Recently "AJ" had a trip to the ER because she was congested, only for us to find out it was more than being congested she had RSV. Thanks to our pediatrician "Dr. K" I now understand most of us get RSV during the peak season every year (which is November to April) and dont know it. RSV is basically a cold virus that is in your lungs not your nose and upper airways. It affects young children and the elderly differently, and has the chance of causing pnemonia if not treated.
Needless to say "AJ" stayed home from school and we had a mommy/daughter bonding day. It was complete with a trip to the "hair dresser" "make-up artist" and wearing mommy's shoes. "AJ" found my red high heels from my college days, and my clear shoes from my wedding (I wear a ten in most shoes). She paraded with them on saying "I pretty mommy, look at my shoes". Such a girlie-girl. I love every minute of it sick or not.
Here is a link to KidsHealth.org with information on RSV
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/rsv.html
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Experiences .... Veggie Movie
The newest of the movies in the Veggie Tales line is "Twas the Night Before Easter", a tale of the true meaning of Easter.
Recently our friends at PHBC hosted a movie event with games, crafts, snacks, and fun before we shared the movie on the big screen.
I highly recommend this fun movie this Easter season for the whole family.
PS> The next movie to hit the line will be this summer "The Princess and the PopStar" - - - looking forward to the next movie event.
Recently our friends at PHBC hosted a movie event with games, crafts, snacks, and fun before we shared the movie on the big screen.
I highly recommend this fun movie this Easter season for the whole family.
PS> The next movie to hit the line will be this summer "The Princess and the PopStar" - - - looking forward to the next movie event.
Thoughts on World News
Thinking about the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan as well as the rising crises in our own country with fuel costs and rising food prices and health care. Families are needing to choose between fuel and bills. These issues/discussions about them can be alarming for our children, as well as the images of the current state of Japan, Libya, and its people.
I am not an alarmist of the end times, but these issues are there and the end is coming (as it has been since Christ assended, and will remain until he returns. Rememeber even He doesnt know the day or hour).
I think we need to teach our children to be compassionate and concerned about others in needs without dwelling on the images too much, and that they are worried about adult topics. Fred Rodgers has several articles on his website on how to teach children about things in the media or scary topics. If you go to the PBS website, you can find lots of information on many topics, but here are the links to dealing with scary news and war and violence.
http://www.pbs.org/parents/rogers/special/scarynews.html
http://www.pbs.org/parents/rogers/special/war.html
Some ways to work on teaching compassion to children are to:
1. Have a toy give away, clean your child's room with them and any toys in good condition give to either a children's hospital (they dont usually take stuffed things) or to a local charity
2. Find items to pack shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child with Samaritans Purse http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/
3. Have a birthday party for the Peter Pan Project which benefits Children's Hospitals (you have a birthday party and instead of your child getting the gifts they are collected to be donated to a local children's hospital).
4. Food Drives (collecting food for your local food bank)
5. Donate $$ - giving some of your allowance to church or missions
6. ... Does anyone else have ideas, these are the few I came up with
I am not an alarmist of the end times, but these issues are there and the end is coming (as it has been since Christ assended, and will remain until he returns. Rememeber even He doesnt know the day or hour).
I think we need to teach our children to be compassionate and concerned about others in needs without dwelling on the images too much, and that they are worried about adult topics. Fred Rodgers has several articles on his website on how to teach children about things in the media or scary topics. If you go to the PBS website, you can find lots of information on many topics, but here are the links to dealing with scary news and war and violence.
http://www.pbs.org/parents/rogers/special/scarynews.html
http://www.pbs.org/parents/rogers/special/war.html
Some ways to work on teaching compassion to children are to:
1. Have a toy give away, clean your child's room with them and any toys in good condition give to either a children's hospital (they dont usually take stuffed things) or to a local charity
2. Find items to pack shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child with Samaritans Purse http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/
3. Have a birthday party for the Peter Pan Project which benefits Children's Hospitals (you have a birthday party and instead of your child getting the gifts they are collected to be donated to a local children's hospital).
