You Cannot Lose My Love

Sara Groves performed beautifully at the MOPS Convention this year!  Here is her song about a mother's love - You Cannot Lose My Love

Family Board Games

This year our MOPS theme revolves around board games, so let's start things off right!  Here is a list of games that will get the whole family laughing, learning, and playing together!


Candyland (ages 3-6):  Your kids will want to play this color recognition and matching game over and over again.

Chutes and Ladders (ages 3 and up):  A game of chance that teaches number recognition and helps kids learn to count to 100.

Cootie (ages 3-6):  Great for teaching your youngsters colors and patience.

What's Gnu? (ages 5-8):  Kids will learn lots of new three-letter words, and have a great time doing it.

Monopoly Junior (ages 5-8): An easier edition of the age-old classic.

Tip It! (ages 5 and up):  A balancing challenge that will keep your kids on the edge of their seats.

Trouble (ages 5 and up):  Makes for troublesome but exciting family adventures!

Monopoly (ages 8 and up):  Familiar fun that your kids will love as much as you did.

Life (9 and up):  Show your kids that you can all get through life together!

Imaginiff… (ages 10 and up):  Your kids' imaginations will get a work-out and your family will bond by discovering new things about each other.

Scrabble (ages 10 and up):  A classic that's great for improving vocabulary and spelling.

Apples to Apples (ages 12 and up):  An exciting game that reveals each of the players' personalities.

Pictionary (ages 12 and up):  A blast to play for everyone, especially the artists in your family.

Taboo (ages 12 and up):  Enhances critical thinking skills – you really have to use your head for this one!

Scattergories (ages 12 and up):  Teenagers will love this fun mental challenge.

Cranium (ages 13 and up):  A thrilling test of math, vocabulary, and general knowledge – and even artistic ability.

Guesstures (ages 12 and up): Can you act out four words in just a few short seconds?

Mad Gab (ages 10 and up): One of the most entertaining and fun talk-out-loud games you'll ever play

Join Us TODAY!!!!! Reid Park Zoo!

Kids are out of school...what to do???  Come, join MOPS at the zoo!!!  Meet us at the front at 10am for a great morning!

One Day's Worth of Wacky Meals! (...from iMom)

1. Breakfast: Holey pancakes! Use a "just add water" pancake mix, and add slightly less water than the recipe calls for—that way the pancakes won't run. Pile the batter high on the skillet--you'll want them to be thicker than normal.  Once they're cooked through, remove them from heat and cut out a hole in the center, using a biscuit cutter. Reserve the "holes" for tomorrow's breakfast! Dust the freshly made donut-looking pancakes with powdered sugar. Pour some heated syrup into a small dish, and place next to their plate. Enjoy watching them dunk their donuts!

2. Lunch: Food on a stick— Make their normal PB&J but instead of cutting it in half, cube it and skewer it. Use bamboo skewers (or toothpicks for younger ones) to serve their cheese cubes,  salad,  grapes, watermelon, or apples, even a soft baked cookie! Once they've gotten used to eating their normal food on a stick, trick them by cutting up a popsicle and having them eat it with a fork before it melts! 

3. Snack: Drive Thru—Get a table and sit on the side of the house, have them drive up (via tricycle, bike, scooter, or motorized or push car) and order from a pre-set snack menu. Bag their order and send them on their way. Give them the freedom to eat on the go, or park themselves nearby and eat it—just like we do!

4. Dinner: Inside out spaghetti-Make regular spaghetti noodles, then dye them red using a good amount of food coloring. Instead of red sauce, try this: In sauté pan heat a pound of ground chicken, once cooked through, turn heat to low and add jar of Alfredo sauce.  Cook just until sauce is simmering.  Then pour a scoop of your white sauce on to a pile of red noodles.  

For a little added flair, present bread and salad in the same inverted theme as the spaghetti. It should look similar to a bruschetta. Toast a baguette with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with mozzarella or parmesan cheese.  In a small bowl mix together equal amounts of each:  fresh diced tomatoes, diced onion, shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, and chopped romaine. Scoop the salad mix onto toasted baguette.  Finish with a drizzle of their favorite dressing. 

 5. Dessert: Five Banana Splits--Go ahead, ask your kids if they'd like five banana splits for dessert! Next, ask if they'd like to eat them with their fingers!  No problem with our mini banana splits! Here's how you do it: You'll need to slice a banana into ½" rounds, grind graham crackers, or chocolate cookies and coat the top of the banana rounds with the ground cookies—this will act as an adhesive so the ice cream won't slip off.  Lay them out on a cookie sheet, cookie side up, and freeze for 10 minutes. Using a melon baller or teaspoon, scoop a ball of ice cream onto each coated banana. You may need to pop them back in the freezer for another 10 minutes before letting your kids add their favorite toppings.  The best part is they can make each one different!  

© 2010 iMOM. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.

21 Creative Consequences....from iMOM

Disciplining our children takes dedication and effort.  It also helps to mix in a little creativity when needed.  The consequences below from parenting expert, Lisa Welchel, might seem a little strong, but let them inspire you to come up with your own, and pair them with the 7 Steps to Tried and True Discipline.

