MOTHERS911 WISHES YOU A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

ARTICLE: Thanksgiving - Mom Sanity Savers!

Thanksgiving Day is tomorrow and whether you´re serving dinner at home or traveling somewhere with family, your children are bound to get restless. Here are some ideas to keep them entertained and out of the kitchen!

• Prepare a holiday movie. It´s the season to be jolly! An afternoon enjoying a holiday movie is quite all right. Depending on your children´s ages try: Home Alone, The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Nutcracker Ballet, The Santa Clause... Just make sure you have watched it before to make sure it´s "Safe" for them to see.
• Print out Thanksgiving Coloring Sheets from sites like : www.coloringpages.net/thanksgiving.html or www.holidays.kaboose.com/thanks-color.html Prepare colors, crayons and set up a table where they can color with you keeping an eye on them.
• Set up tasks for them to do: fold napkins, set up table, pick up coats and scarves...
• Older daughters will be glad to help out in the kitchen. Make sure you have something safe and easy they can do.
• Fill a bag with holiday books they can read or look at to get ready for Christmas.
• Pop in a CD of holiday music. They can dance to the rhythm and trust me: you´ll get into the spirit of things yourself!
• Pack small ziploc bags with cheerios, apple slices or other light healthy snacks for those: "Is it time to eat yet?
• Most of all, enjoy this holiday with your children. Remember, each holiday that passes by means your child is one year less far from becoming a grown up.

DAILY RECIPE: Thanksgiving Vegetables

This recipe can be prepared with vegetables of your choice, we suggest:

25 baby potatoes

8 carrots

1/2 bag of frozen broccoli florets

2 packets of asparagus

1/2 bag of frozen cauliflower florets

1 small can Campbell´s cream of mushroom soup

Parmesan cheese

Bread crumbs

Thaw broccoli and cauliflower according to bag directions. Wash potatoes, leave skin on. Wash and peel carrots, slice. Arrange vegetables in baking dish. Pour can of soup, making sure all vegetables are covered. Top with parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Place in oven for 30 minutes or until all vegetables are tender. Enjoy!

TIP OF THE DAY

Waiting a long time for soccer practice to be over? Always carry a book in your bag. If waiting around for your children is taking too long, read a bit until class or school is over.

ART ACTIVITY: Pine Cone Turkey

You will need:

Pine cone

Craft feathers

Wiggly eyes

Orange pipe cleaner

Yellow Construction paper

glue

Make a turkey head by cutting pipe cleaner in half, then folding it in half. Glue wiggly eyes and a yellow construction paper triangle for a beak. Glue feathers to the back of the pine cone. Glue turkey head to the front. Decorate your Thanksgiving table!

DAILY RECIPE: Meat Turkey Stuffing for Thanksgiving Dinner

3 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork
salt, garlic powder, pepper
3 large potatoes, diced
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
oil

In a large pan heat oil. Season beef and pork and mix together. Add to pan and brown. Add vegetables and raisins and pecans. Cook a few minutes more. (Note: if you want stuffing with a touch of sweetness, cut each raisin in half). Make sure potatoes are still a bit raw when you´re done. They will finish cooking inside the turkey. Stuff turkey.

TIP OF THE DAY

When going to the grocery store to buy milk, grab the one at the far, deep end of the fridge, the last one in line. Usually it has a later expiration date, and is thus, fresher.

STORYTIME: The Turkey That Came for Thanksgiving Dinner -- Final Part

Oh, no! Grandma had seen Mr. Turkey! Mary and Scott did not know what to say. Their parents came to the front door, too. The secret was out. The whole family was now staring at Mr. Turkey! A few awkward seconds of silence passed, then Mr. Turkey cleared its throat: "Thank you, dear family, for receiving me on Thanksgiving Day! I am here for dinner, as I was told on the farm, and very excited to visit with you all." Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa did not speak for a while. Then Grandpa said, "Well, let´s sit down for dinner then, Mr. Turkey." And he called on to Mom, "Serve Mr. Turkey corn and apple pie, yams and cranberry sauce. We can all enjoy that food together." Scott pulled up an extra chair for Mr. Turkey and they all sat at the table. Mom and Dad passed the food around and Mr. Turkey told the funniest stories about life on the farm. Of course, Mom never brought the turkey out of the kitchen, and no one dared ask why they weren´t eating turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner. When everyone was done, Mr. Turkey watched the football game with Dad and Grandpa. Just before dark, Mr. Turkey said he had to leave. He grabbed his bag and hat and headed out the door. "Come back next year Mr. Turkey, " called out Grandma. But it replied, "Oh, no, I´ll try a different family next year. That´s the way it´s gotta be!" So, be ready. If this Thanksgiving you hear a knock at the door, maybe, just maybe Mr. Turkey is standing outside your door....

