, according to your own personal preference. Some people like to let guests know what the shower theme will be, and where the expectant mom has registered for gifts at.

Some people say that it is better to provide this information only after you receive the RSVP, while others say that not all guests will RSVP, and so the invitation may be the only chance that the host has to give them this information. Again, it is your choice.

Most hosts will list their own home numbers on the invitations, so that guests can call them to RSVP. If the host decides to not put the extra information in the invitation, she should be prepared with it when guests call to ask for it. In some instances, it is considered a faux pas to give this information out before guests actually ask for it.

It is best to send the invitations out at least four weeks prior to the shower, and even sooner if you will be inviting people who do not live in the area. The sooner you get the invitations out, the more time guests will have to shop and rearrange their schedules so that they can attend. Some people will need to ask for the day off, or will need to arrange for child care, which is hard to do on a day’s notice.

If you are invited to a baby shower, whether you plan to attend or not, you should be courteous and let the host know what your intentions are. The host will need to get an accurate number of how many guests to expect, so that she can more efficiently plan and budget for the shower. It is much easier for the host if you call her, rather than her having to go through the invitation list at the last minute to get in touch with everyone.

More on baby Showers and the perfect invitations for your baby shower. You can also find poems for expecting mothers baby shower invitations and games.
by John Atkinson

Update Ourselves and Educate Children Better

Who does not want the best futures for his/her children? So what is the most important age for the development of a child? The first six years — we learned most of our thinking and our behaviors, including how to succeed, how to deal with stress, and how to stay healthy, from the people close to us. Your children may have passed their critical ages, however your influence is still very powerful, for you are the parents — the Authority Figures in their lives.

Who was close to you in your first six years? Have you run into any limits with “others’ ways?” Do you want to pass the same things you learned down to your children? Do you want to know more about how to eat healthy and stay fit, how to prevent your children from becoming overweight or acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, how to help them deal with various criticisms, school, job finding and other stress and achieve more and fster? Our mind, body and inter-relations with our internal and external worlds are one integrated system.

Our thinking system is like the software running inside us, profoundly affecting our health, our emotions, our ability to handle stress in a crisis, and our ability to succeed. We could learn; we can relearn. Why some people are able to live up to their potential and have their dreams come true? Are they smarter, stronger and more courageous? No. Most of the time is because of the different thinking, which can be vision, ideas, ways of approach and internal power.

As most of our thinking was formulated at immature ages, we need to identify and replace the insufficient thinking that limits our potential. Sometimes, one improper software can turn a person’s entire life upside down. Isn’t it right to have high standards on your children? However, it could be troublesome if your child uses the “shoulds” standards on EVERYONE else. It could become dangerous if the trouble happens in a bad area. As these internal limits have become part of us, we may not be aware of their existence without sharp insights of self and others.

Not knowing enough is another internal limitation. I did not know what was internet, computer or Forbes in high school. What I want today is different from what I wanted then. How much we know and see can determine what we can achieve. To sharpen our insights of self and others, and upgrade our software” will enable us focus precisely, utilize resources fully and achieve more.

However, to free our potential within is only the beginning. Life is full of unexpected stress and health related risks, which can disable our minds, slow our progress or even take away our success.

Who could expect that the school shootings could happen? In these days, we can get stress almost anywhere, internally and externally. Stress can be a good motivator; it can also destroy our problem solving, bring down our emotions and cause health issues. A MTV’s survey found that young people (age 13-24) are experiencing rising stress, 45% of girls/young women compared to 32 % of boys/young men, mainly due to school (13-17) and Job (18-24). The stress level is 80% among workers. As the American Institute of Stress estimated, stress costs U.S. corporations $300 billion a year in health costs, absenteeism and turnover.

With more and more stress facing us every day, we need to learn how to recognize negative symptoms of stress, how to relax from stress, how to utilize, eliminate and transform stress, and more importantly how to prevent stress from coming, including from our own mind or health. We don’t have to be consumed by stress or crises. For live samples, you may read the article “Utilize, Eliminate & Transform Your Stress” at our web site. Human beings age not only by years, but also by life events and our reactions to them. We can certainly intervene in latter to look and feel young.

Good health enables our human mind and the ability to handle stress or crisis function at their fullest efficiency. How we deal with illnesses or injuries before and after seeing doctors can mean life or death, recovery or disability. If you have not had much experiences of taking care yourself or loved one in hospital, you may read the article “Don’t Just Count On Your Doctors!” It has many life samples, too.

Without entering a profession in health, we can learn how to eat healthy and stay fit; how to sleep well; how to recognize and prevent common illnesses; how to avoid costly mistakes when you are well, ill, injured or in an emergency; how to select health specialties, including Acupuncture and Herbs, shorten hospital stays and get well faster.

The less you and children get sick, the less money, time, effort or even lives you would lose; the faster you can recover, the less stress you have to face. There is NO health insurance that pays them altogether. We need to stay healthy with full energy to enjoy life and face challenges. In addition, The U.S. health care costs has increased from 7.2% of the gross domestic product in 1970 to 16% in 2005, and it is expected to be 20% of GDP by 2015, per the National Coalition on Health care.

Our mind, body and inter-relations with our internal and external worlds are one integrated system. We can achieve more and achieve our goal more smoothly with our best “hardware and software” while enjoying better work/life balance and helping children grow more and faster. To improve three parts altogether systematically, instead of piece by piece, will allow us to see the big picture and build a solid foundation. Let’s update ourselves while educating our children better!

