6/30/09

STORYTIME: The Giant´s Magic Words --- Part 3

... The Giant quickly opened the door and waited for the king to speak. "I am the king, " the king said, "and I demand you to give us some of your food." The Giant stared at the king and firmly said, "No!". He closed the door and the king had to leave empty handed. As he was headed home, sad and worried that his kingdom would starve, a young boy came to his side. "What worries you my dear king?" the boy asked. The king told the boy what had happened. The boy listened carefully and replied, "I think I can do it, sir". "Do what?" the king asked. "I think I can get the Giant to give us the food we need," he explained. "But how? I´ve sent my messengers, my townspeople and the Giant won´t even give the food to me," the king argued. "Oh," said the boy, "but I know the secret magic words. I know I can do it."
(More tomorrow)

DAILY RECIPE: Ham and Cheese Oven Potatoes

3 large potatoes
3 slices of ham
butter
sour cream
grated Mozzarella cheese

Peel and thinly slice potatoes. Cut ham into tiny cubes. Coat a glass pan with butter. Fill with a layer of potatoes. Dot with butter and cream and sprinkle the ham and cheese. Follow with another layer of potatoes, butter, cream, ham and cheese. Continue, ending with the ham and cheese. Cover and place in hot oven until a toothpick inserted in center goes in easily. Slice to serve.

TIP OF THE DAY

Have your children listen to classical music every day. For babies and toddlers Mozart is highly recommended. Older children might enjoy Beethoven and Tchaikovsky (especially Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and the Nutcracker ballets).

6/29/09

STORYTIME: The Giant´s Magic Words -- Part 2

...The King´s messengers got on their horses and swiftly rode to the far end of the kingdom. As they got near the Giant´s home they started to move slower, scared of the unknown. Finally they arrived and the most important messenger got off his horse and walked to the Giant´s door. He knocked three times and waited. Suddenly, loud footsteps were heard and slowly the door opened to reveal ... the Giant. The messenger cleared his throat and said, " Our kingdom is out of food. We need you to give us some of your fruit, milk and wheat." The Giant stared at the messengers and taking a deep breath screamed: "OUT OF MY PROPERTY!!!" The messengers were so scared they jumped on their horses and rode away, never looking back. Back in the kingdom the king said: "If the Giant won´t listen to my messengers then I shall send the townspeople." So, the townspeople got ready and walked to the Giant´s door. A man knocked three times and soon enough the Giant answered. The people started calling in loud voices: "Give us food! We need food! We want some of your food!" But the Giant again screamed for everybody to leave. When they told their story to the king, he was outraged! "I shall go myself", he said, "no one will say no to the king." So, he got his horse ready and rode to the Giant´s house. When he got there he firmly knocked on the door....
(More tomorrow)

Daily Recipe: Easy Mango Mousse

3 cups peeled and sliced mango
1 large can condensed milk
chopped pecans

Blend the mango and condensed milk until pureed. Pour into small bowls, jello cups or wine glasses (great for a fancy dinner dessert). Top with pecans and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

TIP OF THE DAY

In your baby´s nursery, place a basket with rattles and other small toys on top of the dresser or on a shelf. You can reach for one quickly during a diaper change, hair brushing or any other time you need to distract your child.

6/28/09

ARTICLE: Children and Nature

Modern life and especially modern cities have taken much of the wonders of nature away from us. When I was young I remember fireflies in my backyard in summer nights; now it´s almost impossible to find them in the city, and even out in the country they don´t seem to appear as often. This is just an example but the truth is our children are not in touch with nature at a time they should really be in. Our planet needs our help and although we are teaching them all about recycling and environmental awareness they should really know what they are protecting and the wonders that our Earth has. I believe it´s important that our children plant a tree, go on nature hikes and learn to respect all plants and animals. If we start this at home their interest in the world around them begins to grow and hopefully it will be easier for them to understand the real need for a change in how we take care of the environment. Some ideas to get you started: plant a tree in your backyard, take turns watering it and measure how much it grows each month; learn about a new animal every month, see which member of the family can find more information on it and if it´s endagered or threatened; go to a different habitat nearby, it can be a mountain, lake, river or beach, talk about how it´s different from where you live and what kind of different plants or animals live there.

