Daily Post

Spring Consignment Sale season kicks off this weekend.

2012-02-03 09:08:58

It's time for spring consignment sales and this weekend kicks off the consignment sale season with the first sale taking place in the Triad. The Twin City Mothers of Multiples Consignment Sale will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 7 a.m. to noon at Parkway Presbryterian Church at 1000 Yorkshire Road in Winston-Salem. Shop for bargains on gently used preemie to young adult clothing, toys, bedding, feeding supplies, maternity clothes and equipment. Cash and checks only. For more information, visit www.tcmoms.org.

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

Celebrating Black History Month

2012-02-03 08:50:44

All month long, we're celebrating Black History Month. A time to pay tribute to the amazing activists, writers, musicians, scientists and other people who struggled for generations against racism and prejudice purely because of the color of their skin.

There are a lot of fun ways to celebrate around the Triad this month, and we've pulled them all together in a special page to make it easier to find events. They start this weekend, with a special Black History Month Celebration at the Allen Jay Recreation Center in High Point on Saturday. You can also head over to Sciworks for the African-American Scientists and Inventors Exhibit, or go see "Crucibles of Courage" at the International Civil Rights Museum.

There are also some websites with lots of great resources an information.
AfricanAmericanHistory.gov is a site created by a group of governmental organizations including the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian. It has a blog of the Tuskegee Airmen, photos from the Harlem Renaissance and resources for teachers.
The Biography Channel's Biography.com has some history and resources, as well as a schedule of upcoming shows.
FactMonster.com has timelines, quizzes, games and lots of history.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Happy Groundhog Day!

2012-02-02 08:33:05

One of the great things about being a kid is that ou get to have fun and celebrate almost all the time. It seems like there's always some sort of holiday to learn about and explore, and February is full of them! Groundhog Day, the 100th Day of School, Valentine's Day and Presdent's Day.

Today is the first of this month's holidays -- Groundhog Day. It's just a passing thought to many adults, but for kids, they'll be doing cute little groundhog activities at school all day. It's a good way to learn about our country's history and culture, along with a little science and weather.

Punxsutawney Phil has already predicted 6 more weeks of winter this morning in Pennsylvania. And Woody the Groundhog will be making his own prediction this morning at the Natural Science Center.

Usually we all wish for an early spring. And with the mild winter we've had so far, that might not be a wild dream. But you never know, February and March can sometimes be pretty cold! No matter what Phil and Woody's predictions are, you can enjoy some groundhog fun today with your kids. Watch the live webcast on Groundhog.org, then check out the printables, crafts and games on DTLK-Kids.com and EducationWorld.com.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

The Stroller Brigade

2012-02-02 07:48:13

Tuesday afternoon, it was so pretty that Benjamin and I picked up Andrew from school and went to our local park. The playground is on top of a hill so it is easy to see if it's busy. The boys were excited because there were lots of children there. We piled out of our minivan and raced up the grassy hill.

Andrew and Benjamin have been coming to this playground their entire lives. There is a small climber for toddlers and a much larger one and swings for older children. There's also extensive paved walking paths and a frisbee golf course in the nearby woods.

We arrived about 3pm, which is usually the time when little ones (and moms, too) have woken up from afternoon naps, had a snack and are looking for something to do. It is the time of day when moms say, "Let's go to the park and have some fun!" Toddlers get strapped into car seats and infants are buckled into their carriers, and strollers are crammed into the backs of cars. The stroller I had for Andrew and Benjamin was huge! Bill and I called it "the cadillac". In my mind, it was an early 1970s model that went on forever and held everything I could possibly need for a small child: diapers, snacks, change of clothes, toys, plastic bags, sunscreen, sippy cup and a drink for me. It was also great to shop with because I could lay stuff on the top of it to think over.

I took the boys all over with it: library, mall, Tweetsie, the Greensboro Children's Museum, shopping, walks around the neighborhood and the park, where it was more like an ATV than a caddy. Occasionally, I would forget I had packed the stroller in the trunk of my car and make a run to the grocery store. I was always surprised to find it when I was ready to unload the buggy. I became quite adept at stuffing a week's worth of food around its bulk.

Tuesday the stroller brigade was out in force at the park. I counted at least four strollers, one on each corner of the playground. When someone packed up to go home, it seemed as if another rolled up to take its place. Each one had a baby and a mommy and a toddler using it as a base of operations. I felt a little nostalgic for my cadillac. It's been over a year since Bill and I donated it to a local chairity. But then I watched my independent boys make their way to the top of the climber and was glad our stroller days are behind us.

Burger King Free Onion Rings

2012-02-01 16:33:25

No matter who wins the big football game, all Burger King fans are getting rings! Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 4-5 is FREE ONION RINGS Weekend at your local participating Burger King restaurant.

Offer is one value size onion rings per person per visit. This is valid while supplies last and is not available during breakfast hours.

- Renee Canada, Art Director

Overspending on the Baby

2012-02-01 08:25:11

When it comes to our children, we only want the best for them. Sometimes that means sacrifice on our part so that we can afford to get them what they need, or sometimes just what they want. That instinct seems to be even stronger with parents of a new baby. A recent survey found that new moms feel pressured to over-spend on baby basics. Some of the findings include:
58% admit they are consumed by thoughts about what to buy the baby every day.
37% expressed guilt over not being able to buy a specific product.
52% are willing to buy store-brand products for the household, while only 30% will buy store-brand products for the baby.

The study reports that this discrepancy in spending comes in part because of the constant promotion and bombardment in the media of specific products and brands. But I think it's also just the fact that we only want what's best for our babies, and as a new mom you are more wary of "cheaping out" on a store brand. But maybe there are some ways to save, without sacrificing quality or safety for your child.

Two of the more expensive baby items are formula and baby carriers. Do you have to spend $80 on a Baby Bjorn carrier, when you can get an Infantino at Target for about $16? And as for formula, there's quite a cost savings between Similac and a store brand, and the quality of each is practically the same.

Budgeting for the new baby is just like spending for your whole household. It's a personal preference what you want to splurge on and where you can save, in many instances. For example, I might by store-brand paper products, but when it comes to canned vegetables and jars of spaghetti sauce, I only buy the brands I like. The same was true for my baby. I tried to save by making baby food and buying store-brand wipes, but I didn't mind spending extra to have a brand name formula.

Store brands are just one way to save. It's also smart to really think about what you need to buy and refrain from jumping on the bandwagon for some of the more unnecessary baby equipment. Our writer Cristi Driver gives some insight on what you really need, and what you can do without. We also have advice from Triad moms on what's important to have for your baby.

There's a lot of fun and cute stuff out there to buy. Just keep a level head, and your checkbook will thank you.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Store Brand Savings at Food Lion

2012-02-01 06:55:07

It's a great time to stock up at Food Lion with their Store Brand Super Sale. Here's the deal:
4 products = $1
6 = $1.50
8 = $2
10 = $2.50
20 = $5
40 = $10

Coupons are printed at check out for you to use on your next trip. It's a great time to stock up on things like paper towels, paper plates, canned goods and pasta. And remember, milk is store brand too!

While you're there, check out their Buy One Get One Free deals for the week.

Another thing I saw while out yesterday, CVS is having a sale on chocolate candy (just in time for Valentine's Day). It's a good deal if you're planning to buy treats for your child's school. Not only are the candies on sale, but you also get instant CVS bucks with your purchase.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Quality Time for Everyone

2012-01-31 12:29:54

This past weekend Johnny had to spend some time at work because of a new project he was implementing. It doesn't happen very often, but we are used to having him all to ourself on the weekend, so it felt strange. The good news is that it gave the boys and I a chance to spend more time together.

By Sunday around lunch time Johnny had completed everything, so the boys started asking what we could do together. Kaleb wasn't feeling good so he and I decided to stay home and just take it easy. We watched TV, laughed, had some snacks and snuggled together in the recliner. Johnny decided to take Kyle and Kasey to Celebration Station. The boys were thrilled and could hardly wait to get out of the door. I thought they would stay about two hours, but it actually ended up being four. They were exhausted, dirty and hungry by the time they got home, but they couldn't stop talking about all the fun things they had done. Bumper boats, go carts, putt-putt golf, etc.

It ended up being a great way to wrap up the weekend and re-energize for the upcoming week. Quality time is important in families, so work hard, but have some fun time too!

I also want to say how proud I am of Kyle. Reports card came home yesterday and he received all A's again. What an awesome job!!! He also got accepted into the Academically Gifted Program for Math and Reading. He's excited and I think it will help keep him challenged. Go Kyle!!!!!!

SAT, ACT: Either/Or, or Both?

2012-01-31 08:40:43

Having a high school junior around the house has made me realize just how long it's been since I myself went through the college application process. I'll be letting people know my age here, but I took the SAT back when the highest score you could get was a 1600, and there was no writing portion. These days, there are three parts to the SAT, and your composite score, if everything's perfect, can be 2400. Another difference, when I was in high school no one I knew took the ACT. Once I got to college, there were a few people who had taken it, but they were all from the midwest. But starting this year, all high school juniors will be taking the ACT (on March 6).

Tonight, the Guilford Parent Academy is hosting a a forum, "SAT vs. ACT: What's the Story?" at 6 p.m. at Page High School. And luckily it's not the only night you can get to this forum, they're having them at other schools in the following weeks. But if you're the parent of a high school student anywhere near ready to apply or think about applying to college, it's probably something you should go to. It will be a good opportunity to learn about both the tests, what they test, how they're administered and what colleges are looking for.

I think the reason no one around here took the ACT when I was in high school was because colleges didn't require it. I'm definitely not a college admissions expert, but it looks like more colleges are accepting either test, and maybe not putting such an emphasis on the SAT. They are a little different, as the ACT throws in science and is designed to test students on what they recall from their course work. Both tests are designed to predict how a student will perform in college. So one reason students will take the ACT is to help them be competitive in the college admissions process. Another reason the school system has decided to administer it as a way to gauge how students are learning while they're in high school.

I'm anxiously awaiting the scores of our own teenager to see how he performs on the ACT. But I'm also glad it's not the only thing college admissions counselors look at. The college admission process is almost like a minefield that parents and kids have to go through. It's definitely not easy, and it brings up a lot of interesting conversations. For more help with the whole process, check out our Parent's Guide to North Carolina Colleges.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

What's for Lunch?

2012-01-30 08:33:47

If you sent your child off to school with a packed lunch box, you know what they're eating today. That is, if they eat it. But if you didn't pack, what will they choose to eat at school? Is it healthy? Is it loaded with fat, sodium and unnecessary calories? The menu today for elementary kids in WS/FCS is "brunch for lunch," which is french toast sticks with yogurt, a ham and cheese biscuit, baked tater tots, strawberries and peaches. Sounds pretty good to me! But for the whole month, whether your child is in Guilford, Forsyth or another county, the menu is an interesting mix of nice-sounding hot meal options and fast-food knock offs kids like: chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, pizza and chicken filet sandwiches offered some days, with lasagna, baked ziti, roasted pork and turkey chef salad on other days.

Last week an overhaul of school lunches was announced, some of which will be implemented as soon as next September. The new guidelines limit the total number of calories in an individual meal and call for using brown rice instead of white, more whole grains, low-fat milk and an offering of more fruits and vegetables. Some things that haven't changed: the tomato sauce on pizza still counts as a vegetable, and there's no limit on the number of times potatoes can be offered.

It's good to see that people are paying attention to what our kids eat and trying to make it better. It's a tricky subject, because you run the risk of making healthy options full of whole grains and vegetables that kids won't even touch, as the Los Angeles system figured out. So sure, the menu might still contain chicken nuggets, pizza and taco salad. But maybe it's veggie pizza on whole-grain crust, baked nuggets and taco salad with brown rice, tomatoes and lettuce. And if you're like me, you just hope your child chooses that veggie pizza on the day she buys her lunch, and you didn't just send $1.75 for her to pick a pre-made PB&J and tater tots!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

80 Percent Off Clearance Items at Aeropostale

2012-01-30 06:58:01

Thanks to Moms Who Save for the heads up on this great deal. Aeropostale has clearance items up to 80 percent off. Prices start at $4.99 on graphic tees, marked down from $19.50; jeans for $9.99, marked down from $42.50; shorts for $14.99, marked down from $44.50 and more.

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

Flapjacks and Family

2012-01-29 13:39:02

The boys woke Bill up on Saturday morning with a request for pancakes. Bill rolled out of bed and started getting things together. Andrew carried the stepstool into the kitchen so he could help. As they mixed the batter, Bill talked to him about about his late Great Uncle Ding who made wonderful pancakes in Maine. Bill aspires to recreate his breakfasts on the weekends. When they had the batter ready, Bill got out the griddle as well as a small frying pan for Andrew. Andrew worked on his flipping technique one pancake at a time, next to his dad. This was his second lesson.

I enjoyed hearing Bill encourage him, "You're doing even better than last time!" He would eagerly wait until his dad told him the pancake was ready to turn. Andrew managed to completely cook and flip three pancakes of his own! Andrew gave out his pancakes to Bill, Benjamin, and me. He said they were "smokin' hot!" They were delicious! Anytime Bill wants to remember Great Uncle Ding and practice making pancakes is fine with me!

Hand Heart Trees

2012-01-29 13:13:06

Like most kids, my three love to spend hours at the kitchen table doing arts and crafts. Unfortunately, I'm not a particularly crafty mom, so I keep my eyes peeled for super easy projects. I spotted this Hand Heart Tree idea on Pinterest and decided it was easy enough to give it a whirl. After all, you only need paper, glue and scissors. Now that's my kind of craft!

You don't even really need directions with this art project. The photo is self-explanatory. You just trace your child's hand, cut out and paste on paper. Cut out hearts and paste them as well. You could use heart stickers, but we used construction paper. I think these turned out nicely.

They'll be a great keepsake and wonderful Valentine's Day decor. Best of all, it was a nice way to spend a Sunday morning with my kids.

Hard Decision Ahead

2012-01-27 08:20:17

Yesterday, Bill and I checked out two child care programs for Benjamin in the fall. Both are half-day and church affiliated.

First we visited "Program 1", the place where Andrew attended last year and loved. We were hoping that the new director had raised the level of quality to an even higher standard. Sadly, we were not terribly impressed. In the classroom we visited, the teacher said all the right things, but she seemed to be on edge with the children. The floor was sticky (and this was before snack). The lead teacher did not seem to get along with her assistant; she also appeared disorganized. Bill noticed there was not a lot of artwork displayed in the classroom or throughout the center.

At "Program 2", I felt the classroom was small, but the teachers were engaged with children (and they worked well together). Artwork was displayed; it looked like the class had recently finished an in-depth project that was ready to be taken home. Bill said the restroom was clean. I just wish this program offered classes four or five days a week, and was a little closer to our house.

Bill and I talked about these programs quite a bit last night. Neither one of us was enamored with either one. I'm glad we don't have to make a decision for a few weeks, when registration is held. For now, we are looking for another option.

Operation Smile Concert Tonight!

2012-01-27 08:02:25

You may know Eric Chilton as the weather guy on WFMY News 2. But did you know he's also lead singer in the band Eric and the Chill Tones? Along with 6 other men, they make up a local, beach music band that plays regularly at gigs in the Triad. You can see them perform this weekend, while also having a fun night out and helping a good cause, at the benefit concert for Operation Smile, "Smiling to the Oldies."

Operation Smile is a great organization that helps kids all over the world who are born with cleft lip or cleft palate receive free surgeries. The birth defect affects 1 in 700 children, but you rarely see any older kids or adults walking around with cleft lip or cleft palate in the United States. That's because with our health care system, babies are able to receive surgery at a very young, averting some of the problems that can occur later, including hearing loss and speech problems.

So find a babysitter and head out for some beach-party fun this weekend. Find more fun things going on this weekend in our Calendar of Events.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Get one pound of all-natural chicken with $10 purchase at Earth Fare

2012-01-27 07:04:19

Spend at least $10 at Earth Fare and get a pound of all natural chicken breast. You must first register at Earth Fare's website to get the coupon and future offers via email. The deal is good through Sunday, Jan. 29. Earth Fare is at 2965 Battleground Ave. in Greensboro.

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

Peanut Allergies: A Life or Death Situation

2012-01-26 07:56:14

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a staple of childhood. (And adulthood, for many of us!) But for about 5 percent of kids in the United States, the PB&J is as scary to them as kryptonite is to Superman. When we start introducing table foods to our toddlers, we're all a little anxious watching them eat that first bite of peanut butter. What if the reaction is like the editor of Piedmont Parent's son, which she describesin today's blog?

"Two years ago, when Jackson was 1, he had a frightening allergic reaction after taking a small bite of a peanut butter sandwich. After just a few minutes after eating, he started crying and began frantically scratching his eyes. He was inconsolable. Soon, he broke out in hives, and I knew instantly that we needed to call the pediatrician, who advised that we give him Benadryl. Fortunately, Jackson didn’t have respiratory problems, and he quickly recovered. We were lucky."

She goes on to describe the years since then, of being diligent searching through Easter baskets and Halloween candy bags, having to educate preschool employees, and keeping the epi pen available at all times.

The good news is, some kids will out grow the allergy. Children who start out with 5 or less on the IgE blood tests have a 50 percent chance of outgrowing their allergy. Myra's in the process of getting Jackson tested again, and they're very hopeful he will have good results.

But for the almost 80 percent who don't grow out of it, their entire lives they have to be on constant alert. The incident earlier this month in a Virginia school, where a little girl ate a peanut on the playground and died just a few minutes later in her school clinic from an allergic reaction, is enough to make any parent panic.

Schools do what the can to help keep kids safe. The Guilford County Schools' policy states that all personnel who will be in contact with a child who has a food allergy must be trained to administer epi pens, and peanuts have been eliminated from food preparation in cafeterias. In WS/FCS there are peanut-free cafeterias and classrooms when a child has a peanut allergy.

But is that enough? Legislators in Virginia are calling for epi pens to be a staple of first aid kits, just like band-aids and hydrogen peroxide.

My daughter takes peanut butter crackers to school for lunch every day. But when she was in preschool, her best friend had a peanut allergy. And we actually got pretty accustomed to taking turkey and cheese or bologna sandwiches. It might seem like a hassle at first, but it really isn't hard to help out when your child is in a peanut-free class. And as a parent, don't we all want to do everything can to help keep all kids safe? Hopefully this incident in Virginia, while a horrible tragedy, will be an eye-opener to people. All teachers and school personnel should feel comfortable administering an epi pen and be educated on the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. And maybe it won't be long before epi pens are in first aid kits in all North Carolina schools as well.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Coping With a Peanut Butter Allergy

2012-01-25 23:43:45

Two years ago, when Jackson was 1, he had a frightening allergic reaction after taking a small bite of a peanut butter sandwich. After just a few minutes after eating, he started crying and began frantically scratching his eyes. He was inconsolable. Soon, he broke out in hives, and I knew instantly that we needed to call the pediatrician, who advised that we give him Benadryl. Fortunately, Jackson didn’t have respiratory problems, and he quickly recovered.

