40 places to go before your kids grow up

History lessons all wrapped up in a vacation what a way to experience the lessons in life as well as some historical value in our own country's backyard . well in fact of a history buff myself I really do enjoy going and seeing nature as it is learning about the people that live there century or two ago and finding out what the landscape had produced what are the benefits of those products being made minerals being taken and the food production be at plants or animals, God created a wonderful landscape for us to discover and look at what off below is a link for you to follow.

 Before I take my family to go see some of these places. I'd like to either read up on it or watch a couple of videos so, that when we actually get to these places will have a better understanding of what we're seeing and experiencing.   To make the moments a little more memorable .

Moving With Teens

While moving to three school systems I thought of how the impact of all this has effected my teen.  I looked at the moves as an opportunity as to see how the systems differed and what was offered and how students were taught as well as aided to their specific needs.

Below is what the professionals have to say:

Moving With Teens: 

Adolescence put a tremendous amount of time and energy into finding just the right peer groups. 

The process of reaching out to other teens and learning how to socialize consumes an inordinate amount of their energy (and, when the phone bill comes, your income). Through this laborious process of "fitting in" teens are forming their own identity.

As melodramatic as teenage angst my seem, ignoring or minimizing the real difficulties that moving presents to teenagers only makes them worse.  To help your teens make the transition as smoothly as possible, parents have to know when and how to intervene and when to back off.

To Do's List:

• try to schedule relocation around the academic calendar
• Before you leave try to schedule not-to-distant future when your teen can return to visit.
• try to find out as much as possible about your new hometown
• Make sure your teen as a many ways possible to access their old friends; phone, internet etc...
• get involved in the social community; church, extracurricular activity, youth sports

Signs to watch for:

“Comments about death or dying should never be taken casually”.

“Keep an eye out for signs of depression-----or any behavioral changes”

Frame for this Year

Kids are new to this ideology but, need to be introduced.  Goal setting for the year, yes the year.  Why so long well this will help build them up for long-term goal setting.  Otherwise, they may go aimlessly through life without ever knowing how to p repair, organize, work towards something they want.

Let them sit down make a list in say a couple of hours or less.  Brain storm and make a list overlying these areas of Life

• Health
• Friends-fun
• Family
• Relationship
• Physical environment
• Money
• Personal development
• Spiritual growth

Now, I ask that #30 things that overlay the #8 above of things they want.  No excuses, if a goal wasn't accomplished then write a different way of achieving the goal.  eg. Loose weight change to -- do jumping jacks #10 every morning.

1. Run faster in gym, and breath 
2. Achieve going higher ranks Martial Arts
3. Get stronger working out
4. Practice jumping, kicks for higher
5. Make new friends, Stop at every Lemonade Stand
6. Build stuff with others for enjoyment
7. R/C play become familiar, confident & good skills
8. Rocket launcher
9. Camping, swimming, motorcycle-pocket bike riding
10. Water park
11. Family tree history
12. Spend time with family, relatives
13. Birthday with relatives
14. Saving self for right girl 
15. take garbage out
16. put away stuff when I'm done
17. my mom want's me to clean, organize, room, cloths, school stuff; bag, and desk
18. finding jobs
19. save 70% spend 20% invest 10%
20. learn life's lessons read eBook
21. listen to more books, magazines
22. Art projects, festivals
23. make inventions on paper then make it
24. http://youbtube.com/kidscornervlog video's presentation skills
25. Play Better Behavior Wheel for rewards instead of consequences
26. making church friends
27. helping others be Christians 
28. be a good example
29. play Christian music
30.  Be careful about what I see, say, hear, go and do because God's always watching

Nature Walks & Picnic's

Fall is a time to squeeze in as many outings as possible so, to add to our adventures we go for long walks. I love the idea of eating seasonal foods as well; pumpkin stew, pecan pie to mention a few, but meatloaf sandwich's are great for outings.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced small
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck (10 percent fat)
1 cup roughly crushed saltine crackers (about 15 crackers)
1 cup coarsely grated sharp cheddar (3 ounces)
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Toasted country-style bread, lettuce, sliced dill pickles, and ketchup, for serving
by Martha Stewart


Marnia ted Olives
Prep Time:10 min
Start to Finish:2 days 10 min
makes:12 servings (about 6 olives each)
1 pound Kalamata or other Greek olives
1/4 cup canola or soybean oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
by eat better America


Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons brandy, or milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Royal Icing, optional
by Martha Stewart
Apple Cider these can be in your own back yard, a trip to the local park or even to a beach. Be creative and enjoy!!