1.    If time-outs don't work, try a "time-in." This can be accomplished by sending your child to a designated spot where he must complete a task that has a definite beginning and end. This could be putting together a small puzzle, stringing 50 beads on a piece of yarn, or tracing the alphabet. A time-in diverts his energies and encourages him to focus on something positive.

2.    Timers set definite boundaries. For example, with a timer, you can say, "I'm setting the timer. I want your room cleaned (or your shoes on, or the dishes unloaded) in 15 minutes. If you haven't finished by then, your correction is…." This method not only spurs on easily distracted children, but it also leaves little room for arguing about a job that isn't finished and whether the correction is warranted.

3.    Make a homemade "Correction" can and fill it with tickets or slips of paper with various consequences written on them. Instead of giving your child a time-out, send her to the can for a slip. A few ideas might include no TV or computer for a night, early bedtime, or an extra chore. Toss in a blank piece of paper, a "mercy" ticket. This gives you an opportunity to talk about how God gives us mercy even when we deserve punishment.

4.    If you repeatedly open the door to your child's room only to catch him in an act of disobedience, take your child's bedroom door off the hinges. It sounds harder to do than it actually is. And it works wonders!

5.    Adjust bedtimes according to your children's behavior that day. For each infraction, they must go to bed five minutes earlier, but if they've been good, they can earn the right to stay up an extra five minutes.

6.    An especially tough but effective correction for teenagers who forget to wear their seat belts is to add an additional day past their sixteenth birthday before they can take their driver's test. Hey, it's important!

7.    If you have dawdlers, try this: Whoever is last to the table at dinnertime becomes the server. But there's a catch. Even if you're first, your hands must be clean, of you'll end up serving the food, pouring the drinks, and fetching the condiments (after washing your hands, of course!).

8.    If your children are constantly turning in sloppy schoolwork, get a few photocopied pages of printing or cursive exercises. (These can be found at any teachers supply store.) Then ask your haphazard child this: "What takes longer: a report done neatly in 15 minutes or one you've sped through in 10 that must be redone and warrants a page of handwriting practice?"

9.    You've heard the reprimand "Hold your tongue!" Make your child do it-literally. Have her stick out her tongue and hold it between two fingers. This is an especially effective correction for public outbursts.

10. My friend, Becki, tried a variation on this idea in the car. If things got too raucous or there was too much fussing between siblings, she would cry, "Noses on knees!" Her children then had to immediately touch their noses to their knees until she determined that they had learned their lesson.

11. Next time your child "forgets" to put something away, like video games or sports equipment, put it away for him. When he asks where it is, tell him that he'll just have to look for it. Believe me; he will learn that it's a lot more trouble to find something that Mom has hidden than it is to put it away in the first place.

12. If you have younger children who are messy, try this: Put their toys in a "rainy day" box to bring out later. This has the added benefit of making an old toy seem new again. Or set the toy somewhere out of reach but within sight for a predetermined number of days. This increases the impact of the correction by keeping the forbidden toy fresh in their minds.

13. I heard from a mom who had tired of her three sons' ceaseless noises and sound effects—so she got creative. If her boys did not take their commotion outside, she would make them sit down and listen to the "Barney" theme song cassette for 10 minutes. For adolescent boys, it's torture!

14. If your little one gets too hyper, come up with a code word to remind him to stop the action without embarrassing him. Whenever Tucker started getting too rowdy in a group, I would yell, "Hey, Batman." He knew that he needed to calm down before I had to take more drastic measures.

15. Does your child slam the door when she's angry? You might tell her, "It's obvious that you don't know how to close a door properly. To learn, you will open and close this door, calmly and completely, 100 times."

16. If your child likes to stomp off to his room or stomp around in anger, send him outside to the driveway and tell him to stomp his feet for one minute. He'll be ready to quit after about 15 seconds, but make him stomp even harder.

17. The same goes for throwing fits. Tell your child to go to her room to continue her fit. She isn't allowed to come out and she has to keep crying for 10 minutes. Ten minutes is an awfully long time, and it's no fun if your parents tell you to cry.

18. Another way to handle temper tantrums is to simply say, "That is too disruptive for this house. You may continue your fit in the backyard. When you're finished, you are welcome to come back inside." When there isn't an audience, the thrill of throwing a temper tantrum is gone.

19. If a job is not done diligently, have your child practice doing it. She'll learn to be more thorough if she's made to sweep the floor three or four times because her first effort wasn't good enough.

20. When one of my children is acting disrespectful, disobedient, or defiant, I will instruct him or her to choose a chore from the Job Jar. The jobs include scrubbing the toilet, organizing the pots and pans, moving and vacuuming underneath the furniture, weeding the garden, matching up odd socks, defrosting the refrigerator, and cleaning the closet, garage, or under the bed. And those are just a few possibilities. You could add ironing, vacuuming the refrigerator coils, scrubbing the inside of small wastebaskets, polishing the silver, cleaning the window wells, brushing the animals, cleaning the fireplace, shaking the kitchen rugs, vacuuming the couch, alphabetizing the spices, and using wood cleaner on the dining room chairs. Not only does the Job Jar help to get my house clean, but it also keeps my little ones from complaining that they're bored. They know that with the Job Jar, Mom will always have an antidote for boredom.