We were lucky.

Our fears were soon confirmed after testing with an allergist. Jackson was allergic to peanuts.
And even though Jackson didn’t have breathing problems with that first reaction, the allergist explained that we might not be so lucky with a second exposure. We would need to carry an EpiPen with us at all times.

For the past two years, we’ve been very diligent to avoid peanuts and all products manufactured in same facility as peanuts, which includes all tree nuts and most store-bought baked goods, cakes, pretzels, etc.

It hasn’t been easy.

Imagine trying to explain to a 3-year-old why you are removing all of the chocolate candy bars and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups out of his Halloween candy stash. We avoid ice-cream parlors and Chinese restaurants. We pack food/snacks for Jackson when we attend family reunions and pot lucks, and I bake cookies and cakes from scratch. Jackson is the reason why his preschool class has a “peanut-free policy,” and every sitter/caregiver for Jackson must be trained on how to use an EpiPen.

The worst part is living in fear that my child is one bite away from death.

But there is hope, and 20 percent of children who are allergic to peanuts outgrow it.
Several weeks ago, Jackson was retested, and intial results from his bloodwork are promising. In a few weeks, we’ll go back to the allergist for a controlled exposure. He’ll eat a small amount of peanut butter in the doctor’s office and will be closely monitored by medical professionals for any sign of a reaction – for three hours.

I’m incredibly nervous, but knowing that we will be near a hospital helps.

I’m also incredibly optimistic and very hopeful that we’ll get good news. Wish us luck!

Quiznos $4.99 Combo Coupon

2012-01-25 21:03:44

Souper deal! While winter is still upon us, take advantage of the coupon below and indulge in one of Quiznos savory soups. For $4.99 you get a small sub, a cup of soup and a regular fountain drink. But don't delay, coupon expires Feb. 1, 2012.

- Renee Canada, Art Director

Talk to Your Kids About Sex

2012-01-24 22:23:04

As a parent of a teen, this is a headline that definitely caught my attention: "Sex Can Cause Pregnancy. Many Teens Unclear on the Concept." My first reaction is, how can this be true? Surely by the teen years they've at least had basic sex education in school and know how babies are made.

Turns out, they know how babies are made. They just have a typically teenage view of life, and think, "It's okay to have sex, I won't get pregnant, it couldn't happen to me." The research shows that it's because they believe myths like "you can't get pregnant the first time you have sex" or they thought they timed it right and couldn't get pregnant at the time. Nearly one third of teens who became pregnant admitted to not using condoms at the time, which not only opened up the possibility of a pregnancy but also potentially exposed them to STDs.

All of this brings home an important point for all parents -- talk to your kids about sex. Most likely it will be up to you to open up this conversation. While teens are curious and want to know all they can about the subject, it's hard to ask parents questions, especially about sex. But believe me, they do want to talk to you. Talk to them about your values and your beliefs. Talk to them about safe sex, protection, and abstinence if that's your preference. Talk to them about consequences, both physical and emotional. Be open and honest and ready to answer questions. And the conversation doesn't have to be all about sex. Starting the talk might open up a great conversation about relationships and getting along with members of the opposite sex. It isn't all just about sleeping with people, after all. Some of the trickiest mine fields a teenager can navigate are just dating, flirting and trying to figure out the realm of romantic relationships.

For a little help with these topics, check out the following websites:

The Mayo Clinic: tips on talking about tough topics and how to break the ice.

FamilyEducation.com. Information on STDs, sexting and good tips to guide the conversation.

--Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Take Advantage of White Sales

2012-01-24 22:06:30

Are you sleeping on threadbare sheets? Are you still using towels you were given for your wedding? Then take advantage of the white sales and stock up on some new linens!

Have you ever wondered why January is traditionally filled with white sales? It started in the late 20th century when a Philadelphia retailer discounted his sheets to keep textile manufacturers busy during the slow season.

I remember going with my mom every year in January to buy new pillows for the whole family when they were 50% off. I don't know why we all got new pillows or if it's something you should do every year, but it taught me one thing -- take advantage of white sales! It's not every day pillows go on sale. Of course, over the years retail has changed somewhat and there are a lot more sales throughout the year. White sales still go on in January, but you can also find good deals on linens in June during wedding season and even in August with the back-to-school crowd going to college. So if you can't spend the money to refresh your linen closet now, not worry. But if you can, here are a few places to look:

Sears is having up to 60% off its bedding

Towels and pillows are up to 50% off at Belks, and sheets are on sale there too.

Sheets and comforters are among the many things on sale at JC Penny, with discounts up to 80%. There's even some online-only deals to be found.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Baseball Begins!

2012-01-24 10:48:38

Well it doesn't seem possible, but I just finished registering Kyle and Kasey for Spring baseball. We received an email last week saying the registration deadline would be Feb 7, so I figured I better get it done. Practice is scheduled to start in late February and games in March.

Kyle has been playing for several years and will be moving up to kid pitch this year. He has always enjoyed it, and I hope that will continue. I have been told that it gets a lot more intense at this level, and I'm a little concerned that he will be worried that he's not as good as some of the other players. It's so hard to find the balance between protecting them and letting them learn some of life's hard lessons. Hopefully it will all work out.

Kasey, on the other hand, will be playing T-ball for the first time. When Kyle first started Johnny coached, and he is leaning towards doing that again. It does make a difference because he can help Kasey get familiar with what to expect and that will make him more comfortable. The hardest part will be balancing schedules. We'll have practices and games along with homework, and if Johnny does coach then that will be a lot of work and extra time. I'm sure it can be done, but I want it to be done in a way that we all have fun and can be successful. I hope there won't be too many conflicts with their schedules, because I want to support both of them and be a part of their games. We'll see how it goes! If anyone has any good advice to share from their own experiences I would love to hear it.

Best Family Cars

2012-01-24 07:53:30

Have you seen the new commercial for the VW Jetta, where a boy grows up buying first a bike and then cars asking "is it fast?" Then at the end, he has a baby in a carrier on his back and asks "is it safe?" As parents, we can all relate to that commercial. I recently was in the market for a new vehicle, and my list of what I want in a car have changed dramatically since I was in my early twenties. Now instead of a zippy little car that will get me back and forth to work I'm looking for a car that I can fit booster seats into easily, that kids can climb in and out of without a hitch and even buckle themselves in without having to perform body-stretching feats and that has window and door locks to keep us all in the car while on the road. My husband even asked about safety features, something I don't remember us being that concerned about in the past.

If you're in the market for a new car, or are thinking about getting something more accommodating for your growing family, there's a lot more to think about than just how many people it will seat. I saw a segment on the Today Show last week that was all about family cars. They had a representative from Parenting come show off a few of the magazine's top cars for families. You can find the entire list here. It reviews the things parents think about, like dvd screens, blind spot information systems and easy radio controls.

If you can't afford to go out and get a new car right now, maybe all your old reliable vehicle needs is a facelift. Have you ever heard anyone say that if you're thinking about selling your house, clean it like you're putting it on the market and then you won't want to sell it anymore? The same is true for cars! Take some time this weekend to really clean it out, get the leaves and fast food wrappers out of the floor, vacuum the seats and clean the dashboard. You can even freshen up the odor inside and get the staleness out by spraying some Febreeze in the air intake valve and running the air conditioner on full blast for 10 minutes.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Another Chance at a Fresh Start

2012-01-23 08:22:26

Happy New Year! Today is the Chinese New Year, the beginning of a 15-day-long celebration in China that ushers in the year of the dragon. Just like in the United States, the new year's celebration is a time of renewal and starting over with a clean slate. Traditions include cleaning the house to rid it of evil spirits and getting new clothes and shoes for the children. Cleaning is sort of a new year's tradition in my household. There's something about getting all the Christmas decorations down that inspire me to organize, de-clutter and dust. But it's been almost a month, it's time to do it all again! And how many of you made new year's resolutions that have already fallen by the wayside? Go ahead and start again. You can always use the Chinese New Year as a perfect time to start fresh. Find great ideas for paying down debt, de-cluttering your house and even starting a new exercise routine on our Living page.

You can also have some fun celebrating the Chinese New Year with your kids. Head out to your favorite Chinese restaurant for a special meal tonight. If you choose to live it up and go to P.F. Chang's, they're having a Year of the Dragon special starting tonight. You can also make special crafts, including a dragon float, a Chinese lantern or other printable activities.

There are even some pretty cool activities going on to celebrate. Head to ArtQuest this week to make a special movable, mythical dragon (starting on Tuesday, they're not open Mondays). And this Saturday at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh is a big Chinese New Year Celebration sponsored by the Triangle Area Chinese American Society.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Year of the Dragon Deal at P.F. Chang's

2012-01-23 08:17:28

Today is the Chinese New Year, ushering in the year of the dragon. You can celebrate at P.F. Chang's in Greensboro tonight and receive a red envelope. Save that envelope for a future visit, it could be worth up to 50% off your next dinner or a free appetizer or dessert.

This deal runs from Jan. 23-Feb. 6, and you can get a virtual red envelope on Facebook. Check out the website for more details.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Modeling Behavior

2012-01-23 01:27:13

We have heard the sayings "monkey see, monkey do" and "children live what they earn." We may also agree that children mimic the actions of adults; primarily that of their parents. The way we dress and talk, and the things we like. The reality is that the mimicry goes beyond the mechanical actions; it also encompasses behavior.

Albert Bandura purports in his social learning theory that children learn behavior by observing and imitating the behavior of others (adults). His famous Bobo Doll Experiment highlighted the correlation between observing aggressive behavior and acting aggressively. He had a group of children watch an adult be gentle to a bobo doll, and another group of children watch an adult aggressively attack the bobo doll. Each group of children exercised the behavior that they witnessed when they were in the room with the bobo doll. The findings suggested that children model their behavior after observed behavior.

The idea that our children learn behavior from us lends should put us on notice. They model their behavior after our own. Have you ever thought about where it is that you learned to navigate circumstances in your own life? Have you ever observed someone's behavior and thought that they "acted" just like their parent?

This becomes a noteworthy consideration when we are raising children in a non-traditional family. Co-parenting in the midst of conflict can bring out ugly feelings that shine the light on us when we are at our worst. However, if we truly have our children's well being as the focus, our personal awareness about what we are showing them can be our guide.

Communication can be the hardest thing to navigate when we co-parent. The communication lines may have been obliterated during the course of the dissolution of the relationship. However, this is a biggie in the co-parenting journey. There may be many ill and unresolved issues between you and your ex, but the fact still remains you both have other people depending on you. Both parties still have the responsibility to guide them through the challenges of growing up and the issues that your breakup presents. The way you and ex conduct yourselves in resolving conflict and managing communication is a lesson plan for your child(ren) in how they handle similar things. Being mindful of the unintended consequences of your choices and actions on the long-term implications for your children is can be a guide for you both in the co-parenting journey.

Some things I have found in my experience worthy of consideration when communicating as you co-parent:
1. What example am I setting for my children?
2. Is this how I would want my children to resolve conflicts?
3. Would my actions diminish my child's view of me as a parent and as a person?
4. How much do I want my child to see and hear?
5. Do I need an objective third party to help mediate between my ex and me?
6. Is what I am upset about worth it in the end?
7. How much energy do I have or want to spend on this conflict?
8. Do I have an emotional support system where I can go and exhale?
9. Do my children have a safe and reliable support system that provides them an outlet?
10. What are my boundaries? Do I have a line that I will not allow to be crossed?

Mommy Lesson: No one can tell you the choices you must make. Each person has his or her own set of situations. However, one thing does remain the same. We are parents and our primary responsibility is to our children. We all want what is best for them and we all hurt when our they hurt. The reality is that even though we separate/divorce our partners we do not divorce our children. Their needs and trust in us do not go away. At the end of the day, we have to put on the grown-up pants, no matter how uncomfortable it is, and make those tough decisions in the best interest of our children. What makes these growing pains worth it for me is that I feel good about my choices when I look in the mirror and when I rest my head on the pillow at night. It is not easy and you will show a little behind at times -- you are human. Remembering that our children are learning behaviors from us that will influence their lives is a great tool to keep us in check. While navigating the communication grid with your ex, remember to reinforce the communication lifeline with your children. It is all a work in progress. Hang in there mama. You are not alone.

Remember to take care of yourself and always walk good.

Aging Like a Fine Wine or a Stinky Cheese

2012-01-22 20:06:06

We've been celebrating Bill's birthday all weekend! Bill went out to a movie with his dad on Saturday afternoon while Benjamin had a nap and Andrew and I puttered around the house. Saturday night, his parents had us over for a wonderful homemade Italian dinner which ended with fresh canoli. Yum! Andrew begged to spend the night with them so earnestly that we finally said okay.

When we arrived home from Bill's parents' house, I started making his birthday cake (chocolate chip pumpkin pound cake). Bill sat down on the sofa and Benjamin made a fort by throwing a blanket over his propped up legs! Bill had a little snooze and Benjamin had a cool place to play. Sunday morning, Bill played with Benjamin before church. After church, he and Andrew watched "Return of the Jedi." The birthday cake came out after supper. This is the first year that both boys could sing all the words to "Happy Birthday." The boys and I sang, and then Bill blew out the candles. The boys had made sweet cards with Grandma for their Daddy. Andrew also made a card and a gift all by himself.

Bill said this was an excellent birthday. We all wish him many more.

Save on Circus Tickets!

2012-01-20 08:41:06

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Cirus: Dragons will be at the Greensboro Coliseum on Feb. 8-12, 2012. Order tickets online and use these promotional codes to save on tickets: save $6 per ticket on weekday performances by using the code RG6 or save $3 per ticket on weekend performances using code RG3. This excludes Circus Celeb, Front Row, and VIP seats and also excludes the Saturday, Feb 11, 3 p.m. performance. You can also pick up savings coupons at most Triad Burger King locations.

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

Winter Fun Weekend!

2012-01-20 08:32:20

Are you itching for some snow? I am. I thought after all the snow we had last year I would be happy for a snow-free winter. But now it's the middle of January, no snow in sight, and I'm starting to wish for a snow day. If you're longing for snow too, this weekend might be the perfect opportunity to pack up the family and head to the North Carolina mountains. There's a lot of fun to be had up there, from tubing at Hawksnest to skiing at one of the many ski resorts. You might even see some snow on the side of the mountains while you drive up there! Check out our Winter Fun article for a round-up of what's available. Be sure to call to confirm prices.

There's also some winter fun close to home. We might not have snow on the ground, but you can put on those fun winter hats and gloves and head to an ice skating rink. Check out the outdoor rink at the Piedmont Winterfest, or go to the LJVM or the Greensboro Ice House for an afternoon of fun. You can even make your own Happy Snowman for a little indoor snow feeling.

And who knows, maybe with all the winter fun we'll be having this weekend, maybe it will help bring some snow our way before spring arrives!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Have You Had Your Flu Shot?

2012-01-19 08:39:39

I don't know what it's like at your house, but this weekend my daughter had a pretty bad stomach virus, and now both the kids are suffering with runny noses and sore throats. I hear other parents talking about fevers, throwing up and even strep throat, and feel their pain. Obviously, we're in the throes of the sick season! Which in my experience, can seem to last until school gets out, but that's probably an exaggerated, pushed-to-my-wit's-end mom perspective.

What I do know is, after watching Contagion this past weekend, all of a sudden I'm way more attune to the passing around of germs. I went around the house with a Clorox wipe and cleaned the door handles and remotes after the weekend's sickness. I found a blog online this morning that also recommends getting new toothbrushes, not a bad idea. If you've just made it through a fever or other sickness, be sure to clean those bathrooms and door handles good, and wash the sheets while you're at it.

If you haven't been struggling with sickness in the household, then count yourself lucky and do what you can to stave it off. It's not too late to get a flu shot, and they're giving them at local urgent care centers, Walgreens and CVS. Be sure to wash your hands often during the day, avoid touching your face and don't share food with your kids!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Children's Books - Free Downloads!

2012-01-19 00:12:16

Here are some free children’s books you can download to a Kindle, iPad, smart phone or computer.

The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Anderson
A Tish, Of A Dish, For A Fish by David Forgensi
When Cows Fly by Tom Watson
Princess Callie and the Totally Amazing Talking Tiara by Daisy Piper
The Silly Fish Alphabet: An ABC Book for Children Learning Their Letters by Julie Sonnen

The price can change at any moment so be sure it still says $0 before you click to buy.
Thanks to My Frugal Adventures for publishing this free book list.

- Renee Canada, Art Director

Analog Angry Birds

2012-01-18 20:19:47

A couple of weeks ago, I took Benjamin to visit Auntie Adrienne. She had a brand new smartphone and had downloaded Angry Birds for it. That game is addictive! The premise of the game is green pigs have taken over the birds' house that is made out of blocks. The birds are using a slingshot to hurl themselves into the structure to make it fall on the pigs. You are controling the angle of the slingshot. For some reason, both Benjamin and I found it very satisfying to crush the pigs.

Upon our return home, Benjamin wanted to play Angry Birds, but I do not have a smartphone. That didn't stop him. He took his big blocks and built a tower. Then he took his bigger cars and decided they were "pigs." He used his little cars as "birds." We don't have a slingshot, so he sits about 4 or 5 feet back and throws the cars. We had to figure out where the best spot was for this activity. As a result, Benjamin has become a really good builder of towers and his aim has improved quite a lot. He's even learning to determine which block in the tower should be hit to bring down the building. Who knows? Maybe he'll be an architect!

Save Money By Planning Your Meals

2012-01-18 07:25:03

Sunday on our Facebook page Myra asked how many of you plan your meals a week in advance. I was surprised at how many people said they plan, but I shouldn't have been. It's something I've done for years. I think it's one of the best ways to save money at the grocery store. Often, I don't just plan for this week. I will check out the weekly specials of our supermarket, and if a pork roast or family pack of chicken is on sale, I'll get it and plan to use that meat for two meals, one this week and one the next.

I do it because I don't like to be spontaneous. I like to know in the morning what meat to put out to thaw and prepare for what we're having for dinner. But I've found over the years that it's also a great way to save money at the grocery store. It enables me to plan on using coupons, to take advantage of the store's weekly specials and to make sure I've bought what I need for a week of feeding my family. If you don't have everything you need, sometimes those supplemental trips to the store can end up costing a small fortune if you're not careful. Of course, it's also a very common tip to make a list and stick with it, in order to keep from buying more than you need at the store, and a weekly meal plan is a great way to do this.

For help with making your weekly meal plan, check out some of these sites:

Lowes Foods Meal Planner

Rachel Ray's 30 Minute Meals

Southern Food's Crockpot Recipes

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Gov. Perdue Visits Archer Elementary to Promote National Mentoring Month

2012-01-18 07:13:58

The kids at Archer Elementary School in Greensboro had a very special day yesterday. Gov. Bev Perdue made a special visit and toured the classes as part of her promotion of National Mentoring Month.