Helping Your Kids Make New Friends

Going to open house at the begging of this school year was all new and not knowing what to expect. While still going through the same motions of the last school district we lived at I found my son and myself nervous.

Look mom there's Curtis from Uhrich' he's in my class!

After the first two days my son came home not wanting to go to school. I asked why? He replied; mom I was teased at the desk they were laughing at me. I don't know if it was because of my hair or what? But, I don't want to go back there today...I won't take anymore days off but, please just this one.

I agreed and called his teacher to tell him about my son's situation. The teacher asked for students names and asked my child to tell him of future incidents to be told to the teacher immediately so, that this type of behavior could be corrected.

He's made one more friend since then...after four days of school. He's happy and that makes a mother happy too.

Here's a list of other great points for parents;

Acknowledge feelings Talking with them and asking who was their best friend that day. Giving support to situations by telling a story of how you experienced a similar situation too. This was your expressing that their not alone and you really do understand.

Keep communication open When your child wants to talk give them your attention by turning off the computer, phone, or just stop somewhere to just listen. Don't make too many rules on what should be said, and not said let them be open and honest.

Get acquainted with other parents
Join PTO, get involved with YMCA or some other active group that supports kids in your local area.

Tour the new surrounds
Go to the park, events that are held, festivals, check on line for schedules by just typing in county/events on google.

Find outlets that attract peers
Shop at kids local favorite shops, get attire of more popular items that other kids are wearing. To make the transition a little easier.

Seek activities that match your child's interests
Keep your child involved in the activities they enjoy most.

Help your kid blend in
Cloths, music, books, movies and activities. Go to the local football games, malls and check them out to find out more.

Provide tel phone book or an index cards

Teach friendship-making skills
Introductions such as Hi, my name is.. Saying yes to invites instead of no, Having 2 hour parties for the kids after school to meet and socialize.

Connect with teacher
Call your child's teacher and ask how things are going. If you have concerns talk about them.

Check into your child's emotional health
If there's anger, loss of appetite, loss of concentration Seek professional help!

All the best!

For a more in depth look; Read more

Summer Camp

Have you attended summer camps in previous years or is this you first year. With your little one growing up its time to start looking for a great camp. If the camp you choose is in High demand then by May it will be hard to find a spot. So, since it's the end of February it's time to get the paper work form the camp of your choice.

Tips on finding a great camp;

After finding a camp prep air your child for the stay away from home talk about the camp. Ask if they think they're ready to spend 5 days away from home? Also, let them know that he can take a buddy (stuffed animal) and make new friends. Most importantly let them help choose the activities that they can attend this gives them a sense of involvement and contentment.

Favorite Road Trip story and tips

With the holidays quickly approaching there many of us who travel to see loved ones. I have traveled all though my life over the US and realize experience is a great teacher. So, I want to take the opportunity that Twittermoms and Discount Tire has presented another great idea to share my story and tips.

Traveling to NY, PA with my son at the age of two was a great opportunity for him to see the sights up in the blue ridge mountains. We took off in a old truck, no plans just went. Stopped at a Indian store had pizza that night and grab a motel. Drove all the next day till just outside of NY rented a cabin with a kitchen. Visited a water fall and played there all day. Celebrated my sons dad's birthday with a can of oil and a six pack. I think paying for the trip was a big present don't you? Bought hot dogs in NY at a stand on the highway and ate them on the grass. We all had a great time and made lots of memories. The season was fall and there had just been a business trip that I wanted to meet my invention attorney so off we went. 2001 was the year let me share my tips.

1. Planning I have traveled so much this is just second nature to me. I use the Internet on Maps.com for driving directions. I like to just take a map and off I go. I can usually get from point A to B with out much. A map or GPS does help though some cities. I always use bypasses around large cities as they save time. I drive though large cities midday or evening; No rush hour avoid it at all costs.
2. House sitter/ Pet sitter This is a great way to keep an eye on your home while away. Water plants or just to put the lights on at night. I'm a pet owner and need my pet to be watered and feed plus keep him company.
3. Maintenance Make sure you vehicle is ready for such a trip. Getting new tires from Discount Tire has great deals. Check window washer and the rest of the fluids.
4. Stops make sure to take time to stop at all the attractions that interest you. Don't make the mistake of saying we'll get it on the way back. There's usually not the same opportunity and many time it just gets passed by. This also give the diver time to rest and others time to unwind.