4. Food Drives (collecting food for your local food bank)
5. Donate $$ - giving some of your allowance to church or missions
6. ... Does anyone else have ideas, these are the few I came up with
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Keystone Smiles . . . Seuss Night
Our community recently participated in "Read Across America" and the local Americorp division sponsored an amazing event centered around the book "If I Ran The Circus".
The entire building was decorated like a big top with activities including a carousel, a bounce house, crafts and the best "The Cat in the Hat" as a story teller.
"AJ" enjoyed it all and couldnt wait to tell family about 'the cat who reads'.
Please if you live local, watch for events sponsored by Keystone Smiles. They are always top-notch and deserve community support. Americorp and Keystone Smiles are great programs in our community.
The entire building was decorated like a big top with activities including a carousel, a bounce house, crafts and the best "The Cat in the Hat" as a story teller.
"AJ" enjoyed it all and couldnt wait to tell family about 'the cat who reads'.
Please if you live local, watch for events sponsored by Keystone Smiles. They are always top-notch and deserve community support. Americorp and Keystone Smiles are great programs in our community.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Children in Need...Be a World Changer
Be a World Changer - that was the topic of Sunday School on February 27, when a missionary from Uganda was sharing about the issues affecting the children there. So many of them are heartbreaking and gutwrenching.
For me it is also a reminder taht children everywhere in the world are in need (Uganda, Japan, USA, etc..). They suffer and need people to care for them and to have a desire to help change their worlds.
Look around you and you will see many ways you can help the children. Be it support the missionaries, caseworkers, foster parents, pastors, teachers, doctors, judges, and the list goes on. Ask and people will tell you what they need and how you can help.
In the words of the missionary from that morning, REACT to what is happening in the world around you. Be a world changer - one life at a time.
Changing and helping children one life at a time has been my motto even in my own life and work. I live by the story of the old man and the starfish. (Google that story, it is awesome). That story is my energy daily in my work, help kids one starfish at a time.
For me it is also a reminder taht children everywhere in the world are in need (Uganda, Japan, USA, etc..). They suffer and need people to care for them and to have a desire to help change their worlds.
Look around you and you will see many ways you can help the children. Be it support the missionaries, caseworkers, foster parents, pastors, teachers, doctors, judges, and the list goes on. Ask and people will tell you what they need and how you can help.
In the words of the missionary from that morning, REACT to what is happening in the world around you. Be a world changer - one life at a time.
Changing and helping children one life at a time has been my motto even in my own life and work. I live by the story of the old man and the starfish. (Google that story, it is awesome). That story is my energy daily in my work, help kids one starfish at a time.
More Experiences...Yummy Warm Doughnuts
A couple of Friday's ago, we went to a local doughnut shop in Clarion on the recommendation of a friend. We got to sit at the counter and watch the owners make the doughnuts. It was the coolest thing "AJ" had seen, Mommy thought it was pretty awesome too.
The dough was in a silver batter bowl, that "plopped" it down into the oil, where it cooked for a bit, then was turned over, cooked somemore, and then went up a conveyor belt before being dropped in a bowl to cool.
The owners share that they have a vanilla doughnut everyday they are open but there are also days with chocolate, zebra, and blueberry. All the doughnuts come "bare" and they have many toppings for you to choose from and then they dress your dougnuts.
We went home and I searched for the book Curious George and the Doughnut Shop but couldnt find it...here's looking if you have suggestions besides the library.
If you are in the Clarion area, the shop is in the 800 center, and is called Dough and Joe. The coffee is good there as well, the prices are reasonable, and the doughnuts are fantastic. "AJ" wants to know when we can go back.
The dough was in a silver batter bowl, that "plopped" it down into the oil, where it cooked for a bit, then was turned over, cooked somemore, and then went up a conveyor belt before being dropped in a bowl to cool.