ACTIVITY: Easy Picnic

Children love picnics. If you don´t have the opportunity to go on a "real" outdoor picnic have the easy version. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit, popcorn, cupcakes, juice, lemonade or anything else you please. Don´t forget a blanket and outdoor toys. Use a nice corner of your backyard or a nearby park. Play some games then sit down and eat. It doesn´t take much time or preparation and your children will love a nice outdoor meal with mom.

TIP OF THE DAY

If your kids are headed off to camp, pack complete outfits in ziploc bags and label them with each day of the week. Each bag should include underwear, shorts, shirt and socks.

ACTIVITY: Weekend Cupcakes

Bake 24 cupcakes using prepared cake flour such as Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker. Buy 1 can of white frosting, different food coloring drops, m&m´s, sprinkles, etc. Separate frosting in different bowls and color each part a different color (use only 1 or 2 drops). Have children put different colored frosting on the cupcakes and then they can top them with sprinkles and candy. You can have them make patterns, make a funny face, copy one of your decorations or make their own edible masterpiece. Great idea for the weekend!

6/26/09

STORYTIME: The Giant´s Magic Words

Once upon a time there was a beautiful kingdom. Everyone there was very happy. There were trees filled with delicious fruit, cows that gave fresh milk every day, and tons of wheat to make yummy bread. It was a great place to live. In one corner of the kingdom there lived a giant. No one ever went near the giant for they knew nothing about him. They never waved or smiled at him, and he didn´t either.
One morning, when the people of the kingdom woke up to pick up their daily fruit they saw that the trees didn´t have any! They went to the cows and they wouldn´t give milk! They couldn´t make bread either for the wheat was all gone! What where they going to do? Suddenly the watchman in the highest tower of the kingdom´s palace called out: "The Giant still has food!" The king joined him in the tower and declared: "In the far corner of the kingdom, over there where the giant lives, the trees still have fruit, the cows still give milk and the fields are filled with wheat. We shall send a messenger to ask for some food."
(Part 2 continues tomorrow)

TIP OF THE DAY

Use baby wipes to clean dirty tennis shoes, sneakers or sandals. They clean easily and efficiently.

DAILY RECIPE: Fruit Juice

1/4 cup chopped pineapple
2 sliced pears
1 lemon
soda water

Blend pineapple, pears and lemon juice. Add soda water and blend well. Strain. Drink a glass in the morning, once a week. It eliminates toxins.

6/25/09

STORYTIME: Lucky Ducky

(An easy rhyme for toddlers and babies, use it during bathtime!)

Lucky Ducky likes to swim
He likes to swim and play
He loves the water oh so much
In every single way!

Lucky Ducky is all done
His feathers are so clean
You´re also ready to come out
You´re the cleanest that I´ve seen!

DAILY RECIPE: Easy Chicken and Rice

1 lb. chicken strips
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup rice
salt and pepper
grated Cheddar cheese

Mix chicken, soup, rice and salt in a baking dish. Use the empty soup can to pour 4 cups of water on top. Sprinkle pepper. Bake at 350°F for 2 hours. Top with grated cheese.

TIP OF THE DAY

Always carry warmer or lighter clothing in your baby´s diaper bag. Weather can change suddenly from warm to cold or a cool day can sometimes become quite warm. This way you can change your baby according to the weather.

6/24/09

STORYTIME: Day with the Dinosaurs--Part 3

CHOICE C
You think it´s just a rock so you quickly tell Oliver not to worry and continue to run to the Lion´s Cage. When you get there you can´t see the lions. Where could they be? You continue looking inside the lion cage. Suddenly you hear a loud roar coming from behind you. The lions?, you wonder. You slowly turn around and you see a .... dinosaur. It´s coming out of the trees stepping on everything in its way. It´s a tyrannosaurus rex, the meanest of all. You run as fast as you can towards the aviary screaming. You see Miss Lila and your classmates. You can still feel the T-Rex behind you. "HEY!" you shout. Miss Lila turns around and looks at you. "What´s the problem?" she asks. "A ty-ty-tyrannosaurus rex is behind me!", you stutter. But when you turn around, it´s gone! Was it your imagination?
THE END



