tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40370144834604671272024-03-12T20:31:33.168-06:00Just Mom's BlogAs my kids say, "That's just mom's blog."D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-24611133850784252962014-02-17T07:00:00.000-07:002014-02-17T07:00:03.864-07:00Camping or Hiking Activities: Animal Tracking<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.thesweetersideofmommyhood.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.thesweetersideofmommyhood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/animaltracks_odnr.gif" height="266" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.thesweetersideofmommyhood.com/" target="_blank">photo source: <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">http://www.thesweetersideofmommyhood.com</span></a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Lately
we have been finding animal tracks in the snow near our house. Sometimes, you can find deer wandering the
street in the middle of the night but our newest find is the rabbit tracks in
our back yard. This gave me an idea for
a hike – searching for evidence of wildlife.
This was a fun activity and can be done in both summer and winter;
however, it is easier to do in winter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic, sans-serif;">Personally,
I’m not a winter camper. I leave
sleeping outside in tents and lean-to’s in -20C to Hubby, R and the other
Scouts. R and I went on a winter hike near our house the other day. </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">We simply looked
for various tracks and tried to identify them.
We saw tracks for deer, dog/coyote, and various birds. This provided us with a lot of conversation
on the kinds of animals who live near us and the importance of respecting their
habitat. When R asked me some questions
I couldn't answer, we browsed our encyclopedias (I know, who uses these
anymore) and took a look on the internet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic, sans-serif;">Browsing
the internet, I found so many more activities for this both in the search engine and in Pinterest. We did not pursue any further activities but
it would make for a great Scout meeting or home school lesson. You could measure the tracks themselves and
the gait of the animal to determine the size of the animal. You could also look for other signs like
flattened spaces where the animal may have stopped for a rest. There’s always poop explorations to see what
kind of animal it was and whether the animal is a carnivore or herbivore by
what was in the scat. Also you could
look at ways of recognizing habitats. I
listed a couple of the sites I went to at the bottom of this page, take a look to
customize your hike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Take Care, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12.0pt;">D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">P.S. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Leave
a comment to let me know how it went for you.
What did you find? How did you
customize your hike? What did you like
most? What would you change for next
time?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.wildernesscollege.com/identifying-animal-tracks.html">http://www.wildernesscollege.com/identifying-animal-tracks.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.almanac.com/content/animal-tracks-identification-critter-pictures">http://www.almanac.com/content/animal-tracks-identification-critter-pictures</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-4195737749343048992013-05-27T07:00:00.000-06:002013-05-27T07:00:08.733-06:00On the Road this Summer: Trip Planning Tips for Parents<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">We
have a fantastic guest writer today, Kendra Thornton!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">When
Kendra asked me if she could share this article with my readers, I was so
excited! What a perfect way to prepare
for summer vacation. These these trip tips
are invaluable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Thanks
Kendra for sharing your expertise!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold";">Take
Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">On the Road this Summer: Trip Planning Tips for Parents</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UOtltrdQwzkSS62O3YNGugjsdM5kHTbFFIs_MApM-4y8qBF95JrqUvdTLeTiqjg_s5xB1qqKRI4XWjbaY5DEywEUI_vHn1-jR86aTdJ76reHrZYWKSiITIFuJoy0dLhIigJLQEiNbEE/s1600/Orlando.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UOtltrdQwzkSS62O3YNGugjsdM5kHTbFFIs_MApM-4y8qBF95JrqUvdTLeTiqjg_s5xB1qqKRI4XWjbaY5DEywEUI_vHn1-jR86aTdJ76reHrZYWKSiITIFuJoy0dLhIigJLQEiNbEE/s200/Orlando.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">You're on way to the happiest place on Earth but everyone's
tired and hungry. What went wrong? Planning trips can be the best part of a
whole vacation if you're not ready for these issues. It's easy to see how
activities and locations can fall into place. However, if you're not budgeting
for meals and sleep, your time may be wasted when you actually get to go meet
Mickey. There are a few things that you can do to stay prepared and keep your
kids active throughout your vacation. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">1. Complimentary is Best</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Many </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.gogobot.com/orlando-walt-disney-world-florida--hotels"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Orlando
hotels</span></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> offer a ton of different places to stay. If you're not careful,
you may fall for a low rate on a low budget hotel. While it's a good idea to
look for bargains, you also want to think about the comfort level and what the
hotels are offering patrons. If the hotel doesn't offer a free breakfast, try a
place that does.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span>
<br />
<ul><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">
<li>- Look for family friendly hotels like Walt Disney Resort, which offer discounted meals for kids.
</li>
<li>- Find hotels with activities for kids, playgrounds and kiddie pools.
</li>
<li>- Scout out the location of a hotel beforehand to see where the good restaurants are and how close you'll be to the attractions.
</li>
<li>- Check out reviews of the room service and breakfast options beforehand. Complimentary breakfast may just mean a cup of old cereal and a toothbrush.
</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">2. Rest Yourself Well</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Before any trip, kids should have adequate rest. If they can
nap on the way or on the plane, allow them this time to rejuvenate before they
get into all of the excitement. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">- Kids need at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep each day on
vacation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">- Bring along items that help them go to sleep such as
blankets, stuffed animals, pillows or bedtime books.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">- <a href="http://sleeptightconsultants.com/sleep-tips-for-changing-time-zones-with-kids/">If
traveling to a different time zone</a></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">, prepare in advance by changing up the sleeping schedule to
reflect the new time zone before you head out. This will help kids
tremendously.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">3. Fun Car Rides</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Many family vacations start with lots of excitement that
gets lost somewhere in between rest stop marker 100 and marker 1,000. If you
can, make frequent stops to see things on the way, like state parks,
attractions or just stop to hang out at a rest stop and grab a bite to eat. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">- Break up car rides every two hours. Stop at a park or
playground to give kids a chance to expel some energy and horse around.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">- Pack healthy snacks and things to do in the car so kids
are occupied. If you have to make a spot for a quick bite to eat you should
still </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1193"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">make
good choices at fast food establishments</span></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">- Don't just go through the drive thru at fast food places
along the way. Let kids play in the playground and enjoy themselves a bit
before getting back on the road.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">With the warm weather approaching and a beach just a plane ride or
drive away, I hope these travel tips will be useful for your family’s next
vacation! </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNCkT8TJpwfjUTZkd-2oKS0_2V3o8YNVk14gMRdHsbg4jWq4CXqd6OuYV7CTSvA1wYy_oMC2MrTDxOFpebHZXVdqSQ4zESl12Nhyphenhypheni_Qb0Hj-ITJtF5brdgDtouG9Xr67vjn02W5MqlI8/s1600/Kendra+Thornton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNCkT8TJpwfjUTZkd-2oKS0_2V3o8YNVk14gMRdHsbg4jWq4CXqd6OuYV7CTSvA1wYy_oMC2MrTDxOFpebHZXVdqSQ4zESl12Nhyphenhypheni_Qb0Hj-ITJtF5brdgDtouG9Xr67vjn02W5MqlI8/s200/Kendra+Thornton.jpg" width="189" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">This
article was written by Kendra Thornton
<br />
Travel advocate, TV
spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been
packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've
found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have mixed my
excitement for travel by bringing the taste of authentic cuisine to my own home
with some of my unique recipes and sharing some of my personal traveling tips.