The owners share that they have a vanilla doughnut everyday they are open but there are also days with chocolate, zebra, and blueberry. All the doughnuts come "bare" and they have many toppings for you to choose from and then they dress your dougnuts.
We went home and I searched for the book Curious George and the Doughnut Shop but couldnt find it...here's looking if you have suggestions besides the library.
If you are in the Clarion area, the shop is in the 800 center, and is called Dough and Joe. The coffee is good there as well, the prices are reasonable, and the doughnuts are fantastic. "AJ" wants to know when we can go back.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Safety Plans in your Home... Practice Them
Watching the news and seeing the caskets from the farmhouse fire in Central Pa and reading about the mother standing on her lawn screaming for her infant in Southern Fayette County whiel holding her other children, has reminded me how quickly tragic accidents can happen.
For an excellent blog about fire safety please see my friend Robin's blog for her thoughts on the topic.
Also remember there are other safety concerns in your home/neighborhood as well that we should be teaching our chidlren about.
* Stranger Danger
* Poisons and Medications (Poison Control Phone Number 1-800-222-1222)
* Your Home - look at it from the point of view of a toddler. Do you need outlet covers, door locks, are there accessible wires, furniture or knickknacks that can be pulled down. Do you have phone lists for emergencies, lists of illnesses and medications for the hospital if needed. Copies of important documents. Are the paths for your escape routes blocked and have you practiced your escape plans
* Check your smoke alarms, locks, etc... and Remember to be aware of your surroundings.
Comments on this topic are welcomed... This has been on my mind and heart a lot lately.
For an excellent blog about fire safety please see my friend Robin's blog for her thoughts on the topic.
Also remember there are other safety concerns in your home/neighborhood as well that we should be teaching our chidlren about.
* Stranger Danger
* Poisons and Medications (Poison Control Phone Number 1-800-222-1222)
* Your Home - look at it from the point of view of a toddler. Do you need outlet covers, door locks, are there accessible wires, furniture or knickknacks that can be pulled down. Do you have phone lists for emergencies, lists of illnesses and medications for the hospital if needed. Copies of important documents. Are the paths for your escape routes blocked and have you practiced your escape plans
* Check your smoke alarms, locks, etc... and Remember to be aware of your surroundings.
Comments on this topic are welcomed... This has been on my mind and heart a lot lately.
Remember to Praise
Kids are frustrating. They get into mayhem so quickly and just as quickly your temper may rise along with your voice (I admit mine does, I can be a yeller.).
One thing that may help with this is to look for the positives that your child is doing. "AJ" is working on getting better at cleaning up her toys when done. She loves to sing the clean up song.
Praise isn't always a natural thing or feeling to share. Look for the good things your child is doing (your spouse too), and point those out.
Praise yourself too for doing good. This will help teach your child this skill. It is not conceited to give yourself praise (even outloud) for a job well done.
Only piece of advice I would give here is to remember not to make the praise sound like a condition of your love. Instead of saying "Johnny, I love it when you clean your room." Sounded like praise but it also attached your love to him having a clean room. Say it more like "I like how you cleaned your room, good job."
Work not to attach you love to the praise statement. Listen to your wording when you talk (I admit I need to remember that too.)
Sometimes I think these lessons are made for me to learn in my head when I share them with others, just like my children's sermons are more for me than the church sometimes... Happy Parenting
One thing that may help with this is to look for the positives that your child is doing. "AJ" is working on getting better at cleaning up her toys when done. She loves to sing the clean up song.
Praise isn't always a natural thing or feeling to share. Look for the good things your child is doing (your spouse too), and point those out.
Praise yourself too for doing good. This will help teach your child this skill. It is not conceited to give yourself praise (even outloud) for a job well done.
Only piece of advice I would give here is to remember not to make the praise sound like a condition of your love. Instead of saying "Johnny, I love it when you clean your room." Sounded like praise but it also attached your love to him having a clean room. Say it more like "I like how you cleaned your room, good job."
Work not to attach you love to the praise statement. Listen to your wording when you talk (I admit I need to remember that too.)