"Being a mentor is an essential part to our students’ success in the classroom. We know students who have mentors have a better attitude about their education, a high attendance record and a greater chance of attending college,” said Gov. Perdue. “I encourage everyone to be a mentor because it ensures a better future for our students.”

As parents, we are all involved in our own children's lives. But it's pretty easy to take a few hours a week to also get involved in the lives of other kids in our community. You may already be a mentor without realizing it! Teaching Sunday School or reading with kids in your child's classroom are a couple of ways to get involved. You can also join Big Brothers Big Sisters, or volunteer in the school systems. It's easy to sign up online for Guilford County Schools and Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools.

This month is a great time to get started mentoring in the community as the promotion of National Mentoring Month helps raise awareness. But mentoring is something that goes on all year long. Get involved and help out!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Kaleb's Birthday

2012-01-17 12:48:05

Happy Birthday Kaleb!!

Well it was a great weekend compared to the previous one. My baby turned 3 years old on Sunday. He was so excited about everything, and I had so much fun watching him. He had an Elmo and Big Bird cake, and he told everyone who they were. (I guess he figured he needed to explain it.) He opened every gift with such enthusiam and appreciation, and when all of the famiy got together to sing "Happy Birthday" he was just amazed to be getting all of the attention.

The other thing that was so cute was the fact that he decided to sing "Happy Birthday" to himself pretty much all day. Sometimes he would say "Happy Birthday to Kaleb" and sometimes he would say "Happy Birthday to me." Either way it was adorable, and we should all learn to be so happy to see a new year coming our way.

I'll admit he was a surprise for Johnny and I, and I can now say it was the best one ever. Like most moms, I vividly remember the day he was born. I knew what to expect, since I had been through it two times before, and I think I was finally able to just enjoy him and not worry as much. He is so sweet and loving, and has the cutest grin ever. Perhaps that is why he gets away with so much. Ha! Ha!

Kids are truly a blessing even on those days when they have gotten on your last nerve so remember to celebrate everyday as if it was your birthday!

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time!

2012-01-17 08:14:13

If you're the parent of a Girl Scout, you're probably right in the middle of selling cookies. If your kids aren't old enough for scouts yet, or you have only boys, then you're probably looking for cookies! It's an annual tradition in my family to buy cookies from the girl scouts at our church. I always think I buy enough boxes to freeze some for later, but somehow we always end up eating them all!

This year, it's easier than ever to find Girl Scout cookies. You can find a place near you with two great apps, the Girl Scout Cookie Locator and the Cookie Finder App. Of course, if you know a neighbor or family friend selling them, then it's even easier for you!

You might find that cookie time is an inspiration to learn more about the Girl Scouts, and even sign up your daughter to be part of this great group of girls. There's a neat exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh that commemorates 100 years of Girl Scouts in the United States. The exhibit was created by the Girl Scouts of the North Carolina Coastal Plains, and runs through July 29.

To find out more about Girl Scouts in our area, check out their website at Peaks to Piedmont. It's a big council with a lot going on!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Cute Animal Beanies at Crazy 8 for $1.99

2012-01-16 07:08:00

This is my favorite time of year to save on kids' clothes and accessories as retailers are making room for spring collections.

I found these adorable animal beanies at Crazy 8 for only $1.99, marked down from $5.95.

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

Make MLK Day a Day of Service

2012-01-15 07:13:07

This year marks a special milestone for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. It's the 25th year that we've celebrated this national holiday, taking time away from our busy schedules to remember a man who dedicated his life to helping others and raising awareness of injustices, all with a great heart and peaceful demeanor.

In 1994 the holiday was enhanced even more by creating the National Day of Service. Everyone is encouraged to take this opportunity when we have a day off of school and work to get out and find a way to help others.

This year, Guilford County School students are setting a great example. At Four Seasons Town Centre, high school students will gather from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to participate in a variety of service projects. They will do everything from packing military care kits to reading to children.

“The National Day of Service is a great opportunity for our students to encourage others to join them in their commitment to service,” said Yvonne Eason, coordinator of character development and service learning.

How will you honor Martin Luther King, Jr.'s memory? Whether you teach your kids about the history of the movement and how we can continue to work for the ideals he set out to achieve, or whether you find a way to participate in a community service project, it will provide a special memory for your child and give them new meaning to this school holiday.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Celebrate National Pizza Week!

2012-01-13 08:22:11

Here's some fun news -- it's National Pizza Week! What better excuse to ditch the dishes and order some pizza delivery? Or better yet, have a pizza party at home.

I never made my own pizzas until I got married, and my husband introduced me to the fun. He had grown up watching his mom make her own pizza dough, and thought that's how everyone did it. Actually, it turns out it's not that hard. Here's and easy recipe to make your own dough. And the best part of making pizza at home i you can personalize the pizzas so everyone gets just what they want. Kids want just cheese? Leave half plain. Then load your side up with artichoke hearts and spinach, or maybe mushrooms, black olives, sausage and pepperoni. Let your creativity go wild!

Make it more than just celebrating pizza. Turn pizza night into family night. Pick out a movie everyone will enjoy and eat in front of the TV. Or get the board games down and have family game night with the pizza! It will turn into a weekend everyone will remember.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Take the whole family out to dinner, for cheap!

2012-01-13 07:30:29

As part of a customer appreciation day, Cici's Pizza is offering their all-you-can-eat buffet for only $1.99 per person on Jan. 19. That's even more savings on an already great deal. The buffet includes pizza, pasta, salad and dessert. A beverage purchase is required. The offer is good at all Triad Cici's Pizza locations. To find a location, visit www.cicispizza.com.

For even more Triad restaurants that offer kids-eat-free deals or other discounts every week, visit our Family-Friendly Restaurant directory.

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

Monster Jam Discounts

2012-01-12 08:24:40

Are you planning to take your kids to the Monster Jam this weekend? It's a lot of loud, boisterous fun for kids, and makes for a pretty affordable outing. TIcket prices start at just $5 for kids ages 2-12 and $20 for adults.

But you can save a little more with these discount codes if you order tickets online ahead of time:

5% with TicketsNow code

15% with Ticket Master code

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Guilford Parent Academy Announces Spring Schedule

2012-01-12 08:00:50

Learning isn't just for our kids, and the Guilford Parent Academy has established itself as an innovative leader in encouraging family learning. With classes, workshops and family learning events scheduled throughout the school year, the Guilford Parent Academy works to make sure parents have the resources they need to help their kids succeed, as well as information that can keep parents learning to improve their own lives.

Starting next week, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, the Guilford Parent Academy is starting a new, six-week long series, "PC Skills for Today's Workers." The classes will cover the basics of Word, Excel and Power Point, as well as how to fill out an online job application and attach a resume.

If it's been a while since you were in the workforce, or your plans got interrupted with having children, these classes might be a good way to give you the skills you need to make you more marketable when looking for a job. And what could be better for your kids than to see you taking the initiative to learn something new? It might inspire them to put more effort into their own school work. You can study together!

Check out the other classes offered as well, you'll have the opportunity to learn the differences between the SAT and ACT and advantages of both, tips for helping your high school student apply for college as well as information on developmental stages of little ones.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

The Mom Purse

2012-01-11 20:20:42

I can recall my mother cleaning out her purse every once and awhile. She would spread out some newspapers on the kitchen table and just turn the whole thing over. I never knew if she was looking for something specific, but she sure found a lot.

My mom carried the same purse for probably 20 years. My aunt sent it to her -- it was a souvenir from a trip to Turkey. She loved it because it was unusual yet practical. For two decades, she received complements on it. However, she didn't realize how much it stuck out when she carried it on her shoulder. The thing was huge! I was nearly knocked over a time or two. When this bag finally wore out, she searched and searched for another one, or someone to make her one like it. I think she has settled for something just as big, but not nearly as cool.

My purses have evolved to meet my changing needs. When I was younger, I carried cute purses that held my wallet, keys, lip balm, and one or two other things. That's all I needed, until I had kids who weren't in a stroller. (When I had the stroller, my purse was just one more thing that was tossed into the basket underneath the child.)

What I carry on my shoulder these days has to be big enough to carry snacks, drinks, toy cars, extra pens, mints, tissues, etc., along with my wallet, keys, and lip balm. When I clean it out, I usually find all that, plus cough drop wrappers, extra change, random toys, gas station reciepts and squished granola bars. The boys are not allowed to go in my purse -- this includes Bill. They never know what they will find in there. Bill will occasionally ask if he may retrieve the joint checkbook from it. I'm glad he's setting the example that a woman's purse is a sacred space.

Dear Reader, what's your purse like?

Free Kleenex

2012-01-10 21:59:29

Does everyone in your house have a runny nose? Do you feel like you're constantly opening up a new pack of tissues? Now you can get one for free. Kleenex is running a promotion on their website, Kleenex.com, where if you share a pack with a friend you get a pack yourself, of the new Cool Touch Kleenex.

There's also a $10 rebate for Cars 2 on the website, available if you purchase $20 in Kimberly Clarke products.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Are Kids Playing Enough?

2012-01-10 21:46:08

Last week, I wrote about the fact that school kids need to go outside, weather permitting, or at least run around in the gym while at school. The benefits of excercise are numerous, but one of the big ones is it could help kids do better in school.

Now a study has found that kids in daycare aren't getting outside to play enough either. And sadly, one of the reasons why was because of the academic push coming from parents. Similar to how the stress to perform on the EOGs keeps elementary kids from getting P.E.

So parents, we need to chill out. Kids are supposed to play. It's how they learn to get along with each other, share, take turns and win and lose with dignity. It's also a time when they let their creativity and imaginations run wild, making up new worlds, games and stories to go along with their play.

Do you part to make sure your kids are playing. If your kids are in elementary school, be in contact with your child's teacher and know what their P.E. schedule is. If your kids are in daycare, they should be going outside, it's part of the state regulations. Make sure they have the coats and hats they need to stay warm, and communicate with your daycare provider to let them know you want your child to go outside.

You can even do some of the work yourself. Get outside and start playing. GamesKidsPlay.net has rules and ideas for tons of games and acitivities to do outside. Take advantage of our mild winter and play outside. It's good for everyone!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

A Weekend Gone Awry

2012-01-10 11:54:12

This past weekend I had big plans to get things done. My Mom and Dad had agreed to keep the boys so Johnny and I could work -- uninterrupted. We had planned our list and were ready to go.

But then, Kyle came home from school and announced that he no longer wanted to go with my parents. He wanted to stay home. My first response was NO!!!! Kyle has a very dominant personality and his ADHD and ODD doesn't make it any easier. I tried talking him into going but he refused. So the weekend began with Kyle at home. Friday evening was okay, but by mid-day Saturday he was bored and wanted Johnny to play with him. Johnny and I told him to go outside and play with the neighborhood kids, but he didn't want to. He was making us miserable, and therefore not much work was getting done.

That night we went out to eat and Kyle wanted to go somewhere and do something that we normally can't do when Kasey and Kaleb are with us. Again I was frustrated. I had been working hard all day, I was hungry and I didn't feel like I needed to accommodate his every demand. We ended up at Fats, and then while we were waiting to be seated he was whining and fussing that he wanted to go somewhere else. I am embarrassed to admit it, but we did leave and ended up at Liberty Steakhouse. He was not pleasant to be around at dinner, and to top it off he then wanted us to think of something fun that the three of us could do. It was late by the time we finished dinner and I just wanted to go home.

Sunday was more of the same. Johnny and I had to listen to Kyle again. Therefore the weekend didn't turn out as I had hoped. Kyle kept saying that we never do anything fun on the weekends, which isn't true. When he gets in a bad mood like that there really isn't much you can do to help him. The best thing is just to leave him alone. So with that being said, for those of you out there who have kids around the ages 9 or 10, what do they enjoy doing with their time on the weekend? I hope I can come up with some ideas for entertainment. Also I would love to hear from parents have children with ADHD and or ODD. Do you struggle with the same kinds of things?

Eat Out Tonight!

2012-01-10 08:06:54

Tonight, and every Tuesday through February 28 (except Valentine's Day) you can be a part of The Big Eat in downtown Winston-Salem. Participating restaurants are offering 50% off their signature dish, to help build recognition of the great things going on downtown. It's a great opportunity to try something new, and have a little fun with the family at the same time. Some of the restuarants might be more the type to hire a babysitter and go out with just your spouse, but others are definitely family friendly. Just looking at the list of tonight's signature dishes makes my mouth water.

If you don't live in Winston, Tuesdays are still a great night to take the family out to a restaurant. Many restaurants in our area have kids-eat-free deals on Tuesday nights.

Take the opportunity to go out. It give you a night off of cooking and washing dishes. And eating out at a restaurant is a great experience for kids. They learn how to wait patiently for their food, the can practice their manners and using a fork and knife and it provides some time for you to all sit and talk together without the distractions of home.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Be More Like Gordon Ramsey, Your Kids Will Appreciate It!

2012-01-09 07:47:06

Think your kids won't eat salmon? Can't get them to put broccoli past their lips? Maybe it's all in the presentation! I never heard of "plating" until I started to watch Hell's Kitchen. While I'm not a gourmet chef, it might be one of the most practical things Gordon Ramsey passed on to me as a parent. It turns out that researchers have found one way to get kids to eat more fruits and vegetables is to make them more attractive on the plate. Kids aren't little adults, and their preferences in plating vary greatly from ours. For example, most adults prefer a plate with 3 colors on it, but kids preferred 6 colors, with 7 different components.

Honestly, I don't think I could come up with 6 different colors of food for each meal. But I'll definitely try harder! And the research also proves something that parents have known for a while. When it comes to kids and eating, presentation is everything. It's one of the tips in our own article "How to Get Kids to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables," and it's something parents have been practicing for years, from cutting sandwiches into shapes with cookie cutters to adding raisen faces to peanut butter toast.

This research just gives us a nudge to be a little more creative on an everyday basis, with some of the less desirable foods. Planning salmon and broccoli for supper? Maybe the broccoli could serve as hair for their little hunk of salmon. Draw a face with the tartar sauce, and voila! Appealing. Add a few carrot sticks for a little more color, a lemon wedge to squirt on the fish, and all of a sudden you're up to 5 colors.

For some out of this world inspiration, check out "45 Ways to Arrange Food to Entertain Kids," from the Curious Funny Photos blogger.

To get kids excited about eating more colors, you can check out the Sesame Street monsters' puzzle book, "Eat Your Colors."

Another helpful hint: give your kids a big plate like yours. That gives you a little more room for creativity, as well as space to make sure foods can be kept separate if needed.

So get a little creative, start thinking in colors and have fun with dinner!

--Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Winter Clothes on Clearance

2012-01-09 07:17:12

While shopping online for kids' clothes, I found this girls 3-in-1 jacket at The Children's Place. Regular price was $69.95, and it's on sale now for $19.99 in size L (10/12).

You'll also find snowsuits for sizes 3-9 months for $17.99, marked down from $34.95.

And in the clearance section on the site, I found a variety of hats on mittens for under $4.99.

Lots of great deals to keep your little ones bundled an warm this winter!

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

Not the Parent I Was

2012-01-08 23:24:54

2011 ended on a high note of personal growth and awareness for me. We spend so much time as parents ripping and running, managing and monitoring and simply keeping it all together. I am not sure about you, but sometimes it feels as though so much has passed us by.

In this age of busy schedules, technology and scholastic competition, our children are always doing something. I have heard many parents harmonize the same sentiment of "my kids have such a crazy schedule." Many have authored books and penned articles on the potential harm over-scheduling can cause our children. They say too much technology is not good and studies have been done to suggest that our children are too "wired." I know a couple of parents who have chosen to limit the outside craziness by staying home, home schooling and limiting their interaction with those beyond family as much as reasonably possible. All this is in an attempt to focus on the important things and to capture the moments that can slip away. Then there are those who embrace the faster paced technological advancements and numerous extra-curricular activities.

Either way, we as parents realize that growing up is a fast-paced process in and of itself, and we all want to harness those memories in an effort to hold on to the innocence and simplicity of the ages. We don't want to miss a thing.

Last year was almost a blur for me. I am sure I missed a couple smaller things at the time they happened. However, one thing 2011 did for me was open my eyes to some of my children's milestones, past and present. My youngest has grown exponentially, physiologically and psychologically. My 14 year old is on his way to high school while my oldest is college bound with her early acceptance in hand. I have witnessed a lot of maturing and surges in independence. These developments have caused me to pause and reflect on my life as a parent.

The one main element of my discovery is that of a role shift in parenting. As parents, we spend our lives protecting, guiding, comforting and nurturing our "babies." We find that in the early childhood years we are indispensable, always on call. Our days were filled with molding and bending our schedules and sleep patterns around the needs of those sweet, innocent and helpless angels. It's "mommy I need --" and "daddy can you --?" They hold your hand tightly and walk close by. We are their world and their world revolves solely around them. As much as we enjoyed the pleasantries of the young ages, many of us have echoed the desire for some independence from those bundles of bliss so that we could move without having little ones underfoot.

Then we blink and they are off to middle school. A completely new world opens up. It is hormonal changes and struggles to find themselves. It becomes the battle of wills in every way imaginable. You are no longer their main source of approval. Now peer acceptance and rejection drive the flavor of the day. They are too young to be babied, but not old enough to entrust complete independence. The middle years are packed full of intense joys and pains. Your little angel has begun to look more like men and women and less like preschoolers. Their emotions take you on a roller coaster ride not soon forgotten. We find ourselves questioning who these body snatchers are and where did our "babies" go.

In many cases, the latter part of adolescence and the high school experience begins to unravel someone who is more like the child you remembered, but it also reveals a new and emerging person that you are excited about getting to know. Suddenly you see a reflection of yourself or of the other parent. When did this happen?

This is where I found myself at the end of 2011. My awakening was a gift given tome by my daughter. After watching her command her space and effectively stand up for herself, my "baby" girl delivered to me a dose of reality. That curly haired, big-dark-button-eyed baby girl has not only emerged as an academically responsible individual, but she has blossomed into a strong and capable young woman. Hey, my daughter is going to be an adult this year -- she will be an eighteen-year-old voter on her birthday. She drives herself and makes critical decisions by herself more and more each day. She does not need me to micro-manage everything. Instead, my role has shifted to more of a consultant and advisor.

Here is where we transition from a parent and little child relationship to a parent and adult child relationship. Here is where I respectfully guide my daughter with thoughtful input while giving lift to her wings as she soars into her role as a woman making choices on her own.

Mommy Lesson: As I let go and embrace my daughter's new and empowered phase I must now reconcile within myself that as parents, her dad and I have equipped her with what she needs to continue on her trajectory to becoming successful and whole. This is not an easy place to find myself, but it is an exciting beginning of my next phase as a parent. As so eloquently expressed in Kenny Chesney's song, "Don't Blink," life happens fast, and if we "blink" we may just miss a few good things -- like our kids transitioning into adults.

