Children's Book Review: "Don't Talk to Strangers"

Written by Christine Mehlhaff
Illustrated by Kathi Ember

In light of my last post's emphasis on safety, I thought this would be an appropriate book to review this week. This book does a fantastic job of explaining who a stranger is. It also gives children helpful safety instructions and rules to follow. Through the use of repetition, Emma Lion learns about using the phone, answering the door, getting into cars with other adults, taking candy from strangers, and much more. Her brother Matthew very patiently explains each instance to her and the importance of each. My 4-year-old really got a lot out of this book, not to mention that she enjoyed the characters and the pictures.

Letter to Parents: Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating on Halloween

Personally, with our world as it is today, Trick-or-Treating has become a nerve-racking ordeal for me. I know, better than most people, that things happen. It doesn’t matter how much we tell ourselves, "That’ll never happen to us." It can . . . the possibility always exists. So, let’s do everything in our power to prevent accidents and bad experiences. Let’s do everything in our power to have a safe and fun Halloween.

Here are some common sense tips that will help all of us to be safe on Halloween:

1. Always keep your kids close by or at least within eyesight. Don’t let them go off Trick-or-Treating without an adult, regardless of how safe you may feel your neighborhood is. (I am speaking of possible threats to your kids’ safety in the shape of kidnaping, but there are other possibilities too. Let’s say, you let your 8 year old son go off Trick-or-Treating with a group of friends, when they’ve gotten enough candy to satisfy them, they return to one of their yards to play. They climb into a tree, or even just onto a porch, and someone falls. Your child could sprain an ankle or break an arm. How much longer would it take to get them the care needed if there was no adult around?)
2. When Trick-or-Treating, be sure that each individual is carrying some thing that lights up, or is reflective. Many costumes and treat bags have lights now. There are also light up Halloween necklaces and other generic light up reflectors you can use. Or you can have them carry a flashlight. This way drivers can easily spot them in the dark.
3. No matter how tempting, don’t eat your candy until it has been inspected. You, as the parent can decide how you want this done. You may be content with a quick visual inspection at home. Or you may want to take the candy to the local hospital or police station for x-ray. The facilities in your community can tell you where these services are offered on Halloween.
4. Get your Trick-or-Treating done within the hours alotted by authorities in your community. If there are other activities offered in your community, take part in those, as they are likely to be a safer alternative. (For example, in one of the towns we lived in, there is a Baptist Church that has activities on Halloween as an alternative to families. They offer games for all ages, prizes, candy, and sell refreshments. Our kids had a blast. Where we are living now, one of the families from the school is putting on a Halloween Party including Hay Rides, Trick-or-Treating, Games, and more.)

Again, these are all common sense reminders. However, I felt they were worth repeating. As I said, I know all too well that life happens, whether you’re prepared for it or not. But it is better to be prepared, and to be in the frame of mind to prevent the preventable. Whatever you do this Halloween, be safe and have fun.

Happy Halloween!!!

Sincerely,
Eve Lawson

Kids Crafts: Li'l Leaf

This charming little leaf is made using your child's hand and foot prints. I remember this from grade school. In one of our classes, we had these hanging from the ceiling, one for each child. He can be hung from the ceiling or on a wall. Here's how we made him, along with a few variations.

1. First I went out and found a leaf in the yard. I copied it, larger, onto a piece of construction paper. I chose orange, yellow, red, and brown for this project since it is fall. I did not like the whole leaf, so I chose the best half and folded the page and cut along the line I liked the most. The side of the construction paper that I'd drawn on became my back side. I then drew a face for the leaf.
2. Next, I got my 4 year old daughter to let me trace her hands and feet. Then I cut these out for her. I let my 6 year old cut his own.
3. Using strips of yellow construction paper, folded like an fan, I made legs and arms. The legs, arms, hands and feet are affixed to the leaf using tape. However, you can also glue them, or staple them.
4. The finished product can be hung from the ceiling or on a wall.

