We often get caught up in the sadness that is our life. Wishing we had more, did more, made, more, and so on. However, we forget that things don't have to be as good as they are. Life is a gift, and we should treat it that way. We should be happy, greatful, and thankful. Things could be worse.
So today I am happy and thankful for my life, my family, my job, my friends, and I am most thankful for God who has allowed me to continue to live and enjoy all of these things. So when i am freaking out about not being able to find a specific doll, it will be
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Please be Fire Smart!
I know that this is everyone's favorite time of the year. However, it is imperative that we remember to remain safe and keep safety in the forefront of our minds. Fire safety is extremely important during the winter and the holiday season. I want everyone to be warm and in one piece at the end of this holiday season.
I often get nervous during this time of year because fire places and live Christmas trees tend to catch on fire if they are not properly and safely used. I have visited patients in the burn ward, and quite frankly, it was not a pleasant experience. It was sad and horrifying to see just what kind of damage fire can do to the human body, and as horrible as being burned can be, being burned and destitute is far worse.
Please remember to educate yourselves and your children about fire safety.
In keeping with the fire safety theme, Liberty Mutual has a website call BeFireSmart.com . The website has links for Parents, children, and educators. It also has a coloring book you can download for your children that teaches about fire safety. This will be a good activity to use while riding in the car, or even while at home. It can entertain the children while teaching them about fire safety. For more tips and helpful hints about fire safety visit Liberty Mutual's BeFireSmart.com
I often get nervous during this time of year because fire places and live Christmas trees tend to catch on fire if they are not properly and safely used. I have visited patients in the burn ward, and quite frankly, it was not a pleasant experience. It was sad and horrifying to see just what kind of damage fire can do to the human body, and as horrible as being burned can be, being burned and destitute is far worse.
Please remember to educate yourselves and your children about fire safety.
In keeping with the fire safety theme, Liberty Mutual has a website call BeFireSmart.com . The website has links for Parents, children, and educators. It also has a coloring book you can download for your children that teaches about fire safety. This will be a good activity to use while riding in the car, or even while at home. It can entertain the children while teaching them about fire safety. For more tips and helpful hints about fire safety visit Liberty Mutual's BeFireSmart.com
Minimal is better. Repeat after me "Less is More."
How often have you gone to a function with your children and realized that you left your camera? Or if you remembered your camera, you left your phone? If you remembered the phone and the camera, but you forgot your laptop? How many of you manage to carry all three including the numerous bags and accessories that your children want/need for you to carry? If you fit in this category, a smartphone with a decent camera is probably what you need. In addition, if you are a mom and a multi-tasker, not just any smartphone will do. You need a smartphone with an excellent operating system, the flexibility to edit pictures, email, and to do all the things that a momma on the move needs to accomplish.
The Samsung Omnia fits the bill. It is only 199.00. If you are like me, inexpensive, efficient, and user-friendly are what we need in our gadgets. The Samsung Omnia has a 5 megapixel camera. This is excellent camera quality for a cell phone. Most cell phones only have 1.3 megapixels or less. Some of the newer phones have 2.0 megapixels. For the technology challenged, the larger the number of megapixels, the better the picture quality. So for people like me, who are on the go, and don't need anything else to think about bringing, the Samsung Omnia would be awesome.
For more information about the Samsung Omnia visit http://www.windowsmobile.com.
The Samsung Omnia fits the bill. It is only 199.00. If you are like me, inexpensive, efficient, and user-friendly are what we need in our gadgets. The Samsung Omnia has a 5 megapixel camera. This is excellent camera quality for a cell phone. Most cell phones only have 1.3 megapixels or less. Some of the newer phones have 2.0 megapixels. For the technology challenged, the larger the number of megapixels, the better the picture quality. So for people like me, who are on the go, and don't need anything else to think about bringing, the Samsung Omnia would be awesome.
For more information about the Samsung Omnia visit http://www.windowsmobile.com.
Are you finished yet?
I have finally descended into the fresh hell that is last minute Christmas shopping. Last year, I was done by December 5. This year I have barely gotten started. I have so many people on my list to buy for, but I am at a loss as to what I should buy them.
Well thankfully there is a site that I can use to help me out. It is the Momcentral gift Guide. I have been a member of momcentral, and I must say they have wonderful articles where mom's review products. (I review a few from time to time.) The gift guide is an excellent idea. The guide breaks down gifts into several categories: her, him, baby, toddler, tween, teens, kids, and pets. If you have someone that doesn't fit on this list, then you may have a bigger issue than what you should buy for Christmas.
In addition to the gift guide, there is a contest to enter. If you sign-up with Momcentral and post a comment, you could win a prize. This is excellent. You can get a prize for searching for those last minute gifts. It is a win win.