CHOICE D
It definitely is a bone. You sit on the ground and look at it. It´s not a chicken bone, it´s very very big. What kind of bone could it be? You take the bone and run to show it to Miss Lila. "Well", she says, "this is no ordinary bone... it looks like a dinosaur bone!" You can´t believe what she is saying!!! Miss Lila calls the zoo manager and they quickly take the bone to the lab. Two months later the results from the lab come in: it´s a dinosaur bone and you are getting a $10,000 reward for finding it! What a trip to the zoo!
THE END

CHOICE E
You scream loudly! All your classmates see the dinosaur and start screaming, yelling and running all around the aviary. Miss Lila is scared too. The pterodactyl starts flapping its wings and flies down to where you and Oliver are standing! What should you do? You have to think of a plan to capture the pterodactyl. You look around and you see a net on the ground. You pick it up and put it over your head just as the dinosaur is flying above you. The pterodactyl gets caught in the net! You are a hero! Everyone claps for you. Some months later the zoo opens an exhibit so everyone can visit the pterodactyl. Your name is on the door of the exhibit and now everyone knows who saved the day!
THE END

CHOICE F
You are so scared you just stare at the pterodactyl. It´s flying right above you. It lands on top of your head and ... suddenly you hear a bell ringing ... a bell ... at the zoo? You hear it again and you see that it´s not a bell ... it´s your alarm clock ringing! It was all a dream and it is time for school!!! You better hurry or you will be late for the field trip to the zoo...
THE END

DAILY RECIPE: Pancake Flour Cake

4 eggs
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups pancake flour
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350°F. Blend eggs and sugar until fluffy. Gradually add flour, oil, milk and vanilla. Grease and flour a rectangular pan, carefully pour mixture and bake for about 30 minutes. Frost with chocolate frosting.

TIP OF THE DAY

When planning a day away from your house pack a couple of ziploc bags with carrot sticks, crackers, grapes, cereal or any healthy food your child enjoys. Slip them into your purse or diaper bag and take them out whenever they get cranky. You´ll avoid having to stop and buy potato chips or other junk food!

6/23/09

ACTIVITY: Homemade Puppet Show

You will need:

Posterboard
Straws
Markers
Crayons
Scissors
Yarn, cloth
Scotch tape
A large cardboard box

Sit with your child and help him/her draw pictures of animals or favorite characters on the posterboard. If your child is younger you can draw them, if they´re older they´ll want to do them by themselves. Color them with markers and crayons. Cut them out. Add clothes and hair with the yarn and cloth. Tape a straw to the back of each character to make a puppet. Write Puppet Show on the cardboard box. Have your child stand behind it and help him create a small show. You can make a small play using a favorite bedtime story or bring out the CD player or IPOD and have the puppets sing and dance. Great idea for a rainy day!

TIP OF THE DAY

Always carry a small grocery bag in your car. Children of all ages tend to collect trash when there´s not a garbage can in sight! This will make it easier for you to keep your car clean. When you get home, simply take the bag to the trash can and replace it with a new one.

DAILY RECIPE: Spaghetti Caprese

1 medium pkg spaghetti or other pasta (cooked)
4 tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
1 clove garlic
salt, pepper, oregano

Put tomatoes in a pot with boiling water for a few seconds. Peel and seed them. Chop into small cubes. Heat the olive oil and add the garlic until browned. Remove the garlic and add tomatoes to the olive oil, cook for 10 minutes in low heat. Add cooked pasta and stir. Season with salt, pepper and oregano to taste. Finally add the cubed cheese and serve warm.

STORYTIME: Day with the Dinosaurs--Part 2

If you decide to go with Oliver to see the lions (Choice A) read on..... If you think Miss Lila will not like you leaving the group, scroll down to read on (Choice B)....