Always take care and walk good.

My Little Team

2012-01-08 20:07:59

Last week, Andrew and I got on each other's nerves. It would start in the morning with him refusing to eat breakfast while I pushed him to eat something so he wouldn't go to school hungry. Then he would dawdle along until he had to rush to get dressed, or he would come out with his shirt on backwards and not care about turning it around.

By Friday, I had had it. I had given him the breakfasat he'd requested and set a timer because we had to be out the door and he still wasn't dressed. I also had to get Benjamin ready. (Bill had to be at work really early or he would've helped.) When the timer beeped, most of Andrew's pop tart and his toast went in the trash. Within minutes, the boys were dressed and we were on our way to school.

On the way to school, I usually try to give Andrew a pep talk so he starts the day with his teachers on a good note. Not Friday. All the way to school, I lectured both boys that Daddy was going to be out of town for a few days and we were going to have to work together as a team, and I didn't want to spend my time and energy repeating myself because if that happened I would be cranky and then we would ALL be cranky. I think both of them were glad that we live close to the school!

Bill left for Atlanta after lunch Saturday. So far, it's as if a switch has been flipped. The boys got along well. There was a little arguing about who was going first at bathtime. We read three books and the boys went to bed without a peep! Go team!

Gymboree Semi-Annual Sale - Save up to 70 percent off!

2012-01-06 08:34:59

Gymboree's Big Red Balloon Semi-Annual Sale is going on now in all Gymboree stores and online. Save up to 70 percent off original prices on all clothing and accessories. Some items as low as $3.99. Plus earn $25 in Gymbucks for every $50 you spend for more savings later. To find a Gymboree store near you or to shop online, visit www.gymboree.com.

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

Magnet School Fair This Weekend

2012-01-06 08:09:17

Are you looking for some new options for your child's education? Or a parent of a 4-year-old and looking at the different opportunities for next year's school choice? Then head over to the Benton Convention Center on Saturday for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Magnet Fair. Applications for magnet schools are being accepted until January 20, and this fair gives you an opportunity to explore the different choices in magnet schools and ask all the questions you need about what the benefits of magnet programs are.

In Guilford County the application process comes a bit later, from Feb. 18-March 16. But it doesn't hurt to check out their magnet opportunities now and get a feel for what's out there.

As a parent, it's nice to know there are some choices for our kids education. I'm a big proponent of public schools, and my kids go to the school that we're in the district for. But I know that's not always the best option for everyone. Luckily there are other public school options, from magnet schools to charter schools. (If you're still wondering what exactly magnet and charter schools are, check out our "Magnet vs. Charter Schools" article for a good overview.) Then there are the many private school options in our area. Check out our recently updated Private School Directory to get an overview of the schools to choose from and the different things the offer for kids.

Whatever choice you make, be sure it's the best option for your child and your family. That will be one big step in ensuring success in school.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Facebook, You and Kids

2012-01-05 08:28:58

The new year is here, we're getting kids back to school, and it feels like time to get the house cleaned out, calendars organized and all the other stuff that goes along with a fresh start. Here's a new one to add to your new-year to-do list -- clean up your social media profile. It's something they were talking about on the news last night, and it actually makes sense. In fact, it might be something you and your kids should do together.

Pew research found in 2010 that almost 75% of teens used social networking. I'm sure that's even higher now! And even though you are supposed to be 13 to be on Facebook, research has found that 7.5 million kids ages 8 to 12 are on Facebook. A very good article in the recent Redbook takes an in-depth look at Facebook use among teens, and shows how it poses a very interesting dilemma for parents. Say yes to Facebook, and all of a sudden you're opening your child up to a whole new realm of peer pressure and potential bullying. Say no, and your child will become a social pariah.

While there are definitely many things to be aware of if your child is on Facebook, it's just one more thing to add to that list of rites of passage that pre-teens and teens have been going through for years. Adolescence is a time full of dangerous minefields, as kids learn to think for themselves and find their place in the world. The place of parents is to be here to help them maneuver through it.

So if your kids are on Facebook and you're not, get on. Forget all the stigma associated with it and quit trying to act like you're above it. It's one of the best ways to connect with your teen and learn more about their social lives. If your child is under 13, you should definitely be monitoring the entire process very carefully.

And believe me, I know from experience that a teen being on Facebook can bring up some great conversations between you and your child. Does your kid have 600 friends online? Maybe you should talk about friendship and what it means, as well as how a "friend" on Facebook is different than a true friend.

Does your teen get excited when a lot of people "like" a status update, but mope around when he posts an update and gets no reaction? Use that opportunity to talk about the ins and outs of social media and the difference between that and conversations in person or over the phone.

You can also talk about how what you say or post in pictures represents you to other people, encourage kids to think about how what they're posting may be received by their Facebook friends (which probably include everyone from their best friend at school to their Sunday School teacher) and even how to stay safe and secure from online bullying and cyber-predators.

It's a complicated world we live in. But while you're taking off some of those pictures of you from 2009 where you were still trying to lose the baby weight, encourage your kids to think about how the picture of them hanging out with their girlfriend at the latest frat party will look this spring when they start looking for a job. It's all a matter of perspective!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Party Paint! Two-Hour Birthday Bash for up to 10 Kids

2012-01-04 23:09:45

With Living Social's Family deal from Party Paint, you spend $70 (regularly $155), and get a two-hour birthday party for up to 10 kids, including face painting and balloon twisting. These party masters will travel to events all over Burlington, Greensboro and High Point, adding color and fun to your occasion. They'll bring all the supplies -- including chairs and tables -- you just line up those lovely faces. They even guarantee your little ones will love sportin' a superhero or wild animal face throughout the shindig. With a hit party like this, you'll have smiles all around for another 12 months!

- Renee Canada, Art Director

Finding Support in MOPS

2012-01-04 21:22:30

I'm in a MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) group that meets once a month in the evenings at a local church. Our little group started in 2009 from the moms that met at the local rec center for Mommy & Me time with our little ones. It is made up of a wide variety of mothers -- some are older, some are younger, some work full-time, others stay at home with usually something on the side. Some have all girls, some have all boys, some just have one.

When we get together for one of our meetings, we talk and talk and talk. We talk to each other, we talk to the evening's speaker, we talk to God. And we listen and learn. I've learned many interesting things at our meetings. The topics are as varied as the members. I've learned about taking good pictures, how to do fabric applique, about local Smart Start resources and ways to organize coupons -- just to name a few of the topics.

My sister and I were also presenters at a recent meeting. We did a hands-on presentation about homemade chocolate-dipped candy. That was a lot of fun!

Our meetings close with a devotion offered by older ladies who have children who are out on their own. The wisdom these women give us is very reassuring.

Our MOPS group plans outings with and without children. Taking Andrew and Benjamin out with other mothers is like having extra sets of eyes to watch them, as well as extra playmates to keep them entertained. I'm also fond of the group discount we often receive. When just the moms go out, we have an opportunity to get to know each other a little better, but we usually end up talking about our children. What I like best is the cameraderie amongst the women in our group. They are the parents of my children's friends. I feel like I could call any one of them with a question and find an answer that would point me in the right direction. It's nice to know they are there for me as I am for them.

So, Dear Reader, if you have chance to attend a MOPS meeting, I urge you to go. Childcare is usually offered and you can have your body, mind and spirit fed.

(Editor's note: There are a lot of different MOPS groups in the Triad area. Check out our list to find one near you.)

More Reasons for P.E.

2012-01-04 07:33:11

Most kids are heading back to school today (thank goodness). We know they'll be reading, doing some math problems and going to lunch. But will they have P.E.? That's a good question. They should -- North Carolina Public Schools states that kids in elementary and middle school need 150 and 200 minutes of physical education per week, respectively. That consists of at least three days with a physical education instructor. But there are days when the science lesson takes too long, preparating for EOGs takes precedence, or maybe the teacher just doesn't feel like taking everyone outside to play.

A while back a group of parents came up with a petition for daily recess, because there were many classes that weren't taking the time to go outside. They cited many reasons why daily recess is important, from helping kids concentrate better to improving kids' overall health. Now there's more research that backs up the reasons for daily physical activity -- it's linked to better brain function. Dutch researchers found a significant positive relationship between physical activity and academic performance.

So while teachers might be thinking that those extra minutes in the classroom will help improve scores on EOGs, it's actually just as important to get those kids outside running around. From Kindergarten all the way up to high school.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Super Double Coupons!

2012-01-04 07:26:25

Super Double Coupons start at Harris Teeter today, through Jan. 10. They'll double up to 20 coupons up to $1.98.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04 07:21:20

Happy New Year everyone!

Like most people, I am already thinking about what I can do this year to make it better for me, the kids and my family as a whole. I have so many projects that I want to work on and it seems like I always have good intentions, but I don't always have the time to get it all done.

I really want to make some changes to the boys rooms. Kyle just turned 9 last week (and by the way I can't believe it was 9 years ago that I gave birth to my first child) and his room needs to look more age appropriate. We are planning on giving some of his storage containers and toy boxes, etc. to his brothers, and get him some new stuff. Also he needs a bigger bookcase, so the boys will be able to use his. It's so hard to find time to go out and look around and be able to shop for the right pieces. Once you do that you still have to bring it home and get it in the right place.

I also want Johnny and I to go through each room, including our garage, and get rid of "stuff." I don't believe in keeping things that you no longer use or that are broken, etc. Johnny, on the other hand, is sort of a pack rat. He has the mind set that he might possibly use something again, so he keeps it. Also if something is broken he is Mr. Fix it, so he'll hang on to stuff for the parts and pieces. It is hard for us to agree on what needs to go, but I think he is finally at the point where he realizes we simply have too much.

As a family, I want us to all eat healthier and get more exercise. We need to try new foods and stop eating so much pre-packaged food. Again, it would help if I could add some more time to my day, but since that's not going to happen I've got to find other ways to make it work.

Another one of my goals is to spend more time with Johnny. I realize that in order to be better parents we need time away from the kids. The last few years we have had a total of about 3 or 4 date nights. The kids are always with us. Not that it is a bad thing, but we need some time to talk and enjoy each others company. If we could just plan one night a month I think it would be helpful to all of us.

So there you go. I'll have to update you as the year goes on with our progress. Wish me luck!!

A Resolution to Get in Shape

2012-01-03 07:38:46

I usually don't make New Year's resolutions. But this year, for some reason I'm feeling more out of shape than usual. Too many Christmas cookies, big family dinners and candy around the house, together with a lot of sitting around, have me thinking about actually starting an exercise program for the new year. After all, wouldn't it be a great example to set for my family?

I might just join the millions of Americans who are resolving to be fit in the new year. After all, the number one New Year's resolution for 2012 is to lose weight. Unfortunately, more than 50 percent of us will have given up on this by July. But on the plus side, that means 50 percent of us will have exercised pretty good for half the year. And maybe those good intentions stay with us a little longer, even if we're not exactly following the routine we had set up at the beginning of the year.

I think the hardest part is getting started. I haven't done anything yet, because I tell myself I can't find the time. It looks like I'll just have to make the time. Maybe for parents, the resolutions have to be joint ones. If you want to go to the gym a few nights after work, make a deal with your spouse for them to handle suppertime duties on those nights, and you agree to put the kids to bed. Or if you're the parent of a teen, join the YMCA or a gym where you can all go together. They'll enjoy the chance to workout somewhere during the cold months, and having someone to go with will make you more motivated. This month is a great time to join a gym, many are having deals and the YMCAs of Northwest North Carolina are having a Pay the Day special for their joining fee.

You might even have made it a goal to run a 5K this year. Check out our article "Jogging into the New Year" for great tips on how to get started running. Running can even be something the whole family takes on.

Whatever you choose, make sure it's something you enjoy doing -- you'll be more likely to keep it up all the way through to next year!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

10 Resolutions in a Blended Family: One Mother's Perspective.

2012-01-02 23:54:51

The holiday season marched in with all its fanfare, tinsel, sounds and picture taking. Now we're into 2012, and we start a new year filled with possibilities and choices.

Many of us succumb to the need to start afresh with a list of resolutions, some shorter than others. Why is that, do you suppose? There are psychological theories that discuss this, but that is for another blog on another day. Today I choose to reflect on why I am making my own resolutions.

As a parent of three amazing children involved in a non-traditional family, I find that it is important to me to center my resolutions on the continued growth and support of my children and family. While we have managed to maintain involvement by all parents in each child's life thus far, it has not come without its share of challenges. These challenges have been not much unlike that of any family's, whether it's a traditional two-parent household or a blended situation. Yes, some issues arise because of the unique blend of two families existing as one. One challenge that has been well noted has been the ongoing communication struggles between two parents that have had obvious communication differences, which is often one reason why the relationship ended. This has subsequently led to a few of my personal resolutions as a parent and a person.

Resolutions in a Blended Family: One Mother's Perspective.

1. I need to remain supportive of the children when they experience communication breakdowns with their father without "covering" his shortcomings. It is important for me to remember that my ex is just as fallible as I am in the way we do or say things. Understanding that as teenagers our children are going to have to discern for themselves the differences in how people communicate may not be ideal for them, but they have to learn how to effectively navigate these situations on their own, as they grow closer to being independent. I will not do them any favors overprotecting them from things that may cause discomfort. It is my job to be their support and their comfort as they grow.

2. I must remind myself that I am responsible for the effort made towards anything that I do. This is important because my children depend on me. Whether or not both parents are in the same house does not negate my personal responsibility to doing what needs to be done in raising well-adjusted and responsible citizens. Just because he/she chooses not to does not give me a built in reason for not doing something even if it means more work on my part. My children are worth it.

3. Each adult is responsible for their actions and I cannot base my expectations of someone else's behavior on what I would do. We are different people with different standards and ways of doing things. After all, if my ex and I shared these same expectations and abilities then we would be together. Actively being mindful of the differences allows us to go forward with less disappointments and anger therefore we can accomplish our goals more effectively.

4. I have to find moments in the day where I can quietly appreciate the different needs, accomplishments and personalities of each child. For me, I have three children in three distinctly different developmental stages. One child is college bound this fall, another is high-school bound and one is a three-year-old preschooler. At times, managing the household feels like a zoo and can quickly overtake my time, mind and space leaving me feeling very overwhelmed. I must set aside time (15 to 20 minutes a day( to collect my thoughts and remind myself of the positive elements of each child so as to better manage my time and emotions.

5. I resolve to continue utilizing my calendar. Last year this worked well even though I did fall short at times with my efforts. This year I plan on building on the momentum and being more disciplined so as to increase the benefits experienced last year. This was a major plus for me.

6. I plan to limit the infiltration of the frustration and stress of the day-to day when it comes to my approach to my husband. Managing two sets of family dynamics while actively being in one, can lead to a stress filled mental state at times for one person. Unfortunately, the current partner/spouse often feels the effects without you realizing it. In order for the current relationship to have a chance to continue to grow, this must be recognized and addressed. Too often we get caught up in "doing" and stop "building" those vital connections with the one we love. I resolve to enthusiastically acknowledge the positive things that my husband is doing and choosing positive words and sentence structures to offset any negative impulses. Choosing to be conscious of the way I phrase things is critical and must be done because my marriage is important to me. Beyond me, my current marriage is a second chance to show my children how a healthy relationship is supposed to be. This is my responsibility.

7. I have to plan on getting out and doing more this year as a family. Last year was intense with me being in school full time and we missed this opportunity. This year there is no excuse.

8. I need to take time to update my address book. This includes family, close family friends and my ex in-laws. Why is this important to me? I have been fortunate to have surrounded my children and myself with supportive and positive people over the years and have managed to maintain many relationships. As I have gotten older I have learned that as much as email and social media have allowed me to keep in touch, nothing is more heartfelt than a card mailed on those special occasions or a line or two of thought sent through the snail mail. I enjoy receiving items in the mail besides bills and catalogues. These relationships continue to be a source of positive influences for my children and deserve a more personal attention which have waned a bit as the years have progressed.

9. I will continue to diligently pursue my personal and professional goals, because my success is measured in what I can instill in my children. How would it appear if I slacked off and abandoned my commitment in the eyes of my children and family? It is easy to say what you are going to do, but then you have to be disciplined to follow through. Teaching by example is by far a better lesson plan than "talking" about it.

10. I have to continue my spiritual growth to strengthen my foundation in order to be the rock for my family. Beyond surrounding yourself with positive people, there are times when you need more. Whatever inspires your spirituality and renews your soul is often the source that pushes you through life's difficulties. For me it is my faith. Though I have not developed my faith to where I need it to be, my thirst for development has not disappeared. As a mom and wife, I have often found that I have sidestepped my spiritual desires in favor of my duties. Sometimes I questioned if I have simply gotten lazy and used my family obligations as excuses. No matter what the answer to my thoughtful question might be, it is my goal to make steps in developing my spirituality -- more discipline and less sidestepping.

Mommy Lesson: Overall, I believe that my New Year's resolutions are attainable because they are building on a course already charted. They may seem like many things, but they are doable. As parents, we spend a great deal of time telling our children to focus on the things that they can control and to focus on building their character. New Year's resolutions can be lofty goals of the "ideal" self and we fail at attaining them because we bypass the needs of our "real" self -- the self in the present.

We cannot magically reach a desired outcome if we build on a faulty foundation. No one can truly have a clear view through a cracked or shattered mirror. Maybe we should take a page from the lessons we espouse upon our children and the advice we generously shower on others and focus of working on becoming the best "self" that we can be. Each step brings us closer to achieving the desired person we want to be. Part of what makes us who we are, how we perceive others and manage situations are determined by -- our experiences, both good and bad; our own participation and the influences of others. I am turning inward this year folks. Sending you my well wishes momma and all the best in 2012.

Take care of yourself and always walk good.

Russell Brand, Katy Perry and Parenting Teens

2012-01-02 08:11:24

Among all the year-end updates and New Year's recaps, there was one news story this weekend that caught my attention. Russell Brand and Katy Perry are getting divorced. Honestly, I don't really care that much about either one of them. I didn't even know they were married. What caught my attention was the reason for the split. Reportedly, the divorce is happening because he wanted kids and she didn't. And I find that interesting on many levels.

First, it breaks some stereotypes. Usually you hear of couple breaking up because the woman wants to settle down and have kids and the man doesn't, rarely it's the other way around. But as the parent of a teenage boy who is starting to explore the dating world, the news hit home to me in a different way. Shouldn't the topic of whether or not you want kids be something you talk about BEFORE you get married? Marriage is a big step. And we all hope that when we enter into it, it will last a lifetime. Sometimes it doesn't, and there are often many good reasons why people get divorced. But as parents, one thing we can do for our kids is help them learn to have some of these types of conversations with their significant other before they take the plunge and get married.