For more information: Visit Momcentral.com.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
My True North (I still have dreams)
I used to have these big awesome dreams of being someone "special". For me that meant that I would be rich and successful, and have all of the accoutrements of the American Dream. I used to want to be the President of the United States. I had a great deal of conviction, wide eyed optimism and hubris. However, reality intruded into my life and I became a shell of my former idealistic self. The beauty of this experience has forced me to grow up, and now that I am a wife and mother, I have changed my outlook on life for the better. You don't have to be the big Kahuna to make a difference.
I have rediscovered My True North. I get up every morning and go off to work to teach "other people's children." Now that sounds crazy, but that is my pet name for them. It matches my wry sense of humour. I am changing my little corner of the world one child at a time. I do wish I could have a moment in the spotlight.... Indulge my inner-movie star, and if I decide to participate, I will have the opportunity to shine.
True North Snacks is sponsoring a contest that allows you to share your passion. If chosen, there will be a 90 second spot during the 2009 Academy awards and a $25,0000 prize. All you have to do is write a 300 word narrative and upload pictures or videos to show you and how you express your True North. If you are truly interested in participating in this contest visit http://www.truenorthsnacks.com/story.
I have rediscovered My True North. I get up every morning and go off to work to teach "other people's children." Now that sounds crazy, but that is my pet name for them. It matches my wry sense of humour. I am changing my little corner of the world one child at a time. I do wish I could have a moment in the spotlight.... Indulge my inner-movie star, and if I decide to participate, I will have the opportunity to shine.
True North Snacks is sponsoring a contest that allows you to share your passion. If chosen, there will be a 90 second spot during the 2009 Academy awards and a $25,0000 prize. All you have to do is write a 300 word narrative and upload pictures or videos to show you and how you express your True North. If you are truly interested in participating in this contest visit http://www.truenorthsnacks.com/story.
Monday, December 8, 2008
SeatSnug Discount! (Post Update)
I was skeptical at first, but the seat snug works like a charm. After a week or so using this product I began to think what took them so long to create this wonderful invention?
My daughter is beginning to miss her bouncy, jostling carseat. I guess I am going to have to spring for an amusement ride ticket.
For more information on this wonderful product, go to http://www.seatsnug.com/
Update: Parents of toddlers, Seatsnug has given a coupon that helps you save a lot on seatsnug products. SeatSnug and Mom Central are providing an awesome coupon code for SeatSnug.com. If you are serious about your safety and would like to purchase the SeatSnug items you can receive a $5.00 discount on you next purchase by entering the code MOMCENTRAL at checkout.
My daughter is beginning to miss her bouncy, jostling carseat. I guess I am going to have to spring for an amusement ride ticket.
For more information on this wonderful product, go to http://www.seatsnug.com/
Update: Parents of toddlers, Seatsnug has given a coupon that helps you save a lot on seatsnug products. SeatSnug and Mom Central are providing an awesome coupon code for SeatSnug.com. If you are serious about your safety and would like to purchase the SeatSnug items you can receive a $5.00 discount on you next purchase by entering the code MOMCENTRAL at checkout.
Baby Einstein Celebrates 10 years (Blog Tour)
Baby Einstein is a wonderful series. I am ashamed to say that I should have tried it out before I made a snap judgement about it. I viewed the 10th anniversary Baby Mozart DVD with my three year old and my 10 month old. The three year old was really into the actual movie, and my 10 month old liked the music. I liked the classical music in the video, and I really enjoyed the use of everday items and stuffed animals. My three year old cracked up when the stuffed animal doggie began to bark. My baby bounced up and down to the music, and watched in about 2 minute increments. I enjoyed the video, but it was not my favorite Baby Einstein product.
The Baby Einstein book was awesome. Both my girls wanted to "read" it at the same time. I really liked the tactile experience the book gives. My daughters are really into tactile learning experiences. The both loved rubbing the animals in the book.
The Lullaby Classics CD was the biggest surprise of all. I played it during my youngest daughter's nap time. She was out like a light in about two minutes. It usually takes five minutes or more. I don't know if this is typical of the Lullaby CD, but I would like to believe that it helped her drift off to sleep.
As an educator and a parent, I feel that it is extremely important for a parent to be a child's first teacher. Below are some tips for the DVD Viewing.
DVD Viewing Tips
Without exception, one of the most significant moments of discovery for any mom, is the day she realizes her baby truly recognizes her and wants her above all others. That bond, the super-glue of parent child attachment, is the foundation for baby’s healthy development.