Choice A:
You don´t think Miss Lila will notice you are gone, after all the entire class is there at the zoo. You run with Oliver to the Lion´s Den. Just before getting there you trip with a large rock and fall down to the ground. "Oliver!", you yell. "I tripped with this rock and fell!" Oliver comes running back for you but when he gets there, he looks shocked. "That´s not a rock," he gasps. "It´s a bone!"
If you think it´s just a rock, come back tomorrow for choice C
If you believe Oliver and thinks it´s a bone come back tomorrow to read choice D

Choice B:
You really don´t want Miss Lila to get mad at you so you convince Oliver to stay with the group and go visit the birds in the aviary. As you walk in you see hundreds of birds of different colors flying above your heads. It´s a beautiful sight! Suddenly you see a big brown bird that no one has seen. It looks straight at you and you see that it´s not a bird...it´s a dinosaur...a pterodactyl!
If you scream, come back tomorrow for choice E
If you´re too surprised and just stare at the bird, come back and read choice F

See you tomorrow!

6/22/09

STORYTIME: Which Way to Go -- A Day with the Dinosaurs -- Part 1

This story is about you, you can decide what happens next! In this week´s storytime you will have to make choices about where to go and what to do. Each day you will be given two choices on how to continue the story, it´s entirely up to you. When you´re done, you can go back and try it a different way. Good luck and enjoy your day with the dinosaurs....

Today is the big day. The entire third grade class is going to visit the zoo. You are very excited because you love animals. There is a big yellow bus parked in front of the school. The teacher, Miss Lila, is lining everybody up in pairs. You quickly line up next to your best friend Oliver. Soon, everyone is on the bus and ready to go! When you arrive at the zoo everyone runs off the bus toward the zoo entrance. "Pay attention", Miss Lila says, "stay together at all times. Do not run away from the group. You could get into trouble. We will visit the aviary first, that´s where all the birds live." The entire group starts walking together to the aviary. Suddenly Oliver pulls your arm and says: "Hey, let´s go see the lions first. We can catch up with the group later." What should you do?

Check in tomorrow to continue the story the way you want to! Should you go with Oliver to see the lions(CHOICE A) or do you think Miss Lila will not like you leaving the group?(CHOICE B) Remember you decide!

TIP OF THE DAY

If you live in a two story house you and your family tend to collect things downstaris that usually belong upstairs (jackets, sports gear, backpacks, newly bought toiletries). Place a small box or basket at the bottom of the stairs. When cleaning downstairs drop anything that belongs upstairs in the box. When you, or any older household member is going up, take the box with you. It´s much easier to arrange everything on the same floor than going up and down!

DAILY RECIPE: Aluminum Foil Fish

4 -6 Fish filets
Finely Chopped Garlic
Lemon Juice
Salt, Pepper
4 -6 Aluminum Foil Sheets ( 12 x 12 in or 30 x 30 cm)

Season fish filets with salt and pepper. Place an aluminum foil sheet on a clean, flat surface. Put the fish filet on top and sprinkle the chopped garlic and squeeze a lot of lemon juice. Close the aluminum foil by bringing opposite sides together and pressing firmly. Be sure to leave space for the air to circulate inside the aluminum foil wrap. Do the same for all fish filets. Place on the grill or on a hot pan for a few minutes until you hear it sizzle and check to see if its done. BE CAREFUL when opening the aluminum foil, hot steam will come out. Fish is done when it flakes when you put a fork in it.

6/19/09

ARTICLE: Growing up - Decisions

As babies we make all decisions for our children. What to wear, where to go, who to play with. But as they grow older, we need to start letting them decide some things for themselves. This will serve as a lesson in important decision making later in life. How can we start? Toys. As older babies we can place several toys in front of them and let them decide what to play with and for how long before switching to the next toy. Clothes. Of course we won´t let them wear what they want to Sunday church if we don´t want to see a bathing suit, baseball cap and boot ensamble with a very startled preacher! But if we´re planning to spend the day at home we can start letting them pick out their outfit and gradually teach them what attire is proper for what. Don´t worry, it takes time, but as long as you´re not going to school, a birthday party or a visit with grandparents, why can´t they wear clothes that don´t match? Food. We can´t let them decide what to eat every day, and even when we do, this category can´t be all open or we would be serving pizza and ice-cream daily! But what about this? When going to the supermarket, would they prefer spinach or steamed carrots this week? Would they prefer apple or orange juice in their lunches? These may seem like little things but they really can make a difference in our children. First, they start making decisions and learning the consecuences of what they choose; but also, they are being heard and their opinions and choices are being considered by their family.