Dating is very different now than it was when I was a teenager. And it was different when I was a teenager than it was when my own parents were teenagers. But even with all the texting and facebooking instead of calling on the phone, there are many things that are still the same. When my high school boyfriend broke up with me and I was completely heartbroken, it was my dad I turned to for comfort, and I still remember the words of advice he gave me. Now, I've found that I've enjoyed having the opportunity to share with my stepson some of the experiences I had as a teenager, the confusion and drama and the lessons learned. These conversations provide a good opening to talk about some of the choices you might have made, what you learned from them and how you ended up married to the person you're with.

It might not seem very romantic, but before we got married my husband and I talked about how we would handle the household finances, how many kids we wanted and even our religious backgrounds and how we would handle church with the kids.

Every couple is different, and everyone has different opinions about how things should be done. But there are definitely some dealbreakers when it comes to marriage, and as Russell Brand and Katy Perry so aptly show us, whether you want kids is one of those. If you have teenagers, or even if your kids are younger and the dating issues are further in the future, it's probably a good thing to prepare yourself for the dating years. Make sure the lines of communication are open. Share your values with your kids, and let them know you're there for them when they need to talk. And hopefully they won't end up divorced in a year, like Russell Brand and Katy Perry.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Toys R Us Clearance Event

2012-01-02 07:31:32

Toys R Us is having an online-only Red Hot Cyber Clearance Event with up to 80 percent off on select items. The sale includes dolls, games and more. Shipping is currently free with a total purchase of $75 or more.

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

Year-End Sales

2011-12-30 08:01:42

You thought the day after Christmas sales were good, check out the deals going on during this weekend's New Year's sales, as stores of all sorts try to get things off their shelves. It's a great time to buy everything, from getting a head start on summer clothes for the kids (I bought tank tops for $2 at Walmart yesterday) to making big purchases like cars. Many dealerships are giving some big rebates to get all the 2011 models off the lot.

Find sales on everything from coats, sweaters and jeans at Kohls, Belk, Old Navy and more, with 75-80 percent off!

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30 07:50:52

It's the big weekend, the time when our calendar changes from 2011 to 2012 in a split second! How will you be celebrating?

There are some good family-friendly options here in the Triad. You could take your kids to a Noon Year's Eve countdown to party during the day. The party at the Greensboro Children's Museum is Friday, featuring Big Bang Boom, and the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem will be partying on Saturday.

Maybe you'll break open some sparkling grape juice and celebrate at home. Find a country who has already celebrated, like Australia, and watch a New Year's countdown and fireworks on YouTube as you ring in the new year together. We've got ideas for some non-alcoholic drinks that can make it a real party!

Or maybe you've already hired a babysitter and you're getting ready for a special night out with your sweetie, sans kids.

No matter how you celebrate, have fun and be safe.

From all of us at Piedmont Parent, happy new year!

Natural Science Center of Greensboro offers membership discounts

2011-12-30 07:22:28

Get an annual family membership for the Natural Science Center of Greensboro at a discounted price. If you purchase the annual membership by Dec. 31, it's only $55 -- $20 off the regular price.

The perks of being a member include unlimited, year-round access to the science center and Animal Discovery, discounts on camps, birthday parties, workshops, priority registration and special events.

Visit www.natsci.org for more information or call 288-3769, Ext. 305.

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

Yakity Yak, Don't Talk Back!

2011-12-29 07:15:28

New research proves something I've always had a gut feeling about: there's a fine line between disrespectful back talk and kids asserting themselves to stand up for their own opinions. It turns out maybe some of what we consider back talk isn't always bad. Studies showed that 7th and 8th grade kids who were able to stick to their guns on issues with their parents were more likely to resist peer pressure as teens.

As a parent, it can be very tricky to decide how and when to discipline. And very frustrating. When I was a child, I don't remember ever being punished for talking back. In fact, I was pretty confused on what it even meant when I saw my friends get chastised for talking back. Which doesn't mean I was a perfect child, I wasn't. But I realize now there was an open environment for everyone in our house to voice our opinion.

Now as a parent of a very headstrong and opinionated daughter, I find myself frustrated and exasperated with the arguing. There are times when it is okay to argue, because I like that she has her own opinion, but then there are times when she needs to know there's no reason to argue and respect my decisions as a parent. She's not even a teenager yet, but the attitude has been there since birth. Even when she was just two years old people would see the fight in her and say, "you'll be glad for that attitude when she's a teenager." Maybe they're right, the research proves it. But I can still foresee many arguments in our future, getting trickier as she gets older.

One thing I've learned is that there's a time and a place for arguing. Depending on what the topic is, maybe as parents we don't have to always stick to our guns and can sometimes see the child's point of view. Other advice from Parent News is to be willing to hear the child out, and when it's something you need to say no to, don't back down.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Headed for 2012

2011-12-28 20:19:38

The boys had a wonderful Christmas. At 5:01 a.m., Andrew woke Bill and me up with the announcement that Santa had not come. He had walked by the pile of toys we had carefully arranged the night before and not noticed a thing! I told him to snuggle up with us and take a nap. He snuggled for almost two hours, but we didn't go back to sleep.

Close to 7 a.m., I told him to go wake up Benjamin. He leaped out of bed, finally saw the toys Santa had left, and burst into his brother's room shouting, "Benjamin, Santa came!" From then on, it was toys, family, and pancakes. Christmas had come.

But before looking forward to 2012, I need to look back at 2011. This was the year that Andrew kind of learned to swim and mastered the swings at the park. He did a lot of traveling: to Disney World with Auntie Adrienne and me, and all the way to Maine with Papa and Grandma. He's having a fun year in kindergarten; I am so glad we waited an extra year before letting him start school.

Benjamin saw his first movie in the theater, "Cars 2," and attended vacation Bible school for the first time. His personality blossomed from a semi-serious child to a goofy little boy. He doesn't miss a thing, either. He's learning a lot from his brother.

Plans are already being talked about for 2012. Perhaps a trip to Maine for all of us. Andrew will move up to first grade. Benjamin will learn to write his name (he's already working on a "B"). We'll return to Tweetsie, where we're considered regulars, and to the beach, where we're considered really pale.

It's going to be a great year!

It's a Great Time to Join the YMCA!

2011-12-28 07:58:33

Do you have a plan to get in better shape in 2012? The YMCA's of Northwest North Carolina are making it easy for you to complete your goals. Starting on January 1, they're having a Pay the Day campaign through the entire month. On New Year's Day you can join any of the 15 YMCAs for just $1. After that the joining fee will match the date, $2 on the 2nd, $3 on the 3rd, and so on.

It's a great way to save and get the whole family active. After all, who doesn't like taking a dip in the pool once in a while in January?

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Keep Reading Over the Break!

2011-12-28 07:42:18

With school out this week, it's very easy to get out of the regular routine. Kids are sleeping in, homework's not on the list of things to do and even for preschoolers the naptimes might be less stringent. But through all the excitement of being with family and playing with new toys, it's important to keep reading. In fact, I realized just last night that although I've been reading a lot with my own first grader, enjoying all our books about Christmas, I haven't made her read to me like we do every day during school. Time to get to work!

Guilford County Schools have a special incentive to help them read over the break. Superintendent "Mo" Green has challenged students to read two million books by the middle of January. To help reach that goal, kids who log five books from the beginning of the winter break to January 13 can receive a complimentary ticket to the UNCG vs. Western game.

Of course, it's not just Guilford County kids who need to read, all of us do! The best way to encourage your kids to read is to read yourself. Pick up one of those books you got for Christmas, or use one of your gift cards to buy a new book, and start reading. And remember, no matter what age your kids are, it's always fun to read out loud together. Check out our reviews of some great books, such as "The Carpenter's GIft," to keep the holiday spirit going in your own home.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

The Blessings of Christmas

2011-12-28 07:41:05

Last week's stress turns into this week's memories.

Christmas 2011 has been wonderful. The boys were so excited on Christmas morning. They were very happy with all of their Santa gifts and they even did a good job sharing and checking out each others goodies. Kyle and Kasey both got new bikes and Kaleb got his first scooter. Because the weather was nice they got to try them out right away. Kyle also got some new Wii games, Lego sets and sports stuff. Kasey got a western town with horses,cowboys, a stagecoach and a jail. He also got some Mobigo games, movies and a new baseball helmet. Kaleb got a super cool ladder firetruck, puzzles, Storybook E Reader and a travel lap desk.

Overall they loved everything which of course made it all worth while. However, I will say I'm glad it only happens one time a year. Now looking forward to 2012 and see what that has to offer the Martin family.

Boxing the Old and Embracing the New

2011-12-27 20:47:26

Phew! Now that the "big" Christmas celebration has passed and we cruise towards the beginning of a new year it is a great time to clear out the old so as the embrace the new. Many old, broken and outgrown toys and clothes could be boxed and donated to organizations such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Catholic Social Services or others who serve those in need in our community. Not only does this bode well for our social outreach, it also allows us to de-clutter our homes and surroundings.

Beyond the physical transitions, sorting through the clutter of the past also teaches our children lessons in cleaning, organizing and altruism. Altruism (defined dictionary.reference.com) is "the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others -- opposed to egoism." Altruists are empathetic towards others. In essence, they are able to feel happy when others are doing well and sad when others are suffering. This is important in establishing resilient relationships; most societies recognize the importance of altruism within the family. By encouraging cooperation over conflict in any setting promotes concordance within groups and communities.

I can see why they say "charity starts at home." Psychologist Abraham Maslow created the Hierarchy of Needs pyramid that signified the physiological, safety, belonging and love, esteem and self-actualization needs of humans. According to Maslow we all have basic needs that we must relatively achieve before we can move on to acquiring the remaining needs. For argument's sake, assuming that our children have attained their physiological basic (food, water, shelter, warmth, etc.), safety (security, stability, etc.), and their belonging and love (family, friends, etc.) needs, the next stage would be the esteem stage. Here is where we learn to care about mastering what we learn, caring about others, gain self-esteem, etc. Maslow believed that we are always growing and "becoming" our potential. If we are to assert that these needs exist, then we can assess that our foundation has to be a strong support for us (and our children) as we pursue the best person we can be -- self-actualization. Not perfect, but rather the best of ourselves.

What does altruism and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs have to do with our children? Considering that we are always growing and taking in life experiences that impact who we become, and the fact that most parents want their childen to achieve their full potential, the correlation may be a good point of direction. While as adults we strive to fulfill certain basic and growth needs, we often find a few obstacles that can derail our pursuits. Not having an understanding of what pulls us in the direction we want to go leaves us at times feeling as though we are floundering. If nothing else, starting the conversation or thought of what we want and where we are may not only help us readjust our goals and plans to move forward, but it may also help us better understand how our actions can impact our children's own need to grow.

For us parents who are experiencing a nontraditional family setting while desiring the best for our children, it is often helpful to have access to information that can affirm or affect what we are doing to better guide them. Maslow, suggested that life experiences (i.e. a divorce) can have an effect on the ability to transition from our basic needs' stages, which affects our personal growth and our pursuit of realizing our full potential. Although Maslow spoke of adults, one can infer the relevance to the youth. Being able to see the virtues of the future person we would like to see our children become helps us strengthen their foundation. This is where information like this becomes relevant.

Mommy Lesson: I have always been very involved in volunteering in the community. My children have grown up around the idea of volunteering. This is an important element of my life; something I would love to impart in my children. More than simply volunteering to fill a need, I hoped that they would learn humility and compassion for others. So far, I have been very touched by their sense of their role in the community not as individuals but a part of something larger. This time of year, I see their gratitude for the gifts they get and their desire to do for others. Compassion and empathy are not signs of weakness, but rather symbols of strength. So while putting away the tree and trimmings, packing away the new and discarding the old, hopefully this could be an opportunity to renew, reinvigorate and teach a little something that can go a long way.

Take care of yourself and always walk good.

Baby Formula Safety

2011-12-27 07:28:41

A 10-day old baby in Missouri has died and stores are voluntarily pulling Enfamil formula off the shelves while the company investigates the case. Today news came out that there is no evidence of Cronobacter in the batch of Enfamil formula, the bacteria that caused the infection the baby had. And while I don't have an infant and am not buying formula right now, I breathed a sigh of relief at that information. I fed both of my children formula. We depended on it, because for a variety of reasons I wasn't able to breastfeed. I trusted the formula completely, and never thought twice about whether the bottles I was feeding my children were safe or could cause a form of deadly food poisoning. I know that many other mothers are like me and need to feed their babies formula, and news like this makes us all panic a little.

The question now is, if the Cronobacter didn't come from the formula, where did it come from? And what can parents do to keep their babies safe? Cronobacter is a bacterium that causes a very rare but often fatal infection of the bloodstream and central nervous system. It can be found in powdered infant formula, but is also in soil, water, the home environment, and foods such as cheese, fruits and grains. So this is totally speculation on my part, but if the bacteria wasn't found in the batch of formula, it's possible it could have come from the water or just something in the home.

When feeding formula to infants, it's very important to follow the recommended food safety guidelines.
* If using tap water, the FDA recommends boiling the water for one minute, and then cooling it to room temperature before mixing it. Mixing very hot water with powdered formulat could cause clumping or destroy heat-sensitive nutrients.

* If you use bottled water that's labeled sterile you don't need to boil it, otherwise use the boiling method above.

* Sterilize bottles and nipples before the first use. After that, washing in the dishwasher is fine.

* You can use the liquid form instead of powdered formula, as it's sterile, but it is more expensive for everyday use.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Day-After-Christmas Shopping Tips

2011-12-26 08:35:12

It’s the day-after-Christmas shopping extravaganza! Will you be out in the madness? I will. It’s a tradition in my family. My mom and her mom before her used this day after Christmas to go take advantage of the sales on Christmas items and stock up for next year. I will be looking wrapping paper to re-stock my supplies, Christmas cards and some generic gifts. It seems to have become an even bigger shopping day the past few years, thanks to the prevalence of gift cards, and retailers expect this to be a very busy day for sales.

While I have an agenda for my shopping trip, it’s easy to get lured in by the slashed prices and spend more than you planned while out shopping the day after Christmas. So here are my tips for the frugal ones among you:

* Make a list and stick to it. Sure, there are lots of great deals, but isn’t your house already full of new things? Remember to use this just to buy what you need for next year’s celebrations.

* This is a great time to go to places like Fleet Plummer and Hallmark. Those fancy holiday gift items that were out of your price range before Christmas are often 50-75 percent off now, and will make great gifts for co-workers and teachers next year.

* This is a great time to take the kids with you and let them shop with their gift cards. With the big sales, they’ll get more for their money.

* Plan your shopping carefully. If you had your eye on something in a particular store be sure to go there first. Things sell out fast today!

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Happy Kwanzaa

2011-12-26 08:31:49

Today marks the first day of the seven-day Kwanzaa celebration. It’s a relatively new holiday, with this being just the 46th year of its celebration, but the holiday has some good traditions around it. Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate the family, community and cultural heritage. It was designed for the African-American community, to create a way to celebrate the African ties and come together as a community. But the value and traditions of Kwanzaa can be celebrated no matter what your heritage is. With the kids being out of school this week for winter break, it’s a great time to spend time with the family, talk about your heritage and find ways to be part of the bigger community.

You can celebrate in our community starting with a special Kwanzaa storytime at the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem and events all week at the Hayes-Taylor YMCA sponsored by the Greensboro Kwanzaa Collective. You can also celebrate at home with Kwanzaa crafts and printables.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23 07:12:26

The stockings are hung, the tree is trimmed, the cookies are baked, the presents are wrapped (at least some of them) and the turkey is thawing in the refrigerator. The weeks of planning, shopping, bustling from one party and activity to another are finally over, and the big weekend is here.

It's a weekend to hang out in the kitchen eating and baking, play with the kids, watch lots of movies and holiday specials and most of all, spend time with the family. Maybe you'll pack everyone in the car and head out to see some lights, we've listed displays all around the Triad. Or maybe you'll head to a movie, there are a lot coming out this weekend and we've got links to reviews below. Whatever you choose to do, have lots of fun.

Merry Christmas from everyone at Piedmont Parent!

Enjoy the Kids!

2011-12-22 06:40:26

School is officially out, but Christmas is still a few days away. And believe me, I know how interminably long a day at home with the kids can be, especially when they're steeped in excitement waiting for the big holiday, and on top of that it's cloudy and miserable outside.

Make the day go by faster by filling it up with some fun Christmas activities. You can bake cookies with Mrs. Claus this afternoon at the Greensboro Children's Museum, or bake some of your own concoctions with our family-friendly recipes. First time baking with the kids? Make sure to bring lots of patience!

Or maybe you're feeling a little crafty. We've got some easy holiday crafts to make with the kids that also make good presents if they're still looking for things to give grandparents or aunts and uncles. You can even make some wrapping paper, which not only gives busy hands something to do but also helps cut down on waste.

Whatever you do, have fun with the kids. The look in their eyes this time of year is priceless, and they won't be this age for very long. While they may try your patience today, remember they'll be in bed eventually and you can light a candle, make some hot chocolate and sit down to relax. Because the excitement starts all over again tomorrow morning!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving ... Long After the Holiday is Over!

2011-12-22 01:29:55

Maybe there are other folks out there who, like me, are still wrapping up their holiday shopping... you know...those of us who haven't marked off every name on our lists.

Consider giving a thoughtful gift, and one that keeps on giving -- a subscription to your friend or family member's favorite magazine. Magazines.com offers discount subscriptions every day, but right now, they have some really great deals! (and there is always free shipping and no tax on your purchases).

There is a $6.99 Stocking Stuffer special that includes a huge selection of favorites such as "Parents," "Parenting Early Years," "Parenting School Years," "Prevention" and "Family Circle." And for the men on your list they offer "Field & Stream," "Newsweek," "Popular Mechanics" and "Inc." The site is very user friendly and searchable by category and price to help narrow down the vast choices.

Once you have decided, there are three gift notification options available: a postcard mailed to the recipient, an e-card sent to recipient's email address or a printable announcement you can customize. If you really want something tangible under the tree, then consider printing out a small version of the magazine front on their website, trimming and placing in a mini stocking along with some candy... and voila! Instant gift! Or since it will be a few weeks before the first issue arrives, you could gift bag a current copy of the magazine. For a creative touch, include something that goes along with the theme of the magazine. ie. golf tees with a "Golf Digest" subscription or some kitchen utensils with "Cooking Light."

Good Luck and happy (last-minute) shopping!

- Renee Canada, Art Director

Through the Eyes of Children

2011-12-21 20:41:30

Oh boy! Yesterday was Andrew's last day of school in 2011, and now he has two whole weeks of vacation! His class had its Christmas luncheon on Tuesday and both Bill and I were able to go. We noshed on chicken tenders and other finger foods with our boy and his classmates. Then we were entertained with some traditional songs of the season. (I think I successfully video-recorded them; at least I hope I did!) I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Andrew made some cute Christmas decorations in his class. I wonder if the teachers know that what the kids bring home will be treasured for the next two decades. When I was in the fourth grade, I made the ugliest Christmas ornament EVER. I am sure my mom still has it packed away.