Enjoy!</span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #525252; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Places you can find Kendra:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #525252; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/KendraThornton">https://twitter.com/KendraThornton</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #525252; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Website: <a data-mce-href="http://www.thorntonpr.com/" href="http://www.thorntonpr.com/"><span style="color: #3376a4;">http://www.thorntonpr.com/</span></a></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-82274837967418142542013-02-05T07:00:00.000-07:002013-02-05T07:00:13.427-07:00Screen Free Time<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTPZd_EyID44Ka6KeY2rs8K4nebjkPKZtRyOwukLzl4nHCD8liVnd0mfdqICTJexYSe5n6wSLjk-CNSvW5LOgOL29edJYUY_AdCfbQltR76FxyyTB2n39rg04Clqp56DAV3rh01NCmR4/s1600/101_0684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTPZd_EyID44Ka6KeY2rs8K4nebjkPKZtRyOwukLzl4nHCD8liVnd0mfdqICTJexYSe5n6wSLjk-CNSvW5LOgOL29edJYUY_AdCfbQltR76FxyyTB2n39rg04Clqp56DAV3rh01NCmR4/s200/101_0684.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kids in TV land</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Yesterday was
our screen-free day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As part of R’s
homework, he has a little something to do each weekday that lets us in on what
his class is working on in school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
month in health they are learning about physical activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an example of this, yesterday was
scheduled to be a screen-free day so R could not watch TV, play video games, or
interact in any way with digital devices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In order to show our support, Hubby and I decided we would have a
screen-free day right along with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs8AHJjaGyKAt1yEdooEH6bAVMdopF5S35JcmZ1ikMtapyCBvFzaJTOK50rf4WjbzJrx_d3Oxmm5uTM7MEwra_mG9quxDekBOx8vhNbKyi6MjryP6iJXN-MGNSZk0GUiiu5c0nN5wI9U/s1600/backyard+Kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs8AHJjaGyKAt1yEdooEH6bAVMdopF5S35JcmZ1ikMtapyCBvFzaJTOK50rf4WjbzJrx_d3Oxmm5uTM7MEwra_mG9quxDekBOx8vhNbKyi6MjryP6iJXN-MGNSZk0GUiiu5c0nN5wI9U/s200/backyard+Kids.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam kids, same year - No TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">I did not
realize how reliant I am on devices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I’m working, I use a computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I schedule all my activities and events on my smart phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listen to satellite radio when I work out
and I even listen to audiobooks while I clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a very difficult day and although I managed to be device-free
while R was home, I failed during the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yesterday was cleaning day so I spent my time cleaning the house and
doing laundry but I did take a break to look and respond to emails and I did
listen to my audiobook while I cleaned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Although I
failed during the day, R and I did have some great one-on-one time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We read books together, we played cards, and
we played Lego.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I foresee more
screen-free evenings in our future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was good to connect with each other and imagine together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Have you had a
screen-free day?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did you do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would you change?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-81864136395977340812013-01-29T13:46:00.001-07:002013-01-29T13:48:02.390-07:00Let Them Love<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Why
is giving people the right to love whomever they love such a huge issue?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t understand this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It baffles me how government, organizations, and society tries to control how people feel yet still insist that we live in a free country. It is discrimination, which is illegal. Let's call a spade a spade.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">What set me off t</span>oday was while I was skimming the news, I discovered that
the Boys Scouts of America are just now deciding to allow the individual Areas
and Groups to determine if they would like to include non-heterosexual people
to be part of Scouting. Before this, youth would be excluded if they were not heterosexual.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpfLeVEDLlxpslHXJ2kve3ySCFP9k4w-5mhTABu0cgMprb34iQ4rV2xYUIITmAyfj_yLYg71MY7ZGcaQY94Y2HdVW2HJkXNxzfiHGXeNPL8MJW0bj_qfZKaKmr3Cu1OxM9zKIEbCH7pc/s1600/Let+Them+Love+-+Page+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpfLeVEDLlxpslHXJ2kve3ySCFP9k4w-5mhTABu0cgMprb34iQ4rV2xYUIITmAyfj_yLYg71MY7ZGcaQY94Y2HdVW2HJkXNxzfiHGXeNPL8MJW0bj_qfZKaKmr3Cu1OxM9zKIEbCH7pc/s320/Let+Them+Love+-+Page+001.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Really?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">These
are kids!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">With
everything that children need to deal with in society including, but not
limited to, peer pressure, bullying, media impressions, and more…why in the
world do we need to give them more fuel for hate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hasn’t any of the incidents we’ve seen in the
past few years with violence erupting in our schools and people getting killed
shown us that there is more than enough hate in this world?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the children love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t matter if they love girls or boys or
both.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Perhaps the
Boys Scouts of America need to take a look at their neighbors to the
North.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only does Scouts Canada allow
people to love whomever they want, it is part of the Bylaws, Policies, and
Procedures (section 1003) that no one is to be excluded due to their sexual
orientation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It even goes so far as to
advise adult volunteers how to handle situations where a youth may “come out” to
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How to reassure youth that it’s ok
to have those feelings and still be a scout.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">I am so proud
to be a part of Scouts Canada.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-76896547920087935082013-01-18T06:41:00.000-07:002013-01-18T06:41:00.861-07:00School Aged Separation Anxiety<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Since
winter break, R has been asking me to walk him to the door at school rather
than just dropping him off at the playground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Often, he is in tears when it is time to say good-bye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells me that he’s crying because he’ll
miss me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At soccer, he often feigns
illness so he doesn’t have to go or when we get there, he again is tearful and
tells his coach that he doesn’t feel well and we end up going home early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R LOVES soccer and begged to be in it – so why
does he not want to go?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, when
asked, he says he misses us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
understand this because we are right there, watching from the grandstands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">He
was fine before break but this is not unusual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The same thing happens year after year when we have a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought this year would be different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seemed happy before break and was even
seeking out his independence in telling me he was responsible enough to walk
home by himself and that he could go to the park by himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had not walked him to his door at school
since the first day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Hubby
thinks we need to back off on the cuddling and treat him like a big kid, and
that sounds right – I mean, kids live up to your expectations, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But something in me says that he needs more
love and assurance right now and gestures showing our love might be what he
needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truly, I’m at a loss. Internet research, here I come.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">I'd love to hear from another parent, has
anyone else experienced this with their elementary school-aged child?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did you handle it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would you do differently, if anything?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take
Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-31733738557509049412013-01-14T07:12:00.000-07:002013-01-14T07:12:00.469-07:00Reflection on Christmas: Thanks Cindy Lou Who<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcjaw6EnTJBrgBtp25wwe0E5IkVv4yYFL8Z5Iban3SQVUiUM3Hv_OrltRgvKlToaRn8QSRv_4YIFGoUrV2DTeDmR4Cb2GM0cku0OkRyR7V21KC8hMvBM141EFtx4AobgPoNCw32Urlc6X/s1600/Cindy+Lou+Who+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcjaw6EnTJBrgBtp25wwe0E5IkVv4yYFL8Z5Iban3SQVUiUM3Hv_OrltRgvKlToaRn8QSRv_4YIFGoUrV2DTeDmR4Cb2GM0cku0OkRyR7V21KC8hMvBM141EFtx4AobgPoNCw32Urlc6X/s200/Cindy+Lou+Who+%25232.jpg" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Source: <a href="http://doodlecraft.blogspot.ca/">http://doodlecraft.blogspot.ca</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Over
the holidays we watched one of our favorite movies “The Grinch Who Stole
Christmas”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always enjoyed the
movie for various reasons including the lesson that Christmas isn’t about material
gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, for some reason, I
couldn’t get over that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Every
year we question ourselves:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are the
presents big enough?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there enough
food?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there enough this, or enough
that, big enough, unique enough, tame enough, entertaining enough… are we
enough?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">This
year, as Christmas approached, I really thought about Cindy Lou Who.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was the little girl who had trouble
finding her Christmas Spirit, just like I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The thought running through my head this year was, what am I teaching my
children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this the legacy of
Christmas that I want to pass on to my children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is not just no, but HELL NO!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">We
did cut back a little this year but not nearly enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was cemented in me by the extremely
thoughtful gifts my mother gave to me and my children. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year my parents are struggling
financially so they didn’t have the extra funds to buy extravagant gifts but my
mother loves to craft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found this year’s
gifts to be perfect for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She not only
took the time to make them herself but she also thought long and hard about
what to make us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gifts weren’t
useless junk but things we wanted, needed, or enjoyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part – the kids LOVED them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Next
year I hope to cut back even more and find a charity that my children can not
only give to, but be a part of. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby
took all of winter break off so we could do family activities and it was then
that we really got into the spirit of Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the lesson I learned is that Christmas is
better when we focus on our family and not whether we’re enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks Cindy Lou.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">How
do you get into the Christmas Spirit?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take
Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-63207120013430944712012-12-24T06:44:00.000-07:002012-12-24T06:44:00.081-07:00Happy Holidays!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">This
weekend I was wrapping like a mad-woman and re-organizing presents so they all
fit nicely under the tree (I’m not OCD – everyone does that, right?) when I