ACTIVITY: Father´s Day Bookmark

You will need:
Posterboard
Contact Paper
Photos, pictures and old magazines
Glue or glue stick
Markers
Yarn
Talk with your child(children) about Dad. What makes him special? What kinds of things do you do together? What does he like? Then, find photos, images or pictures that show answers to those questions and cut them out. Cut a strip of posterboard about 8 x 3 in (20 x 8 cm). Have your child paste the cut pictures of photos on the strip. Older children can decorate with markers too and write DAD or their names on it. If you have a very young child have him/her scribble with a marker as you hold his/her hand. Dad will love to see the baby´s first doodles! Once it´s dry, cover it with contact paper. Punch out a hole on top and hang some yarn on it. A great homemade present for Dad that he can use when reading!

TIP OF THE DAY

Read a story to your child every night. No matter how old, no matter how young it´s wonderful to hear a story before going to sleep. With babies, any picture book will do, your paced voice will soothe and calm them before drifting away to sleep. Toddlers will enjoy all classics such as Little Red Riding Hood, Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks. Young children can learn a lot from books. Try reading them ones that show different values like courage and telling the truth. Older children enjoy chapter books. Read a chapter each night and before turning the light off ask them what they think will happen next. In all cases, enjoy your reading time together, because before you know it they´ll be reading their high school texts.

STORYTIME: The Rabbit Circle -- Part 4

... The water bell around the baby rabbit´s neck made the most beautiful sound. The sound Annie had heard before. She sat next to the hole and admired the rabbit, it almost seemed to smile at her. The black rabbit approached Annie and in a deep, calm voice: spoke. "Water rabbits are special. Every time one is born they send rain to a part of the world. Then they send the messengers to a very special person: the one who will give it its name." "I don´t understand", said Annie. The rabbit spoke once more: "We are the messengers, the Rabbit Circle, and this new baby chose you. You must give it its name. Write it with your finger, right here, on the dirt under this tree." The rabbit handed Annie a long twig. Annie did not hesitate at all, took the twig and just as if she had been waiting for this moment all her life quickly scribbled on the ground. The black rabbit nodded. When she put the twig down, the four white rabbits made a circle around her, the black rabbit joined her in the middle and held her hand with his paw again. The rabbits started hopping and the ground started to shake just like before. Annie felt she was falling fast, she closed her eyes... When she opened them she was lying in her bed. It was night time. She went to the window and looked down at her yard, no sign of the rabbits. But just when she was about to step back and crawl into bed she saw something on her window... raindrops. They were moving and forming a pattern. Annie could not take her eyes away from it, the moving raindrops were beautiful. When they stopped Annie gasped. The raindrops had formed a word: COTTON... the name she had scribbled for the baby rabbit. Annie never saw the Rabbit Circle again, but deep in her heart she always saved a special place for them and for Cotton.

So next time it rains remember a water rabbit was born and it will need a name. Who knows? Maybe the Rabbit Circle will come to your yard too.


THE END

(We hope you enjoyed The Rabbit Circle/ Read parts 1,2 and 3 if you just joined us today)

DAILY RECIPE: Mango Marshmallow Pie

4 large mangoes

1/4 cup milk

25 regular size marshmallows

1 cup heavy cream (not sour)

1 graham cracker crust



Peel and cut mangoes into thin slices. Set aside. In a medium sized pot place marshmallows and milk under very low heat. Stir constantly until well melted (this mixture will look creamy). Remove from heat and add the sliced mangoes and the heavy cream. Stir well. Pour into graham cracker crust and refrigerate overnight.