We've been watching some of the holiday specials in the past few weeks with the boys. It's fun to watch them watch Ruldoph or the one about the elves that was on last night. They are simply spellbound, not sure if it's just a story or if it is really the way it happens. Bill has caught Benjamin wide-eyed and open-mouthed. He's four, the perfect age for the holidays.

Bill and I have also taken the boys out to look at the Christmas lights. When we look at a big display, he and I think, "Wow, that's a lot of work!" and the boys think, "Wow! That's awesome!" We can't become children again, but we can do our best to enjoy Christmas through our own little ones.

From my little family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanukkah

2011-12-21 07:11:23

It seems somewhat fitting that the Festival of Lights coincides with the winter solstice this year. Last night marked the first night of the 8-day celebration, and tonight at 12:30 a.m. we get the official start of winter, the longest day of the year. It's a perfect time to light up the night with candles. For the next few days, Jews around the world will take time out from their busy lives to spend time with family and remember and honor the regaining and rededication of the Holy Temple. After being destroyed by Antiochus and his forces, the Maccabees finally regained the temple only to find almost all of the oil was gone. They lit the menorah anyway, and miraculously it lasted for eight days.

Here in the Triad, you might choose to spend the eight days celebrating with your family, eating latkes and playing the dreidel games. Or you can go to the temple and enjoy the time with others. Temple Emanual in Greensboro is having a family Hanukkah party tonight, and most synagogues around the area will have special services every night.

Enjoy this special time with your family, passing on the traditions and values that help make us who we are.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Before-Christmas Sales!

2011-12-21 07:03:34

Now is the time when all of us who still have shopping to do can say to those of you who had it all done before Thanksgiving -- ha, ha! In a last-minute effort to get loads of traffic in the stores, many of them are holding special sales and slashing prices. Here are just a few that I've heard about:

Macy's: They're having a one-day sale today (Wednesday) and just some of the sales are 50-70% off bedding and 50-65% of sweaters.

Belks: Their one-day sale is tomorrow (Thursday). Look for 60% off sweaters and 70% off red-dot clearance items. Even after the one-day sale they'll have 50% off sweaters and boots.

Going by Old Navy? All sweaters are $10, and you can save up to 60% off outerwear.

Kohls is also having some deep discounts, including 60-70% of their jewelry.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Stress of the Season

2011-12-20 13:13:29

I'm feeling the stress!! I was hoping it wouldn't get me, but it did.

Of course I think anyone would agree that it's just so hard to get everything done. I keep thinking of more things I need to do, and I'm running out of time. I was already behind because Kyle was sick several weeks ago, then I had it. Then last week we found out that Kasey has pneumonia, so as you can imagine most of my time has been at the doctor's office trying to get everyone well for Santa. I really do know that being healthy is the most important thing, but I also don't want to disappoint anyone else. I still have a few days so hopefully I'll get it done.

I've been trying to wrap presents as I buy them so I wouldn't have it all to do at the last minute. My plan was working great until this past weekend when I found Kaleb under the tree and wrapping paper and gifts everywhere. He was so quiet, I still don't know how I didn't hear him. I must admit it was funny and not funny at the same time. I'm lucky to get them wrapped once much less twice. He had finally found a gift that had an M&M's candy cane in it, and that's where he stopped. He had opened it and was having a good time enjoying his chocolate. Oh well, it helps me in some ways to keep things in perspective. I'm so thankful for my kids and family and that's all that really matters.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!!

'Tis the Season to be Baking!

2011-12-20 06:52:46

Making cookies is one of my most favorite holiday traditions. It's something my brother and I did with my mom when we were kids, and now I love doing it with my own kids. I have fond memories of choosing cookie cutters and shaking sprinkles while running back and forth from the kitchen to the TV in the living room to watch Frosty and Rudolph. (In the days before DVR, it was challenging to make the cookies and not miss any of our favorite Christmas shows.)

Unless you just happen to be an absolute saint of a parent, you'll admit that baking with kids isn't the easiest thing. So while I'm not a professional baker, I thought I'd share some of the things I've learned over the years to help things go a little more smoothly.

1. Make sure you're feeling good and come armed with loads of patience. If you have a headache or happen to have had a bad day at work, maybe it's not the perfect night for baking with little ones already hyper from the excitement of the Christmas season.

2. Be prepared for things to take more time than usual, and lower your expectations o what you want the end result to look like. If you're baking to give things away as presents and want it all to look nice, maybe you should do the project without the kids, and let them bake for the family a different time.

3. In my experience, gingerbread men are the best to make with kids. They're easy to roll out and between the raisins, M&Ms, icing or whatever you choose to decorate with, they lend themselves to lots of creativity on the kids' part. I use the recipe from the Joy of Cooking, but I'm sure any recipe will work fine.

4. We've made sugar cookies that you sprinkle and ones that you ice, and both are good. The advantage to the icing ones is that the decorating is done after the baking, so you can bake everything first and then call the kids in to decorate. Just make sure you roll the dough out thick enough so the cookies are strong enough to stand up to being decorated by little hands. If you go for the sprinkles, put some sprinkles in little bowls so the kids can pick them up with their fingers instead of shaking the bottles. I like the recipe with powdered sugar for my sugar cookies, and it works well rolled out thick or thin.

Share your tips or favorite holiday cookie recipes with the Piedmont Parent community. It's one of the best parts of the holidays!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Good News for NC's Pre-K

2011-12-19 08:28:29

North Carolina just won another Race to the Top Grant. Announcements were made Friday for the new round of grants that will award 9 states each part of the $500 million set aside to help boost early education programs. The new program was created after the success of the previous Race to the Top grant program, which awarded states for innovative programs in K-12 education. The money is to be used to help improve staffing standards and have more accountability in place for what kids are learning in these programs, rather than just expanding existing programs.

I'm very happy that our state is one of just 9 to get this extra boost, and not very surprised. There are a lot of things that aren't perfect about our education system, but I've always been proud of our Smart Start and early education programs. North Carolina has had Smart Start since 1993, and the program which helps kids learn the language and social skills necessary for kindergarten reaches kids in all 100 states. The program made the news a lot this fall, when budget cuts meant that Smart Start and More at Four faced challenges, including having to limit the number of students taht could take advantage of the programs. Personally, I know that in Wilkes County, the pre-k programs still exist but some parents are asked to pay part of the cost, in sort of a graduated scale.

I don't know how the state will use this new money. If the Christian Science Monitor is right and we can't expand programs, then it's possible new teachers can't be hired and the schools will still be limited in the number of students they can take. But at least the ones that are there will get a better quality program, and the positive effects will surely trickle down throughout the system. If our program is good enough that Washington wants to back it, there's hope that our own congress will throw themselves behind it as well, and maybe the funding will come back next year.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

75 Percent Off Select Christmas Decor

2011-12-19 06:33:23

Most retail stores will have huge clearance sales after Christmas to move holiday merchandise, but Dollar General is already slashing its prices with 75 percent off Christmas stockings, rugs, wreaths, outdoor decor, ornaments, tree skirts and more. The sale is advertised in this week's circular with prices effective through Dec. 23.

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

The Candy Division

2011-12-18 21:35:29

Last week, Bill said he needed some time to himself to finish up his shopping and wrap gifts. I needed to go to Adrienne's house for our annual candy-making weekend. And Andrew needed to have a good visit with his grandparents. Sometimes the stars align in our favor. Papa and Grandma picked up Andrew from school on Friday afternoon. By that time, Benjamin and I were at Adrienne's house. We went early so we didn't get caught in the rain that was supposed to come in that evening. Benjamin and I enjoyed hanging out with Auntie Adrienne. She has a new smartphone, and Benjamin and I played Angry Birds for the first time. That game is addictive! Both of us loved the challenge of figuring out our next moves. Benjamin also liked having someone to play cars with besides me.

After dinner out at Adrienne's favorite diner, Benjamin had a bath and went to bed. Adrienne and I started our candy-making process while watching "The Sound of Music." We rolled buckeyes and chocolate covered cherries that we dipped in chocolate on Saturday. Making these confections is one of my family's Christmas traditions; I remember our grandmother making the cherries when I was a child. When I talked to Bill, he was done with his shopping and into the wrapping/cleaning phase of his weekend. Benjamin and I headed home on Sunday morning with two containers full of goodies. We stopped at our house to put them in the freezer and then went to collect Andrew from his grandparents and go to church. It was quite a busy weekend! I'm looking forward to being together next weekend.

What to Give the Teachers?

2011-12-16 08:36:20

Do you stress out a little about what to give the teachers? Just be glad we don't live in Alabama or a state with regulations on gift giving! Alabama officials have said teachers should be subject to the same regulations as lobbyists, and could be fined up to $6,000 if they accept something inappropriate from their students. Other states have less stringent regulations, but from searching the Internet I've found everything from price limits (nothing over $49) to regulations on how gifts can be given (if from the group, all students should be included regardless of participation).

If you're like me, you'll be scrambling this weekend or early next week to pull something together. And while you might not be worried about exceeding a $50 spending limit, it's still hard to figure something out. You want something nice, but nothing too big, and you're usually shopping for someone you don't really know. Bath gel and lotion have become the perfect go-to gift for teachers, and I also like the Starbucks gift card idea many parents have talked about. But maybe you're looking for something a little more personal, or meaningful. I always think it's a special gift for teachers when students make them something. A hand-made card or a poem they write can mean a lot. Teachers also like gifts that were obviously chosen by the child. In our family it's a tradition to make buckeyes (peanut butter balls covered in chocolate). So we're doing that this weekend, and my daughter will take a holiday coffee mug filled with them to her teachers on Tuesday. Find other ideas in our "Teacher Gift" article or on Triadmommies.com.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Free Shipping Day Dec. 16

2011-12-15 13:52:22

Today, Friday, Dec. 16, more than 2,000 participating online merchants will offer free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve in the contiguous U.S. All Free Shipping Day offers will be announced at www.freeshippingday.com/ by 12 a.m. EST on Dec. 16. Big retailers including Barnes & Nobles, Nordstrom, Land's End, Toys R'Us, Overstock.com, and many, many large and small retailers are participating, so make those last-minute holiday purchases today and save big on shipping!

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

Getting Kids to Eat Vegetables

2011-12-15 07:59:25

If you're the parent of a picky eater, you may have resorted to almost everything to get your kids to eat something besides chicken nuggests and macaroni. Bribed them with dessert? Done that. Sat an interminably long time at the table with a power of wills until they take just one bite? Done that. Hid vegetables in something "fun" to eat? Done that. Did it work? Probably sometimes, but not all the time. But have you tried a reward system? New research has shown that when working with 3 and 4-year-olds, giving them a sticker every time they tasted a vegetable they didn't like gradually changed their attitude. It reminds me of the potty training sticker charts.

I have to say I'm a little skeptical. For one thing, getting a sticker for peeing in the potty didn't work for my kids, I really don't see how a sticker as a reward for eating a vegetable would work. Isn't that the same thing as bribing them with dessert? Did we make dessert the reward? My guess is that's not recommended because you're giving them something sweet and fat-laden as a reward for just trying something healthy. Also, I've heard more times than I can remember that kids will eventually like something if they taste it often enough, usually 5-10 times. So were kids liking the new foods because of the stickers, or because of the persistence? Probably the most disappointing result from the research was that while the stickers did work to help them try things they previously didn't like, kids quit eating the vegetables they weren't getting rewarded for, even if they liked them.

It's all very tricky. I'm a firm believer in the theory that kids will eat when they're hungry. And if you model a good diet, and have healthy foods around the house, that's what they'll end up eating. So maybe they don't like asparagus and kale. But if they're eating broccoli and carrot sticks, give yourself a pat on the back. Check out our own article on getting kids to eat fruits and veggies for more good ideas.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

FREE Recording of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas from A Story Before Bed

2011-12-15 00:47:16

Here’s a cute Christmas freebie! Head on over to A Story Before Bed and click on the Record This Book link (on the right side). Log in/register for a free account and then follow the instructions to make your very own recording of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

In a matter of minutes, you’ll have a fun (and free!) recording that you can either email to out of town family and friends or share on Facebook. This is a great way to connect with the kiddos in your life, even if you happen to be separated by distance. Note: You will need to use a computer with webcam, either attached or built in.

Thanks to Hip2Save for sharing this great holiday freebie.

- Renee Canada, Art Director

Odds and Ends

2011-12-14 17:50:52

The other day, we were having peanut butter sandwiches. I made Benjamin a half one and then turned around to make one for myself. When I turned back around, Benjamin's plate was empty. "Where did your sandwich go?" I asked. Benjamin thought for a minute, and opened his mouth! There was his sandwich! When I cackle to myself in the nursing home, the look on his face will be one of the reasons!

I'm looking forward to the upcoming Christmas vacation. Andrew goes through next Wednesday and returns to school on January 4, 2012. I think he needs a rest. I'm sure our days will be busy, but we can always take time for a nap.

One of our Christmas traditions is going out to look at the lights. We piled into Bill's truck a couple of weeks ago and visited a few neighborhoods in Greensboro. Last weekend, we checked out some displays near where we live. There is one house that has lights that are synchronized with a looped short-wave FM radio broadcast of Christmas music. It is quite spectacular, especially the dance mix of "Amazing Grace!" The boys love it- we have spent more time in front of that house...

Andrew's school held a framed art show Tuesday night. I went over in the afternoon and helped put the artwork into the frames while the boys played on the playground. We met Papa and Grandma in the evening in Andrew's classroom and oohed and ahhed over his painting of three little owls. Andrew wants to hang this picture in the dining room. Sure!

Neither of the boys have asked for anything in particular from Santa this year. Andrew just wants to write him a letter with a bunch of questions about the elves. Benjamin says he wants some "surprises."

Dear Reader, what are your Christmas plans?

Shopping Flash Sales

2011-12-14 08:19:47

Have you guys heard of flash sales? It's where companies buy up overstock items and then sell it, quickly. Sort of like Big Lots, but with high-end products and a much more intense turnover. I might be hearing about it late, but an interview on NPR the other day got me interested in looking them up. It's not exactly the place to shop if you're looking for a great Christmas gift for under $10. But if you have someone on your list who you really like to splurge on (maybe your spouse?), it might just be a great opportunity to get a luxury item for less than half the cost.

A couple of caveats. Some of the sites ask you to register before shopping. They just want your email address, but if you're wary of giving that out, this might not be for you. Also, many stores are giving free shipping deals if you spend over a certain amount, but you find that less often on these flash-sale sites. So make sure you don't negate your savings by having to pay for shipping.

Here are a few interesting ones to look at. If you know of more, share them with us!

Overstock.com

Gilt.com: up to 60 percent off designer fashion.

Bluefly.com: up to 75 percent off, clothes, jewelry and gifts.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Christmas Movies

2011-12-14 08:04:09

What's your favorite Christmas movie? The one you watch every single year, and can't wait to share with your kids (or already have made it a family tradition)? There are so many holiday movies and specials made every year, from straight-to-DVD types like "Santa Paws" to holiday box-office types like "Four Christmases." But there really are only a few that stand the test of time and get watched over and over again. "It's a Wonderful Life" is one of those, and it will be showing tonight at the Carolina Theatre. For me, the must-see movie every year is Miracle on 34th Street, the original of course. For my husband, it's A Christmas Story.

So all this had me thinking, what is it that makes a movie a Christmas classic, one that we get the children baths early, all get in pajamas and watch together over hot chocolate and Christmas cookies? It could be the actors and the story, and I think those are probably pretty important. After all, Jimmy Stewart stars in "It's a Wonderful Life," and Natalie Wood and Maureen O'Hara help make "Miracle on 34th Street" shine. But I think it's more than that. I think it has something to do with how we watched the movies as kids. If our own parents made a big deal of all sitting down together to watch one of their favorite movies, especially back in the days before DVRs and streaming video on Netflix, then it only made that move all the more important. Or maybe, as with "A Christmas Story" or "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," it's a movie that we remember watching and enjoying as a child and want to pass that on to our own kids.

In our own family, that "new" classic has become "Elf." My husband and I took my stepson to see it in the theater when he was 8, and he laughed and we laughed, it was a really nice afternoon. So the next year we bought it for him for Christmas. We've watched it together every year since then. And while we all laugh when Buddy jumps up to put the star on top of the Christmas tree but brings it all down instead, the real reason why we love that movie is because of the family memories it helps evoke. So while I pass on my love of "Miracle on 34th Street" to my daughter, I hope that my stepson will pass on "Elf" to his own kids someday, and start his own family Christmas tradition.

What is your favorite Christmas movie? "White Christmas," "Miracle on 34th Street" and "It's a Wonderful Life" are all playing at the Carolina Theatre over the next week. What better way to introduce your child to a Christmas classic than to watch it in a grand theater with plush seats and a big screen? Of course, doing it at home, in the comfort of your pajamas with a big cup of hot chocolate can be just as meaningful.

Comment below to share your own Christmas movie memories with others in the Piedmont Parent community!

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Visit with Santa

2011-12-13 10:50:11

This past weekend Johnny and I decided to take the boys to Spencer, N.C., and visit the train museum. We had never been, and all of my boys love trains, so we thought it would be fun. They had a special event called Cookies and Cocoa with Santa. We were all very excited. We got to ride on a train for about 20 minutes, and we ended up at the North Pole. There we got off the train, made a craft, enjoyed some cookies and hot cocoa and then we visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus. What a great time!!

The boys each took a turn talking to Santa. Kasey went first and wasn't shy at all. He sat right down on Santa's lap and started telling Santa all the things he wanted for Christmas. Kyle went next and he stood beside Santa. He thought he might be to big to sit on Santa's lap. He also shared with Santa what was on his wish list. Then I heard Santa say that he would have the elves leave him a surprise too. Wonder what that will be? Then there was Kaleb. He wasn't sure if he wanted to talk to Santa or not. Johnny and I both tried to get him to talk to Santa, but he wasn't interested. He did sit on Santa's lap for about 3.5 seconds. Granted he never let go of Johnny's hand. He did however willingly take the candy cane that Mrs. Claus gave him.

Overall it was so much fun and I would definitely recommend it to others. What a great way to take some time out from our busy schedule and remember what it's like to be a kid again.

Exploring the Night Sky

2011-12-13 08:23:02

Do you want to see a falling star? Tonight might be your best opportunity. It's the peak night for the Geminid meteor shower. The problem is, we're right past a really big full moon, so the sky is pretty bright. It will make it harder to see them, but with so many there's a good chance you'll see something.

If your kids have their own telescopes, or even if you just have a pair of binoculars, take them out too. It's a great opportunity to point out a few constellations and teach them a little bit about astronomy. Even if you're not an expert yourself, it's fun to look at the stars and think about the people who lived long ago, before there were city lights causing light pollution, who sat around making up stories about the people and animals they saw in the shapes of the stars.