Bin Yang, MD, has founded The Prince Synergy, dedicated to helping growing businesses and individuals achieve more, and enjoy a smoother journey with human capital. Dr. Yang has been listed as the top expert in Forbes, Smart Money to discuss stress in businesses and schools. You may get more information about this 4-day Executive Synergy Program and other programs at their website, http://www.ThePrinceSynergy.com

Diversity in the Classroom

I was talking with a friend last week about the private school that her 2 boys attended & she informed me that she had withdrawn them at the end of last school year and they now attended public school.  When I asked what brought about the change, she told me “The teachers at their previous school told them (when doing are projects) ‘We only color the people in our pictures peach.’ “  My friend, a forward thinking intelligent mom, told her children to follow the rules at school but while at home, she encouraged her children to do artwork and to color their people all different shades because as she put it “The world is full of people of all different colors.” 

This got me to thinking.  When we take our children to school, we assume that we are placing them in the very best care.  We believe that the teachers that interact with them on a daily basis are teaching them about equality and being open-minded when in reality, that may not be the case.  Teachers are human and bring with them into the classroom, their own set of prejudices.  How so we know that they aren’t passing them on to our children?

A culturally literate teacher can make all the difference when working with children on the concepts of diversity & racial tolerance.  An educator that celebrates differences helps to increase students’ self-esteem and self-worth and helps to teach children about these differences in a non-judgmental way.  Unfortunately, there are some schools, administration and teachers who fall short of this mark. 

What should we as parents be on the lookout for?  How can we tell is our child’s teacher is ready to take on this open-minded way of teaching?

1. Look for signs in their classroom:  Do they have pictures, quotes or artwork representing all cultures and populations?
2. Check out their teaching style:  Do they encourage healthy, open discussions and questions about cultural perspectives and topics?
3. Examine the school curriculum:  Do the lesson plans fit all types of students?  Does it focus on one particular gender, race or religion more than another?
4. Ask the students:  45% of all children in the US are ethnic minorities.  Do they feel excluded?  Do they feel safe sharing things about themselves in the classroom?
5. Take a look at your child’s homework or text books:  Are there units or chapters devoted to all ethnicities?  Do they look at History or social issues from different cultural perspectives?

Most teachers are good people trying to do their jobs in the best way possible; dealing with school overcrowding, budget cuts and the like.  If your child’s classroom does not answer with a resounding “yes!” to the above questions, you don’t have to make a rush to pull them from school.  These are merely suggestions for the optimal learning for our children and if your child’s school or teacher can provide even just a few of the suggestions, they are better off for them.
 
We should of course, be teaching children morals and their belief system at home, but with teachers having a large influence over behavior for a good portion of their day, we do have some cause for concern if they are teaching things that we don’t want them to learn.  The world is made up of students of all different colors, shapes, and sizes and we need to find educators that encourage communication about differences while demonstrating that these differences do not equate to any one group or person being better than any other.  We should be concerned when our teachers tell our children to “only color people peach” and we should applaud those that inspire, motivate and empower children of all colors.

Lisa Smith has a BA in Psychology & is the Owner/CEO of Regionz Kidz, a multi-cultural infant & toddler clothing line featuring ethnically diverse characters and designs.  She publishes a blog on her website http://www.regionzkidz.com that discusses cultural diversity & children & is a frequent guest blogger on other blogs and websites regarding parenting and children’s issues. She is also a monthly contributor to Educated Mommy Magazine.  You can contact Lisa directly at: lisa@regionzkidz.com

Prepare with Classroom Survival Kits

Just because the Cold War ended and people spend their day to day lives with less fear of nuclear war than they did in the middle of the twentieth century does not mean that there is less cause to prepare for disaster. Most high schools still have their bomb shelters because once those were built they did not require constant maintenance. The same cannot be said of survival kits, however, which require frequent attention to maintain the items ready in case of disaster.

Regardless of the high levels of security we currently enjoy, disasters beyond our control still happen. We cannot forget the tragedy of the events of September 11, 2001. It would also be foolish to forget the victims of hurricane Katrina and the government’s inability to provide support. The tsunami victims in Malaysia and other Asian countries were also unprepared for the terrible disaster that struck. Since disasters such as these can strike at any time, even while class is in session, schools and parents have an obligation to make preparations.

A classroom survival kit is one of the best ways to prepare. It is common to maintain a 72 hour kit inside of our home, but much less common to include one in our school classrooms. The safety of our children may depend on such a kit in the future. Since it is so inexpensive to prepare one nowadays, teachers should work together with parents to maintain such kits up to date each year.

Some of the most important items to include in such a kit include large bottles of water and water purification tools. People can survive much longer without food than they can without water, so assuring the presence of clean, drinkable water should be the number one priority. Electricity is almost always out during disasters so at least one good flashlight with a back up case of batteries is also important. A good first aid kit with disinfectant and plenty of bandages is also of the highest priority.

Other less important items that are good to include in such a kit are hard hats, strong leather work gloves, goggles, blankets, a crow bar, an AM/FM radio, a short range broadcasting radio, icepacks, and non-perishable high calorie food items. Many granola-type bars fit this description and flavor will not matter in a disaster situation.

For those who wish to go above and beyond in their preparations, it would not hurt to also include duct tape, yellow caution tape, a larger variety of non-perishable food, perhaps some powdered juice like Tang to mix with the water, multiple flashlights and more tools. Signal flares are very common and easy to obtain, and satellite phones cost much less than they did a few years ago, making highly specialized tools more available to the masses.

The decision is between the parents, administration, teachers, and the school boards. What can be prevented should, and what cannot be prevented should be prepared for so our children will not become the victims we hear about on the news.

Terry Fitzroy is a professional writer specializing in72 hour kits and preparedness To learn more about Emergency Kits visit AreYouPrepared.com

No Fooling – It’s April!