came upon this gift…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHEZPKKD0HKORBmE38UuR9HoK-slk0TLy4lCmTnQwi8dqGpi8qDIiSaw-KwphCsqoPYW2uBHPcuMogW4vWHH1TvFm2rRR9gPvx6bG8hQrhxXckmJl-3CEnl9akPh1x8T3sGYDkTaqawo/s1600/2012-12-19+08.34.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHEZPKKD0HKORBmE38UuR9HoK-slk0TLy4lCmTnQwi8dqGpi8qDIiSaw-KwphCsqoPYW2uBHPcuMogW4vWHH1TvFm2rRR9gPvx6bG8hQrhxXckmJl-3CEnl9akPh1x8T3sGYDkTaqawo/s320/2012-12-19+08.34.27.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">To
Mom, From Son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Hubby explained that when he and R were wrapping, R asked how to spell my real name. When Hubby said, "M-O-M-M-Y", and told him that if he used my real name, he'd be in big trouble. When Hubby checked after, this was the result. </span>Out of the mouth...er...pen of babes.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">From
my family to yours, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe, prosperous
New Year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-54881718940131348112012-12-18T11:51:00.000-07:002012-12-18T11:51:34.310-07:00Winter Solstice Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNMG0Tqd7xxuLtPfiIL89FKiLxT97PG0_3qmNePta9qEAEsWLCFu2MCKM8F_eareFBKKERilxKPxLAYBbLAihUvgX0Y1uZBIs8h92MkzE2OktCecodWhdj0SjDEy8Ln0ZWQOJiGf9F5A/s1600/Hugging+Snowgirl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNMG0Tqd7xxuLtPfiIL89FKiLxT97PG0_3qmNePta9qEAEsWLCFu2MCKM8F_eareFBKKERilxKPxLAYBbLAihUvgX0Y1uZBIs8h92MkzE2OktCecodWhdj0SjDEy8Ln0ZWQOJiGf9F5A/s200/Hugging+Snowgirl.gif" width="190" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Winter
Solstice is the day that we have the least amount of sunlight all
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to our position on the planet
we are tilted the furthest from the sun around this time of year giving my
community approximately six and a half hours of sunlight on this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of this, December 21<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> is
often referred to as the “shortest day of the year”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In reality there isn’t a time warp causing
fewer hours in the day (though as I get older it seems every day has fewer
hours in it), we just get less sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
good news…from now until the Summer Solstice – we continuously get more sun each
day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In about six months, there will only
be about six hours of darkness each day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">With
so much darkness around us, I like to celebrate the Winter Solstice and the
coming of more sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each year we do a
little something to celebrate like crafts, baking, go sliding, just
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depending on our schedules,
it could be a large celebration with friends and family, or something small
with just the kids and I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, we
are making snow taffy and snowflake crafts!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Snow
Taffy is a traditional French Canadian treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember doing this with my “Memere” (Grandmother) on warm winter days
while we waited for the bread to rise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have so many fond memories in the kitchen with my Memere including Meat Pies –
but I digress.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">We
don’t have any maple trees around here so we don’t make Snow Taffy the traditional
way which includes tapping a tree but it is good nonetheless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been a few years since we’ve made Snow
Taffy so it will be like new to R and I can’t wait to see his face when
he tastes it – oh, and it’s gluten free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you would like to make it yourself but live in an area without snow,
you can do this with crushed ice as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fYj9eNUXnwiYczVgWsUUo9CBFLyPOiVu6_q0nd5QlGTAz5zHhiYnwVwAlr1rcWalFxJCIpDRQuVg9PIcm-nhkS78PQzrnSvtS_BE9gpn9TI1ZgSDoY1XUaS1Fn1C-ocHFjpMGLqUpPY/s1600/MapleTaffy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fYj9eNUXnwiYczVgWsUUo9CBFLyPOiVu6_q0nd5QlGTAz5zHhiYnwVwAlr1rcWalFxJCIpDRQuVg9PIcm-nhkS78PQzrnSvtS_BE9gpn9TI1ZgSDoY1XUaS1Fn1C-ocHFjpMGLqUpPY/s200/MapleTaffy.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source: </span><a href="http://www.thegreatcanadiangiftcompany.com/Maple-Taffy-on-Snow-Blue-Mountain-Maple-Taffy_ep_52-1.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">The Great Canadian Gift Company</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Snow
Taffy Syrup<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">1
cup Brown Sugar<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">¼
cup butter<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">
¼ cup water<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">½
teaspoon vanilla<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Popsicle
sticks - optional<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">This part is for grown-ups and more experienced kitchen-helpers. Place
all the ingredients into a pot and boil it over medium-high heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be careful, if this stuff splashes it burns
fast and sticks to keep on burning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a hard boil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still stirring, allow the hard boil for about
2 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">During this time, have the
kids go outside and collect CLEAN snow in a cookie sheet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">After
the 2 minute hard boil, drizzle a little of the syrup onto the snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the syrup is absorbed into the snow, it’s
not ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep boiling and stirring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep testing it until the syrup turns into
taffy (soft caramel-like consistency) on the snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then drizzle it over various parts of the
snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is cooled nearly instantly so
you can then pick it up and eat it, or roll it around a spoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We use popsicle sticks to roll the taffy
around like a taffy pop. It's very sticky so I recommend using a spoon on popsicle stick.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The
taffy is best eaten fresh but if you made more than you can eat, roll up extra
strips and put them onto wax paper then store in the fridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, the colder it is kept, the harder consistency
it will be so don't leave it too long.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Since
this is a French Canadian tradition, perhaps I will take this opportunity to
talk to the kids about “L’Hiver” (winter) and maybe we’ll learn a French winter
song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snowflake crafts can be found all
over the internet and we selected this one from Pinterest.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-N7uVH6Eub2dwK2tX2dv1qBdVwYgIXAX0dFNS6p2r2lQH-QREst-6Ozm_B9R1wsdSfVRdI3eWxTM-fMkkvNfx7qvNwL6IoO75-ETt8dgpB-elkyrEtwG-ya2xQYcBEelIdj8VqScvTKo/s1600/Snowflake+Craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-N7uVH6Eub2dwK2tX2dv1qBdVwYgIXAX0dFNS6p2r2lQH-QREst-6Ozm_B9R1wsdSfVRdI3eWxTM-fMkkvNfx7qvNwL6IoO75-ETt8dgpB-elkyrEtwG-ya2xQYcBEelIdj8VqScvTKo/s200/Snowflake+Craft.jpg" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: xx-small;">Photo Source:</span> <a href="http://taintediris.tumblr.com/post/31778612352" target="_blank">Tainted IrIs</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Will
you be celebrating the Winter Solstice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leave me some comments on your plans for celebrating and some ideas for
future winter celebrations for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take
Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-46162953260506409652012-12-10T07:03:00.000-07:002012-12-10T07:03:00.082-07:00Food Allergies - The Ignored Disability<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrZ91I3XRbrdRQAiI6oCJMoKnyb-VrpEJyFNK4A8LDaKmv-pTdGhyphenhyphen4GM6TMCB84fTerzmb4leGHpI7rvMOs-KXj3oDLrZuUHmCo3ynVQu-L_EMvAUCoDenV7jF2hyp7YsP4s1hYGl4ww/s1600/Big+8+Allergens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrZ91I3XRbrdRQAiI6oCJMoKnyb-VrpEJyFNK4A8LDaKmv-pTdGhyphenhyphen4GM6TMCB84fTerzmb4leGHpI7rvMOs-KXj3oDLrZuUHmCo3ynVQu-L_EMvAUCoDenV7jF2hyp7YsP4s1hYGl4ww/s1600/Big+8+Allergens.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo source: <a href="http://www.steeringyourhealth.com/2012/09/06/food-allergies/">http://www.steeringyourhealth.com/2012/09/06/food-allergies/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">This
<a href="http://9thfortmcmurray.blogspot.ca/2012/12/food-allergies-forgotten-disability_8.html#!/2012/12/food-allergies-forgotten-disability_8.html"><span style="color: blue;">article</span></a>
from a Canadian Scouter truly reflects a lot of my feelings towards food allergies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R is gluten intolerant and because it is not
a “deadly” allergy, many people discount it as a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, even at extended family gatherings,
people don’t consider him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">An
example of this was when we went out to visit members of our family who were camping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We brought out our own food so that I could
be sure that there would be something R could eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I watched people serving, they often
used the same spoon to scoop the regular pasta salad as the gluten free potato
salad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I brought it to their
attention that this cross contamination could cause R to have a reaction and he
no longer could eat it, they didn’t seem to get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got the “you’re over-reacting” look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One person even commented that R would just
get the runs for a while and that it wasn’t a serious reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone who suffers from gluten or lactose or
other non-deadly allergies knows that it isn’t a minor reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often a lot of pain and discomfort is
involved and it is even worse when you are at a function and can’t even suffer
in your own home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">This
is one of many examples that our own family doesn’t respect this
disability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this is what we get from
people who love us, how can we expect different from strangers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know there will be cross contamination at
any restaurant, eating at a friend’s, school functions, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It never ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R often says, “why can’t I just be normal?”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do our best to offer substitutions and R’s
teacher is fantastic in letting me know when something is coming up so I can
send in a substitution for R but this is when he doesn’t want to be “special”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">It
is so nice to see that Scouts Canada has recognized disabilities and that this
Scout Group is including food allergens as part of those disabilities so that
the kids can be part of the group and be “special” by their accomplishments and
character rather than by how they were born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Way to go Scouts!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take
Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Resource:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Scouter Sam <a href="http://9thfortmcmurray.blogspot.ca/2012/12/food-allergies-forgotten-disability_8.html#!/2012/12/food-allergies-forgotten-disability_8.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://9thfortmcmurray.blogspot.ca/2012/12/food-allergies-forgotten-disability_8.html#!/2012/12/food-allergies-forgotten-disability_8.html</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-21821130026561908082012-11-05T07:00:00.000-07:002012-11-05T07:00:08.016-07:00Movember Madness!<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">re-released from Nov 2011</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_899532735" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkPo-c0dPsVTqv8iuSH17n4G4atoLcRN8O3EGz-tXcNFK5XQPUDYCcmVKd2yvCm3yl6ehyO0pmsFCgleBIAW6glJ2Znlrme0puMnHIb7_Za0A176gbIXINsUzSibu8ups1Tdrtief8-E/s320/Movember.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo source: <a href="http://ca.movember.com/" target="_blank">http://ca.movember.com/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I’m
so excited that so many men are taking the Movember challenge and growing moustaches! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Movember raises awareness
for prostate cancer where men register or join teams to get sponsors for their
moustache growth and to bring awareness to men’s health, especially prostate
cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mo Bros can register at <a href="http://ca.movember.com/">http://ca.movember.com/</a> to start growing