Additional options to mix it up:

• You can use ribbon to make the arms and legs, instead of construction paper.
• You can use the cardboard that comes off the back of a used note pad for your leaf to make it more sturdy.
• Our leaf, pictured above, is slightly wilted. My son spilled a drink. Since part of the leaf was wet, I took a paper towel and wet it with more of the same drink. I then dabbed this over the leaf to cover our accident. You can do this with tea or coffee to stain you leaf and add texture.
• You can allow your children to draw on the leaf, hands, and feet. Even if they just draw stripes, patterns, or shapes. This would add visual interest and personalize your leaf more.
• Little girls can add jewelry or other accessories to their leaves. These can be draw, real, or created with craft items.
• Boys can add caps, collars, jackets, balls in the hands, shoes on the feet, etc.
• You can embellish your leaf with things around the house, paint it, etc.
• The list could go on, and on.

As always, the goal is to spend time with your kids, have fun, and be creative. There are no rules to creativity, and the only limit is your imagination. :)

Letter to Parents: Photo Books . . . Great Christmas Gift Idea

Dear Parents,

As the holidays draw near, I've been thinking about gifts for my family. I'd like to give my parents something personal that they will treasure. But they have everything that they want and need. So, I found a gift that they can't give themselves. And the more I learn about this idea, the more excited I get about it as a gift and something I can use personally to preserve our family memories.

Most of us have graduated from the traditional 35 mm cameras to digital. If you are like me, you have literally hundreds or thousands of digital pictures stored on your computer's hard drive and backed up on CD's and DVD's. The bad part, is that I print very few of these. It takes so long to print them, and usually, I'll be in the middle of a large print job and the ink will start to run out. The pictures are no good, and I have to start all over again. Not to mention the cost of ink. So, only a few pictures get printed.

And when I want to look back at pictures, or find the ones I want to print and frame, they are not readily available. It's a pain to dig through discs, guess at which one I need, and then search through the pictures. There has to be a better way to do these things.

Shutterfly.com offers unlimited online storage of digital photos. This would alleviate my disc and hard-drive space. They also sell prints of photographs. This will save me the printing time, ink, and storage discs (which I'm told have to be backed up periodically because they don't last forever).

My next concern is that I've wanted to make scrapbooks for my family photos since my 6 year old was born. But, between the time, money for supplies, and the mess involved, I've only finished a few pages. I've been researching a company called Picaboo. This is what I've been SO excited about!!!

Picaboo was founded in 2005 by Howard Field and Kevin McCurdy. They were aware of the massive amount of digital photos that are taken and never printed. They felt that that photo books would be the next wave in photo finishing. And, at prices like $9.99, they are cost effective too. I never considered Photo Books as an option before, because I thought they'd be too cost prohibitive. But, by the time you buy photo paper, ink, a scrapbook, scrapbook paper, and embellishments, it is possible to spend far more than $9.99.

The Picaboo system offers their software for a free download. You build your photo book using this software, then submit your order. Their software includes the following:

• Their books are completely customizable.
• They offer 240 page layouts, then you drop-and-drag your photos into the page.
• They offer dozens of pre-loaded backgrounds with the additional option that you drop-and-drag a background of your own.
• The ability to add journaling with a diverse selection of fonts.
• Story flow tool allows you to group pictures to be placed on a page together based on the theme of the book. Once the book is built, photos are completely editable.
• The software contains photo tools for cropping, enhancing, and correcting your photos.
• There is the option for custom covers.
• Free to share your photo book online.

I am so excited about this tool. I've downloaded the software and can't wait to use it. My parents better be prepared, because all my children's' grandparents will be getting personalized Photo Books for Christmas this year.

Then, it will be my turn. I can see all the books I need to make already in my mind, and I can't wait to see them in person. This feels much more doable than traditional scrap booking, and much less overwhelming.

I'm so excited! If you'd like more information, check out the links below:

• Create a Photo Book. Starting at Just $9.99. Try it
• Shutterfly ¿ Give unique, custom Photo Gifts for all occasions.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I am.