At Baby Einstein, each DVD is designed to reinforce parent-child interaction by providing visually interesting, entertaining content that you and your baby can watch together. Whether the theme is art, music, or barnyard animals, each DVD offers an opportunity to cuddle, share, talk, or sing along with your baby. The DVD can also be a jumping off point for more parent child interaction during your everyday routine.
Talk! Talk! Talk!
From the moment we say that first hello to our new baby, we begin developing our little one’s language. So, when you’re watching a Baby Einstein DVD, you don’t have to be quiet. This is a chance to create little stories.
For example, if you see mechanical toys on the DVD, describe the action to your baby—“see the seals go UP the ladder. Now they’re sliding DOWN and around-- very fast.” If your baby starts “talking” back to your sounds, praise, cuddle, and imitate your baby to keep the conversation going. Even if you feel self-conscious about talking to a 6 month old, just stay the course. Your baby is probably listening and may show you with a smile, nod, or squeal, the many different ways they understand your language.
From the Video Theme to the Real World Scene
Whenever there is an opportunity to link what you have seen on the DVD to other experiences in baby’s life, make that connection. For example, if you watched a DVD about animals, you might say, “Oh, look. There’s a BIG fish on the screen. Do we have another fish in our house?” And off you go to look at your gold fish. This kind of activity shows baby that something we see in one place can be seen in other places too.
Bring it to Life
If children or puppets on the DVD are jumping or dancing, you can hold your little one and dance along to show baby how it feels. You can also play infant sized musical instruments to accompany the DVD Orchestra. Or, try using puppets or baby’s favorite stuffed animals to mimic the action in the DVD. You may get giggles from your little one. Babies usually want to do what they see and you can make that happen.
Make it Personal
Try making connections between what happens on screen with what happens in baby’s life. If you have a DVD that contains sign language, try some of the simpler signs with your baby. If you see how the puppets always do silly stuff, bring a puppet to mealtime to help you serve the food or provide additional encouragement to complete the meal.
Make it a Family Affair
Consider using DVD time as a way to interact with the whole family. If baby has an older sibling(s) around you can invite them watch the DVD with you. Encourage your older child to point out the names of the animals, say the colors, or even make animal sounds. They will probably love playing with baby and will be excited about showing off how much they know!
Without exception, one of the most significant moments of discovery for any mom, is the day she realizes her baby truly recognizes her and wants her above all others. That bond, the super-glue of parent child attachment, is the foundation for baby’s healthy development.
At Baby Einstein, each DVD is designed to reinforce parent-child interaction by providing visually interesting, entertaining content that you and your baby can watch together. Whether the theme is art, music, or barnyard animals, each DVD offers an opportunity to cuddle, share, talk, or sing along with your baby. The DVD can also be a jumping off point for more parent child interaction during your everyday routine.
Talk! Talk! Talk!
From the moment we say that first hello to our new baby, we begin developing our little one’s language. So, when you’re watching a Baby Einstein DVD, you don’t have to be quiet. This is a chance to create little stories.
For example, if you see mechanical toys on the DVD, describe the action to your baby—“see the seals go UP the ladder. Now they’re sliding DOWN and around-- very fast.” If your baby starts “talking” back to your sounds, praise, cuddle, and imitate your baby to keep the conversation going. Even if you feel self-conscious about talking to a 6 month old, just stay the course. Your baby is probably listening and may show you with a smile, nod, or squeal, the many different ways they understand your language.
From the Video Theme to the Real World Scene
Whenever there is an opportunity to link what you have seen on the DVD to other experiences in baby’s life, make that connection. For example, if you watched a DVD about animals, you might say, “Oh, look. There’s a BIG fish on the screen. Do we have another fish in our house?” And off you go to look at your gold fish. This kind of activity shows baby that something we see in one place can be seen in other places too.
Bring it to Life
If children or puppets on the DVD are jumping or dancing, you can hold your little one and dance along to show baby how it feels. You can also play infant sized musical instruments to accompany the DVD Orchestra. Or, try using puppets or baby’s favorite stuffed animals to mimic the action in the DVD. You may get giggles from your little one. Babies usually want to do what they see and you can make that happen.
Make it Personal
Try making connections between what happens on screen with what happens in baby’s life. If you have a DVD that contains sign language, try some of the simpler signs with your baby. If you see how the puppets always do silly stuff, bring a puppet to mealtime to help you serve the food or provide additional encouragement to complete the meal.
Make it a Family Affair
Consider using DVD time as a way to interact with the whole family. If baby has an older sibling(s) around you can invite them watch the DVD with you. Encourage your older child to point out the names of the animals, say the colors, or even make animal sounds. They will probably love playing with baby and will be excited about showing off how much they know!
For more information on BabyEinstein go to http://www.babyeinstein.com
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