their best moustache and have the conversations that are so needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Prostate
cancer is the most common form of cancer to afflict the men in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One in seven men will develop prostate cancer
in his lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That being said, the
recovery rate is extremely high if cancer is detected early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over 90% of prostate cancer cases are curable
if detected in the earliest stages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
men can have cancerous cells from their prostate for years without detection so
it is very important that men be tested regularly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Typically the first symptom is difficulty
urinating or blood in the urine, but there may be no symptoms present in early
stages of cancer therefore testing is the best way to ensure diagnosis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The
cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but there are some common risk factors
such as age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The risk of getting
prostate cancer increases swiftly at the age of 50 and almost two out of three
prostate cancer patients are over the age of 62.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is a family history of prostate
cancer and you are 40 years of age or older, you should discuss this with your
doctor as he/she would likely recommend testing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Risk factors also include diets that are
generally high in fat (including a lot of red meat, high-fat dairy, etc.),
obesity, lack of physical activity, and possibly those who have worked with
cadmium.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Every
man 40 or older should talk to their health practitioner about having a simple
blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This provides a number for future comparison
so that if that number changes, it can be investigated closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If no issues are found, this test only needs
to be repeated every five years until you turn 50.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Another
test that may be done is a digital rectal exam (DRE) whereby your health
practitioner inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to investigate
the area of the prostate where most cancers are found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prostates are soft, rubbery, smooth and
symmetrical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any signs of lumps, hard,
or irregular areas may indicate prostate cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men over 50 should be tested annually to
catch any issues in the earliest stages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Our
favorite men are at risk by this disease but there is hope with early
detection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you or your favorite man
is 40 or older, have them speak to their health practitioner about testing…it
could save his life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Resources:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://prostatecancer.ca/"><span style="color: blue;">http://prostatecancer.ca</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="http://www.ca.movember.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.ca.movember.com</span></a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-58075245418045006362012-10-29T07:05:00.000-06:002012-10-29T07:05:00.094-06:00Halloween Traditions<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Most families
have Christmas and Thanksgiving traditions, and we have those too, but we also
have Halloween traditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Halloween is
my favorite almost-holiday and so I make it special for myself by making a big
deal with my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids love it
too so it’s great to share this with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hubby…not so much, but he would never rain on my parade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he was willing to suck-it-up and
dress up for a Monster Reunion Murder Mystery being put on by a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I digress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTdMvVS6zhZYU_fu3Bc_RRMhgBRpPYOrwsWzrD9yf3L7R6sWwNkV1W9vpVaLH2OucQANRfktGclVT-Qqoye95ozqcLkm3_1iZ5hs3rz9xH_nZ6VtLw7TwTe66eB_DXCgrGJvkM3cmdek/s1600/100_3032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTdMvVS6zhZYU_fu3Bc_RRMhgBRpPYOrwsWzrD9yf3L7R6sWwNkV1W9vpVaLH2OucQANRfktGclVT-Qqoye95ozqcLkm3_1iZ5hs3rz9xH_nZ6VtLw7TwTe66eB_DXCgrGJvkM3cmdek/s200/100_3032.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Our traditions
aren’t monstrous ordeals but they are a little special thing for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decorate the house sometime after
Thanksgiving and always try to “Boo” the neighbors in the week preceding
Halloween.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Boo”-ing the neighbors is a
lot of fun where we create a little gift or gift bag of Halloween fun and leave
it on the doorstep of our neighbor’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Included in the gift is a note letting them know they’ve been “Boo”-ed
and how to “Boo” the next person of their choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon everyone in the neighborhood has had the
experience and no one knows who’s done it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once we’ve left it on the doorstep, we ring the bell and run like heck
so they don’t see who’s done it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
that’s the most fun for the kids.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NfsnZqBZxt16_CUIRXDvwN6LV0gL5EZUTCXqvBZyNefDEYHgSWjAaTRf_TetI_TpUo_Q6tJxHRLBllfpnUCfqEzVdPOGCCzrd0GhGOwYdDOoBjO_4VJ9neDY_sY3Qny7DtjUPWn2OQM/s1600/IMG_1595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NfsnZqBZxt16_CUIRXDvwN6LV0gL5EZUTCXqvBZyNefDEYHgSWjAaTRf_TetI_TpUo_Q6tJxHRLBllfpnUCfqEzVdPOGCCzrd0GhGOwYdDOoBjO_4VJ9neDY_sY3Qny7DtjUPWn2OQM/s200/IMG_1595.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Carving
Pumpkins is next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We usually carve a
pumpkin the weekend before Halloween since it is usually cold here by then and
possibly snowing so our pumpkin will wither a little on the step and freeze
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pumpkins are usually only lit
on Halloween night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">On Halloween
night, we usually have something gross for supper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve had snakes (manicotti), worms (spinach
fettuccini), bat wings (chicken wings), and so many others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We eat by candle light and discuss the night
ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We eat early so the
trick-or-treating fun can begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma
then comes up to handle the door while we set out for our costumed adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C has been going out with a group of friends for
the last couple years and they are drilled about staying together and NEVER
entering anyone’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s probably
too old to be trick-or-treating but it is so much fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love to marvel at the costumes and the different
houses décor themes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then after a block
or two, R’s usually had enough and is eager to get home with his loot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think part of the thrill for him is also to
hand out the candy to other kids because whenever the doorbell rings – he races
to the door to see what costumed children have arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">At this point,
we are usually up to our eyeballs in candy, trying to sort what is and is not
acceptable to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, not only
are we looking for suspect candy, but also for gluten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is going to be tough, since it’s R’s
first gluten free Halloween.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Candy lists
can be searched for on the internet and I will have my guide next to me as we go
through the candy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily I will have a
special stash set out for him that I know is gluten free so that he can enjoy
some candy while patiently (hopefully) waiting for the rest of his candy to be
checked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the rest will go with
Hubby to work for all of his co-workers who work night shift to enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">What are some
of your Halloween traditions?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Related Post:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://justmomsblog.blogspot.ca/2011/10/10-halloween-safety-tips.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjLKV7zq7LATtIrdMn0Jel7t1N_Slh-_wKLvgw_J42yZR8byYWo7F-4TWdvM9FYPJK6xh5dsZ5c3wWPJvQnXfAlJHvjvmPIrBuyLcV23AmnitkppiQ2vOfZ63PIA18XiXyzUDbjLIzXE/s200/witch.jpg" width="134" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 Halloween Safety Tips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-59335398589970540362012-10-22T07:02:00.000-06:002012-10-22T07:02:00.624-06:00Organized Christmas<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="organized christmas" height="94" src="http://organizedchristmas.net/sites/default/files/image/logo_organized_christmas.jpg" style="margin: 10px auto 0px;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Source: <a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/">http://christmas.organizedhome.com/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
I know, I know. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>That sounds like an oxymoron and it is WAY too early to be talking about Christmas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Most people flush at the word “Christmas”, frowns form and tension creases their brows. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>In reality, Christmas isn’t that far away and an organized one is attainable but it pays to have a plan, in fact, we’re a bit late getting started.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
A
few years ago, I found this amazing website that had steps to organizing
yourself to have everything ready on time for Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more last minute shopping or shipping
presents knowing they won’t get to their destination on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried the program and it worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the first Christmas I had where I didn’t
feel so stressed about the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I thought I knew what to do to maintain this level of organization
and I didn’t look at it the following year, big mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That Christmas was just like all the other
ones where things were falling apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Upon reflection, it’s because I didn’t have an effective detailed plan.</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Many
people are organized or forward thinking enough to create their own plans
either in writing or in their heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am not one of those people, and from the stress I see in other faces around the
holidays, I’m not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Organized Christmas</span></a> provides a
plan and details or executing that plan that may or may not work for you but it
is definitely a starting place and you can tweak it as required.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">You’re
well ahead of the game if you have a plan, any plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially if it’s attainable!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Organized
Christmas</span></a> has four different plans you can choose from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From a really basic, get organized for Christmas
holiday plan to an in-depth whole house organization plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, it’s too late for the whole
house thing unless you work overtime and then you’re still going to feel stressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The basic plan is broken down into weekly tasks
starting this week (Oct 21<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>) with a goal of being ready for
Christmas by the first weekend in December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is an American plan so the holidays and resources are based around
American holidays and resources but again, with a few easy tweaks, it can be
Canadian-ized. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a look at the <a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/holiday-plans"><span style="color: blue;">plans</span></a> and choose
the one that’s best for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">I’m
going back to this plan and in hopes of getting myself back on track and having
a nice relaxing December so I can enjoy my family during the holidays instead
of wanting to cancel Christmas and hide in my room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Do