On April 1st, how many of us have listened to stories, read an article in the paper or received an email from friends, family or co-workers that was immediately followed by the loud yell of “April Fools!”?  April 1st is the US National holiday for tricks, pranks and other practical jokes. The commonly accepted origin of April Fool’s Day or All Fool’s Day, involves changes in the calendar. At one time, the New Year celebration began on March 25 and ended on April 1. However, in 1582, King Charles IX accepted the beginning of the New Year as January 1. Those who refused to acknowledge the new date or simply forgot, received foolish gifts and invitations to nonexistent parties. It has evolved into a day of light-hearted trickery and has produced some elaborate and well-known hoaxes.

The United State is not the only country to participate in a national prank day.  Several others around the world also play host to a day similar to ours.

• In Iran, people play jokes on each other on April 3, the 13th day of the Persian calendar. It is believed that people should go out on this date in order to escape the bad luck of number 13.

• On April 1st, the French play a game called “April’s Fish” and attempt to attach a paper fish to the victims’ back’s without being noticed. This is also widespread in other nations, such as Italy where “April’s Fish” is also used to refer to any other jokes done during the day

• In Belgium, the tradition is for children to lock their parents or teachers out of the house or school, only letting them in if they promise to bring treats the same evening or the next day.

• In some countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, on April 1st, if somebody pulls an April Fools’ Trick after midday, then the person pulling the trick is actually considered the fool.

So, this year, if you can’t quite create a believable hoax, prank or joke yourself, you can try taking an idea from some of the countries above.  You’ll not only getting the benefit of yelling “April Fool’s!” to your unsuspecting victim, but you’ll also be teaching a little about some different customs as well; and that’s no joke!

Lisa Smith has a BA in Psychology & is the Owner/CEO of Regionz Kidz, a multi-cultural infant & toddler clothing line featuring ethnically diverse characters and designs.  She publishes a blog on her website http://www.regionzkidz.com that discusses cultural diversity & children & is a frequent guest blogger on other blogs and websites regarding parenting and children’s issues. She is also a monthly contributor to Educated Mommy Magazine.  You can contact Lisa directly at: lisa@regionzkidz.com

Myths of birth order dispelled

Does anyone have an older sibling that still treats them like they are five? Okay that’s me and I have three of them.

I love my older sisters, but they have always been my older sisters. It started when they were born first.

I always got the hand-me-downs. By the time I got the hoola hoop, it was square. When I got the easy bake oven, it had e-coli. And when I finally got the Ken and Barbie doll, they were already in a mid-life crisis.

Well, sometimes my oldest sister would watch us three younger sisters. My mom would give us four dolls and a stack of saltine crackers for a snack. She would of course decide when it was time to feed us. We would all sit there like baby robins in a nest with our mouths open waiting for her to drop something in our mouths – so she would ask if we wanted the cracker with or without salt. If we wanted it without salt she would take a cracker and lick the salt off and then hand it to us. It took the meaning of sodium free to a whole new level.

The 7-up Slurpee that we all shared… Well, that is why I have emotional backwash to this day.

How many of your remember when jelly came in those little Flintstone glasses? The neat thing was when you were done with the jelly – then you could wash the little glass jar and then use it at the table as a glass – if you ate enough jelly you could furnish a whole set — even Martha Stewart hadn’t thought of that. One day I accidentally broke one – and one of my older sisters said, “How come can’t we keep anything nice around here?”

I love being the youngest in the family but some people don’t like their birth order. The problem? The problem is all those books out there about birth order. And all of us believe it and live by it as though it were all true.

Well, I say if you don’t like your order in the family why not change it so you end up where really want to be?

How can that be done? Well, what do you do if you didn’t like your first, middle or last name? You’d go to court and have it changed. Want to be first born? The youngest? Disappear in the middle? Go on the Web, find a site created by lawyers to change your birth order, download the forms, and voila! You’re now top of the heap and can run the universe. Or, if you’re now the baby of the family you can stomp your feet, get big alligator tears and threaten to go tell Mom and Dad even if you are 38.

To change your birth order you might try telling people the hospital got the ink footprints mixed up and actually you were born a decade before your oldest sister who looks nine years older than you. You can then go over to your (former) oldest sister’s home, knock on her door, and shout, “Give me back my make-up purse! Who said you could borrow it in the first place? And don’t let me ever find you in my bathroom again!”

Or, finally, to change your birth order go to HighSchoolReunion.com and use Photoshop to insert your own picture into the class of ’86 where your brother’s face used to be. The amazing result? Suddenly, you’re now Wally Cleaver and he’s the Beaver. Even Ward and June are too old to go ape over something like that.

Finally, remember birth order begins to repeat itself in large families with every fourth child. This is mainly because no birth order book has more than four types of children so then by the fifth one the child starts acting like the first one. If someone could think of another chapter it would likely transform families overnight.

Birth order, according to some authors, affects everything about your life. It affects whether or not you have asthma, what type of exercise program you should undertake and whether the leaves turn in your front yard turn to autumn colors before or after others in your family.

Basically if you know about birth order, you don’t need to know anything else. And why should you?

You already have a brother who knows everything for you.

——————–

By Cheryl and Bob Moeller
Cheryl Moeller is a columnist for www.mommiesmagazine.com. She’s also an outrageous stand up comic for moms. Her syndicated humor columns will make you laugh until you feel better. Find out more about her new CD “Spin Cycle,” her humor columns and how you can bring her to speak at your mom’s group at www.momlaughs.blogspot.com

She has co-authored two books. Marriage Minutes, Moody Press and For Better, For Worse, For Keeps, Marrriagevine Press can be purchased on www.momlaughs.blogspot.com.

