12 Ways to a Happy Holiday Season

On the first day of Christmas, ENCOURAGEMENT said to mer: 1. Be Sure to PRAY. WIth your spiritual needs filled, you will have a sense of peace. 2.EAT REGULARLY. Maintain regular eating patterns.  Avoid excessive sugar, caffeine and alcohol which could contribute to feelings of irritability, testiness, and drowsiness. 3.Know your LIMITS (physical, mental, monetary, etc.) and adhere to them. 4.PACE yourself- give yourself plenty of time to … Continue reading 12 Ways to a Happy Holiday Season

This Works for Me: Feeding your infant

Pre-package formula into small ziplock bags, so it is ready to go.  Keep a few extra packages in the diaper bag for those just in case times. For babies, pre-package a serving of oatmeal into small ziplock bags.  Keep a few extra packages in the diaper bag for those just in case times, that way you have something to feed your baby besides a bottle. … Continue reading This Works for Me: Feeding your infant

22 Little Reasons to Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is a time to ponder and be grateful for blessing that have enriched our lives.  It’s a time to realize that the little things really do count! A moment of silence on a hectic day Children arriving safely home from school Sleeping through the night with an infant in the house The health of your family A spouse who loves us and supports our … Continue reading 22 Little Reasons to Give Thanks

Surviving the Holidays when Grieving

Don’t expect too much from yourself.  The first holidays after a loss are especially difficult.  It is normal to feel sad during the holidays when other families are all together. Many people advise going away for the holidays if there has been a recent death.  A vacation trip works for some, while others want to be near emotional support.  Ideally close friends or relatives should open up … Continue reading Surviving the Holidays when Grieving

This Works for Me!

After sweeping the kitchen floor, take a wet paper towel to “Spot Mop“. When squeezing out the last drops of Chocolate syrup for a glass of milk, pour a little milk directly into the bottle, shake, then pour! When an angry child says “I don’t love you, Mom”, try replying, “That’s okay, because I love you enough for both of us.” To discourage whining, try … Continue reading This Works for Me!

Healthy Lunches and Snacks

Why put healthy foods in lunch boxes? The foods children eat affect their performance at school. Healthy foods increases resistance to infections Eating foods low in granulated sugars and saturates fats helps children concentrate better in school. Natural carbohydrates give them energy. Protein and calcium are needed for bone and muscle growth. To fulfill all of these requirements, make everything you put in your child’s … Continue reading Healthy Lunches and Snacks

This Works for Me!

Place a Flashlight instead of a candle inside of a carved pumpkin for safety. Delegate when there are several jobs to be done.  Enlist the help of children by giving them a choice.  For example: to the first child: Do you want to sweep the floor or would you rather water the plants?  To the next child: Would you rather water the plants or vacuum the rug? … Continue reading This Works for Me!

Kitchen Kapers

Purchase a THREE-RING BINDER with sheet spacer.  When you find a recipe you want, cut it out and glue or tape it to papers.  Organize by course, fruits, veggies, etc.  This helps organize all your recipes. (Alison Seymour) Designs for CAKE DECORATING: Lay a stencil or a cookie cutter on top of icing, fill in with sprinkles or colored sugar crystals.  Remove stencil. Treat your … Continue reading Kitchen Kapers

Kid’s Korner: Harvest

FALL CENTERPIECE:  Start with a wicker plate used to support paper plates.  Supply bump chenille, hay, styrofoam, silk leaves and flowers, ribbon, small decoration, glue, scissors.  Let imagination go!  Will you have a pumpkin patch, a scarecrow, a candle in the middle?  This is a great family night project.  Also a good ice breaker for groups. Easy PAPER BAG Decorations from HIGHLIGHTS Creative Crafts Series: … Continue reading Kid’s Korner: Harvest