you have a plan for Christmas?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so,
how has it work out for you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
opinions expressed in this article are mine and are my honest opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not compensated in any way to write
this article/promotion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-45638427157792767242012-10-17T07:00:00.000-06:002012-10-17T07:00:04.905-06:00Book Review: Tempest's Fury by Nicole Peeler<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<em style="clear: left; float: left; height: 330px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 212px;"><img height="320" src="http://www.nicolepeeler.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Fury.jpg" width="196" /></em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="color: #444444;">Jane's not happy. She's been packed off to England
to fight in a war when she'd much rather be snogging Anyan. Unfortunately,
Jane's enemies have been busy stirring up some major trouble -- the kind that
attracts a lot of attention. In other words, they're not making it easy for
Jane to get any alone time with the barghest, or to indulge in her penchant for
stinky cheese.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="color: #444444;">Praying she can pull of a Joan of Arc without the
whole martyrdom thing, Jane must lead Alfar and halflings alike in a desperate
battle to combat an ancient evil. Catapulted into the role of Most Unlikely
Hero Ever, Jane also has to fight her own insecurities as well as the doubts of
those who don't think she can live up to her new role as Champion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Along the way, Jane learns that some heroes are
born. Some are made. And some are bribed with promises of food and sex.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“Tempest’s
Fury” is the fifth book in Nicole Peeler’s Jane True Series which was released
June 2012 and published by Orbit Books. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Jane True series is an Urban Fantasy
series about a world of powerful creatures and halflings that humans don’t know
exists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up until now, Jane has been
through a series of trials and tribulations that places her as an important
factor in an upcoming war between power hungry supernatural creatures and those
who wish to keep the humans from becoming slaves to those creatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During all of this, Jane has discovered she
is very attracted to Anyan, and he is attracted to her and they would like to
explore the possibilities between them but the world must come first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">As
most of you know, I enjoy audiobooks, and had I known that only the first three
of the five books were audio, I may not have begun this series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, I am so glad I did start this
series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jane True is a fantastic
heroine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is not a sweet and innocent
little girl, as is the case in many of the books I have read lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has been somewhat sheltered but has been
in love before and knows what it’s like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is self-aware and not wishy-washy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She knows what she wants in life and is working on getting it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has not had an easy life and is relatable
because of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although, she has been
learning a lot about her mother’s world and how she fits in, she doesn’t lose
herself in it but enjoys the new perks.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">In
“Tempest’s Fury” Jane travels to Britain where her group’s intel has discovered
activity from their nemesis, Jarl and Morrigan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fate of the world depends on Jane and her troop being able to
intercept and stop Jarl and Morrigan from awakening the Red and the White.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only does Jane have to endure intense
training and immense stress, but also sexual frustration since she and Anyan
have so little alone time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">When
you pick up this series, be sure to have a lot of reading time because it is
very difficult to put down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listened
to the first three books and read the other two novels within a week – and yes,
everything else was set aside because I could not concentrate on anything and
found excuses to find a quiet corner to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“Tempest’s Fury” flowed very well and kept me on the edge of my seat the
entire time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were even a few
raised eyebrows from Hubby when I would squeak or gasp aloud at various parts
of the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then in the end, he walked
away from me shaking his head as I yelled, “Nooooooooooo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can’t end like this!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t believe it ended like that!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I raced to my computer to find out when
the next installment of Jane’s life will be released.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, it’s not until May 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Have
you read this book or any others in the series?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What did you think?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take
Care, D</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=just0eb-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0316128112&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">This review is based solely on my opinion and any similarities to other reviews is purely coincidental. I was not compensated for this review in any way; however, I would love to have been. ;-)</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-22722923268429724872012-09-26T06:25:00.000-06:002012-10-09T12:33:11.989-06:00The Gluten Free Chocolate Cheesecake Squares Experiment<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">On
the weekend, I couldn’t decide if I wanted chocolate cake or cheesecake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I thought, why choose?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to experiment a little.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">I
pulled out our Only Oats Decadent Chocolate Muffin Mix and my Kraft Philidelphia
Cheesecake recipe book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">I
mixed the muffin mix as directed on the packaging, pouring it into a 9x13 cake
pan, then I mixed half the recipe for the <a href="http://www.cookingwithphilly.ca/recipes/cream-cheese/recipe/89618/holiday-cheesecake-presents"><span style="color: blue;">Holiday
Cheesecake Presents</span></a> (sans graham crumbs), making sure to use only gluten
free products. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I poured the cheesecake
mixture over the chocolate mixture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Using a spatula, I made swirling and figure-eight motions to mix them
into a marble-like look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBQATgsrQBpEq5tK9gDwCIuAyPReIJVJm_WABISZSyPdZlwrG05RWSiXUs32WYPbgaCVJZu8VKcrPtrNM4OmclTA047j9jmrqUtdx6TvANXREabeN1ojh7sGRDX0EOqK5WFUpgik9fUU/s1600/2012-09-23+14.49.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBQATgsrQBpEq5tK9gDwCIuAyPReIJVJm_WABISZSyPdZlwrG05RWSiXUs32WYPbgaCVJZu8VKcrPtrNM4OmclTA047j9jmrqUtdx6TvANXREabeN1ojh7sGRDX0EOqK5WFUpgik9fUU/s200/2012-09-23+14.49.29.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">After
30 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, voila, yumminess ensued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I fought the kids off long enough to get
this quick photo of the last square. Mmm, look at those chunks of cheesecake.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73QuX_tvNUN8QadS7LxEwVdNfWHVt3SOzfY0q4PmCD8CQLuS6Lg9Z8t7CKC0x_QOkon8rXs0iV-C6DQ5yHIk0CkVuK4gQfR1eGFzbfa0r3Xp_HlcnMERz-K8k9wJFNrC2HZ4gY3IBDOw/s1600/2012-09-25+14.17.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73QuX_tvNUN8QadS7LxEwVdNfWHVt3SOzfY0q4PmCD8CQLuS6Lg9Z8t7CKC0x_QOkon8rXs0iV-C6DQ5yHIk0CkVuK4gQfR1eGFzbfa0r3Xp_HlcnMERz-K8k9wJFNrC2HZ4gY3IBDOw/s320/2012-09-25+14.17.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">I
think next time I may make the whole cheesecake recipe and maybe even use a small ice cream scoop to plop cheesecake in the middle of each square.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless, I consider this experiment a
complete success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-88436811885915214362012-09-25T13:52:00.000-06:002012-09-25T13:52:18.916-06:00Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://terryfox.org/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1m1glqpSd7TaAJb0Fv_gvxYzBx-tYTHv9AGYW-aZonICTmZXT3sqzFvqzjfqW6PRvs7cgjXUX8p8C70Rx9Lw1idZ-rKIqBWh-h2qU6PI0rV6XvPO0tTn2nip-BJaZN-wBV5uHQd9fObI/s320/TerryFox.jpg" title="" width="148" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Terry
Fox was a remarkable young man from British Colombia, Canada. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was known as a humanitarian, an athlete,
and a national hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even now,
thirty-one years after his death, we still honor his legacy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Terry
was a long distance runner and basketball player in high school as well as
college and generally well liked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
1977, Terry (who was only nineteen) was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, causing
his leg to be amputated in hopes of stopping the spread of Cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry continued to run using an artificial leg
and played wheelchair basketball, helping his team win three national
championships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The
Marathon of Hope was born in 1980 when Terry decided to run across Canada to
raise money for Cancer research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry’s
goal was to raise one dollar for each of Canada’s twenty-four million
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He began his journey from St.
John’s, Newfoundland in April running the equivalent of a marathon each day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">By
the time Terry had reached Ontario, he had made numerous public appearances
with various public figures and was a national star for his accomplishments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately the Cancer Terry battled during
his run had spread to his lungs by the time he reached Thunder Bay,
Ontario.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry’s hopes, along with the
Country’s, of his overcoming the disease and completing his run, ended when
Terry died nine months later (June 28, 1981).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">September
of 1981 was the first Terry Fox Run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This run is held annually to honor our national hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many communities and schools across Canada
conduct a run or walk to continue Terry’s work in raising funds for Cancer
research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Terry Fox Run has grown to
involve millions of participants in over 60 countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is now the world’s largest one-day
fundraiser for Cancer research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Though
this blog post will have missed the community runs on September 16<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>,
it is not too late to join or sponsor a school run on September 27<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no entry fee and no minimum
donation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go to <a href="http://terryfox.org/"><span style="color: blue;">http://terryfox.org</span></a> to find a way to help
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, Terry only hoped for one
dollar from each person… is one dollar too much to ask?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together, in Terry’s name, we will find a
cure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-65091093069691863652012-09-19T07:00:00.000-06:002012-09-19T07:00:05.285-06:00Gluten Free Oatmeal Bars<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">We have been
making our own “granola” bars for a while now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we discovered Hubby and R’s sensitivity to gluten, I was very
worried about how I was going to make sure they still had grains in their
diet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bars that we make are good but
I find them overly sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to
try something else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">I found an
<a href="http://www.fannetasticfood.com/2011/05/31/oatmeal-dark-chocolate-granola-bars-recipe/" target="_blank">Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Granola Bar</a> recipe from <a href="http://www.fannetasticfood.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.fannetasticfood.com</span></a> for what