Courage Under Fire

 An actor in the movie “Ladder 49” said,  “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the realization that there is something more important than fear.” Obviously, he was referring to the courage firefighters have when risking their lives for others. When I heard this statement, it instantly resounded in my soul that the courage he was speaking of lives inside me, and in you…as special parents.

     No matter how long you’ve been on your journey of special parenting, I’m sure someone has said to you, “I don’t know how you do it, I could never have the energy or courage to do what you do every day.” And I used to be one of those people, until my daughter came into my world.

     I know I say it often but I strongly feel that we were chosen by God to parent our kids. He gave us the skills we were going to need as parents the day we were born…think about that! The thoughts overwhelm me sometimes…When all of a sudden, usually without warning, you have to go into a mode of yourself that you never knew existed, you can do nothing but have courage. You gather the strength from somewhere deep inside that was waiting, lying dormant, for your child to enter your life. He planned it that way.

     Then, this little precious person becomes the thing that precedes everything in your life up until that moment, which is so much more important than any kind of fear that would like to take over.

What can be more important than your child? Whether you planned this life to be part of your family naturally, or traveled to another city or country to make him your own, the love you have for this child is without measure. Fear is not an option.

     Fear creates chaos and distance. It breeds worry and uncertainty. We don’t have time for such thoughts or actions. We usually have too many appointments, meetings, and unexpected challenges that come up to allow any of those words into our vocabulary.

     Think about how natural these things come to you– You have become better at multi-tasking that you ever thought possible. You have become your very own crisis intervention specialist. You took (or maybe still are taking) a crash course on your child’s diagnosis or disability; you quickly became the therapist, physician, specialist, and parent….all at the same time.  We don’t have time to live by fear. Fear is the opposite of faith.

    I choose to live by faith. Faith breeds answers, peace and hope. Hope for our children’s future, and ours. Faith creates the environment for healing, progress, and accomplishments for our kids on a day-to-day basis.

     Can you imagine what our world would be like if firefighters lived by fear? We have their courage– Courage to go where not many would choose to go, with faith, hope, and expectancy—for the life of another. So, my prayer is that you realize how so very valuable your journey as a special parent has become.  So valuable, that your life parallels that of a firefighter.  Regardless of limitation, different abilities, or challenges, our children have taught us how to fight the fires of their disability, and face the heat with faith and courage.

One Moment

     I recently had the pleasure of meeting a very seasoned “special couple” They have a daughter in her thirties who is profoundly deaf. They poured their life and heart out to my husband and I in a very short period of time….when you’ve come as far as they have as parents, a few minutes is all you need…

     They spoke of how they realized she was deaf, and how many times they had suspicions and were told they were over-anxious first time parents. They then explained how they moved across the country to find the services and schools they knew their daughter needed—No jobs in sight, and they moved from Ohio to California without even questioning themselves. After many years and moves, the Mother stated so simply that when their daughter was 6 years old, she saw a person that had a physical disability, and in her innocent, newly found voice, she said to her mother, “I am so glad I don’t have a disability.” All their hard work, sweat, and tears came down to that one moment. They had placed her in a school setting with professionals that taught her all about the hearing world and how to function in it. Every moment of doubt or questioning themselves as special parents became a quick memory in that one single moment.

     As the Mom was speaking, I instantly began to weep. I wept because isn’t that what all of us want? We want all these appointments, research, running on empty wondering if it will all truly be worth it one day—to come down to one moment just like that. Maybe some of our kids wouldn’t be able to communicate that to us as beautifully as their daughter did, but even if our moment came down to some form of confirmation from our child or someone that has to do with our child’s functioning that we did OK. Because when it comes down to it, the approval of our kids is one of the main goals—at least it is for me.

     I look forward to the day when my Olivia is ready to tell me thank you for all of the services I made sure she had, or that she doesn’t feel inside any different than anyone else she comes in contact with—because of the way we treated her, and never made her feel any different.

     I also wept at the thought of that feeling as a parent. When we became parents, whether we knew our child had different abilities right away or not, parenting in general is a challenge. We all want to do the right thing for all of our kids-we want to help guide them in their decisions; we want what’s best for them. And the ultimate would be to get some kind of confirmation of that—verbal or otherwise.

     The tears I shed while driving away from meeting them were much different than the tears I have shed on my special parenting journey thus far.  They were filled with hope for Olivia’s future, and for our family as a whole. This beautiful couple that shared their special story with us, filled us with expectation and hope for the future—not just for Olivia’s future, but also for ours as parents. They taught us that we will survive—they’re proof.

     How many of us had to travel across the country to get services for our child? We may have had our share of obstacles along the way, trying to find the right professionals to be on our child’s team, but I’m pretty certain not many of us had to do what they did.

      I feel they are an inspiration to special parents everywhere. I’m sure they don’t feel that way… through their humbling, genuine words; I realized that they did what any one of us would have done. They didn’t have a choice. When you become a special parent, you realize that your needs and wants are no longer an issue; all that matters is your child. They are the epitome of parenthood.

     My hope for you and your family this month is that you will remember the simple words of this precious little girl at such a young age—and look forward to your moment just like that. And instead of filling your days with worry and thoughts of doubt in this journey with your child, focus on the hope and expectancy of your moment, and know that you’re doing a good job.

  

Enjoy The Journey

 

     Many parents I know say to my husband and I, “enjoy them while they’re little, they grow up so fast.” I agree already, from experience with both of my kids, and they’re only 8 and 5 years old.  They are growing before my eyes, and in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is definitely a challenge to just sit back and enjoy them completely.