Sometimes I think these lessons are made for me to learn in my head when I share them with others, just like my children's sermons are more for me than the church sometimes... Happy Parenting
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Things kids say....
I would be remiss not to say Happy St. Patricks Day...
** Believe it or not, it amazes me the things that she says daily and mind you she is only 2.
1. A recent conversation between mom and child. "Its time to get up momma.." "Is it?" "The clock in my room says so (she doesnt have a clock BTW)" "What time does it say?" "40, time to get up. Want some hot tea momma?" All this as she walks to her kitchen, and picks up her pink Fisher Price tea pot and puts it on the stove.
2. "AJ" was recently sick (a post on that later) and got a get well card from Nana and Pappy with two dollars in it.
I was really craving a cup of coffee and didnt want to use my debit card, so I asked "AJ" if I could use her dollars and would pay her back on Friday.
She thought about it and said, "Just one dollar mom, not two dollars." I asked her if she had two dollars and she said "from Nana" with a look of 'duh' on her face.
Amazing that she understands the concept of one-one that if I borrowed one dollar she would still have one left, She is smarter than me I feel.
** Believe it or not, it amazes me the things that she says daily and mind you she is only 2.
1. A recent conversation between mom and child. "Its time to get up momma.." "Is it?" "The clock in my room says so (she doesnt have a clock BTW)" "What time does it say?" "40, time to get up. Want some hot tea momma?" All this as she walks to her kitchen, and picks up her pink Fisher Price tea pot and puts it on the stove.
2. "AJ" was recently sick (a post on that later) and got a get well card from Nana and Pappy with two dollars in it.
I was really craving a cup of coffee and didnt want to use my debit card, so I asked "AJ" if I could use her dollars and would pay her back on Friday.
She thought about it and said, "Just one dollar mom, not two dollars." I asked her if she had two dollars and she said "from Nana" with a look of 'duh' on her face.
Amazing that she understands the concept of one-one that if I borrowed one dollar she would still have one left, She is smarter than me I feel.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Experiences are Memory Makers
Ever since "AJ" was born, we have taken a trip to Kraynaks in Sharon, Pa for Easter and Christmas Lanes. This year was no different. (Also we go early in the season so we can go more than once).
Two weeks ago we went to Easter Lane and got a big kick out of watching "AJ's" reactions change as she gets older. The first thing that we saw when we walked in was "Dora" in a spring shower and she is our current favorite. Our other favorite display was the "Sesame Street/Muppet" Wild West Show. If you live close to it , check it out because it is fun and FREE!
At gas being almost $3.50 a gallon to make it worth your while, be sure to also check out Daffin's Candy, Philadelphia Chocolate, The Shop at O'Neil Coffee (good stuff, trust me), and the $3.00 theater. All of these shops are in Sharon and have unique offerings.
PS> Dont tell my friends at "Hershey" I am sending you elsewhere for chocolate
PPS> There is a factory tour at Philadelphia Chocolates on April 9 from 9-4...maybe worth the trip that weekend.
Two weeks ago we went to Easter Lane and got a big kick out of watching "AJ's" reactions change as she gets older. The first thing that we saw when we walked in was "Dora" in a spring shower and she is our current favorite. Our other favorite display was the "Sesame Street/Muppet" Wild West Show. If you live close to it , check it out because it is fun and FREE!
At gas being almost $3.50 a gallon to make it worth your while, be sure to also check out Daffin's Candy, Philadelphia Chocolate, The Shop at O'Neil Coffee (good stuff, trust me), and the $3.00 theater. All of these shops are in Sharon and have unique offerings.
PS> Dont tell my friends at "Hershey" I am sending you elsewhere for chocolate
PPS> There is a factory tour at Philadelphia Chocolates on April 9 from 9-4...maybe worth the trip that weekend.
"Chuck E Cheese"....for parenting help? Why yes please.