You can go a little more in depth with the astronomy if you want, depending on your child's age, and talk about our solar system and space exploration. There are plenty of helpful resources on KidsAstronomy.com.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Talk to Your Baby: She's Listening

2011-12-12 08:06:02

I guess it didn't seem that strange to me to talk to an infant who couldn't talk back and contribute to the conversation. I've always been a dog owner, and one of "those" dog owners at that. I treat my dog like part of the family, talking to her, getting her a Christmas present, and enjoying the companionship she brings in her loving way. So when I had my first child, I did the same thing. I'd read to her, sing to her and narrate the things that were going on around our house. It was probably more my way of battling the loneliness and boredom I was feeling, being at home most of the day with a dog and a baby who looked at me with adoring eyes but couldn't talk back. Turns out, maybe I wasn't crazy! Babies are listening to everything we say. We already know music is good for a baby's brain development, but all that talk is important too. Babies are listening to the word patterns and developing the language skills they need to learn to speak words a few months down the road.

This new research complements the research from a few years ago that found the amount of words kids are exposed to from birth to age three impacts their success in school later on. It's not just quality that counts, it's quantity too, and the magic number was found to be 30,000. Yep, that's right. You should try to get in at least 30,000 words a day to your baby. That might seem hard, especially thinking about talking to someone who isn't actually participating in the conversation. But it's really not that bad if you just incorporate the new little child into your daily life. I think one of the most helpful things I heard when I was a new mom was to read out loud to your child. Whatever you're reading. So I would sit down with my orange juice in the morning and start reading the News & Record to Caroline. Of course, I also read children's books to her. And talked. Just like I always had with the dog.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

50 Percent Off Gingerbread Houses

2011-12-12 06:50:11

Visit your local World Market today for great savings on gingerbread houses, which are 50 percent off! This is an in-store promotion, today only, while supplies last. The savings also includes baking mixes such as gingerbread and snowflake cupcake kits, which start at $2.49. Gingerbread houses start at $4.99. Great fun with the kids!

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

The Holidays in a Blended Family: Part 1

2011-12-12 03:02:35

The holidays are upon us in my household, as I am sure it is in yours. As my teenagers get older, their social lives become more hectic and are steeped in peer relationships. In the meantime, my toddler is rooted in his routine, tethered to his family as he explores all the excitement and discovers the newness of the season. This leads to a smorgasbord of experiences and tasks that appear juxtaposed to creating a continuum in familial traditions. As you know, this is where the holiday "madness" begins.

This was the first year that we celebrated Thanksgiving without the inclusion of my ex. Since the end of our marriage many moons ago, we had always made a consorted effort to fuse our holiday celebrations together. The first two years we explored the shared day path. My ex would have the kids for half a day and I would have them for the other half. For us, this arrangement seemed more tedious and less constructive than it was worth. Going forward we agreed that it was in the best interest of the kids to have them stay in one place for the main celebration and their father would come and celebrate with them. After the eating and fellowship concluded, their father would often opt to take them to visit with his family.

On Christmas mornings their father would be at the house before they woke up so that they could experience the entire family milieu as the then bright-eyed, sleep-dressed little ones made their way to Santa's gifts. As the children get older this becomes less of a dominant need. However, time spent is always important.

Ways to Share the Holidays:
1. Have a plan ahead of time to minimize the drama. Each parent needs to be able to address his or her concerns and desires before attempting to find common ground.
2. At the onset of the holiday season you need to engage the children about what you both deem as the core importance of the season.
3. Have children create a single Christmas wish list per child and it needs to be shared with both parents.
4. Discuss the list(s), and decide who will get what so that there are no duplicates. Stick to getting what you have decided upon.
5. If it is possible, set a time where you all can come together to celebrate your children and the season together (even for a short time). If a mutual location is needed, decide on this in advance.
6. Do NOT use this opportunity to measure one parent's ability to get the gift they chose. It is NOT about you.
7. Focus on the children and their excitement. Stay away from personalizing the occasion.
8. Include other family members if possible.
9. When the children express joy about the other parent, be supportive. This goes a long way. You do not have to comment much to be supportive.
10. Remember, how you choose to handle yourself or the situation reflects on you and will be etched in the minds of your children. Don't be the "but" in the stories to be told later. Be who you want your children to emulate.

Mommy Lesson: Mama, sometimes the effort you make may seem more than the other parent's, but the focus should be placed on what is best for your child. Hurt and pain is a part of life, but it does not have to be a part of your children's lives by default. Being the bigger person is part-and-parcel of our life lessons. We teach our children to be the one who takes the high road. Why is that lesson good for them and not us? It is not easy and does not reflect giving in. Instead, it says that you are strong and committed to the wellbeing of your precious children. We have one opportunity to effectively parent our children and so many more opportunities to address our issues.

Remember to take care of yourself and always walk good.

The Christmas Play

2011-12-11 20:59:29

The boys were in the Christmas play at church yesterday, a little musical called "You Can't Cancel Christmas." There was rapping, there was caroling, and there was some mighty fine acting! Andrew and Benjamin have been going to practices since Thanksgiving. It was good to see their hard work pay off.

Andrew was the innkeeper and he had a little rhyme to say to the tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb." He delivered it perfectly! Benjamin was the only sheep with any lines to say and he was hilarious!

Bill and I are so proud of the boys for getting up in front of a group of people and speaking their parts. I was such a shy child; I am so glad that my boys have some confidence in themselves. What was good about the play was that the older kids helped the younger kids. They whispered prompts and nudged them to where they were supposed to be. Benjamin made a little friend and he and this boy got to playing cars at the back of the set, during the play! They were so engrossed in what they were doing that they didn't realize play had ended. The boy who played Joseph moved them to be with the group as the children sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

They did the play twice yesterday. All the grandparents, Auntie Adrienne, Aunt Irene and Uncle John, Mama Grant, and cousin Rodney came in for the second performance. They sat in the front row and Adrienne videotaped the whole thing. Rodney said it was worth the drive. I think we all made some sweet Christmas memories. On the way home, Bill said this was the reason he became a parent. He said he didn't realize it until it happened, but seeing the boys in the church Christmas play fulfilled part of his "dad-hood."

Enter Our Young Authors Contest!

2011-12-09 08:27:20

Yes, the busy holiday season is upon us. But it still seems that there are days that just go on forever. With it getting dark so early, and kids in their excited, waiting-for-Christmas mood, you're probably looking for something to keep them busy for a little while so you can have some peace and quiet. Our Young Authors Contest is the perfect outlet! Kids in kindergarten through the 8th grade are invited to write and illustrate a children's book. We'll pick 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each age category, and everyone who enters is invited to join us at our reception in March.

For help getting started, check out these tips from In Our Write Minds. There are even more ideas to help brainstorm on Buzzle.com.

Remember, the deadline to enter is Dec. 16!

Save 40 percent and get free shipping on holiday cards at Snapfish

2011-12-09 07:40:05

Have you ordered your holiday cards yet? It's not too late and you can still save big with this great deal from Snapfish. Save 40 perecent on your entire holiday card order and get free shipping. Just use coupon code CARDSFS40 at checkout by 11:59 p.m. PT on December 11.

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

FREE Drink and Fries With Purchase of Arby's Chicken Tenders

2011-12-08 12:37:57

How about a cheap lunch or dinner while finishing up your holiday shopping?! You can score a couple freebies with your next Chicken Tenders purchase at Arby’s! Just head on over here and enter your email address to score a coupon valid for a FREE small drink and curly fries with the purchase of a 3 piece Prime-Cut Chicken Tenders at Arby’s! Keep in mind that this coupon is valid from Dec. 7-Dec. 31 and is limited to one coupon per customer.

Thanks to Hip2Save for sharing this great deal!

- Renee Canada, Art Director

Fireplace Safety

2011-12-08 08:02:35

Here in the midst of the holiday season, many of us are making fires in the fireplace. And if you don't have a fireplace at your own home, you often see gas logs lit or even live fires in restaurants, hotels and even friends' houses. Today on FairWarning.org you can read about little Stanton Smith who suffered horrible burns from accidentally touching a fireplace screen minutes after his family checked into their rooms for a vacation.

This story is enough to make every parent extra vigilent. But even in the best of situations, accidents happen. Currently the gas log industry follows voluntary standards, and next week they introduce a new proposal asking that manufacturers sell safety screens. But that doesn't address the fact that the glass can quickly reach up to 500 degrees, easily causing second and third degree burns for innocent toddlers.

If you have a fireplace in your home, be sure to protect your child with hearth guards and a safety screen. And this holiday season, be aware of the many new dangers that show up with all of the decorations. Be careful to place candles well out of reach of little hands, and extinguish them when you leave the room. Check lights before putting them on the tree and keep the tree watered to help prevent house fires. And as always, keep a close eye on your kids. You're telling them Santa or the Elf on the Shelf is watching, but in reality its those parents' eyes that keep our kids safe.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Keeping Teens Safe on the Road

2011-12-07 08:12:31

How old should kids be when they get their driver's license? It's been 16 for so long that it's hard to imagine anything different. As a parent with a teenage driver, it's somewhat nervewracking to hand over the keys and watch them go off on their own. Not to mention pretty expensive! But on the other hand, isn't it nice to finally not be a chauffeur for soccer practice, piano lessons and trips to the mall?

On Tuesday, insurance and safety advocates presented a report to Congress urging the legislators to consider enacting nationwide restrictions on teen drivers. They call for country-wide graduated licenses, with kids not getting full driving privileges until they're 18. Their argument is that the new regulations will save as many as 2,000 lives a year as well as $13 billion. Currently car accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers in American, and studies show states that pass at least one component of the graduated licenses show a 4 percent decrease in deaths.

North Carolina already has a graduated license program, but kids are able to drive without any restrictions except no cell phones or texting as soon as 6 months after getting their license. There are a few states that hold off full privileges until kids are 17 and DC waits until they're 18.

To be honest, I don't know where I stand on this issue. Sure, it seems obvious that we should make teenagers wait longer to drive if it will save lives. But I've experienced the convenience of having a teen driver, and in many ways he's responsible and attentive while driving. I do really like the passenger limit and ban on cell phones. The biggest thing seems to keep teens from driving while distracted, and know they know the rules. Driving contracts are a great idea to do with your teenagers. It will be interesting to see where it all goes. Maybe when my 4 year old finally reaches 16, his older brother will be saying, "When I was your age, I was driving already."

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Great Getaway

2011-12-06 21:41:09

Vacation season is usually summer. But who doesn't feel like a quick getaway this time of year? Especially after the crazy business of the holidays.

Groupon has a great deal going on right now, 2 nights at Shell Island Resort in Wrightsville Beach for just $229 (a $448 value). It might be a great idea for a Christmas gift for you and your spouse.

If you can't afford a getaway after the spending spree of the holidays, maybe you could just do a short staycation. The long weekend of Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend will be coming up soon. Don't make any plans to get started overscheduling yourself. Instead, make it an opportunity for a little "you" time. Here are some tips to help make the most of a staycation (although it might be a little too cold for camping).

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-06 12:41:30

It' beginning to look like Christmas at our house!

Johnny and Kyle worked hard this past weekend to get the outside done, and although I was sick I managed to get the tree and other inside decorations completed between Sunday and Monday. Now my plan is to give the house a good cleaning so I can get busy with shopping and wrapping. I am definitely behind this year, but I'm trying not to panic.

Last week Kyle was really sick with bronchitis and this weekend I started with it. I also decided to get a sinus infection too. It's never good when Moms are sick. I've been on some antibiotics since Saturday and so far I'm not feeling much better. I might go back to see the doctor tomorrow. I've got to get well because the boys are depending on me. They really love having the house decorated. Kaleb wants me to turn on all the lights as soon as he wakes up in the morning. Chestnut, our Elf on the Shelf, has also returned. The kids love searching the house every morning to see where he is hiding. I overheard Kasey talking to him yesterday, and he said "I love you Chestnut. Can you tell Santa that I want a bike for Christmas?" It was so sweet, and it reminds me of the memories I'll have to treasure when they are older.

Good luck to everyone who still has to finish getting ready for Christmas. And to those of you who might already be done, sit back and enjoy!

Picking the Perfect Toy

2011-12-06 07:56:58

If your child has a Christmas list going, count yourself lucky. At least you know what she wants for Christmas (even if it might be a lot more than you were planning to get, you have some choices). But there are some kids who refuse to tell. "Santa knows what I want," they say. Or what about nieces and nephews you're buying gifts for, or kids that are really too young to verbalize what they want? Sometimes picking out the perfect toy can be a challenge. Thank goodness there's lots of help before you hit the stores and stand staring blankly at the shelves of toys.

The American Occupational Therapy Association offers a few tips for picking out the perfect toy:

* Look for a toy that can be played with in different ways.
* Find something that appeals to multiple senses.
* Does the toy encourage thinking or solving problems? Does it promote communication and interaction?
* Make sure the toy is age appropriate and safe.
* Decide whether it's worth the cost.

For some great ideas this year's best toys and games, check out these lists:

The 2011 NAPPA Guide to Toys, Games and DVDs

The 2011 NAPPA Guide to Books, Movies and Video Games

Parenting Magazine's Top Toys and Gift Guides

2011 Parent's Choice Awards

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

What's in a Name? Maybe a Lot!

2011-12-05 08:03:39

How did you decide what to name your child? Did you choose a family name? Something Biblical? Maybe the name you had for your favorite doll growing up that you said you'd always name your little girl? Apparently this year the trend leaned toward naming kids after celebrities, whether it's reality TV stars, names that celebrites chose for their own babies (think Harper, the Beckham's daughter's name) or even news personalities. Apparently Anderson and Cooper were two top names.

Babycenter.com just released their list of the top baby names of 2011, and as always the ones that come to the top are interesting and really not all that surprising. Sophia and Aiden are in the number one spots, and there are one of each in my son's preschool!

It's always interesting to see the top baby names. Partly because I think as parents, many of us want our kids to have a special name, one that they won't share with half the class (Jennifer, anyone?). So it's funny that after agonizing over what to name your child, you might be very likely to have picked on that ends up on this list!

There are so many factors that go into choosing a name. And things parents think of now might be different than a few generations ago. It used to be the norm to name your kids after yourself, but that's not happening as much anymore. We seem to be more worried about making sure we pick a name that won't get the kid made fun of on the playground, or one that can't be easily turned into a nickname. Some parents are even vetting the names on Google, to make sure they're not a stripper name, or have some bad reputation behind them. And then the choice you make follows your kid for the rest of his life, maybe affecting what type of job he will get as an adult!

It's a big choice. But not one of the biggest you'll make in your parenting career. So if you're pregnant now, have fun thinking about the decision, but try not to stress too much. And luckily there are plenty of places to go for help finding ideas! Here are just a few:

Nameberry.com

BabyNames.com

BabyNameGuide.com

Buy 1 Get 2 FREE: OshKosh B'Gosh

2011-12-05 07:15:46

OshKosh B'Gosh has a great deal right now (online only) with Buy 1 Get 2 Free on its Basic Collection, which includes striped polos, thermal tees, canvas pants and fleece pants for boys and long sleeve tees, long sleeve body suits, tunics, leggings, and fleece pants for girls.

Prices are $20 and up. While that is more than I typically pay for one item of clothing for the kids, the Buy 1 Get 2 FREE special makes it a great bargain and a good time buy.

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

Some Other Time

2011-12-04 20:03:23

When I was writing last Thursday's blog, I was thinking about today's blog. I planned to write about the adventure I would have had with Andrew going to "Disney on Ice" with his class and spending time with Benjamin riding the Santa Train at the NC Transportation Museum.

Alas, sometimes the best laid plans of mice and mommies just do not happen. Andrew woke up Thursday morning and threw up. He'd complained that his throat and ear hurt when I picked him up from school on Wednesday afternoon, but he seemed okay. He was running a fever and something in my gut told me this wasn't a typical cold. I was right. Instead of enjoying fairy tales come to life, Andrew was at the doctor getting a shot of medicine in his rump to combat strep throat. Luckily it was just the two of us, since Papa and Grandma had planned to keep Benjamin while we were on the school field trip. I brought Andrew home and he took it easy for the rest of the day.

On Friday, I didn't say anything about the Santa Train to Benjamin so he didn't seem to miss it. Andrew stayed home so it was a treat for him to play with his brother. Both boys had naps after lunch and Andrew woke up from his feeling great! He felt so well that Bill and I took them to the annual Christmas at Creekside, a local celebration of the Christmas season. They had fun toasting marshmallows and visiting Santa.

This week is a fairly "regular week," with the exception of several evenings of practice for the church Christmas play. I'm hoping we all stay healthy!

Save up to $14.95 on Harris Teeter Express Lane Online Shopping in Greensboro.

2011-12-02 07:30:54

During the hectic holiday season, the ability to shop and order groceries online can be a lifesaver. Harris Teeter is making that even easier with a special offer -- for a limited time between now and Dec. 20, they will waive the $4.95 service fee on all Harris Teeter Express Lane Online Shopping orders. Plus, enter code HTGS in the discount field at checkout and take $10 off one order of $50 or more before Dec. 20.

Harris Teeter now has four Greensboro locations that offer Express Lane Online Shopping -- Guilford College, North Elm,Friendly Center and Battleground Oaks locations.

Visit www.harristeeter.com for more information or to start shopping!

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

Light Up the Night!

2011-12-02 06:30:45

This is a big weekend for parades and lights! Greensboro's Festival of Lights is Friday, and there's another one in Bethania on Saturday and Old Salem has its Christmas by Candlelight Tours nightly.

All of these lights bring a bright, cheery atmosphere to the very early darkness of winter. Will you be putting up lights on your own house this weekend? The weather's not too bitter cold, which makes it more appealing to do some outdoor decorating. And there's nothing that lifts your spirits more after a long day than driving into your own driveway to see shimmering candles in the windows or lighted icicles hanging from the eaves.

If you're getting out the decorations this weekend, remember to be safe. Hospitals treat more than 12,000 people for injuries from decorating-related injuries each year.
* If you're on the roof or a ladder, make sure you have a spotter and someone to hold the ladder for you.
* When you pull out those old strands of lights from past years, inspect them carefully before putting them up. (This goes for outdoors as well as on the tree inside.) Replace any burnt or broken lights and don't use the strand if there's frayed parts or bare wire.
* Use no more than 3 strands of lights per extension cord.
(Click here for more safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.)

Once you get your own lights up, take a drive around to see what creative displays your neighbors have put up. Check out our list of area light displays for some suggestions on places to take the kids to see some really big lights!

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Learn the 5 Love Languages of Your Child

2011-12-01 06:59:34

How do you tell your child you love him? Do you tuck him in bed each night with a big hug? Do you spend time playing a game of UNO together? Dr. Gary Chapman, senior associate pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem and author of "The 5 Love Languages of Children," has some great resources for parents to learn how to make their children feel even more loved.