     It is even more challenging to relax and be in the moment when you have a child with special needs. When we get in a pattern of crisis management, or planning for multiple procedures our kids need, we are in caregiver mode, rather than parent mode. Regardless of how often your child’s condition requires you to be in this mode, my prayer is that my words will guide even the smallest steps toward enjoying your special child more.

     So how do we come to a place where we consciously make an effort to focus on our child’s unique blessings they give to us daily, rather than worrying about the next crisis?

 I feel we must get in the habit of focusing on all the wonderful things our kids are capable of doing, rather than their limitations. When we have to be “on-call” so to speak for the next obstacle, it is so easy to get in the mode of only seeing the disability.  Personally, I try to focus on my Olivia’s smile, her words, and her beautiful, string-willed spirit that shines so brightly. I’ve found that the more I see what she can do, the things she can’t do become so very small.

    A friend of mine that is a parent coach always says, “What you focus on grows.” Think about that and how it relates to your child, and how much brighter your days would be if the center of your focus is on the positive things he or she shows to you every day. Even the smallest accomplishment can grow if you allow it to.

     The small victories that our children have—a new word, a new movement, the ability to tolerate a new situation, etc…those are the things that should get us from day to day. These small goals our kids meet may not mean anything to the outside world, but in our world, in our families, they mean so very much.

     My challenge for you this month is to make a conscious effort to focus on one positive thing your child is capable of doing—not comparing him or her to typical peers—find one thing to hone in on, and watch how it grows. Just like a seed placed in soil, if it is not nurtured and taken care of, it will not grow.

     The same is true of our kid’s beautiful seeds that are right in front of us every day. We must water the seeds with faith-filled words of encouragement and hope for their future, and feed their rich soil by basking in their accomplishments, no matter how big or small they may be.  Their self-confidence and self-pride is counting on us to consistently be the sunlight in their lives, and not bring pity into the way we react to them, to ensure they continue to grow and blossom.  By allowing ourselves to see the magnificent flowers they are becoming, we can relax and enjoy them each step of this special journey we are walking together.

  

Mummy’s Top Five Treats

My Mother’s Day dream features a fluffy white duvet, baby kisses and cuddles, a relaxed breakfast in bed and a day let off domestic duties.

Should I dare to dream? I imagine many other women share this soft-focus vision but perhaps it never comes true. The reality is an over-excited toddler, a tea-stained duvet with bits of jammy toast stuck to it and a weary mummy. Daddy has done a runner and gone to play football against the local pub team.

We all have to face the fact that some dads are a bit useless. Tickling, cuddling and being the Daddy-Monster are no problem. It’s just the really thinking about what their partner might appreciate that they find difficult. These five treats should get them on the right track.

1 You can’t top making us cry. The power of a kiss, cuddle and a big smile from the children and their Daddy is amazing. Pregnancy, labour, lack of sleep, a different body or a lost career all pale into insignificance when your little one shows you that not only do they know who you are, but they love you too. A home-made card or cake has the same effect.

2 We also value being able to leave the house on our own and escape the family for a short while. A spa treatment, from a massage to an hour in a floatation tank or the whole weekend at a luxury hotel, is always a winner. It also suits any pocket. Lastminute features numerous offers around the country which you can search for by location. Special packages are available at luxury hotels in the von Essen group, some of which include activities to keep dad and the children entertained while mum relaxes.

3 Most mummies love to re-live their teens and get down to a bit of dirty dancing. The perfect opportunity to treat your lady and get some precious time together is to book a babysitter and a West End show with an overnight stay in a nearby hotel. As part of a London Theatre Break with Holiday Extras it costs from 119 pounds per person for tickets to Dirty Dancing with a night in a 3 or 4 star hotel including breakfast. You can add afternoon tea and a pre-theatre dinner to the package and really drive her wild.

4 Getting away for a few days is a real treat. If you want to take the whole brood, get searching for cosy guest houses, country cottages or luxury hotels that cater for families. The Enjoy England website has some great ideas, like staying in a lighthouse or a castle. For extra brownie points take her further afield and pre-book an airport lounge where she can relax before the flight.

5 Harassed mums really appreciate a tasty meal cooked and cleared away by someone else. It’s a classic Mother’s Day treat so book Sunday lunch at her favourite restaurant in advance. Daddies must remember that they are on child-feeding and restraining duty so that Mummy can eat her meal while it’s still hot and maybe even enjoy a glass of wine.

My first Mother’s Day passed me by slightly as I was still trying to get to grips with motherhood. This year I’m ready to enjoy every minute of it, whether it’s a whole cup of tea in bed or a night in a castle.

Max Clarke is a first-time parent and part-time copywriter for a holiday services company. Holiday
Extras

Don’t Take It Personally! Dealing With Rejection, Criticism And Judgments

Someone looks at you ‘funny’ or speaks to you with ‘that tone.’

And you start thinking: How dare she treat me that way. Who does she think she is? I don’t deserve this.

You cringe. You feel yourself flushing. Anger starts creeping up. Wow, it doesn’t take any time at all for her look to set you off. One minute you’re ready to explode. The next, you just want to crawl into the nearest hole.

“Ohmigawd, I can’t stop myself. I’m out of control. Where on earth did this reaction come from? How can this be happening? How can I be behaving so badly?”

And before you know it, you’re taking it personally.

Here’s how we take things personally:

* Assuming there is intent even when there isn’t.

* Taking things the wrong way, as a personal affront or put-down.

* Believing people are taking sides - for you or against you.

* Getting upset when other people don’t see things the way you do.

* Feeling hurt or slighted or insulted or wronged or attacked.