Sincerely,

Eve Lawson

Children's Book Reviews: "I'm a Little Teapot"

Written and Illustrated by:
Iza Trapani

This charming book begins with the traditional song, "I'm a Little Teapot". Then the author continues the rhyming song from the teapot's point of view. In this captivating conversation the teapot shares her dreams. She takes you to the many places she wants to visit and shares with you all the things she dreams of doing and being. You go with her to Mexico, space, the jungle, and more. This imaginative story can be read or sung to your children. They'll love it, mine do. We've read again and again.

If you enjoy this book, Iza Trapani has written and illustrated several others:

• The Itsy Bitsy Spider
• Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
• Row, Row, Row Your Boat
• Shoo Fly
• Baa Baa Black Sheep
• Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?
• Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
• Much Is That Doggie in the Window?
• Froggie Went A-Courtin

Kids Activities: Football - Pass the Pig Skin!!!

It’s fall, and the weather is beautiful outside . . . at least where we live. So, it is a great time to spend some time outdoors with your kids. This weekend, my husband took our 6 year old son outside to throw the football. Excited, which you may have figured out is just part of my son’s personality, was an understatement. Our little boy was ecstatic about the idea of having his dad to himself outside, for some one-on-one time.

If you don’t have a football, but would like one, here are some of your options:

• Wilson Ultimate Composite NFL Junior Football
• Wilson NCAA Supreme Junior Sewn Rubber Football
• TDJ Composite Junior Game Ball Football

My husband, who has coached children’s football in years past, first drew the football field in the dirt and explained the basics of the game to our son. Then, they went out to a clear spot in the yard to throw the ball. He showed our son techniques for holding the ball, throwing it, and catching it. Here are some of the tricks and tips he shared:

Throwing the Football:

• Hold the ball in your throwing hand. Place your fingers on the laces, then slide your hand toward the back of the ball so that only the 4th and 5th fingers touch the laces. Your throwing hand should hug the ball, but still allow a little light to pass between the football and the palm of the hand. If your child is too small, there may be no room for light to pass. This is okay.
• The ball should be balanced in the hand and pulled back next to the ear. If your child is unable to balance the ball with just his or her throwing hand, then the other hand may be used on the side of the ball to balance it until release of the ball.
• Prior to throwing the ball, position the feet shoulder width apart, with the opposite foot from the throwing arm forward. When the ball is thrown, the arm should travel forward across the body and to the opposite hip. Follow through with your arm, even after releasing the ball, to the hip.

Catching the Football:

• The biggest key to catching the ball is to stay loose. If you stiffen up, then the ball will bounce right out of your hands.
• If you are catching a ball below the belly button, hold the hands open, side by side, with little fingers together.
• If you are catching a ball above the belly button, hold the hands open with thumbs together.
• Once the ball is in hand, pull it into the body.

Get out there and have fun playing some back yard football. If you enjoyed this activity, here are a few references that may help you to build on this activity:

• Kids' Book of Soccer: Skills, Strategies, and the Rules of the Game
• Coaching Youth Football (Betterway Coaching Kids Series)
• JERRY RICE (Sports Illustrated for Kids)

Kids Corner: Kids Costumes

Halloween is just around the corner. And we have our costumes already. Here's our Halloween Roll Call:

• Bunny
• Indiana Jones
• Tinkerbell Princess
• Snow White
• Puss in Boots (from Shrek)

This year we ordered our costumes from the Costume SuperCenter, through the link on the right side of the screen. My 3-year-old nephew is dressing up as a Pirate. He got his costume through KB Toys, also on the right side of the screen. We were both able to take advantage of great prices and did not have to fight the crowds or the kids at the costume stores.

Please share with us what your kids will be dressing up as for Halloween. We look forward to hearing from you.

Kids Crafts: Halloween Ghost (Great for School Parties)

Here is a simple idea that your kids can get involved in. As parents, we are usually asked to provide candy for school Halloween parties for our kids. Rather than just buying a bag of candy, it is really easy to make your child's contribution extra special.

