DAILY RECIPE: Shrimp Pasta

1 large package of spaghetti

1 bag of pre-cooked shrimp (if frozen, thawed)

1/2 onion

salt

2 cups cream

1 can mushrooms

In a large pot with boiling water, cook spaghetti adding salt and the onion. When pasta is "al dente" ( tender outside, but still firm on the inside ) remove and drain. In a large microwaveable bowl toss pasta with cream, salt, shrimp and drained and rinsed mushrooms. Cover and microwave for 5 minutes on HI.

TIP OF THE DAY

Keep a list of your child´s classmates telephone numbers in your purse or saved in your phone. You never know when you will need to check for an assignment.

STORYTIME: The Little Cloud -- Final Part

.. The little cloud couldn´t help it. She started to cry. She cried and cried and as she did she realized that she could not stop. The tears were falling to the ground and making everything very wet. The little cloud continued to cry for a while and then started to calm down. It was going to be fine. As she did she saw that her body was changing again. She was no longer gray. She didn´t feel as heavy. She could float with the breeze again. Finally she stopped crying and as she looked down she saw she was back to being herself again. Then, a wonderful thing happened, the little children came out again. They were wearing colorful raincoats and boots. What a lovely sight! They were happy, they were playing in the puddles that had formed with the little cloud´s tears! Her tears had brought joy. The little cloud was happy, very happy and she continued to float high in the sky.

THE END

DAILY RECIPE: Salmon Pasta

1 package of smoked salmon

1 large pkg. pasta (fettuccini, spaghetti, fussilli), cooked according to pkg directions

olive oil

2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

1 tablespoon finely chopped onion

1/2 cup half and half

salt or garlic salt

Cut salmon into small chunks. In olive oil, sautée garlic and onion. Add salmon. Cook well. Add half and half and continue to simmer. Check for seasoning and add salt or garlic salt if needed. Toss with pasta and serve.

TIP OF THE DAY

Buy a large yearly calendar and post it in the family room or kitchen. Let your older children write down events of the month (birthdays, outings, special classes) or draw pictures of coming events for your younger children to understand. It´s fun to have a place where you can look forward to what´s going to happen.

ARTICLE: The New Baby Brother or Sister

When a new baby is coming into the family and you already have another child there is bound to be some jealousy. Your formerly only child will resent the preparations being made for the new member of the family and then the attention this baby will get. Some children are able to express these feelings and start acting out, throwing fits or tantrums and even saying that they´re not happy. Others, however, don´t say a thing and seem to be handling it quite well, but seem quiet or sad at times. Any way your child reacts, you should try to reassure them that they are still loved and very important. Explain to them that the baby needs attention because he or she still can´t do anything independently. Here are some tips to help your older child understand:

• Post pictures of your older child as a baby on the refrigerator door. Comment on how you remember how he or she did this or that. Change the pictures as your baby grows to show ones that depict your child at the baby´s age.
• Have the new baby "bring" a special surprise to your child when he goes to meet him at the hospital. (small toy, stuffed animal, book)
• Ask close family members to bring a piece of candy or chocolate bar to your child when they come to meet the baby.
• Make a special ribbon or button for your child to wear during the baby´s first days. It can read "New Brother/Sister" or "World´s best older brother/sister".
• Include your child in the baby care as much as safely possible. Have them give you the moisturizer, arrange diapers, even choose which clothes the baby should wear.
• If your child´s birthday is coming up, or Christmas, Valentine´s Day or any gift giving occasion, make sure the baby gives something to your child.
• Whenever the baby reaches a milestone, talk to your child about when he or she did that, and if possible show them videos or pictures.

STORYTIME: The Little Cloud -- part 3

..The little cloud was now turning gray. She was also feeling heavier and heavier. She could no longer swift along with the breeze. As she looked down on the meadow she saw that the little children were running away. They were all heading back to their houses. Why didn´t they want to play outside anymore?, wondered the little cloud. They were probably scared of her now, so big and gray! This made the little cloud very sad and she started to cry....

(Final part tomorrow)

DAILY RECIPE: Barbecue cheese chicken

2 boneless chicken breasts, halved
1 cup grated Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
4 slices of bacon
salt and pepper

Lightly season chicken breasts. Cook in a little oil until browned on both sides. Place in a baking dish. Cover with barbecue sauce. Place a slice of bacon on each chicken piece. Top with cheese and cook in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes.

TIP OF THE DAY

Is your young child asking for play dates? Try a first one at a neutral place with both mothers present. Examples? A park, playgound or indoor play area.

ARTICLE: Birthdays!

Every child looks forward to his or her birthday. It means parties or presents, cards or special calls. But birthdays, actually, mean a lot more than that. It is a day of special attention, a day of celebrating him or her, and an actual booster of self-esteem.
Sometimes our work, in or outside the house, the economy, other children or whatever factor you may think of, can make us wonder... do I really want to throw this birthday party? Will my child even care? The answer is YES. Celebrating a birthday is a way of celebrating your child. You are having a party to rejoice on the day your child was born. Your child feels important, loved, significant. From year one, birthdays are one day a year where simple actions can be very important in boosting self-esteem.
Now, back to the factors mentioned above. Not every year will you be able to afford a big birthday party. Not every year will you have the time and patience to drive 8 noisy children to the nearest pizza party place. Maybe one year a birthday may overlap with a move or a family event. Still, each and every birthday must be celebrated. How? You don´t need a big party or pizza and games to show your child this is an important day. A simple birthday cake, with family members will do great! Have everyone make cards, tell them to write something special about the birthday boy or girl. Hold party games such as musical chairs, even if it´s just your child and you. The point is to make your child feel special on this special day. Remember to take pictures and show them to your child months later mentioning, "Remember your birthday? That was fun!" If the economy and time permit it, throw a party, choose a theme and have a great day! But don´t feel bad if you don´t, just remember to celebrate the birthday one way or another.
Remember, it was your child, that on this special day, gave you the gift of becoming a mother.