* Taking something as a personal failure - feeling blamed or blaming yourself.

Think about it this way: when we are taking something personally we’re feeling rejected in some way.

When you are able to get some distance from it, you realize your knee-jerk response is all out of proportion to the other person’s behavior. But in the moment, when you are feeling dissed or attacked, all you are able to do is defend yourself.

How how NOT to take things so personally:

Take some distance from it: You can train yourself to dis-entangle from the uncomfortable situation. By recognizing your own rejection triggers, and noticing how you react, you’re giving yourself some distance.

* Take time-outs: Creating enough distance can slow down your over-reactive response. Taking a “time out” works great. Breathing slowly while counting to 10 is one kind of “time out. Excusing yourself and going into the kitchen to get a drink of water is another.

* Identify your blind spots: Getting some distance involves recognizing your blind spots. How can you change something if you are unable to see it? It’s a lot easier to change behavior when you’re aware of it.

* Ask yourself these questions:
“Might I be taking this personally?”
“What part of me is feeling rejected, judged or criticized? ”
“What am I telling myself?”
“Is this an old message? ”
“Where did it come from? ”

* Then, walk alongside yourself: What do you notice about your reactions? This “naming” and “noticing” opens up space for making choices about how you want to deal with rejection.

* And it gives you choices. You don’t have to continue down the same path once you realize how you got there. You CAN choose to back up to that fork in the road and change direction. Success comes a step at a time and with practice.

* Finally, try to put yourself in the shoes of the other person. What might they be thinking? How might they be feeling? Once you can get out of the center of your own orbit, you won’t feel so much like a target.

Usually whatever was said or done to you says more about the other person and their fears than it does about you!

Trouble is, we tend dwell on it. We replay what the other person said. We attempt to guess what they meant. You really can’t read their mind. Guessing is never as efficient as checking something out.

Ask them if you think you heard them say is what they meant. You may find out your perception is different from their intention. And that’s a good thing.

Consider how much energy you will save if you don’t have to dwell on the interaction to try figure it out. Asking saves a lot of time and energy.

Copyright Elayne Savage, PhD

Elayne Savage, PhD is The Queen of Rejection(TM) - communication coach, professional speaker and author of ‘Don’t Take It Personally!’ and ‘Breathing Room-Creating Space to Be Couple’ (in 9 languages.) You’ll find useful tips on dealing with rejection and not taking things so personally at http://www.QueenofRejection.com.

Fun Games for Teenagers

Keeping teenagers entertained can sometimes be difficult and so I have outlined some ideas for games for teenagers to play. Following are some ideas of games for teenagers to play which are energetic and fun!

UNDER THE BRIDGES. FOR BOYS OR GIRLS. 10 TO 30 PLAYERS PLAYED OUTDOORS OR INDOORS:

The only equipment required for this exciting and amusing game is two volleyballs or basketballs and a white paper-plate marker 6 inches in diameter.

The players form a circle with an arm’s length between players. All face the center of the circle and stand with the legs astride in a comfortable, not exaggerated, position. The plate marker is placed between any two players in the circle. These two players turn and face each other, and the leader gives each of them a volleyball.

On the word “Go!” each player puts the ball on the ground directly in front of the player nearest him and using only the palm of one hand drives the ball under the bridge formed by that player’s legs, Both players who are driving the balls run on the outside of the circle and drive the balls under all of the bridges around the entire circle until they arrive back at the starting plate.

The fact that the players are traveling in different directions assures their meeting at some point of the circle. This adds to the fun and excitement, especially if they meet directly at a bridge. Should a ball be driven away from a bridge by the ball of another player, the player whose ball was forced out of line must retrieve it and, by the one-hand-drive method, drive it under the bridge that was missed before going on to the next bridge.

Players must not touch the volley ball of another player with their hands. Those who do are sent back two bridges as a penalty, though there is no penalty for a collision between two volleyballs, A ball which fails to go under a bridge must be patted back, always with the palm of one hand, and driven under before the player carries on to the next bridge.

Since one player is forced to use his left hand while circling the players, because it is the hand nearest to the bridges, the fairest way to decide on the winner is to have the bridges circled twice by each player. When a player therefore arrives back at the marker after the first round, he starts around the circle again, running in the opposite direction for the second round. The first player to arrive back at the marker at the end of the second circuit is the winner.

GAME: SIT DOWN! FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. 8 TO 20 PLAYERS PLAYED INDOORS OR OUTDOORS.

The players sit on chairs placed fairly close together in a circle, The chairs face inward and one chair is left vacant at any point in the circle. One player stands in tho middle of the circle. When the leader calls “Sit Down” the player in the middle makes a rush for the empty chair. Before he can reach it, a player from either side of the chair has moved onto it or a player from some other part of the circle has beaten him to it, The player in search of the empty chair must now look elsewhere for it, while the seated players constantly move to fill the one empty chair and try to prevent him from finding a chair to sit on.

The game becomes more exciting when two of the seated players rise and rush for an empty seat simultaneously, giving the seat seeker a brief choice of three chairs. When the chairless player finally gets a chair, a new chair seeker is chosen by the leader and the game begins again. The choice by the leader is advisable in order to prevent some player from losing his chair too easily, in order to become the new chair seeker.

GAME: CATERPILLARS. FOR BOYS. 4 TO 10 PLAYERS PLAYED OUTDOORS.

This amusing race should be carried out on grassy ground free from stones or other impedimenta. There are two boys on a team. A line is marked on the ground as the starting point and another line is marked directly opposite it 30 feet away. The two boys on each team kneel down, facing in opposite directions, with ankles touching, the hands of one boy just touching the starting line. A leader then ties the ankles of the two boys on each team with 2-inch strips of cloth. The right ankle of one player is tied to the left ankle of his teammate and the left ankle is tied to the right ankle of his teammate.

