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!