21. I have a friend whose son's morning chore was to get the pooper-scooper and clean up the doggie gifts littering the backyard. The boy was not doing this job with much diligence, so his father came up with this creative solution: After the boy had completed the task, he would be required to run through the yard barefoot! From then on, their lawn was perfectly clean.

Taken from Creative Correction by Lisa Whelchel.

10 Ways to Get Your Kids to Love Reading

Some kids are born readers.  Some aren't.  But, all children can grow to at least like reading if you use some, or all, of these 10 approaches:

1. Embrace technology.  Okay, there is something wonderful about seeing your child curled up with a book rather than some electronic device.  But, an e-reader might entice your reluctant reader to actually sit down and get started.  Plus, there are so many free books out there, including great classics, that your child might actually read more if given the chance to explore what's available.

2. Create a reading hide-out or a cozy spot for your readers. Lure your children into reading by coming up with a spot for reading only; a spot so enchanting or fun, they'll want to read just to be able to enter!  It doesn't have to be anything fancy—drape some blankets over chairs and make a tent.  Fill it with fluffy pillows and a stack of books.  Put a bowl of candy inside with a note that reads: "For every chapter read, please eat one of these." Also, leave a copy of iMOM's book chart and our reading reward chart in their reading corners so they can track their progress.

3. Hook 'em, then reel them in.  One mom I heard about does this to get her kids to read on their own:  She'll start reading aloud and then excuse herself to cook dinner.  The kids are already so interested in the story that they'll take the book themselves and read, to see what happens next.

4. Make the library an adventure.  Gather up the kids and head to the library.  Get them their own library card.  Let them check out on their own.  Tell them they need to check out at least five books.  When you leave, head to a yogurt shop or a park.  Pull out one of the books and dive right into it, reading aloud while they eat their snack or lie on the grass.

5. Start a family reading night or book club.  Make your book club night special and fun.  Snuggle in your bed with the kids or sit by the fire.  Have a chart in their rooms where they can check off the chapters they read so they can be prepared for the next book club night.  

6. Read to reluctant readers.  Even if your child can read on his own, keep reading to him.  This will allow you to gauge what interests him and holds his attention.  It will also allow you to read books that might be too difficult for him, but he still enjoys the story.

7. It's the words that matter. Yes, you want your kids to read quality material, but there's nothing wrong with letting them read magazines, the sports section of the newspaper or other "non-book" material.

8. Be a reading cheerleader.  Kids model our behavior, mom.  Let them see you reading.  Talk about what you're reading.  One mom I know, while reading War and Peace, had fun with her kids by showing them how big the book was.  They became interested in her progress and would ask her what page she was on.  It also gave her the chance to introduce them to a great writer and share bits and pieces of world history.

9. Don't make reading a punishment.  If you have a non-reader, it can be very tempting to use reading as a discipline tool.  "If you hit your sister again, you're going to have to read for 20 minutes!"  But, this will only make your non-reader dread opening a book even more.

10. Find their love.  What is your child interested in?  What captivates them or keeps their attention?  Try different genres—adventure, non-fiction, biographies—until you hit upon the one that will make your child want to read. 

*Taken from iMom....written by Lauren Dungy (Speaker at MOPS Convention 2011!)

What kind of "Angry Mom" are you?

All moms get angry at their children, but all moms do not handle that anger the same way.  iSpecialist Dr. Gary Oliver says most moms fall into the following categories: 

CREAM PUFFS                                      LOCOMOTIVES  
STEEL MAGNOLIAS                           THE MATURE (OR ASSERTIVE) RESPONDER

Cream Puff

The main characteristic of the cream puff is passivity. Cream puffs avoid making clear statements about what they think and feel, especially when their opinion might make someone else uncomfortable. Their energy is focused on protecting others and maintaining harmonious relationships.

Other characteristics of the typical cream puff include:

Anger suppressed	Denial	Responsible for others
Anger turned inward	Dependent	Self-condemnation
Apathetic	Guilt-prone	Self-pity
Avoids problems	Over controlled	Toxic shame
Conflict avoider	Passive reactor

Cream puffs often fail to share their own legitimate needs and concerns and thus those around them are unaware of their pain. Over time they become less and less aware of their own feelings, thoughts and needs. They characteristically avoid any direct experience or expression of anger. In situations that in healthy people would evoke appropriate expressions of anger and protest they are likely to remain silent. They are more likely to say "I'm sorry" rather than "I'm hurt," "I'm afraid," "I'm frustrated" or "I'm angry." They apologize unnecessarily.

Cream puffs avoid conflict like the plague. This failure to address deep problems and the insistence on avoiding conflict can lead to several negative results. First of all, since we haven't done anything about the problem, it still remains. Not only does the problem remain, it usually gets worse. As the problem get worse our pain and fear increase. We experience even more fear, hurt, frustration and anger.

As we allow those feelings to smolder inside, we feel an even greater sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Continuing to ignore the problem only decreases our sense of value and worth and increases our sense of powerlessness. It becomes easier to focus on the problem and fail to see the resources we have in Christ.