On the word “Go!” each team races to the opposite line, the leading crawler continuing until his partner in the rear calls “Stop!” which he does just as soon as his fingers touch the second line. The race now continues back to the starting point, with the boy who was traveling backward before now leading. The first team to reach the start line wins, as soon as the leading boy’s fingers touch the line.

Malcolm Blake has researched the field of games for people of all ages, and types of games. He has done research into the field of video games and cheap PSP games too.

How to Teach Your Children the Most Important Thing about Easter

by Cheryl and Bob Moeller

At Easter we try to explain the resurrection of Christ to our children in a unique way so they will really understand it.

Numerous people have questioned and even ridiculed the idea of the resurrection of Jesus over the centuries. The author of The Passover Plot suggests that Jesus swooned or fainted on the cross. The author then claims that Jesus was later revived by the cool, moist air of the tomb.

Despite such novel theories that attempt to explain away the resurrection of Christ, Josh McDowell in Evidence That Demands a Verdict, points out several key historical facts that have never been refuted. (1)

We want our children to learn AND remember the Easter story. So we will try to not only tell but also show them what it all means.

This year on Easter Sunday morning our six children will get in their Easter baskets, along with 2 feet chocolate bunnies and lots of jelly beans, a plastic Ziplock bag filled with 6 special objects. These objects are symbols of historical facts that have never been refuted about the Easter Story.

1. Jesus predicted His resurrection. Before His death Jesus told His disciples that

“They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him. On the third day

he will rise again” (Luke 18:32-33).

For the first object we place in each Ziplock bag is a three inch piece of string

to symbolize a whip used to beat Jesus.

2. Jesus suffered actual death. Numerous doctors, researchers, and pathologists who have

examined the account of Jesus’ death have concluded He was definitely dead when He was

taken down from the Cross.

For the second one we place in their Ziplock bag is a blunt nail to represent

the Cross and the agony Jesus suffered there for us.

3. Jesus was buried. No one has suggested, not even His enemies among the religious

leaders of that day, that Jesus was never buried. The leaders went to the ruling Roman

governor Pontuis Pilate and pleaded that the tomb be sealed and guarded (Matthew

27:62-66). No one would ask that an empty tomb be guarded.

For the third one we place in the Ziplock bag is a small rock to represent that

the tomb was sealed.

4. The tomb was empty - except for the grave clothes. If the tomb of Jesus wasn’t

empty on Easter morning, the ruling officials would have just had to produce the body

for public viewing. They would have silenced everyone.

For the fourth symbol we place in the Ziplock bag is a white kleenex to

represent the grave clothes.

5. Despite centuries of attacks no critic has been able to adquately explain away

the resurrection. Even Christ’s enemies never refuted His resurrection. Although the

early believers were persecuted for their faith, the facts of Jesus’ resurrection were

never publicly protested or refuted by His enemies (Acts 5:27-31).

For the fifth one we place in the Ziplock bag is a small Cross.

6. The disciples’ lives were changed. Jesus’ followers were demoralized, frightened,

and confused after His death. Then something significant changed this group of cowering

fugitives into a group of fearless evangelists. What was it? The answer is

simple-they saw the risen Jesus.

For the sixth symbol we place in the Ziplock bag is a toothpick to represent a

match, showing that a fire was started and it’s a Flame that cannot be

extinguished.

Each one in our family has have been transformed because we too have met the

risen Jesus. Our sins are forgiven, our future in heaven guaranteed, and

our daily life filled with His living Presence. The key is to place your entire faith on

His finished work on the Cross. Our prayer for ourselves and our children is that we

will be an irrefutable, living argument for the resurrection of Christ

“After He said all of this, he showed then His hands and side. The disciples were

overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” John 20:20

footnote

(1) Josh McDowell, Evidence that Demands a Verdict, vol. I (San Bernardino, CA: Campus

Crusade for Christ, 1972).

———————————————————

Bob Moeller is President of Marriagevine. Conference site is:

www.forkeepsconference.com

Cheryl Moeller is a stand up comic and humor columnist for moms.

www.momlaughs.blogspot.com

Together they have authored two books on marriage. Both books Marriage Minutes,

Moody Press 2000, and For Better, For Worse, For Keeps, Marriagevine 2007, can be

purchased on the conference website above.

Exploring The World Of Playthings

Most often, toys are linked with children or pets, but these days, adult humans or even non-domesticated animals have learned to play with their own toys. Most mammals in their younger years play around with whatever it is that they find. Otherwise different things are turned into playthings such as rocks, pinecones and food. In most cases, toy items are manufactured for the purpose of playing. There are some toys, though, that are primarily produced as collectibles or collector’s items, which, ironically, should not be used for playing.

How toys began entails a long, prehistoric narration. It may be logical to say that toys actually have a lengthy history of existence; perhaps as old as the civilization of humans themselves. What have been uncovered from ancient civilization cities are ancient people’s versions of games and toys. In fact, these prehistoric collections have been reported in ancient documentation that can be found in the oldest forms of literature. There were excavated toys from the civilization in the Indus Valley in 3000 to 1500 BCE which included whistles appearing like the shape of birds, toy monkeys that slide down a string and little carts.

Centuries back, dolls representing animals, tools, infants and soldiers have been used, as evidenced by past and present archaeological findings. Where “toy” originated as an English word is not known yet, but historians believe that toys bearing similarities to what the present world has were first used during the 14th century.