All you need are the following:
1. A bag of Dum-Dums (lollipops with a round top)
2. A box of Kleenex
3. Either pipe cleaners, Halloween ribbon, raffia, or craft string (This is where you have the chance to be really creative.)

What you'll do is drape each lollipop with a Kleenex, tie the Kleenex on with the material of your choice, and draw eyes and a mouth.



I did this one using a simple white craft string. However, a thin Halloween ribbon would have been great! And this could have been embellished with beads strung onto the ends of the ribbon. The possibilities are endless. And, like always, you can make this as simple or as elaborate as you like.

I hope you and your children enjoy this project. If you are looking for additional craft ideas, Little Kids Halloween Crafts has some great ideas for childrens crafts for this month. Have a Happy Halloween!!!

Letter to Parents: Learning at Home

Dear Parents,

My sister has been a stay-at-home mom since the birth of her son three years ago. He is a great little boy, and so smart! She and her husband put him into Head Start, a preschool program, this year. Prior to this, he had never been away from her. Since starting school, he has cried in the mornings, been sick a lot, and developed some new behavioral issues. These are all points of concern for my sister, who could not be a better mom.

Today, my sister took her son to the doctor because of complaints of an upset stomach accompanied by sporadic low grade temperatures. The doctor did not find anything conclusive but felt that it may be viral due to her description of his symptoms. However, as they talked, she mentioned his crying about school. The doctor's response was simple, "At three years old, he is not ready for school. Society has us pushing kids into school too early. He does not need to be there until he is five, when he will be in kindergarten." The doctor further informs her that his symptoms, my be separation anxiety and stress related, not viral at all.

She is now seriously considering keeping him home again. However, she is worried about his academic development. She does not want him to fall behind. So, she is looking into a preschool curriculum for children staying at home. ABC Fun & 1-2-3, by Shirley Erwee looks like a great starting place. If she likes it, when our youngest is a little older, we may try this also. The program incorporates visual, tactile, physical, and auditory learning activities. I've checked out the website and it's sample curriculum page for the Letter J. It looks really interesting and very easy to follow. And at only $22.00, it is not a huge investment. I'll let you know what she thinks in a few months.

If any of you have any experience with this program or another one like it, we would both be interested in your insight.

Sincerely,
Eve Lawson

Kids Activity: Picnic at the Park

I know this idea sounds cliche. And for some of you, it sounds like a lot of trouble. (This is how I usually feel . . . until I get there. Then I have a blast with the kids!) But, despite what you think when you first read this title, you're kids will LOVE this activity. You can be as extravagant about it as you like, or as simple.

This weekend, while visiting family out of town, we took the kids to Pinnacle Mountain State Park just outside of Little Rock, AR. Since we were spending the weekend at a hotel, we picked up lunch on our way to the park, ate there, and then let the kids play. Of course, we helped too. We helped with monkey bars, jungle gyms, and swings. And, we made several trips to the restroom. But, the kids had a great time.

This activity is extremely inexpensive, since you have to eat anyway. It can occupy as much of your day as you choose. It can be a simple or extravagant as you like. And, best of all, it gives the kids a chance to run off some steam! So, if you have some time to kill and want to spend some quality time with your kids, then here are some suggestions, ideas, and options for a picnic at the park.