seemed more like an Oatmeal-to-go type bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>it wasn't set out as a gluten free recipe but I could see how easily it could be converted. So I tried it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
fantastic and I loved the cake-type consistency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R had enjoyed the Oatmeal-to-go bars before we
realized his intolerance so I thought this would be a nice bar for him but I
wanted to incorporate more grains so I modified it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still loves the bar and he’s getting more
out of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">In the recipe
below I will include my additions but would love to hear your variations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately I am not very imaginative when
it comes to grains and I’m sure nuts could be added too, except R takes it to
school which is nut-free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try it, let me
know what you think.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Oatmeal
Granola Bars<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxo4SXIurgXBY2ervx3iACIGMYufLEUDkeoMhnHqNDU9RKT0-xtsAeicWtdis_Vx8jfyuEFES3HBeydBMAzL7nnqv-uHt6RdBEUrRvaZT_pqTlkv0PyFeiJrXkugQs8QBUGK2RjuaN8I/s1600/Oatmeal+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxo4SXIurgXBY2ervx3iACIGMYufLEUDkeoMhnHqNDU9RKT0-xtsAeicWtdis_Vx8jfyuEFES3HBeydBMAzL7nnqv-uHt6RdBEUrRvaZT_pqTlkv0PyFeiJrXkugQs8QBUGK2RjuaN8I/s200/Oatmeal+Bar.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Ingredients:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Dry:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">3 cups gluten
free oats<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">1 cup flour mix<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">4 teaspoon
cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">1 teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">2 cups of
grains, dried fruit, seeds, chocolate, etc.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">I chose ¼ cup
each of flaxseed meal, chocolate chips, sesame seed, corn meal, dried
cranberries, whole grain rice puffs, whole grain quinoa puffs, and sunflower
seeds.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Wet:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">½ cup honey</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span>3 cups of skim
milk (would like to try with almond milk)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">2 eggs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">2 teaspoons pure
vanilla<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Instructions</span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Preheat oven to
375 degrees Fahrenheit.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">In Mixer bowl,
combine dry ingredients and mix until combined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In a separate bowl whisk the wet ingredients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry while
mixing until well blended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pour the
batter into a 9x13 greased baking pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bake 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cut into bars and allow to cool on a rack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-81353207523063311542012-09-12T07:00:00.000-06:002012-09-12T07:00:12.995-06:00Volunteering – Today’s Rant<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2kgJ3Ku3vjpLdgtErw6DUk9WJ1q-5cTRyUL1ekiygRYAOwY3dRuS3ZXiQ1kIkidxSAnmuFRzMZtCGRioew31jo0KQf8RBV7_RRsiROHIG1TLzCvQwLHEildoSUE7TsueaIsaqKMeOMI/s1600/volunteer-opportunities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2kgJ3Ku3vjpLdgtErw6DUk9WJ1q-5cTRyUL1ekiygRYAOwY3dRuS3ZXiQ1kIkidxSAnmuFRzMZtCGRioew31jo0KQf8RBV7_RRsiROHIG1TLzCvQwLHEildoSUE7TsueaIsaqKMeOMI/s200/volunteer-opportunities.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Hubby
and I are a large part of R’s Scouting Group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We want to be part of this great organization and want to contribute
what we can to help further this organization and make scouting available to
more youth in our area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the time
we spend is volunteered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">My
problem is all the parents who drop their children off at the meetings and want
their children in the organization, but don’t want to help out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems like it’s always the same people
volunteering for everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
grateful to those people and they do an amazing job but most of them are
leaders and already have a huge time commitment and cannot do everything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is exhausting for those leaders and their
families to volunteer for every event and fundraiser because of the lack of
interest from the other parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The
organization cannot grow without volunteers and throwing money at the problem
(which is the norm in various youth sports and organizations in the area in the
form of a volunteer levy) isn’t the solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have already had many of the past committee members and leaders not
return because of the extreme time commitment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So how do we make the parents care?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How do we enforce mandatory volunteering?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is volunteering handled in your area?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-78744728359213689542012-09-04T07:00:00.000-06:002012-09-04T07:00:14.474-06:00What To Expect Giveaway Winners!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne5pjZVAdKcyDZS8MY3raxU65GFSmpOLlTNAiYidWC209P7zhpfNirL6qyqHXDsg8oCdhsQLBustbyBl7oLBRT4VJ68FmDNtwj-VuV7IQncKwDUjbSodGsyiVohgPtJ5oVKKDR_gC3a0/s1600/WTE+BOOK+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne5pjZVAdKcyDZS8MY3raxU65GFSmpOLlTNAiYidWC209P7zhpfNirL6qyqHXDsg8oCdhsQLBustbyBl7oLBRT4VJ68FmDNtwj-VuV7IQncKwDUjbSodGsyiVohgPtJ5oVKKDR_gC3a0/s320/WTE+BOOK+COVER.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">On
behalf of Just Mom’s Blog and What To Expect.com, I would like to
congratulate<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> E.Ong </span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Tamra H</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
are the winners of the two What To Expect prize packs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have sent out notices to you so please contact me via email with your mailing address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Congratulations
to you both!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-31911194611799193772012-08-30T06:13:00.000-06:002012-08-30T06:13:00.675-06:00Every Day Lessons - Dyke Building<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMSFiDwYEqmmXJsuxl87sMLvsLil9hUoo489NkCW-meT1m103gnPA-iYWMbRKlFMlvJthOIrR6DToZDpq9txfM2iwrmS0fkXJfzNMF9zNMbbV7zfYZEAUj748RF9ugE4VupCIYUGs63M/s1600/2012-08-19+14.30.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMSFiDwYEqmmXJsuxl87sMLvsLil9hUoo489NkCW-meT1m103gnPA-iYWMbRKlFMlvJthOIrR6DToZDpq9txfM2iwrmS0fkXJfzNMF9zNMbbV7zfYZEAUj748RF9ugE4VupCIYUGs63M/s320/2012-08-19+14.30.41.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Every day lessons are the best. Don't you agree?</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">When I was a trainer we were often instructed that people learn best when information is presented to them in a manner which they learn as well as when that information is relevant to them. When we're out playing, what could be more relevant than the activity we are doing and my son and I both learn best by doing - aka playing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">This week we were out playing on a beach and R was having a blast making a castle. It was amazing how his imagination took him away and he wanted to provide a water source for the citizens in his keep. He dug a hole and poured water into it. It overflowed so he built a dyke to keep it in. He was convinced that the hole would not hold enough water for his people. He continued to build the dyke, reinforcing the sides which would breach when he tested it. He learned about how much dryer sand vs. wet sand he would need to construct the strongest dyke for his pond.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinn37nwj7EI2tpOT2chPisUOxap17-gcTrtb8VItjqug2yVq9WjiwWIIju8qVfWefWN3_j_f8H9HF7R4M-62ljT-CyMuixaWbcuaouGQeF31D2Pcr5nHfDB2BzGuvIz1EJf6L9JjYSSIk/s1600/2012-08-19+13.42.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinn37nwj7EI2tpOT2chPisUOxap17-gcTrtb8VItjqug2yVq9WjiwWIIju8qVfWefWN3_j_f8H9HF7R4M-62ljT-CyMuixaWbcuaouGQeF31D2Pcr5nHfDB2BzGuvIz1EJf6L9JjYSSIk/s320/2012-08-19+13.42.51.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">This seems like just a fun time but honestly, this experiment he conducted, he enjoyed and will remember through to adulthood. Though he doesn't know the science terms behind it all and all the specifics to be a professional, providing him with the experience to do this experiment in a fun way created a lesson he won't soon forget and he can apply this experiment to his future eduction and experiences.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">What everyday learning have you done lately? I'm always looking for more everyday learning to expose my children to, any ideas?</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-64540189893332278492012-08-21T07:01:00.000-06:002012-08-21T07:01:00.500-06:00Home Summer School Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIuPubIAFsVUBIwif9bf8uzPjLJ1oP_9rvBcjZEAHmZxd1w2kM2tj6IJKG2UEznfQlg2uhrwFf6v7ua7jLTCqZvWy1ribwfSWdktmooBrBB7jH00tI3Wzhfv9E7wj6fBoM-cZ8iPe22o/s1600/summer+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIuPubIAFsVUBIwif9bf8uzPjLJ1oP_9rvBcjZEAHmZxd1w2kM2tj6IJKG2UEznfQlg2uhrwFf6v7ua7jLTCqZvWy1ribwfSWdktmooBrBB7jH00tI3Wzhfv9E7wj6fBoM-cZ8iPe22o/s1600/summer+school.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The Super-Duper,
Epic-ly Awesome Summer School…wasn’t so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had so many wonderful ideas and plans and, as those of you who know me
may have predicted, life got in the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">After the first
week, I knew we would need to revise everything as R was not having fun with it
and there was always some errand or activity going on that put our summer
school on the back burner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So after two
weeks of accomplishing only a quarter of what we wanted to accomplish, I knew I
had to re-think this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">I spoke to R
and we agreed that reading, writing, and math everyday was important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So each day we would read at bedtime – which is
our normal bedtime routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R would find
time to write in his journal most days – even if it was only a couple sentences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Math was accomplished either through R’s
in-school class account on Dreambox or Mathletics. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Math has been hit and miss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We often are exploring the world around us
through our day-to-day activities, which is good – but I’d love to be doing
more.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">I must admit;
it’s me holding us back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always have
some errand, chore, or some sort of computer work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This exercise has reminded me why it is that I don’t
homeschool… I just can’t juggle it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
do you homeschooling moms do it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
love to see what your schedules look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Any advice?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-33054771968771258102012-07-30T06:37:00.000-06:002012-07-30T06:37:00.320-06:00What To Expect Giveaway<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">When I met
Hubby, he was already a single Dad and I was fortunate enough to have the
opportunity to evaluate his parenting skills as we were dating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby is an amazing and involved parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His enthusiasm and ideals for parenting was
one of the qualities that attracted me to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After we were married, we decided that we wanted another child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited about the prospect of having a
baby, it’s what I’ve wanted my entire life, but moving forward without a plan
or knowing what to expect made me quite nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby was fine, he’s done this before, but
knowing the kind of person I am, he recommended that I buy “What To Expect When
You’re Expecting”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d read this book