For children in general, toys form an integral part of the learning process about growing up and gaining wisdom about the world. Young kids use and play with toys, which enable their bodies to grow stronger and healthier and their minds to learn effect and cause. Playthings also help little kids in their discovery and subsequently, assertion of their own identity. Playing with toys also becomes a way for children to practice their several skills in preparation for adulthood and in exploring personal relationships.

A set of blocks, considered as among the simplest and most basic toys of the current generation, is one outstanding toy that is used to develop even the youngest of minds. As these simple toys help effectuate hand-and-eye coordination, they also help build up kids’ skills in the fields of science and mathematics. Playing with sets of wooden blocks also stirs the creative juices in little kids’ mentality. Similarly, other simple toys like jackstones, marbles and balls, among many others, aid in child development. Generally, these toys allow children to use their bodies and intellect to learn about the world and their role in its existence.

Human adults also play with toys, although quite differently. This allows them to teach, reinforce and remember lessons during their youth, and strengthen and form even more their social bonds. Adults who play with toys consider their time spent as exercise provided to their bodies and their minds, allowing them to explore relationships with other individuals, decorate their homes, or practice certain game or playing skills.

More than simple amusement, plain fun or symbolizing innocence of being kids, toys represent people’s ways of life. Significantly, their uses mirror the weighty influence they have made in life’s most important aspects.

James Brown writes about LeapsAndBounds.com coupon, Disney Shopping online coupons and wbshop.com coupon code

Can You Keep Your Cat From Killing Birds?

It happens to every cat owner. You open the front door in the morning, only to find a small pile of feathers and bones. Your cat winds around your legs, purring, obviously proud of his lovely gift. Cats are the number-one predator of birds, causing frustration for their owners and seriously impacting the ecosystem. Is there any way to keep your feline from hunting?

It is estimated that a cat can kill up to one hundred birds each year. Millions of birds are killed by pets and feral cats, as are tens of millions of rodents and other small animals. Cats are not a natural part of the ecosystem. They were introduced to North America in large numbers in the 1800’s. Unlike other predators, cats are fed and inoculated against disease, and are not reliant on their hunting skills for survival. In addition to killing birds through hunting, cats can transmit diseases, which kill wildlife.

Keeping your cat well fed will not stop him from hunting. Stalking and catching birds is instinctual for cats, so they do it whether or not they need them for food. Often cats leave birds whole once they’ve killed them. They will usually only devour the bird if they haven’t had a meal for a while.

So what, if anything, can you do to keep your pet from hunting and killing your local bird population?

Often people are advised to put bells on their cat’s collars to keep them from killing birds. Unfortunately this is not very effective. Birds don’t associate the sound of these bells with danger, and so won’t necessarily flee the noise. Many cats become adept at moving slowly and gently so that the bells don’t make much noise.

Cats tend to pick favorite spots from which to hunt backyard birds. Discovering that hiding place and either dismantling it or making it inaccessible can diminish their ability to stalk their prey.

If you can actually catch your cat in the act of hunting, spraying it with a hose will certainly interrupt it! Over time you may be able to keep your pet from constant killing, but remember, this is instinctive behavior. You may not ever really be able to train your cat not to hunt for birds.

Another approach to keeping cats from killing birds is to keep the birds away from the cats. A large fake owl in the yard may frighten birds away and keep them from perching in the cat’s hunting grounds. Putting up netting or screening in a small portion of your yard can provide outdoor space for your cat which the birds are unable to enter.

The best way to keep your pet cat from killing birds is to keep it indoors. Many veterinarians and animal experts advise keeping cats inside for a number of reasons. Certainly this is the only sure-fire method of keeping your backyard birds safe from your pet.

Catpert is the most complete website about cats and kittens.

What Is Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)?

How often are we intrigued and amazed by the sight of identical twins? Little do we know how often identical twins don’t survive pregnancy or birth due to a deadly complication called Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. TTTS kills more babies every day than SIDS, yet hardly anyone outside the twins community has heard about this potentially fatal condition. Here is a description of TTTS by the Fetal Hope Foundation:

TTTS or Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome is a disease of the placenta. It affects pregnancies with monochorionic (shared placenta) multiples when blood passes disproportionately from one baby to the other through connecting blood vessels within their shared placenta. One baby, the recipient twin, gets too much blood overloading his or her cardiovascular system, and may die from heart failure. The other baby, the donor twin or stuck twin, does not get enough blood and may die from severe anemia. Left untreated, mortality rates near 100%.

The cause of TTTS is attributed to unbalanced flow of blood through vascular channels that connect the circulatory systems of each twin via the common placenta. The shunting of blood through the vascular communications leads to a net flow of blood from one twin (the donor) to the other twin (the recipient). The donor twin develops oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid) and poor fetal growth, while the recipient twin develops polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid), heart failure, and hydrops. If left untreated, the pregnancy may be lost due to lack of blood getting to the smaller twin, fluid overload and heart failure in the larger twin, and/or preterm (early) labor leading to miscarriage of the entire pregnancy.

One in 7 pregnancies with identical twins is afflicted with TTTS. Before the condition could be diagnosed by ultrasound, less than 10 percent of TTTS twins survived. Those who did survive were often greatly impaired. Now the odds of survival have significantly improved through medical intervention during pregnancy and after birth. Many parents of TTTS twins (as well as those parents who have lost twins from this condition) have benefited greatly from support groups. Two such organizations are the Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation at www.tttsfoundation.org and the Fetal Hope Foundation at www.fetalhope.org.

Please take a moment to watch this moving slide slow about a couple’s journey through TTTS: http://www.ssmpfiles.com/ourtttsjourney/index.html.