1. If you're one of those parents who likes to go all out, or if this is a special occasion, make your child and invitation to the picnic in the park. If you are extremely crafty, this will be easy, and fun. If you are not, this can be simple and still be very special. Take a piece of computer paper and fold it in half or in fourths. This will be your card. Then write your message and draw a very simple picture. If you're not confident of your drawing skills, then keep the drawing simple. If you're technologically inclined, you can use your computer to a make this invitation using a card-making program. If you do not have one, here are three to check out: Printmaster - Platinum Version 18, Hallmark Card Studio 2005 Deluxe, Printmaster Greeting Cards. The prices vary to fit any budget.
2. You can make or buy lunch to bring. If you choose to make it. Let your kids help you pick the menu and prepare it. This, of course, should not be a free-for-all. Choices and responsibilities should be limited according to what you deam appropriate. If making lunch is not an option, or is too much trouble for you, then you can always buy lunch. Your kids will enjoy this just as much and it saves you time and trouble. Whichever way you choose to go, make sure you have plenty of napkins and drinks. Once they start playing, they get thirsty.
3. If you've already eaten lunch, or just want to avoid going out during the hottest part of the day, you can substitute dessert for lunch. Your kids will really enjoy the snack in the park. And, again, this can be prepared at home or purchased on the way.
4. If you're going to eat at the park make sure you bring an outdoor blanket. This is just another little touch that your kids will love. It makes the experience special. You don't need a fancy water-resistant blanket, although these are great for outdoors. Any blanket that your willing to take outdoors will be great. This way you're not trying to eat while sitting on the itchy grass. My kids hate sitting in the grass. They also hate the bugs that always tend to show up when you're eating outside. (When they're busy playing, they don't seem to notice them as much.) The blanket gives them a backdrop that helps in spotting unwanted picnic guests. If there are tables at the park, you can always choose this option instead of the blanket.
5. If there is a large open grassy area at the park, you may want to bring a ball to toss. Or an RC car or plane. These are two great ways to spend time with the kids doing things together.
6. You can have the kids play a game of chase, or tag. Go ahead, play with them. They'll love it. They won't think you're silly. And guess what, no one else will either. You're never too old to play games, especially with your kids. If there are enough of you, you can have the kids play hide and seek while you watch them. This way you can keep track of all the hiding children so as not to loose one.
7. If you're going out during the sunny part of the day, don't forget your sunscreen. And if there may be biting insects, grab the insect repellent on your way out the door.
8. If you want to have a picnic at the park with your kids and either don't have a park, or don't want to go, you can do this in your back yard and have a great time too. Use your imagination and have fun.
9. Last, but not least, don't forget the camera. You never know what they'll do, and you wouldn't want to miss out on a photo op.

Kids Corner: Favorite Halloween Movies

It's October, and Halloween is right around the corner. I'm sure your kids are just as excited as mine. This month the television stations will be playing lots of Halloween movies, we've already begun watching them. Which ones are your kids favorites? Write us a comment and let us know.

Our kids like:
Halloweentown/ Halloweentown II - Kalabar's Revenge
Halloweentown High
Return to Halloweentown (Ultimate Secret Edition)
Twitches - Betwitched Edition
Twitches Too
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Hocus Pocus
The Haunted Mansion (Widescreen Edition)
Dora the Explorer - Dora's Halloween
Spookley the Square Pumpkin
Monster House [UMD for PSP]

Hope you have a Happy Halloween!

Children's Book Review: "Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon"

Written by Patty Lovell
Illustrated by David Catrow

Personally, I have always been a fan of positive thinking books. This one is for kids. What greater gift can we give our children than a positive self image? Than the knowledge that they are worthwhile, just because they are themselves? This book enforces just this idea.

Molly Lou Melon is a very special little girl with distinguishing characteristics. However, through the advice of her grandmother, she learns that what makes her different from others, does not make her less. It makes her special. As Molly moves to a new town and school, she puts her grandmothers advice to the test and learns a wonderful lesson.

If you like this book, you will also like I Like Myself!

Kids Crafts: Pumpkin Painting

We all think of Jack-O-Lanterns when we think of Halloween. I don't know about you, but I've always looked forward to carving the pumpkin. But when it comes down to it, the kids are REALLY excited about carving the pumpkin, but at 4 and 6 years old, I haven't yet allowed them to wield the knife. Once the pumpkins are opened, they dig for a few minutes, then get tired of emptying the pumpkin, and getting messy. Then they watch anxiously while I carve the pumpkin and stress out. In the end, they are excited with the results, but haven't actually done much to bring them about.

Last year, we did not carve pumpkins. We painted them instead! Although this posed a mess of its own, it was not the same mess that carving makes. There was no pulp, no seeds, only paint. There was also no knife. And best of all, the kids could do it themselves. The best part, was that our pumpkins did not rot and mold like the traditional jack-o-lanterns I've had in the past. They lasted till after Thanks Giving and we enjoyed them the whole time.