Finally, it's easy for the anger that early on could have been appropriately communicated to someone else to be inappropriately directed inward toward ourselves. What's the result? We become immobilized, overwhelmed with discouragement and depression, overrun with guilt and shame, and unable to do anything.

Cream puffs are like boats drifting aimlessly on the ocean with no motor, oars or sails. They are forced to go wherever the wind blows them. But they are not totally without hope. The God-given emotion of anger can be a source of propulsion to move them out of their doldrums and help them move in healthy and constructive directions.

Locomotives

The opposite of the cream puff is the locomotive. In fact, one of the reasons many cream puffs lock themselves in a prison of passivity is their fear that if they ever let themselves get in touch with their anger they will become like the locomotive.

Anger against others	Has few intimate friends	Prone to violence
Blatant sarcasm	Hostile	Punitive
Combative	Loud	Quick to blame
Critical	Obnoxious	Rage
Cruel teasing	Over concern for self	Shallow
Driven	Overly competitive	Suspicious
Has all the answers	Power hungry	Under responsible

A locomotive doesn't have much time for the feelings or opinions of others. She has a sharp tongue and can be quick to criticize, put down and humiliate others. On the outside she appears confident, but inside she is riddled with fears and insecurities.

Because she needs so much acceptance, it is difficult for her to compliment others. It gives them the attention that she believes she deserves and needs for herself. She needs to be right all of the time and when she errs it will be on the side of being tough and not tender.

Whereas the cream puff is a passive reactor who doesn't give adequate attention to legitimate personal needs, the locomotive is an aggressive reactor who doesn't give adequate attention to others' needs and rights.

Whereas the anger of the cream puff is usually implosive, the anger of the locomotive is most often explosive.

When a locomotive gets angry, everyone around her knows it and anyone within eyesight is at risk of being yelled at and blamed.

Aggression is usually an act of desperation. It is often an attempt to overcome a sense of frustration and powerlessness. Although aggression may give us a sense of immediate satisfaction or relief, it doesn't last long.

Steel Magnolias

When you meet one of these "steel magnolias," what you see first is rarely what you'll end up getting. On the outside, you will see the lovely and sweet-smelling magnolia blossom. More than just a casual encounter will reveal hardened steel. She is a contradiction to herself and to others. She is the master of the end-run. A part of you wants to trust her but the other part of you says that she can't be trusted.

You can trust the cream puff to yield to the desires and expectations of others in order to gain approval. You can trust the locomotive to ignore other people's desires and expectations. They are both fairly consistent. But you don't dare trust the steel magnolia. She may appear to be sensitive to the desires and expectations of others, but she'll often go ahead and do whatever she wants. She may appear to be passive but is actually quite aggressive.

The steel magnolia may appear calm, cool and collected on the outside, but just below the surface a huge cauldron of bitterness and resentment is boiling. At the core of every passive-aggressive person is an anger that hasn't been dealt with. It can be denied, disguised, suppressed, submerged or merely called something else, but that anger is never entirely concealed.

The steel magnolia doesn't state her needs; she is indirect. If you cross her or get in her way, you are in serious trouble. She may appear to be sensitive and tender on the outside, but don't get too comfortable because the tough side is sneaking up behind you.

Sarcasm is one of the most effective tools of the steel magnolia. She uses it to express anger while playing it safe. It is a way of attacking while avoiding a clearly hostile intent. Over time, individuals who use this tactic may convince themselves that they don't have aggressive feelings.

Here are the characteristics of the steel magnolias:

Ambiguity	Inconsistency	Procrastination
Carelessness	Lies	Resentful
Chronic lateness	Makes excuse	Silent treatment
Fear of intimacy	Misunderstanding	Stubbornness
Forgetfulness	Mixed messages	Subtle sarcasm
Fosters confusion	Obstructionism	Sulking

No researcher has compared the number of male versus female steel magnolias, but it seems likely that many women prefer this style of anger.

The Mature (or Assertive) Responder

This healthy option is not an automatic reaction but involves a reasoned response. It is a way of responding that allows us to "Be angry and sin not." It is the assertive response.

Unfortunately the word "assertive" is often confused with the word "aggressive." But there is an enormous difference between the two. Sonya Friedman has this to say:

Aggression is hostile comments or jokes at another's expense; assertion means using humor to defuse a volatile situation diplomatically or to connect to another human being by a shared sense of comedy.

Aggression is a disregard for the consequences of your actions; assertion involves taking responsibility.
Assertion is freedom from the persistent aggravation of a recurrent problem; aggression re-creates the problems. Assertion is common courtesy; aggression means pushing others around in their own lives.
Whereas the anger of the cream puff is characterized by resentment and the anger of the locomotive is characterized by rage, the anger of the mature responder is characterized by indignation.