6/18/09

STORYTIME: The Rabbit Circle-- Part 3

...The black rabbit stood on his hind legs and stepped into the circle. Wind started to blow, each time faster and harder. It encircled Annie and the rabbits. Annie´s hair flew in her face and she could barely see anything. The ground started to shake under her. It seemed to be opening up. The rabbits seemed bigger now or maybe she was getting smaller. Then she felt something graze her hand, it was the black rabbit´s paw, it wanted to hold her hand! Annie slowly stretched her hand toward the rabbit who immediately grabbed her, and looking straight at her, pulled her down through the hole in the ground. They landed with a big THUMP. Where were they? The wind was gone, and they were not in her yard anymore. First of all it was daytime. She was standing in a beautiful garden filled with flowers and trees. The sky was so blue it almost hurt her eyes. The five rabbits were still there, though much bigger now, almost her size. She was still holding on to the black rabbit´s paw. He looked up to her and and still holding her hand pulled her toward a big tree. At the bottom of it there was a small hole, and inside lay the most beautiful white baby rabbit she could ever imagine. It seemed weak, maybe hungry or thirsty. Annie saw something hanging from its neck. It was a bell. She stretched out to touch it, but when she did all she could feel was water. The bell was made out of water...
(Visit us tomorrow for the ending of The Rabbit Circle/Read parts 1 and 2 in previous posts)

DAILY RECIPE: Easy slow cooker chicken

2 chicken drumsticks, thighs and breast
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can onion soup
salt and pepper

Season chicken to taste. Place it in the slow cooker and pour the complete cans of soup on top. Turn the slow cooker on low all night or on high about 6 hours. Check for tenderness. Easy and delicious!

TIP OF THE DAY

Have you ever gotten home from the doctor´s office with your child and suddenly remember that you forgot to ask him something? To avoid this, assign a special notebook to each of your children. In it, write all your questions, comments, observations, anything you want your pediatrician to be aware of regarding your child. Use it throughout the month and take it with you to your next appointment. This way you´ll remember everything you want to discuss and I´m sure your doctor will appreciate it too.

STORYTIME: The Rabbit Circle -- Part 2

... Annie stepped back from the window. Although she was not scared, the five rabbits looking up at her made her a bit nervous. She breathed deeply and tiptoed to the window again. She looked down... the rabbits were still there, in a perfect circle and looking up at her. Why were they standing there? Were they trying to tell her something? Suddenly she heard the bell again. At the sound of it, the rabbits quickly stood on their hind legs, wiggled their noses and hopped to the end of the yard disappearing so quickly, Annie could not even tell where they had gone. She heard her mother calling her for dinner, and still thinking about the rabbits hurried downstairs.
That night Annie could not go to sleep. She kept picturing the rabbits in her head. A thunderstorm could be heard in the distance, but it seemed to be getting nearer. Soon enough the pitter patter of raindrops hitting the roof came. By the time it stopped, Annie was fast asleep. The sound of the water bell woke her, again softly but very clear. At first she thought she was dreaming, but as she remembered the rabbits Annie sat up on her bed, ran to the window and looked down. The white rabbits were there and in the distance she could vaguely see a black figure, under the moonlight, hopping toward her. It was the black rabbit. It joined the others, and repeating the ritual, they hopped in all directions and stopped, forming a perfect circle and looking up at Annie. Just like before, she thought, only this time, she rushed down the stairs and out the door towards the rabbits. What she saw next she couldn´t believe....
(Visit us tomorrow for more of The Rabbit Circle / If you just joined us today look for The Rabbit Circle -- Part 1 in yesterday´s posts)

DAILY RECIPE: Lettuce, Grapefruit and Avocado Salad

1 lettuce (washed and trimmed)
1 avocado
grapefruit slices
bacon bits
dressing (recipe follows)

Slice avocado in half moons. In a large salad bowl spread out lettuce. Add avocado slices. Top with grapefruit. Pour dressing and sprinkle bacon bits. Serve immediately. Great for a hot day!

Dressing: Blend 3/4 cup mayonaisse, 1/4 cup tomato ketchup, 1/4 cup pickles, 1 teaspoon lime juice and a pinch of sugar.

TIP OF THE DAY

These hot summer days your children are usually dressed with light clothing, even babies. But, what happens when you go into the supermarket or mall with the A/C blasting? Always carry a light sweater (thread, cotton) in your diaper bag or purse. Put it on your child right before entering a highly air conditioned area. This way, you´ll protect them from severe temperature changes.