THE END

DAILY RECIPE: Stuffed Pasta Tomatoes

6 large, firm, red tomatoes

2 cups cooked short pasta

olive oil

2 garlic cloves, chopped

grated parmesan cheese

garlic salt

Slice the top off tomatoes and carefully scoop out the insides. Put the pulp you scooped out in the blender with a little water. Blend well. Heat oil and sauteé garlic. Add pasta and tomato paste. Season with garlic salt. Spoon into tomato shells and top with parmesan cheese. Bake for a few minutes and serve.

TIP OF THE DAY

Make sure your children are getting their share of fruits and vegetables by starting a table. Mark a dot next to their names when they have their daily intake. You´ll both easily notice if they´re not eating properly.

STORYTIME: The Turkey That Came for Thanksgiving Dinner -- Part 3

... Mary and Scott froze. What would they tell Dad? "Oh, hi Dad," said Mary, "we´re just playing a game!" "Yeah," said Scott, "a Thanksgiving game! It´s called ´Hide the Turkey´!" "Well, have fun kids, " said Dad as he walked away. They were safe for now but they had to come up with a plan. What were they going to do? Just then, the turkey flung the door of the room wide open. " Well", it said, "I´m all ready for that delicious dinner now after a good rest. Will we be eating any time soon?" "Yes,"said Mary quickly, "we´re just waiting for our grandparents." Just then the doorbell rang. Mary and Scott flew down the stairs and opened the door. It was Grandma and Grandpa! They all gave each other big hugs. Suddenly, Grandma pointed her finger at something behind them. Her wide eyes and open mouth made Mary and Scott fear the worst, and they were right. Right there, behind them, staring straight into Grandma´s eyes was Mr. Turkey!


(Find what happens to Mr. Turkey, Mary and Scott tomorrow for the ending of Storytime....)

DAILY RECIPE: Orange Breaded Shrimp

1 lb. shrimp
1 cup bread crumbs
Melted butter
salt and pepper
oil
2 oranges
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce

Wash shrimp. Add salt and pepper to melted butter and fully coat shrimp. Pass through bread crumbs until well covered. Fry in a little oil until done. Remove excess oil with paper napkin.
Squeeze oranges on top of sugar and place over low heat. Stir constantly and add soy sauce. Cook until thick and drizzle on top of shrimp. Serve with white rice.

TIP OF THE DAY

For shirts that need ironing, try ironing them right after they come out of the washer, when they are still damp. Hang them and let them finish drying.

STORYTIME: The Turkey That Came for Thanksgiving Dinner -- Part 2

... Mary and Scott could not believe what they heard. A talking turkey at their door! The turkey looked at them intensely. Mary was the first to talk: "Why are you here, Mr. Turkey?" The turkey answered, "Well, I was out on the farm when all the other turkeys started running away saying they had to leave before Thanksgiving dinner. So I packed my suitcase, put on my hat and scarf, and set out to find a nice house where I could have this very important dinner at. And here I am!" Mary and Scott looked at each other. What were they to do? What would Mom and Dad say when a talking turkey sat with them at the dinner table? They had only one choice, they had to hide the turkey. Mary ran inside and checked that the coast was clear. Scott asked the turkey in and led it to their room. The turkey sat on the bed. "Ahhhhhh!, " it exclaimed, "I´m going to rest just a bit before dinner if that´s ok with you. That was a long walk." "That´s quite all right Mr. Turkey", said Scott, "You make yourself at home!" Mary and Scott tiptoed out of their room and closed the door behind them. Their Dad´s voice startled them, "Hey, what are you kids up to? Who are you talking to?"

Find out what Mary and Scott will tell Dad tomorrow when the story continues.

ARTICLE: Everyday Activities for 1-5 year olds

All children need fun activities to stimulate their mental and physical development. This is especially true from the age of 1 to 5, since they´re too young to play on their own, and too old to rely only on feeding and caring. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Place different obstacles in an area of your family room or yard. (boxes, cushions, pillows) Crawl or walk together, zigzagging through the objects.
• Encourage your child to pick up his/her toys and put them in a toy box.
• Ask your child to put their dirty clothes in their hamper.
• Have a show and tell of family photos. Talk to them and explain who is in each picture. (Mom, Dad, Grandparents, Siblings)
• Constantly talk to them about what you both are doing or seeing.
• Puzzles! Do them together.
• Teach them to doodle with paper and paint, and paper and crayons.
• Read a bedtime story and allow him/her to finish the story with his/her own words and imagination.