Without the mature response style, this angry world of ours would be a much poorer place. Here are some characteristics:

Anger communicated	Healthy shame	Proactive
Careful	I win/ You win	Responds
Caring	Indignation	Responsible
Constructive	Interdependent	Trusting
Direct communication	Listens	Unselfish
Firm	Motivated by love	Warm

The mature responder is free to "speak the truth in love." The cream puff will often speak in love, yet due to her over concern for others, she may not speak the whole truth. Because she fears hurting someone's feelings or making waves, they may say whatever will not provoke the other person. The locomotive is not usually concerned with what others think or feel, so she is more likely to speak the truth as she sees it. However, it is rarely done with love. She is much more likely to dump and run.

When provoked, the mature responder is less likely to immediately react without thinking but rather responds in a way that reflects some discipline and thought. She has learned the value of anger.


Taken from imom.com  ~ from A Woman's Forbidden Emotion by Norm Wright and Gary Oliver.

Pancake Breakfast!

Join us THIS Sunday at Lord of Grace for a MOPS Pancake Breakfast!   That's right!  Sunday belongs to MOPS!  During both services Laurie and Charlene will be doing a brief presentation describing our group, in hopes of finding more moms and more volunteers!  Then, breakfast is served!!!  From approximately 9am to 10:45 MOPS moms will be serving pancakes to the congregation!  We would love to have you join us in support of our group!  If you are interested in helping out in the kitchen please let us know! (mops.lordofgrace@gmail.com)  If flipping pancakes doesn't sound appealing, come out just to say hi (and of course maybe eat a few pancakes!)

Steven Curtis Chapman - "Do Everything"

Steven Curtis Chapman performed at this year's MOPS Convention!  Here is his newest song..."Do Everything"

15 Who Knew? Uses for Your Microwave (from Yahoo)

 

More than a popcorn popper, this versatile appliance was underutilized―until now. By Melissa Clark and Lindsay Funston

 

1. Disinfect and Deodorize Sponges
Don't throw out the kitchen sponge that smells like last night's salmon. Soak it in water spiked with white vinegar or lemon juice, then heat it on high for 1 minute. (Use an oven mitt to remove it.) This will also disinfect any sponges you used to wipe up the juices from a raw chicken.






2. Cook an Entire Dinner in Under 10 Minutes
Not just the TV variety. We mean braised salmon with green beans and mashed potatoes. Use the microwave for any recipe that calls for braising, poaching, or steaming. Just subtract about three-quarters of the cooking time. Remember to stir liquids often to redistribute the heat, and always take the food out a minute or two before it's completely done, since it will continue to cook.

3. Disinfect Plastic Cutting Boards
Wash the board well, rub it with the cut side of a lemon, then heat for 1 minute.


4. Soften Brown SugarKeep the sugar in its plastic packaging, add a few drops of water, and heat on medium for 10 to 20 seconds.

5. Decrystalize Honey
Honey that has solidified can be brought back to liquid life by uncovering the jar and heating on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute.


6. Proof Yeast Doughs
Yeast doughs that normally take an hour or more to rise at room temperature can be proofed in the microwave in about 15 minutes. Place the dough in a very large bowl and cover with plastic. Place an 8-ounce cup of water in the back of the microwave with the bowl of dough in the center, and set the power as low as possible (10 percent power). Heat for 3 minutes, then let the dough rest in the microwave for 3 minutes. Heat for 3 minutes longer, then let rest for 6 minutes. The dough will double in bulk.

7. Heat up Health Aids
You use a microwave to reheat your coffee, so why not use it to heat and reheat gel packs for headaches? (Don't do this with a metal-wrapped pack.)


8. Warm Beauty Products
Warming up a hot-oil conditioning pack for your hair takes about 10 to 20 seconds and feels marvelous, as does briefly heating up a moisturizing facial mask. (Stir the mask and test the temperature with your finger before applying to your face.) And if hot wax hardens when you're only halfway up your calf, reheat it in the microwave. It's much less messy than using a double boiler.

9. Roast Garlic
It takes 45 minutes to roast garlic in the oven but less than 8 in the microwave. Slice off the top of the head to reveal all the cloves. Place the head in a small, deep dish, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of good olive oil. Spoon 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and cook at medium power for 7 to 7½ minutes. Let stand for a few minutes before unwrapping.
See More: New Uses for Food
10. Get More Juice From Citrus Fruits
A lemon or lime taken straight from the refrigerator is harder to juice than one left at room temperature or warmed slightly. To get the most juice, microwave citrus fruits for 20 seconds before squeezing.

11. Toast Bread Crumbs, and Coconut
The microwave toasts them in a quarter of the time it takes in a conventional oven. Spread them out on a plate and heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute. Keep in mind that they will continue to toast for about a minute after removal.


12. Warm Tortillas
Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel. Microwave on high (power level 10) for 40 seconds to 1 minute.

13. Toast Pine Nuts and Sliced Almonds
Spread nuts on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 1-minute intervals, tossing in between, until beginning to turn golden, 4 to 5 minutes.


14. Make Applesauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 pound peeled and diced apples (Macintosh, Fuji, or Gala are best) with ¼ cup water, 2 teaspoons sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon. Cover and microwave on high (power level 10) until the apples are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Mash with a fork or potato masher.
 