If you'd like to try painting your pumpkin this year, here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Pick a pumpkin that has as few flaws and blemishes as possible. These areas will be the first places to turn soft and rot.
2. Gently clean your pumpkin and wipe it dry.
3. Paint the whole pumpkin with a multi-purpose sealer. This helps the pumpkin last longer.
4. Use your imagination to create your own masterpiece.
5. Seal the pumpkin again once your painting is complete.

Here a re a few ideas to get you started:

1. Draw your design with a permanent marker prior to painting.
2. Draw on a piece of paper and softly transfer the design onto the pumpkin.
3. Download patterns online, or use clip art for patterns.
4. Use stencils to paint your pumpkin. This allows you to paint with out worrying about keeping a straight line.
5. Use masking tape to create patterns.
6. Use foam stamps or sponges to transfer paint patterns onto your pumpkin.
7. Embellish your pumpkin with more than paint. Add other items.

Here are some references to get you started:

1. Easy Pumpkin Painting
2. Pumpkin Painting
3. Pumpkin Painting Book and Kit

So, go ahead and get your pumpkin painted and enjoy it until Halloween and beyond. Remember, your imagination is the only limit to what you can do. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

Letter to Parents: Keeping Our Kids Healthy

Dear Parents,

As I was sitting in the doctor's office with our youngest child today, I suddenly realized that flu season is upon us. And with the weather changing we will all be more prone to colds. So, I thought I'd take this opportunity to run through a short list of tips for keeping our kids healthy. These tips will work for you and your kids:

1. Wash hands often. Before we eat, after coming in from outside, after using the restroom, after changing a diaper, after petting household animals, after coughing or blowing our noses . . . and the list goes on. Good hand washing is the #1 way to stop the spread of illness!

2. Get plenty of rest. Although we tend to live our lives on the run. Trying to jam as much into a day as possible, it is vital to our health that we get enough sleep. We all know that our cell phones won't work if the batteries are not charged. The same is true for our bodies. Without sufficient rest, we can't expect to function at our best. Nor can we expect our bodies to fight off disease if they are worn out.

3. Drink plenty of water. Staying well hydrated assists your body in cleansing on a cellular level. Our bodies not only filter the substances we consume on a daily basis, but they produce many substances as well. In order to have the body's waste products washed away, there has to be something to wash them away with. You would not stand in the shower with the water turned off and expect to get clean. The same is true for your body.

4. There are dietary supplements that we can take to help boost our immune systems. The first is Vitamin C. This is a water soluble vitamin and therefore does not build up the body. You can take Vitamin C on an ongoing basis with no adverse affects. Vitamin C is proven to boost the immune system. The second supplement is the herb, Echinacea. While this also boosts your immune system and helps your body fight infection, it can not be taken continually. It is recommended that you begin taking Echinacea at the first sign of a cold and do not continue use beyond four to six weeks at a time. To learn more about the best dietary supplements on the market CLICK HERE.

There are several references available on this subject. A few that I've found are as follows:

The ABC Herbal: A Simplified Guide to Natural Health Care for Children
Strengthen Your Immune System : Boosting the Body's Own Healing Powers in the Fight Against Disease
Boosting Your Immune System

Sincerely,

Eve Lawson

Children's Book Review: "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"

Written by: Laura Joffe Numeroff
Illustratted by: Felicia Bond

Have you ever thought of feeding a mouse? After reading this adorable story, you may think again. The lovable little mouse comes to life through this humorous story and delightful illustrations. This is a must read for you and your children. Chances are, they'll ask you to read it over, and over, and over again (just as we have). Each time, laughing at the mouse's antics as if for the first time.

You can check this book and others by the author out at the link above, or your local library. If you like this book, you'll also like:

• "If You Take a Mouse to School"
• "If You Take a Mouse to the Movies"
• "If You Give a Pig Pancakes"
• "If You Give a Moose Muffins"

Happy Reading!