6/17/09

ARTICLE: CHILDREN LEARNING TO WAIT

It´s hard to make children wait these days. Thanks to modern day technology and the fast paced life we live everything has become "instant". From food to information everything is just a few seconds away. Remember when you used to want popcorn as a child. Your mother had to heat the oil, add the corn kernels and stir and stir, and wait and wait until they popped. Then you had to add salt and butter, and then you could enjoy them. Today: 3 minutes in the microwave and you´re done! Remember having a school assignment that you had to research. You had to visit the library, find the volume of the encyclopedia you needed, look up your topic, copy your notes to your notebook and then do your assignment. Today: google it and you´re basically done! Think of simpler things like thirst. If you, as a child, were thirsty in the car you had to wait until you got home for a glass of water. Today: just stop at a mini mart at ANY corner and buy a small bottle of water! The thing is, although all these things make our life much easier, children still need to be patient. What happens when the doctor is not ready to see you and you have to wait for an hour, or more? What happens when they have to wait until they´re old enough to attend a sleepover, or go to the movies alone or drive? How can we help? With the little things. One great idea: reading chapter books. You read one chapter every night and they have to wait until tomorrow to see what happens to Harry Potter or where the wardrobe took Lucy, Susan, Edmund and Peter to. Another great idea: baking. They can help you mix the dough but they will have to wait for the cookies to come out of the oven and then a little bit more until they´re cool enough to eat. I´m sure you´ll find other great opportunities to help your children be patient. Just keep this in mind: Good things come to those who wait.

STORYTIME: The Rabbit Circle -- Part 1

Annie looked out the window. The rain had finally stopped and the sun was beginning to shine through the clouds. The grass and flowers glimmered with the raindrops still clinging on them. Suddenly she saw a small white figure hopping from the far end of her yard. It was a small rabbit with beautiful white fur. He kept on hopping and stopped under her window. How beautiful it was... Then a second rabbit appeared in the distance. He hopped toward her window too and stopped next to the first rabbit. Annie was amazed, she had never seen a rabbit in her yard, let alone two. She was still admiring the creatures when a third and fourth rabbit showed up doing the same: hopping from the distance and standing under her window. The four rabbits sat next to each other wiggling their noses and twitching their long ears. What were they doing?, Annie wondered. Then Annie heard a bell. It wasn´t a loud sound like her school´s lunch bell, but more of a twinkling sound. Like the sound you would imagine would come from a bell made of water. The sound didn´t stop but seemed to grow a bit louder each time. Then it stopped and a black rabbit appeared in the distance. He seemed smaller than the others but was quick at hopping towards them. When he got to the other rabbits they all started to hop in all sorts of directions for a few seconds, then they stopped. When they did Annie could not believe what she saw.... The rabbits had formed a perfect circle, right there under her window, and they were all looking up at her....
(Visit us tomorrow for the next part of The Rabbit Circle)

Daily Recipe - Carrot Cream Soup

1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon margarine
4 large carrots
2 cups water
salt and pepper

Peel, slice and steam carrots until tender. In a medium sized pot melt margarine and add onion until lightly browned. Blend cooked carrots with salt, pepper and half a cup of water. Add to onion and butter stirring occasionally. Add the rest of the water (more if too thick) and check for seasoning. Serve warm with cheese cheetos as croutons. Kids love it and it´s quite healthy.

6/16/09

TIP OF THE DAY

Carry a small box of crayons and a small notebook in your purse. They will come in useful when waiting at a doctor´s office, bank or even during a traffic jam. Toddlers will love for you to make drawings for them. Young children can doodle. Older children can scribble games like tic-tac-toe and hangman. You´ll have fun together and you can give portable video games a rest.

Welcome to Mothers911

Welcome! I´m glad you found us. In this site you will find advice, tips and all sorts of ideas to help you survive motherhood and make the most of this very rewarding part of your life. Visit us everyday for help, comments and stories which I´m sure you´ll relate to. See you soon!