15. Make Homemade Popcorn
Place ½ cup popcorn kernels in a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil. Cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high (power level 10) until the majority of the kernels have popped, 3 to 5 minute

Beautiful! - Inside & Out

Homemade Spa Treatments for Hair

If your hair is ...dry, brittle, or damaged

• Banana Mask :: Mash 1 banana with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix in blender or food processor to make paste. Apply to dry hair, cover with a shower cap, and wait 15-30 minutes. Rinse, then shampoo and condition as usual.
• Milk & Honey Mask :: Warm 2 cups whole milk (for very fine hair use skim or low-fat milk) and add 1 teaspoon honey. Mix well until honey is dissolved. Pour over dry hair and wait 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Shampoo and condition as usual.
• Dry, flaky scalp remedy :: Massage scalp with 1/4 cup olive oil. Comb lightly and shampoo. How this works - the oil softens scales and locks in moisture to prevent future flakes.
• Protein-Vitamin Mask :: Mash a peeled avacado. Beat in 1 egg. Apply to dry hair. Leave on 10-15 minutes. Shampoo out.

If your hair is ...dull and heavy

• Sea Salt Rinse (gets rid of excess oil and product build-up) :: Dissolve 2 tablespoons fine sea salt or Epsom salt in a cup of warm water. Pour over hair. Leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse out. Follow with a mild shampoo and moisturizing conditioner. Use this treatment no more than once or twice a month. Overuse will irritate the scalp or dry out the hair.
• Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse (strips hair of build-up that take away shine, restores natural shine to hair) :: Use 2 tablespoons warmed vinegar as a rinse after shampooing and conditioning. You can also use a diluted white vinegar solution - 1/4 cup vinegar to 1 cup water.

If your hair is ...color-treated

• For dark hair brew 2 cups strong coffee or tea (6-8 tea bags). Shampoo and condition, then pour cooled liquid over hair and leave in until the next shampoo.
• For red hair cut 2 large carrots into 5 or 6 pieces. Boil in 2 cups water. Reduce heat and summer for 15 minutes or until the water has turned orange. Cool. Remove carrots and pour water over dry hair. Put on shower cap and wait 20 minutes. Rinse. Then use a mild shampoo and conditioner as usual.
• For blond hair add 1 cup lemon juice to 3 cups cooled chamomile tea. Pour over dry hair, then sit in the sun for an hour OR wear a shower cap and apply heat with a blow-dryer until the hair begins to dry. Rinse out. Wash with mild shampoo and make sure to use a moisturizing conditioner to prevent dryness.

15 Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Their Veggies!

Picky Eaters? Problem Solved!  Check out this article for some great ideas to helping your kids try new foods and get the nutrients they need.  The creative ideas in this article are simple and easy to implement at dinner time!  

Here are some of the main points...read the article for details!

1. The "Salad - no way!" problem

2.Rename veggies (ex: Dragon Scales!)

3. Sometimes it all depends on consistency

4. Let your kids help you cook

5. Research recipes together

6. Join a CSA (community farm)

7. Mono eating

8. Smoothies

9. Make 'em accessible

10. Speaking of crock-pots

11. Show some respect

12. Never use food as a bribe or reward

13. Play with your food!

14. Tell stories

15. Play the ABC vegetable game

10 Simple Ways to Have a Happier Family

Wish you could slow down and take the time to really connect with your kids? Here’s how to slip small moments of love and closeness into the busiest days. By Ron Taffel, Ph.D.

1. Snuggle time Take advantage of Saturday mornings to have all the kids come in bed with you for a fifteen-minute cuddle. One day a week, try not to schedule anything early so you can just hang out and feel close to each other.
2. Mood music Here’s a tip from the folks who make TV shows and commercials: Use background music to set the mood. When cabin fever strikes and the atmosphere around the house gets tense, pop some lively music in the CD player and watch the emotional barometer rise.
3. Indirect compliments When you want to praise your child, occasionally let her overhear you say something good about her to someone else. Sometimes kids discount direct praise as empty or embarrassing. An overheard compliment can be a powerful boost to self-esteem because your child knows that it’s from the heart.
4. The never-ending game Set aside ten minutes at the same time each day to play a game with your child, one you can return to daily. Some families play a round of backgammon. Others work on a 100-piece jigsaw puzzle. Reading a couple of pages of a story is popular with younger kids. The ritual aspect of the activity and brief time-out from stressful demands help kids and parents calm down and connect with each other.
5. One at a time Once a week, allow each of your children to have you all to himself for an hour, doing anything that the child wants to do (dress-up, computer time, art, etc). When your kids know they’ll each have a long turn to get your undivided attention, they learn to respect each other’s special times as well.
6. Counting blessings Take some moments in the evening, at dinner or bedtime to acknowledge the good things in your life. Don’t be heavy-handed about it. Just say, “You know, the nicest thing happened today…” and ask your child and other family members to share any good things that happened to them. Counting blessings is a way to end the day on a positive note.
7. A very merry half-birthday Mark this mid-year milestone in a lighthearted, inexpensive way. For instance, it’s fun to bake half a cake, give half a pair of socks as a present, and put up half a birthday sign. Any reason to celebrate, no matter how small, lifts the spirits and breaks up the ordinary routine.
8. Sunday-night soiree I’m sure that, like most families, you have experienced the letdown that occurs as the weekend draws to a close. You also probably have a refrigerator full of leftovers. On Sunday evening, invite a few neighbors with kids over for dinner and have them bring along their leftovers. The food may be an eclectic mix of cold turkey, ham, Chinese food, and parts of pies served on paper plates. This low-key but festive gathering takes the edge off the end-of-weekend blues.
9. Media blackouts For one night each week, declare that no one in the house will turn on televisions, computers, or stereos. The uninterrupted downtime means there’s more of an opportunity to play truly interactive games, the old-fashioned kind in which two people actually communicate. Think of a variety of ways to have low-tech fun, such as playing musical instruments and singing, reading aloud, telling jokes, or just talking.
10. Think small Remember the bumper sticker that read HUG A TREE? Why not make some time to help your child appreciate the natural world around him? Let him try to wrap his arms around a tree, stop and smell the roses, or go outside and gaze at the stars in the evening sky. Think of these activities not as educational but as ways to let your child feel part of something greater than himself. So much in our society and child-raising practices tends to encourage kids to feel too big, powerful, exceptional and alone. The truth is, children are less worried and more secure when they know they’re not the center of the universe but a small part of the whole.