5. Bring music that everyone will like while in the vertical. Giving way to experiencing new things and old stuff. Finding a new favorite song you can savor for years to come on the trip.
6. Pack outfits that you only bring 4 articles that make 10 outfits. Toddlers bring diaper bag, two out fits extra for each day traveling. Snacks, beverages for the road helps save on time and money.
7. Camera bring your camera's videos cam and extra battery if you have one. Buying a larger card for your camera will give you the most photo's. This way you ll have some keep sakes for years to come.
8. Bring extra cash for those unexpected places where there is no ATM or credit taken. I once stop ed at a gas station that had the wrong sign up and filled up with no cash. They mailed me the bill and called the state trooper (not fun).
9. Call zone make your car a no call zone. This will help you spend quality time with your family. No distractions, no mistakes, no accidents live and love.
10. Remember to negotiate with your family not argue. We all know how to make a win, win situation so, that theirs peace. No, just means you have to work at it to get a yes.

I hope that on your travels you have as much fun driving across the county without breaking the bank. This was a great past time for me as I go for enjoyment. NOW days its to get some where fast when I'm just saving 5 minutes or so. I really enjoy life and want to experience the present as God intended me to do so.

Winter Safety TipsWinter Tires are designed to deliver safety and control in snow, ice, and cold weather conditions. Many people think that all-season tires can deliver this same performance, but this is not true. The superior traction that winter tires deliver, as much as a 25 to 50 percent increase over all-season tires, can very well be the margin you need to stop in time or turn to avoid trouble.





I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Discount Tire blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card and be entered for a chance to win a prize valued at $1,000. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Fall downtime

With the season changing and there's still nice weather to go to pumpkin patchs, apple orachards, festivals, museums and long walks. While searching for an addition to a halloween party why not add a little hunt to the day.



Just found a great addition to going to fall festivals, corn mazes and museums.

When I'm With You," Best Coast
" Go Outside," Cults
" Elephant Gun," Beirut
" I Felt Stupid," the Drums
" I’ve Got Your Number," Passion Pit
" Up Against the Wall," Peter Bjorn
" Drink to Moving On," Grand National
" Burning," Whitest Boy Alive
" We Are the People," Empire of the Sun
" 40 Day Dream," Edward Sharpe
" Daylight," Matt & Kim
" The Suburbs," Arcade Fire
" I Want the World to Stop," Belle & Sebastian
" Gimme Sympathy," Metric
" Heart of Gold," Neil Young
" Fences," Phoenix
" Look," Sebastien Tellier
" This Must Be the Place," Talking Heads
" Don’t Steal Our Sun," the Thrills
" Take Me Home," Toots and the Maytals
" Forever," Walter Meego

Stopping at Every Lemonade Stand

While kids are making their way through life and discovering every aspect of the ways things are done. Do you help make a community for them to do this safely?

While growing up we had a farmers wife who always made cookies and we were invited in to enjoy them. We go into the kitchen where we shared our lives and told stories of our accomplishments. Other times we would go over into the fields and pick some berries or grapes. Everyone knew every ones name and what they were doing in life. There was always someone to talk to or to just hang out with.

Many times kids make statements like "there's nothing to do in this town" when in reality their saying "there's no purpose for me here" How do we change this and make the effort in the feelings of these kids?

While reading the book by James Vollbracht his many descriptions on how to make a community that creates a culture that cares for kids. Kids are our greatest asset so, to ensure that they don't fall into the cracks simple acts of kindness are gifts to those kids.

Giving kids our time and just listening and interacting we become their greatest hero. If we don't someone else will.

How Do you Leave You Kid at Camp?

Yesterday I took my son to camp expected to be there at 3pm but, finally arrived at 4:30pm. This were going easy but, there was something that just wasn't quite right.
Meet his counselor, helped make his name tag, set up his bed and waited till he was comfortable with the other kids.
-Making a name tag so, there is a name to a face makes things personable.
-Making his bed makes him feel it's still his safe place to rest.
-Waiting till he finds his way with the other boys gives him time of finding common ground with them and them with him.
-Getting to know the counselor is my way of preparing release to a responsible party.
-Making a few photo's a arrival is nice with expectation in their eye's.
-Good byes are a must.
-Important that I talked him through what the camp would be like.
-I asked him to try new things this way when he comes home we can do more of the things he liked at camp. Ex horseback riding, climbing etc...

Making summer camps experiences as easy as possible so all is enjoyed.
So, How do you leave your kid at Camp?