One of our favorite places to go since last summer when we went with 'Uncle' in Erie is "Chuck E Cheese". When we first went "AJ" liked the games and the show, but hated the big guy. Now she requests going there and both sides of the family readily oblige.
I was doing some research on the place for work about locations of the restaraunt when I discovered that "Chuck E Cheese" has reward charts and a report card program where you can earn free tokens. I think if you are already a fan of the place or are able to go there using coupons and a spending limit (it can get expensive if you let it) this is a great parenting tip.
Here's to printing the potty chart at our house and giving it a go this week...we are so close to being trained any incentive will do.
Go to http://www.chuckecheese.com/ to check out the training charts.
I was doing some research on the place for work about locations of the restaraunt when I discovered that "Chuck E Cheese" has reward charts and a report card program where you can earn free tokens. I think if you are already a fan of the place or are able to go there using coupons and a spending limit (it can get expensive if you let it) this is a great parenting tip.
Here's to printing the potty chart at our house and giving it a go this week...we are so close to being trained any incentive will do.
Go to http://www.chuckecheese.com/ to check out the training charts.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
"Biggest Loser"
This past fall our family was challenged to a "biggest loser" competition and I readily accepted the challenge. I made a few small changes to my life (I've slipped up on some of those changes) but still managed to lose 35 lbs.
Here is my statement in public that we wish as a family not just to lose weight but to begin to make some healthier choices.
1. Pack lunches - get recipes and supplies to make them fun, also the plan is to pack them the night before so there is less chance for convenience packing
2. Walk a little everyday - do some form of exercise be it playing outside, doing "Wii Fit" or walking at the mall
3. Try a new recipe or food once a week. Just like preschool you must try a bite, they say it takes ten tries before you can decide if you like something.
This weeks recipe was strawberry and strawberry mango puree made warm like soup... it rocked....
Here is my statement in public that we wish as a family not just to lose weight but to begin to make some healthier choices.
1. Pack lunches - get recipes and supplies to make them fun, also the plan is to pack them the night before so there is less chance for convenience packing
2. Walk a little everyday - do some form of exercise be it playing outside, doing "Wii Fit" or walking at the mall
3. Try a new recipe or food once a week. Just like preschool you must try a bite, they say it takes ten tries before you can decide if you like something.
This weeks recipe was strawberry and strawberry mango puree made warm like soup... it rocked....
"Dora" and more...
For anyone who has spent hours watching the "Nick Jr. Dora the Explorer" show knows there are a few episodes where Dora and her pal Boots jump into books to become involved with the characters on the page.
A few nights ago we caught "AJ" trying to jump into her bible puzzle book to the page with Jesus and the children. When we asked what she was doing she just looked at us and said "jumping in the book." When we asked why, she said "to play with the kids."
It was so cute and a hard lesson to teach that she couldnt jump into the book with the kids like Dora. But that we could pretend to play with Jesus and the kids anyway.
A few nights ago we caught "AJ" trying to jump into her bible puzzle book to the page with Jesus and the children. When we asked what she was doing she just looked at us and said "jumping in the book." When we asked why, she said "to play with the kids."
It was so cute and a hard lesson to teach that she couldnt jump into the book with the kids like Dora. But that we could pretend to play with Jesus and the kids anyway.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss
In celebration of Dr. Seuss's birthday I sent "AJ" to school with felt food. I made her green eggs and ham. She was so excited and was already asking people this morning, if they liked them "in a box, with a fox". If anyone wants some felt food, I have made quite a bit, let me know, it is going to become a fundraiser for some of the churches I work with (pictures to follow posts soon).
Dont forget to read with a child today, yours or share with kids somewhere... I know we will be reading our whole Seuss collection before the night is out.
Thank you to the family members who supplied "AJ" her wardrobe and accessories for school today for Cat in the Hat day...
Dont forget to read with a child today, yours or share with kids somewhere... I know we will be reading our whole Seuss collection before the night is out.
Thank you to the family members who supplied "AJ" her wardrobe and accessories for school today for Cat in the Hat day...
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