Ron Taffel, Ph.D., is the author of Nurturing Good Children Now and a well-known author and speaker on raising children with values in today’s world. He is a contributing editor of Parents magazine, from which this article was excerpted.

Beautiful! - Inside & Out

Homemade Facial Treatments

exfoliant :: Mix 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon plain yogurt until combined. Gently rub in circles on clean, damp skin for about one minute. Rinse with warm water. For best results do once a week, in the evening. Follow with moisturizer. How it works - sugar polishes the skin and yogurt soothes.

foot soak :: Mix 1/2 cup Epsom salts, 1/2 cup sea salt, and 1 gallon of warm water. Add 3-5 drops each of peppermint and lavender oils if desired. Soak feet 10-15 minutes, then use a scrub or pumice stone to scrub away dead skin. How it works - Epsom salts are soothing, sea salt is rich in minerals and water softens the skin.

body buffer :: Make paste of 1/2 cup ground coffee (caffeinated) and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any other natural oil ... nut oils are especially rich). Use as a body scrub. Post shower, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week. How it works - oils hydrate and soothe skin, caffeine helps tone skin and has even been known to reduce the look of cellulite!

eye "de-puffer" :: Dampen 2 chamomile or green-tea tea bags. Chill. Leave them on eyes for up to 15 minutes. How it works - the tea in the tea bags soothes skin, the scent calms, the coolness helps reduce puffiness around the eyes.

Back to School: Lunch Box Ideas

Here are a few "back to school" tips on how to build a fun, easy, tasty and nutritious lunch box.  Many of our children are back at the elementary school or just starting preschool for the very first time.    Also, included in this post is a nice downloadable PDF document of cute, loving and fun notes and jokes that you can add to your older children's lunch box.


1. FREEZE: Place a frozen juice box in your kids’ lunch box as it’ll keep the food chilled and will be thawed by lunchtime.

2. Go for VARIETY: Make sandwiches using whole grain tortillas, bagels or pitas.
 
3. WIPES, WIPES: Pack antibacterial wet wipes so your kids can clean their hands before and after eating.

4. SNEAKY VEGGIES: Add grated veggies to sandwiches and wraps for crunch – your kids won’t notice they’re eating something that’s good for them!
 
5. DRESSING It up: Use small resealable bags to pack dressings. Kids can open one corner and simply squeeze onto salad, then discard.

6. Get DIPPING! Pack salsa, hummus, yogurt or salad dressing for your little ones to dunk their sandwich, veggies or fruit into.
 
7. PETITE works better: Make bite-sized and mini versions of regular foods like sandwiches. They work well for small appetites and are more likely to be eaten.

8. BE LOVING: Add a quick note to say good luck on a test or “I love you” – it will brighten your child’s day. Download LunchboxJokes_US_01.pdf and print it.

9. Get ORGANIZED: create you own schedule Monday-Friday of the menu you will prepare for lunch so that you know every morning or the night before what to do for lunch boxes.

10. CONSULT:  check out these sites for other fun and easy to do ideas for lunch boxes: www.familyfun.com and the Lunch Box Builder, and if your family is vegetarian, you may want to visit Vegetarian Lunch Box.


"Lunch boxing" can be an enjoyable activity!

*Taken from The Moms' Buzz, Original source: www.familyfun.com, www.kraftfoods.com.

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the opportunity
to begin the 2011-2012 school year,
and we ask that you bless
the faculty, the students, and student families.
We ask that you would bless
the youngest and littlest of learners,
the most helpless and powerless of persons,
with Your infinite and loving mercy,
granting them the strength to learn, concentrate,
and act appropriately towards
their teachers and fellow students.
We also ask that You would watch over them,
at home and at school
and grant them proper direction
so that they may learn
of Your wonderful virtues.
We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen

A Concert in Your Backyard! - FREE EVENT THIS SATURDAY!!