when C was expected and knew that this book was exactly what I needed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was right.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne5pjZVAdKcyDZS8MY3raxU65GFSmpOLlTNAiYidWC209P7zhpfNirL6qyqHXDsg8oCdhsQLBustbyBl7oLBRT4VJ68FmDNtwj-VuV7IQncKwDUjbSodGsyiVohgPtJ5oVKKDR_gC3a0/s1600/WTE+BOOK+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne5pjZVAdKcyDZS8MY3raxU65GFSmpOLlTNAiYidWC209P7zhpfNirL6qyqHXDsg8oCdhsQLBustbyBl7oLBRT4VJ68FmDNtwj-VuV7IQncKwDUjbSodGsyiVohgPtJ5oVKKDR_gC3a0/s200/WTE+BOOK+COVER.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The book begins
with pre-conception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought that if
you want to get pregnant, you stop birth control and voila, pregnancy…if you’re
lucky enough to conceive quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did
you know you should see your doctor for tests before conception?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t worry, if you didn’t do this, there are
many un-planned pregnancies that turned out fine, but if you’re planning, why
not start from the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By seeing
my doctor I found out that I have Hypothyroidism which means my Thyroid gland
runs a little slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Left untreated, this
could cause developmental delays in the baby, so I was placed on
medication along with some maternity vitamins for a month before we started
trying to conceive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Being the
worry-wart queen, I would read each chapter a month before it would occur so I
would know how my baby was developing as well as what I could expect at each
check-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My pregnancy was fairly
straight-forward and enjoyable without the worry of what’s coming up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scariest part of it all was when I was in
the hospital, holding a new baby boy thinking – oh crap, what do I do now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarD84Ul4IOt5eHlzZXMipaqM_WGSfHy1SQA10TbmFKDkzhHK12VQv4LNVmkQj8H9UY8i6XZsAP0jr0NFODFLrPU52WwYyYI6FjeaF4Z-6BluYXVA_7hOO_1O_yhvZdhz9vSJIkr8Inqs/s1600/WTE+FIRST+YEAR+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarD84Ul4IOt5eHlzZXMipaqM_WGSfHy1SQA10TbmFKDkzhHK12VQv4LNVmkQj8H9UY8i6XZsAP0jr0NFODFLrPU52WwYyYI6FjeaF4Z-6BluYXVA_7hOO_1O_yhvZdhz9vSJIkr8Inqs/s200/WTE+FIRST+YEAR+COVER.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Now there’s this separate little person to care for who can’t tell me what he needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a little struggling, stress and driving
Hubby crazy with questions, I finally found “What to Expect The First
Year”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I highly recommend reading this
before baby is born as it can prepare you for some of the questions and
decisions that need to be made right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This book was actually more valuable to me than the first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Developmentally, it was nice to know what
should be surfacing but these things are different for every child so although,
nice, it wasn’t crucial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was things
like coping with motherhood, breast feeding, milk storage, cracking the crying
code, sleeping, baby outings, myths, and so much more that really made parenthood a little easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book was a sanity saver for sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjH9vi1aoUhykWIDi7NOSvyXRYSKHoNkC6eyjtFld_an79Ywh0WoitDirQYhfrUZNbZaXjonJlkLc9JUKHmrFoNQXt85SCgmUv1oadJ52JP9oZyHy8YGcJQFWVFjzm-p93CNitcUNEBQ/s1600/WTE-Second-Year.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjH9vi1aoUhykWIDi7NOSvyXRYSKHoNkC6eyjtFld_an79Ywh0WoitDirQYhfrUZNbZaXjonJlkLc9JUKHmrFoNQXt85SCgmUv1oadJ52JP9oZyHy8YGcJQFWVFjzm-p93CNitcUNEBQ/s200/WTE-Second-Year.png" width="161" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The fine people
over at <a href="http://www.whattoexpect.com/what-to-expect/landing-page.aspx" target="_blank">What To Expect</a>, have generously made two copies of each of the books in
the series available for a giveaway on this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s right, two lucky readers will receive
a copy of What To Expect When You’re Expecting, What to Expect the First Year,
and What to Expect The Second Year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will have until midnight September 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>, 2012 (EST) to enter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To enter, simply fill out this Rafflecopter
form:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9652e11/" id="rc-9652e11" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js">
</script>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">For more
information about the books along with other fantastic information about
pregnancy, birth, infants and toddlers check out <a href="http://www.whattoexpect.com/what-to-expect/landing-page.aspx" target="_blank">What To Expect.com<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care,
D<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-72459432411785797132012-07-12T12:06:00.000-06:002012-07-12T12:06:59.451-06:00July 2012 Reads<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">When I think
about summer reading, I think about laying out on the beach with a book or lounging
on my back deck with an iced coffee and a book or even sitting by a campfire
straining to read by fire light or flashlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here are some of the books I’m
looking forward to this month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670023485/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=just0eb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0670023485" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0670023485&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=just0eb-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Release: July 10</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The long awaited sequel to <em>A Discovery of Witches</em> in the <em>All Souls Trilogy</em>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shadow of Night </i>picks up by plunging
Diana (Oxford scholar and reluctant witch) and Matthew (geneticist and vampire)
into Elizabethan London.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A world of
spies, subterfuge, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the mysterious
School of Night that includes Christopher Marlowe and Walter Raleigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here Diana must locate a witch to tutor her
in magic, Matthew is forced to confront a past he thought he had put to rest,
and the mystery of Ashmole 782 deepens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061985880/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=just0eb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061985880" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0061985880&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=just0eb-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Release: July 24</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Evie’s paranormal past keeps coming
back to haunt her in the third installment of Kiersten White’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paranormalcy
</i>Series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A new director at the
International Paranormal Containment Agency wants to drag her back to
headquarters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Dark Faerie Queen is
torturing humans in her poisonous realm and supernatural creatures keep
insisting that Evie is the only one who can save themn from a mysterious,
perilous fate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clock is ticking on
the entire paranormal world and its fate rests solely in Evie’s hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much for normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250000254/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=just0eb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1250000254" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1250000254&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=just0eb-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Release: July 17</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
the third House of Night novella, the secret history we've all been waiting for
is finally revealed... Neferet, the Tulsa House of Night's darkly seductive
High Priestess, wasn't always a powerful vampyre, but she has always been
beautiful. Raised in turn-of-the-century Chicago in a motherless home, her
beauty makes her the prey of unwanted attention and abuse, leaving her with
scars that will never heal – and a Darkness that will eventually need to find
its way out. But when she is Marked and gains strength, both physical and
magickal, she turns her anger into power and looks for a way to regain what was
stolen from her. From victim to High Priestess, beautiful young woman to
powerful seductress, Neferet's journey begins... </span><br />
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345525485/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=just0eb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0345525485" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0345525485&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=just0eb-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a>
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Release: July 10</span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">An all-new Mac & Barrons story by Karen Marie Moning, marvelously adapted
into a full-color graphic novel by writer David Lawrence and illustrator Al Rio.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In Fever Moon, we meet the most
ancient and deadly Unseelie ever created, the Fear Dorcha. For eons, he’s
traveled worlds with the Unseelie king, leaving behind him a path of mutilation
and destruction. Now he’s hunting Dublin, and no one Mac loves is safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dublin is a war zone. The walls between
humans and Fae are down. A third of the world’s population is dead and chaos
reigns. Imprisoned over half a million years ago, the Unseelie are free and
each one Mac meets is worse than the last. Human weapons don’t stand a chance
against them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a blood moon hanging
low over the city, something dark and sinister begins to hunt the streets of
Temple Bar, choosing its victims by targeting those closest to Mac. Armed only
with the Spear of Destiny and Jericho Barrons, she must face her most
terrifying enemy yet</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.</span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373776985/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=just0eb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0373776985" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0373776985&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=just0eb-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=just0eb-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0345525485" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Release: July 1</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">New series by Gena Showalter begins with the Leader of the most powerful army in
the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless--and
if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice
will not be deterred from his missions at any cost...until a vulnerable human
tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accused of a crime she did not commit,
Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally
insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to
have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with
a touch as hot as hell her salvation--or her ultimate damnation?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Of course this is not a complete listing of all July releases, only the ones I'm looking forward to. What will you
be reading this month?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-72451796681925715682012-06-20T07:13:00.000-06:002012-06-20T07:13:00.262-06:00Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Junior<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPwdTAi85Vjq1GdnaWqnWjTf3ayUltCOiafsAtf_8g9cJD43ksQzIETM7WRN2AJbmEzZd6594-Gv8nE7LpOBj_wXGR4fw6N6rifZT5Y7W7s1QuaiGFYj1nAmTC3jXuw-PcaRexqCr2vs/s1600/BBJr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPwdTAi85Vjq1GdnaWqnWjTf3ayUltCOiafsAtf_8g9cJD43ksQzIETM7WRN2AJbmEzZd6594-Gv8nE7LpOBj_wXGR4fw6N6rifZT5Y7W7s1QuaiGFYj1nAmTC3jXuw-PcaRexqCr2vs/s200/BBJr.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Recently
our family attended a fantastic stage production of Disney’s Beauty and the
Beast Junior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was held at C’s middle
school and C was the narrator. Unfortunately I am unable to post photos of the production but it was outstanding.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">When
we walked in, I fully intended to see a great middle school or high school
level production with goofy kids and obvious slip-ups that make the play so
memorable and us parents so proud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
so proud of all the performers and crew before it even began and was eager to
see C in her role along with some of her friends and theatre family we had
heard so much about in the weeks leading up to the performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now I bet you think this will be a biased
account and feel that it was so special because C was in it…and it was, but