DAILY RECIPE: Apple Spinach Salad

1 bag pre-washed spinach

2 red apples

1 cup mushrooms, washed

1/2 cup pecans

1/2 cup honey mustard dressing

Slice mushrooms and cube apples, unpeeled. Arrange spinach leaves. Toss with apples, mushrooms and pecans. Add dressing and mix well.

TIP OF THE DAY

Prepare a small plastic container with scissors, scotch tape, pen, gift cards and ribbons. Use it as a wrapping central. No more rumaging through your desk to find what you need!

STORYTIME: The Turkey That Came for Thanksgiving Dinner -- Part 1

Mary and her younger brother Scott were very excited about Thanksgiving Day. Their grandparents were coming over for dinner and Mom was preparing a big feast. They were helping out with decorations, drawing turkeys and pilgrims to set around the living room. Dad was helping set the big table and a scent of delicious food surrounded the house.

Just as Mary and Scott were hanging a paper turkey near the front door they heard a knock. "It must be Grandma and Grandpa!", shouted Scott as he ran to open the door with Mary right behind him. What was their surprise to find, not their dear grandparents, but a big, fat turkey!

It was standing at the door with a funny smile on his face and a suitcase in one wing. He was wearing a hat and a scarf. As Mary´s and Scott´s eyes popped wide open in disbelief, the turkey spoke in a deep, but friendly voice: "Hellooooo! Here I am! May I come in?"

(Find out more about Mary, Scott and the turkey tomorrow for part 2 of Storytime)

DAILY RECIPE: Mashed Potato Steak

1 cup mashed potatoes, freshly made or from flakes
1 lb. steak medallions
Chives
Garlic salt and pepper
Oil
1 cup beef stock

Season steak with garlic salt and pepper. Brown in oil on each side. Place onto baking pan. Pour beef stock all around. Using an ice cream server, place a scoop on top of each steak medallion. Garnish with chives. Bake at 350°F until tender and potatoes are browned.

TIP OF THE DAY

Start making a toy "clean-up" before Christmas arrives. You can give them to goodwill making other children happy, plus you´ll have toy box space for the incoming gifts that are sure to arrive.

ART ACTIVITY: Turkey Craft

You will need:

Brown construction paper

Yellow construction paper

Red, yellow, orange and green craft feathers

Glue

Scissors

Black marker

Carefully trace your child´s hand on the brown construction paper. Make sure their fingers are spread apart. Cut out. Draw an eye on the thumb and glue a small yellow construction paper triangle next to it for a beak. Glue feathers on all other fingers. Cut out yellow legs for the turkey and glue at the bottom. Use as place cards for Thanksgiving dinner, as a Thanksgiving Day card for grandparents or just as holiday fun craft.

DAILY RECIPE: Corn Flakes Fish

6 fish filets (washed)
2 cups corn flakes
butter
two cloves garlic
salt

Grease a baking pan with butter. Place fish filets and sprinkle with salt. Finely chop garlic and place evenly among fish. Add a teaspoon of butter on each filet. Lightly crush corn flakes and pour on top of fish. Bake for 30 - 40 minutes at 350°F. Serve with white rice or buttered pasta.

TIP OF THE DAY

If your baby likes to take everything out of your purse, which aside from being dangerous is sometimes embarassing, try this: Drop in various items in an old purse. For example, a small tupperware, a brochure, a scarf, old pictures, a glove, the lid of a jar. Just make sure nothing represents a choking hazard. When your child starts reaching for your purse, hand him/her the "play purse" and let them enjoy the freedom of taking everything out!