During the summer, the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance brings FREE concerts to Marana on a monthly basis!! I've gone to a couple in the past and have really enjoyed the fun, relaxing atmosphere.  Each month spotlights different genres of musical, which is an excellent way of exposing your children to different cultures around the world!  It's also a fantastic way to establish community!

The concerts start at 7pm, but you can come and go as you please.  Whenever we go to the concerts, we typically stop at Subway for sandwiches or pack a picnic dinner around 6pm and then head out to the park.  This gives the kids time to run in the grass or throw a frisbee around.  We have a nice picnic dinner and the kids shake and dance until they have nothing left in them! (Sometimes I've even had them go to the concert in their pajamas!) When they get tired, my kids just lay down on our blankets and count the stars.  And then, it's home to bed!

The flier says that it is located at Crossroads Park...but it's not in a location you can see from Silverbell.  There is a big grassy area located behind Wheeler Taft Abbet  Library....that is where the stage is set up.  So, parking by the library is best!  I have seen people sit on blankets spread out on the grass, couples comfortable in chairs, and have even seen people dining on their card table, with glasses of wine! So, come as you please and be entertained!


Details for THIS Concert:

August 13th - 7pm @ Crossroads Park - Free Admission
7548 N Silverbell Rd

Last Call Girls
The Last Call Girls are a high energy, honky-tonkin' country dance band, playing a mix of rock-a-billy, traditional country, and bluegrass.  They take their music back to the roots of country with some great old time favorites by Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, interspersed with original songs by nationally acclaimed songwriter, Nancy McCallion

For more information, visit www.SAACA.org

SLIME!!!

Here is a great activity to do with your kids!  They absolutely love to play with this slime! 

Ingredients:

You only need 2 ingredients for slime: non-toxic school glue and borax, which is sold as a laundry booster and household cleaner.  If you use clear school glue, you will get transparent slime.  if you use white glue, you'll get opaque slime.....and you can always add a bit of food coloring to change it all together!

Make the Slime:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of borax in 1 cup of water. Stir to dissolve the borax.
• In a separate container, mix 1/2 cup of glue (1 bottle) in 1/2 cup water.  
• You can add food coloring if you like. 
• When you mix the two solutions together, crosslinks will form between the molecules, forming the gelatinous polymer we call slime.

Clever Everyday Tips

1. Use bathtub crayons to jot notes down that come to you while in the shower so you don't forget them.
2. Clip a clothespin with your child's name onto your child's towel after bathtime. Now there will be no confusion over who gets what towel.
3. When travelling, purchase a postcard and use the back to jot down memories from the trip.
4. Tuck extension cords and other electrical cords in toilet paper tubes to prevent them from tangling around each other.
5. Use a dryer sheet to rub crayon off of your table
6. If can't seem to use a complete bottle of juice before the expiration date try this: Pour leftover juice into ice trays. Once frozen pop out the frozen juice and store in a freezer-safe bag. When your child wants juice next just pop an ice cube into a cup of water and you have diluted juice.
7. Using a piece of colored paper, trace the outline of your child's foot onto the paper. Cut it out and then store it in your purse. Now you can shop for shoes without your kids (and probably make each of you a lot happier).
8. Store plastic straws inside a travel toothbrush holder. Keep this in your purse or child's diaper bag to use when you are eating out.
9. Take your child on a free field trip ... to Home Depot! Let them flip on the switches, open doors, and play with all the other gadgets on display!
10. Staple clothing receipts to the tags on newly purchased items of clothing. This way you don't have to worry about complications when returning the item.
     
    * Taken from http://cefcmops.blogspot.com/
     

Beautiful! - Inside & Out

Foundation creasing around the eyes and laugh lines?

NEVER apply foundation with your fingers! Unwanted oil and bacteria will be added to the product and your face. Using a cosmetic wedge, apply foundation in the T'Zone & blend using a stippling technique.

Avoid under the eyes and laugh lines. Swipe what is left on the wedge gently over the rest of the face to blend the pigments together.

For even better results, try a makeup primer. Using a cosmetic wedge, smooth on a layer of primer after applying your daily moisurizer. Look for a primer that has hyaluronic filling spheres and peptides to “plump up” the fine lines.

Enjoy!

Tiffany Harger
www.tiffanyharger.myarbonne.com

Seven Secrets to Taking Better Kid Photos

Would you like to get some terrific pictures of your children?  Ever struggle with the settings on your camera when you are trying to capture that "Kodak" moment?  Check out this article for taking better pictures of your kids! 

Here are some of the highlights...click here to read the article!

1. Mind the light
2. Use your flash...the right way
3. Read your manual
4. Get in close
5. Don't put your subject in the middle
6. Don't ask for a smile/try to catch them when they aren't looking
7. Dress them in bright colors

Back to School Traditions

Many of us have little ones who are starting preschool or kindergarten for the very first time. It can be a bittersweet time for us as moms. Here are a few links with some great ideas for back-to-school traditions.

*Leave us a comment on this post if you have any memories of back-to-school traditions you did when you were a child or what you do/ plan on doing with your children.

A Purse Full of Cheerios

Gazettenet.com

Tip Junkie