even if your child wasn’t in the performance, the reviews were astonishingly positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most reviews claimed a near professional
caliber performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">When
we entered the theatre portion of the school, I was pleasantly surprised with
the theme music playing as we were seated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The music was familiar and immediately I was relating to the Disney
movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once everyone had taken their
seats, the production began with the narrator (YAY C!) who was a dark and
serious character explaining how the beast came to be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile we watched a shadow mime of the
witch and spoiled young prince having the spell cast upon him turning him into
the beast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an exciting version of
the story, one that captured everyone’s attention including R and the other
children in the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The collective
gasp at the spell casting was a dead giveaway that we were now a captivated
audience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The
curtains closed as the narrator continued the tale with perfect musical transition
allowing the townsfolk and Belle to make their entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The performance carried on with a much higher
caliber than I was expecting with amazing costumes and props.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few of the performers even spoke with accents
befitting their character while the enchanted castle and little village wove their
own spell over the audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scene
transitions were nearly flawless and the performers interacted slightly with
the crowd simply by using the aisles as part of their stage during battle
scenes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The
crowd laughed when they were supposed to and some cried when the beast was
injured. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of the children around me
were heard to utter anything resembling “I’m bored” or “when is it over”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, during the intermission, many of the
children were saying, “when is it going to start again?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This, to me, is a tell-tale sign of a successful
performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They deserved the standing
ovations they received.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take
Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-42265588460583305962012-06-13T07:01:00.000-06:002012-06-13T07:01:00.097-06:00Only Oats – Grandma’s Oatmeal Cookie Mix from Avena Foods<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Being
in a small city has its perks and disadvantages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A perk is that when children go to the grocery
store, if you stop at the bakery department, they will usually give you a
cookie – if Mommy says it’s ok and you’ve been a good boy/girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The downfall is that the cookies are never
gluten free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJf9g6q8d1_GXaUhdYoywP1FkM6EIxeCAPoJh5RNrIS96_BhhPDWBEDMjwYpAgKLtEDEJb1v7eGAaUexYJrNpi1pXmJy34hFDz0d6WP6xufD58LgtkMaz-raSe-O71zwF_cwi70lLGts/s1600/glutenfree6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJf9g6q8d1_GXaUhdYoywP1FkM6EIxeCAPoJh5RNrIS96_BhhPDWBEDMjwYpAgKLtEDEJb1v7eGAaUexYJrNpi1pXmJy34hFDz0d6WP6xufD58LgtkMaz-raSe-O71zwF_cwi70lLGts/s200/glutenfree6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Before we discovered R’s
intolerance, the bakery department was the best part of going grocery shopping with Mommy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could get him to help and behave without
asking because he knew that when we got to the bakery department, he would get
a cookie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would wonder through the
whole shopping experience, what kind of cookie would be handed out that day and
he would hope it was the oatmeal ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since his diagnosis, we avoid the bakery section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://onlyoats.squarespace.com/grandmas-oatmeal-cookie/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEJiNTe4lmEHWqsrtECCVvX6o8rzuX0c715rzdCTKkqoO4CpvlqQZSE6VkVtsA3fOSVfBhR0O2PVHDASmEttaqlDOk_EeK2q_ZT30QtI42Hi3XtgUZ2hHiixTXo3lNPLrr2lY8W5TVeA/s200/IMG395.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">R’s
new favorite spot is the gluten free section where there are a few treats and
every now and then a new item pops up that we get to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trip, R brought me this bright red
package of Only Oats-Grandma’s Oatmeal Cookie Mix from Avena Foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were so excited to try this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This product is not only certified gluten
free, but it is also lactose, egg, soy, and nut free as well as being low in
saturated fats with no sugar added and a high source of fibre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We did a happy dance right there in the aisle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">After
supper we baked these cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">It was so easy, beat 1 cup of butter at room temperature with 2 tablespoons of corn syrup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add 1 large egg or the equivalent egg substitute and mix for 30 seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add 3 cups of the mix and mix until combined.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZC9fhVWhIP-sCXTT3IyzqRpfChgpEKeoEOJsD6XJdlr6Vs_8ikkWVTJtx-s3n2M4zTLGdW9wfjP7qwE8NYHE_Ga2qt2zXuLyXdMNggN29HICBzo7XwQjluyitx3ESvXiyG6nKa_TJgpA/s1600/IMG393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZC9fhVWhIP-sCXTT3IyzqRpfChgpEKeoEOJsD6XJdlr6Vs_8ikkWVTJtx-s3n2M4zTLGdW9wfjP7qwE8NYHE_Ga2qt2zXuLyXdMNggN29HICBzo7XwQjluyitx3ESvXiyG6nKa_TJgpA/s200/IMG393.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spoon onto cookie sheet and flatten slightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ta Da!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yummy cookies you wouldn’t know were gluten
free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5VpgLJglS0l_0iu1BLTxgURyFwFGWEPcP6PabbaT-XT-sW8t_gaCuV6HzidBbnvWI8rbHA8jjCmiNBsukAAAFh7Vi_VHm-D5TDn_kMOLppnx1uqND93utIrKE8ZPFGzacQUI6lpYASw/s1600/IMG390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5VpgLJglS0l_0iu1BLTxgURyFwFGWEPcP6PabbaT-XT-sW8t_gaCuV6HzidBbnvWI8rbHA8jjCmiNBsukAAAFh7Vi_VHm-D5TDn_kMOLppnx1uqND93utIrKE8ZPFGzacQUI6lpYASw/s200/IMG390.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sUXupQXs4vLK9x9ZGhS1n4cfCU9dO4o12yoTGEHl0lDcttZpSXM4BwL0HySeBB8ORlFIajfx-RDPKSpI9juWPowLJ4r6j7RuQbDhrROvdfSzH7_O8lvEVKgYb5YoIB9WZuifGUhBDyM/s1600/IMG392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sUXupQXs4vLK9x9ZGhS1n4cfCU9dO4o12yoTGEHl0lDcttZpSXM4BwL0HySeBB8ORlFIajfx-RDPKSpI9juWPowLJ4r6j7RuQbDhrROvdfSzH7_O8lvEVKgYb5YoIB9WZuifGUhBDyM/s200/IMG392.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The
cookies turned out just like they are on the <a href="http://onlyoats.squarespace.com/grandmas-oatmeal-cookie/" target="_blank">Avena Foods website</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wish I had a picture of the finished product
but they didn’t last long enough to get one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were a hit and I will definitely be buying this mix again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">WARNING</span></u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This product is so delicious; it may be
difficult to stop eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had trouble
controlling ourselves so long as these cookies were in the cookie jar and
stopping at just one is nearly impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Have
you tried any of the Only Oats products?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What did you think?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Disclaimer</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was not compensated in any way for this review except for the yummy
goodness of the cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a product
I purchased myself and wanted to share with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Results may vary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<img height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5VpgLJglS0l_0iu1BLTxgURyFwFGWEPcP6PabbaT-XT-sW8t_gaCuV6HzidBbnvWI8rbHA8jjCmiNBsukAAAFh7Vi_VHm-D5TDn_kMOLppnx1uqND93utIrKE8ZPFGzacQUI6lpYASw/s200/IMG390.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 142px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 816px;" width="96" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037014483460467127.post-78482760822062187542012-06-06T07:00:00.000-06:002012-06-06T07:00:03.778-06:00Teen's First Break Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvD74uzhIPGbz909fpLWdKsQ7N0GPdiSUVIeBsn7CBCPxwHAC-mnszZlRLPJxOkXy7xdojAOWMZweX4tpRGcSyI8fELUCjcCeDCmMf_6fBu-BQfpnFQ8OphzY-eoAOTol3_1uzmoHNyM/s1600/broken+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvD74uzhIPGbz909fpLWdKsQ7N0GPdiSUVIeBsn7CBCPxwHAC-mnszZlRLPJxOkXy7xdojAOWMZweX4tpRGcSyI8fELUCjcCeDCmMf_6fBu-BQfpnFQ8OphzY-eoAOTol3_1uzmoHNyM/s200/broken+heart.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">When C first started dating,
Hubby and I discussed that we would step back and allow C to be in this
relationship with minimal interference from us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She has seen a multitude of types of relationships from what she sees
with her friends, various Aunts and Uncles, us, and her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it was her chance to have a relationship
and to form it in such a way that worked for her and her partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gave us some time to observe her and to
see that although she liked this guy, he didn’t come between her and her
friends or family. It also didn’t change her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are good things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">The kids continued to date
for a few months and we saw subtle behaviours on both sides that had us
thinking that perhaps this relationship was not going to last much longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, it happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C received a text from her boyfriend making
him her ex-boyfriend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">She was hurt about the
break-up but she was more angered and disgusted with her ex for the way he went
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She felt betrayed, lied to,
and very disrespected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Respect is big in
our home and disrespect often receives the worst punishments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C deserves respect and she knows it, so for
this boy to do this infuriated her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Of course we supported her
and let her ride her emotions through this and offered to be there for
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She spent a lot of time with her
friends for comfort and we gave C as much time with her "besties" as possible. As
a teen, I remember how important friends were and although parental support is
essential, my girl-friends were priceless. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We kept an ear to the ground to see how C was
progressing through this first experience. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am happy to hear her say that she knows she
doesn’t deserve to be treated that way and that this has not hurt her
self-esteem at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, that she knows
that it was ok for him to break up with her if he doesn’t want to be in the relationship
any more, hurtful – but ok.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">In the end, I’m very proud of
her for the way she handled things and her attitude about moving forward and
leaving him behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t post
nasty things on any social media, and although she and her friends discuss it,
she doesn’t seek him out to publicly humiliate him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn’t wish any harm to come to him, but
also no longer has time to waste on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s part of her past that she’s learned from and even still thinks he’s
a decent guy, just not for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
for being fourteen, that’s pretty mature.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">How did you handle your teen’s
first break up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did your teen handle
it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you do anything different?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Script MT Bold"; font-size: 12pt;">Take Care, D<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
amazon_ad_tag = "just0eb-20"; amazon_ad_width = "728"; amazon_ad_height = "90";//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script></div>D - JustMomsBloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053627770848432556noreply@blogger.com0