ARTICLE: Baby Einstein Videos for Children

Lately, many of us heard on the news about new reports on keeping young children and babies from watching tv until the age of two or older. Later on, there was an announcement on how you could get your money back on purchased Baby Einstein videos. This left me with a thought: Are they really that bad for your children? This is what I concluded, maybe some of you will disagree: It is clear that TV is not good for babies. Many people believe it is one of the causes of increased cases of autism. If you sit your child in front of the television for hours and hours, it´s not ok, no matter how old, just as they shouldn´t play video games for long periods of time. But, if you watch a Baby Einstein video, TOGETHER, and clap to the music or comment on the colors, I really do not see anything wrong with that. In fact, I believe it is a great source of sense awareness for your child. Now, this is not what you will be doing at all hours of every day of course. And it IS best to keep your one-year-old from the TV. But if your child is 2 and is in a household where the TV is on for the morning news, your favorite sitcom and the Sunday game, you might as well introduce them to the TV with these videos that are much simpler for them than today´s cartoons and kids´ shows. So, my advice, use these videos that introduce them to classical music and art, as a first TV show for older toddlers with you commenting by their side.

DAILY RECIPE: Spinach Manicotti

10 Manicotti pasta (big, thick macaronni)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 bag pre-washed spinach
1/2 onion
2 cloves garlic
olive oil
salt
crushed pepper
grated parmesan cheese
grated mozzarella cheese

Cook pasta for 5 mintues. Meanwhile, finely chop onion and garlic. Sautée in olive oil. Add spinach and cook until tender. Blend ricotta cheese and spinach mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add parmesan cheese and blend again. Carefully fill manicotti pasta. Arrange in a baking pan and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in 350°F oven for about half an hour.

TIP OF THE DAY

Wipe food stains off children´s clothing with a baby wipe if you do not have a pre-treater on hand. It works quite well.

ACTIVITY: Thanksgiving Thankful Box

With Thanksgiving in a couple of weeks get an early start for this holiday celebration. Cover an old shoe box with orange paper and decorate with fall or Thanksgiving motives (brown leaves, turkeys, pilgrims, acorns). You can make them by tracing cookie cutter shapes on brown cardboard and cutting them out. Once your box is decorated (your children can help you out), write Thankful Box on it. Cut a slit on top as if it were a mailbox. Place it in the kitchen or family room or any place in your house your family passes through every day. Set a cup with crayons, markers and pencils next to it, together with a pack of index cards. Tell your family that for the next couple of weeks whenever they can think of something they´re thankful for, they should write it down on an index card and place it in the Thankful Box. Help out younger family members by encouraging them to draw something they give thanks for. Ask them what it is and write it down on the back of the card. Just before Thanksgiving dinner, open up the box and read all the things your family is thankful for. (Be sure to have a box of kleenex by your side -- you´ll be amazed at how profound your children´s thoughts can be ).

DAILY RECIPE: Yoghurt Parfait

1 large plain yoghurt
diced cantaloupe
sliced peach (fresh or frozen and thawed)
pineapple chunks
honey
granola

In a large parfait cup pour a thin layer of yoghurt. Add half of the mixed fruit. Add another thin layer of yoghurt and the rest of the fruit. Add yoghurt until cup is filled. Top with a drizzle of honey and sprinkle granola.

TIP OF THE DAY

Keep garlic cloves in an air tight jar in the fridge. They will last fresh much longer.

ARTICLE: Imaginary Friends

Imaginary friends are a part of growing up. Many children have them and some even become part of the family. From setting an extra place at the table or asking your child what his imaginary friend wishes to do, boys, bears, girls and dragons are present with our children for the first part of their lives.
Sometimes we might me annoyed by this imaginary friend. However, considering that they will outgrow them, we might try to use the imaginary friend to learn more about our child´s likes and dislikes. By including them in our conversations we might see through a window and realize something about our child that we didn´t know before.
When your child talks to his or her imaginary friend, try to discover a little more about him. For example if the imaginary friend takes gymnastics lessons, ask, "Would you like to take gymnastics, too?" If the imaginary friend doesn´t like to play ball, ask "What about you?" Better yet, if the imaginary friend is having trouble with someone at kindergaren, ask "By the way, how are you doing in your classroom?"
We cannot get rid of imaginary friends, so, we might as well use them to our advantage, until our children slowly start forgetting about them.

DAILY RECIPE: Easy Pizza Dinner!

6 Flour tortillas
1 small can spaghetti sauce
grated mozzarella cheese
3 ham slices
40 peperoni slices
parmesan cheese

Place tortillas in a baking pan. Spread with sauce. Sprinkle with a little cheese. Add ham and peperoni slices. Sprinkle the remaining cheese. Top with parmesan cheese. Bake at 350°F until cheese melts and sauce is bubbly.

TIP OF THE DAY

When preparing baby food at home, make enough for a couple of days. You can refrigerate half and simply warm it up for the next day.