After more than 30 years in marriage counseling, Chapman found that often people expect to be shown love in different ways. For example, my mother used to buy us small things, like socks or toothbrushes, and those gifts were her way of showing her love. In my husband's family there was a lot more hugging and far fewer "gifts." So we've had to learn to find ways to make each other feel loved by accepting that we need to learn to talk in those "love languages." So many times it takes more than just saying "I love you," and the same is true for parents and kids as well.

You can learn about the 5 love languages from Dr. Chapman tonight at the WSFCS' Parent Education Series. Parent Power features Chapman talking about his book and the ways to assess your child. Held at the Ken Carlson Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club from 6-8 p.m., there will also be a light supper, activities for kids and door prizes.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Finally December!

2011-11-30 20:41:47

Okay, Christmas can come! It's finally December!

Our Elf on the Shelf showed up when we returned from my mom's house after Thanksgiving. Each morning, Andrew has sprung out of bed to look for him. The other day he swore he could see our elf breathing. Benjamin makes reports on his brother fairly regularly. The boys named him Gene Autry last year when they were in the thick of their cowboy phase.

Andrew has been on fire to get our Christmas tree up and decorated. We were going to do it on Sunday, but Bill hung the outside lights instead. I think Andrew was a little disappointed, until Bill flipped the switch and our house was "lit up like Christmas." Andrew spent most of Monday afternoon asking me to put up the tree. A few years ago, we invested in a pre-lit one that is easy to set up (four pieces, including the stand), but I don't know how the lights plug in to each other to connect the circuit for each piece. I finally relented and assembled it yesterday afternoon. Bill figured out the circuitry while I was teaching my class. So yesterday started with, "Can we decorate the tree?" I don't know why Andrew is in such a hurry. I informed him that it wasn't even December yet. That didn't even phase him!

After supper and baths, I let the boys get out one box of decorations. They are just old enough to appreciate the stories that go along with the decorations and handle them carefully as they are hung. We found the ornament with Andrew's baby footprint on it; he was amazed that his foot is now twice the size.

Auntie Adrienne always gets the boys Advent calendars with chocolates in them. Andrew said he wants to eat more than one each day. I think both he and Benjamin would eat all the treats at once if I let them. However, Christmas is a time for patience and good things come to those who wait. Besides, Gene Autry is watching!

Standing Up to Bullies

2011-11-30 07:44:59

There are bullies and there are the victims of bullies, but there's another factor in the bullying situation -- the bystander. Maybe not so innocent of a bystander. I would never call my little niece a bully. At just barely 6 years old, she's small for her age and looks like a little pixie face. But over the Thanksgiving holidays when all the cousins were playing together, there was an incident when she really wanted something from my 4 year old son, and told him he had to give the toy to her or she would kick him in the private parts. Of course, he gave it to her, and I found out about it and got the toy back for him. The worrisome thing was that through it all, my 7 year old sat by and let it happen, without even standing up for her brother.

Later on, she and I had a talk. The whole thing made a good conversation starter for the topic of bullying. While I made it clear that I wasn't calling her cousin a bully, I did say we don't get toys by force, we just ask for them. But more importantly, if someone is using force to get there way with another person, or making fun of them and teasing them, and she sees it, she should say something. It's so hard, especially for kids, to stand up for others. It means calling attention to yourself. But if they know that teachers and parents are safe people to talk to, maybe it will make it easier. And as parents, we need to make sure that we are a safe place for them to come.

Keep the lines of communication open with your kids, and talking about bullying and the issues surrounding it needs to start at a very young age. For some great information and help on dealing with the bullying issues, make plans to attend the Guilford Parent Academy program tomorrow night, "Anti-bullying in Cyberspace and Real Time." And if you can't make it, check out this site for tips for standing up to bullies.

Gear up for Old Navy's Weekend Sale

2011-11-30 06:54:58

Have you heard? Old Navy is having a big outerwear/sweater sale this weekend. Just in time for some Christmas shopping!

Saturday from 12-5 p.m. save 75 percent on outerwear.

Sunday from 12-5 p.m. save 75 percent on sweaters.

This sale is in-store only!

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Thanksgiving and Birthdays

2011-11-30 06:51:44

We enjoyed Thanksgiving and spending time in Virginia with my parents. The kids didn’t want to come back home, as usual. In fact, we had to bribe Kaleb because he kept saying “bye Mom, I stay with Nannie and Papa.” It was so cute, and of course my parents loved it.

We got home and have settled back in. The boys loved seeing the houses in our neighborhood where people had decorated while we were out of town, and now they are anxious to get ours done. Hopefully this weekend we can do it all. It’s like the madness begins – decorating, shopping, wrapping, cooking, celebrations, etc. I think by the time it’s over I’m going to need a vacation and some sleep. Oh well, I know the look on the boys faces will be more than worth it.

On Monday, Nov. 28, the boys helped me celebrate my birthday. They were so sweet. They had a cake and balloons, and they all three sang to me which was awesome. We tried to get a few pictures, but they could hardly wait for cake. Then Kaleb got one balloon and Kasey got another one and they ran around the house a dozen times just laughing like it was the most fun they had ever had. Birthdays are great!!

Eat Healthy and Your Kids Will Too

2011-11-29 07:49:04

Are kids fat because of how we as parents feed them, or because it's just in their genes? That's a good question, and one that many of us are pondering after yesterday's news that an 8-year-old boy was taken from his mother and placed in foster care because her inability to control his weight was considered neglect. He weighs 200 pounds. The argument is that his weight puts him at risk for serious health problems, but the mother's lawyers claim he wasn't in immediate danger.

So what does this mean as parents? Honestly, I feel like it's a very complicated issue. This blogger for the Washington Post cites a twin study that showed genetics play a big part of whether a child (and later an adult) is obese, more than the environment the kid is raised in. And I totally agree with that. My two kids are as different as they can be when it comes to their growth curves and BMI. But whether you're genetically built a little stockier, or have a super metabolism and can't gain weight no matter how hard you try, it's still important to have a healthy diet.

And that's where our job as parents comes in. We're the ones who teach our kids health eating habits, and what they learn as children will follow them into their adult years. Check out the new My Plate eating guide from the USDA as a good start to a balanced diet. Make sure to have lots of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand for easy snacks. And of course, model the behavior you want your kids to have.

One of the things we've done in my household lately was change from 2 percent to 1 percent milk. The pediatrician talked with me at my daughter's last visit about how her weight curve had overtaken her growth curve, and we discussed changes we could make. Milk was one that was hard for me. I drink a lot of milk, and have always drunk 2 percent. I couldn't quite take the leap to skim, but I knew if I was going to make my daughter switch, I would have to too. It turns out, 1 percent milk isn't that bad after all! So now my daughter and I can continue to drink milk for the calcium and vitamin D to build strong bones, without getting any extra fat added to our diet.

It's easier than you think to eat a healthy diet. Just avoid buying snack foods so they're not there tempting you in the pantry, plan some family dinners to get the kids in the routine of eating together and pack healthy lunches rather than relying on the packaged foods. What are some of the things you do to teach your kids good nutrition habits?

--Karen Alley, Web editor

Cyber Kids

2011-11-28 08:34:42

Today is Cyber Monday. It's become the day when stores (online and brick and mortar) run special deals for online shoppers. If you plan on shopping, we've found some good deals that we highlighted in our Frugal Family blog. It's a way to escape the crowds if you don't really enjoy shopping, or just get a few things on your list that you couldn't find if you were out shopping this weekend.

While I've always associated Cyber Monday shopping with electronics, it turns out it's really much more -- toys, clothes and all sorts of gadgets. But still, the "cyber" part of Cyber Monday has us all thinking electronics, and this year it seems very appropriate. Did you hear that the item topping kids' Christmas lists this year is an iPad? Yes, that's right, 6 year olds want an iPad. And many of them will probably get one, or something like it, whether it's a Kindle Fire or a LeapPad.

Before you run out and purchase that iPad for your kids, check out some of what people are writing about the cheaper options. For less than half the price you can get a Kindle Fire, which does a lot of what the iPad can do, but has some drawbacks such as a smaller screen and fewer apps.

And when you're shopping for that tablet for your kids, remember to pick up some Legos, Lincoln Logs or Play-doh too, and set some definite limits on how much your child can play with that tablet. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 2 hours, tops, on screen time for kids. But research shows that kids spend an average of 4 hours in front of some sort of screen. And while some of those apps and games are educational, it's cutting into some valuable play time. Creative play is important for kids' cognitive and physical development, and is what helps kids learn problem solving techniques and be able to think outside the box as adults.

Educational apps are great and video games are fun. But as with a lot of things in life, moderation is key!

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Cyber Monday Deals

2011-11-28 06:34:48

Cyber Monday is promising to be just as busy for online stores as Black Friday. Here are a few deals I found:

40-50 percent off outerwear at Kohl's
50 percent off select Hasbro games at Amazon.com
50 percent off Adobe Photoshop Elements at Staples
Nintendo Wii Console (Black) Bundle for $174.98 at Target
Up to 80 percent off video game software at Toys R Us
11-Piece KitchenAid Cookware Set for $99.99 at Macy's
30 percent off your entire purchase at Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

That Extra Touch

2011-11-27 20:19:36

This weekend, I celebrated my birthday. It was a big one this year and I braced myself for it ... and it turned out it wasn't that bad!

It wasn't bad for several reasons. The first one was that my sister made me a Yoda cake. Not just any Yoda cake, but a 3-dimensional one that held a lightsaber as if it were ready for action! Not only was it spectacular, it was yummy, too! She said she worked on it for six weeks (I told her I understood; 3-D cakes require much thought to actually come into existence).

My mom made me her traditional chocolate layer cake while we were at her house for Thanksgiving. She wasn't pleased with the way the icing turned out, but it still tasted delicious and I thought the icing was just fine. She's made that cake for me for almost my entire life.

My birthday was on Friday. Adrienne and I went shopping like crazy people. We took a nap on Thursday and then went out for Midnight Madness. Then we went back to my mom's house and had another nap. Then we shopped some more. Then we had another nap. What a good day!

On Saturday, Andrew made me breakfast. I heard him puttering around in the kitchen and talking to his brother. I came out to find a birthday breakfast of things they like to eat: an apple, applesauce, dry oatmeal, and a poptart. It was lovely. I am looking forward to the upcoming year. It's off to a very good start!

Let the Shopping Begin!

2011-11-25 07:13:35

Sure, I know some of you are sitting at home, glowing in the pride of the fact that you've already completed your shopping for the holidays (maybe even because you went Thanksgiving night!) But for many of us, there are still a lot of things on our list that have yet to be bought. Between Black Friday deals (we've supplied some Black Friday shopping strategies in our Frugal Family blog) and Small Business Saturday, this might be a good weekend to shop. Especially now that the big meal is over and all the dishes put away, what is there to do but shop?

Supporting Small Business Saturday is a great idea. Not only does the money you spend help support local businesses, but there are so many places to shop here in the Triad that have great gifts. You can get interesting jewelry, cute kids clothes and gifts for out-of-town guests that are unique to North Carolina! Check out our Local Shopping Guide to find some really neat places to shop, this weekend and all through the holidays.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Shopping Strategies for Black Friday

2011-11-25 07:00:44

There are some great deals to be found on Black Friday but shopping on the busiest shopping day of the year can also be a headache. There are some tips and strategies you can plan ahead of time to get the most out of Black Friday sales and make the shopping experience as pain-free as possible. Visit http://lifehacker.com/5862004/heres-your-black-friday-survival-toolkit to find Black Friday Survival Tools.

And if you haven't gotten your hands on a newspaper yet, you can always check www.theblackfriday.com for all of the big box stores' Black Friday circulars and more tips and information.

Happy holiday shopping!

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

Lowe's and Home Depot: FREE Kid's Workshops

2011-11-24 10:44:54

Lowe’s and Home Depot will each have FREE kid’s workshops on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Lowe’s will be building a caboose. This will be the first part of the Build and Grow train. You come back each week to build the next piece and complete the train. Lowe’s clinics start at 10 a.m. and you must register before going to the clinic. Be sure to register soon, as Lowe’s workshops tend to fill up very quickly.

Home Depot will be building snowman napkin holders. These look very cute and they would make a great gift for Grandma. The clinics run from 9 a.m.-noon and there is no need to register before the clinic.

These activities are completely free and all the necessary supplies should be provided. Plus the participants receive aprons and other little extras.

- Renee Canada, Art Director

Save $10,000 by Next Thanksgiving

2011-11-23 07:06:33

I saw this article the other day, "Save $10,000 by Next Thanksgiving," and thought it was probably too good to be true. But while I don't expect to be able save $10,000, this one had a few tips that I thought were helpful, at least in my own budget.

* Switch banks. I haven't done it yet, but we plan to next week -- changing our bank account from a big national bank to the NC State Employee's Credit Union. The news of the fees the banks were going to start charging was true, I've seen it on my account statements already. We've gotten double-whammied when getting money out of an ATM that's not our bank's, getting charged a fee by both banks.

* Cut back weekly expenses to every other week or once a month. I don't happen to get manicures, but if you do, this is a good tip. I do think I'll stretch my haircuts out a few more weeks.

* Install aerators on your faucets and showerheads and replace your toilets with low-flow toilets. Over the course of a year it can add up to substantial savings.

This article was different because it had ideas to save big. Not the typical suggestions of cutting out your daily Starbucks. Those articles never really give me ideas, because I don't go out and get a Starbucks coffee every day! But I do similar things. So even if I can't save $10,000 (because I'm not willing to give up my DirecTV and watch things only through the Internet) maybe I can find some ways to cut back. Those weekly playdates with the moms group to McDonalds? Depending on whether I take one or two kids, that's $7-$13 just for lunch. We could all pack and meet at the park instead.

Use the article above for inspiration, and spend some time thinking about where you can save a little. Maybe it won't be $10,000, but if you save $5 a week, that adds up to $260 over the course of a year. Which could be stashed away into a Christmas savings account for next year.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23 06:53:13

All of us at Piedmont Parent want to wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!

If you're traveling over the long weekend, we've got some great ideas for car games and snacks to help make the trip easier.

Staying home? Or just a short trip to a friend or relative's house for dinner? Wow your guests and friends with a great dish that will have everyone talking. The staff of Piedmont Parent has shared some of our favorites, and all the recipes are on our food page.

Keep the little ones occupied with some fun activities and ideas to involve them in the preparation, all on our Thanksgiving page.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

The Start of a Busy Season

2011-11-22 12:17:30

This past weekend was super-busy for our family. The boys had two birthday parties and we had their picture taken for Christmas. Once I finally figured out what everyone was going to wear, then it was a matter of getting them there and reminding them to smile pretty and behave. They actually did a great job and I was so proud of them. We had our obstacles of course. Kaleb has a boo-boo on his chin, so we had to work around that, and Kasey didn't want to wear his shoes, but other than that it all worked out somehow.

Now I have to get all of the cards and pictures ready to mail. Every year I think I'm going to cut back on my Christmas card list, but it is simply too hard and I feel quilty for leaving someone out. Oh well, maybe next year.

I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving -- taking just a little time to spend with family and hopefully forget about all the things I've got to do before Christmas. I feel like life goes by so fast and I'm always struggling to keep my head above water, and it gets more hectic during the holidays.

Kasey had a Thanksgiving program at his preschool last week and all of the kids did a great job. It's nice to have things like that to help us remember how much we have to be thankful for. I am trying to help the kids remember to count their blessings, and I'll admit sometimes I need a little reminder too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reeling in Shock

2011-11-22 07:24:50

Three are dead so far and four wounded in a horrific shooting event that occurred in Greensboro on Sunday. It's shocking, to say the least, seeing the pictures that pop up on the television screen of a happy, smiling woman who looks just like any other mom at the PTA meetings, and realizing she is now dead and has caused so much pain and suffering.

It's unbelievable, and hard to understand, even for adults, but especially for our kids. Why did she do it? We might never know. But whatever happened, there were innocent victims involved. Unfortunately, domestic violence is a sad fact of life in many households in our country. Hopefully they won't all end as tragically as this incidence, but in every case people are hurt and often kids' lives are impacted. According to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, three women and one man are murdered as a result of domestic violence every day. Fifty percent of men who abuse their wives also assault their children, and 3.3 to 10 million kids witness some form of domestic abuse annually.

If you know of anyone, man, woman or child, who is suffering in an abusive situation, there are places to get help. The child abuse hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD, is available for kids to call, as well as adults who might observe a situation they feel needs to be reported.

The Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina network is a statewide organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. It offers many resources, as well as ways to donate to help continue the organization's work.

The Family Life Council of Greensboro is another great resource. Even if child abuse isn't an issue, it has great classes for families going through all types of stres, whether it's a divorce, a death in the family or just parents struggling to find a better way to deal with their kids.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Parents Can Make a Difference

2011-11-21 07:13:09

As parents, we read to our kids, make sure we know their teacher, keep up with their homework and try to provide educational opportunities outside of the classroom. Do you ever wonder whether it really helps? Now we have some scientific reassurance. An international study by the Programme for International Assessment found that 15 year old whose parents read to them during their early school years and who were still involved in their school lives scored better on the academic assessment.

The take-away from this study is pretty simple: Read to your kids, early and often. Take an interest in their education. And take an interest in them.

It's easy enough to be involved when they're little. After all, they basically spend all of their time with you. Reading with little ones is a great opportunity to bond, as well as a learning time. Having a hard time wrangling those active toddlers to sit and read a book? Here are some tips.

Once your kids start school, make sure you get involved by knowing their teacher, staying on top of assignments and maybe even volunteering at their school.

It can be more challenging once your kids are older, in middle school and high school. This is when it's important for them to learn to be more responsible for their own homework and actions. But it's still just as important to know what's going on in their school lives. Communicating with their teachers is still very important, and organizations like the Guilford Parent Academy help parents stay active and involved all the way through the high school years.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Pottery Barn Teen 75 Percent Off

2011-11-21 06:37:38

Thanks to Southern Savers for posting this great deal. Pottery Barn Teen has laptop sleeves, messenger bags, lunch boxes and backpacks on sale for up to 75 percent off. Prices are $4.99 and up.

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

Gratitude

2011-11-20 22:23:14

Dear Boys,
You have so much to be thankful for, I don't know where to begin. You have a mom and dad who love you to the moon and back. You have grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who adore you. You have more friends than you can count. You are healthy. You have consistency in your life. You have set boundaries that keep you safe. You have a routine at home that makes you feel secure and that security allows you to learn and be happy. You are confident in yourselves. You are at an age where anything your dream is possible. You have gallons of optimism to spare at the end of each day. You have the best of your daddy and me. We are your champions and your biggest fans. You are our blessings.
Love,
Mama

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

2011-11-18 08:38:03

I live in a family of procrastinators, but fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at things) I'm not one of them. That means that for me, since I'm hosting Thanksgiving at my house this year, I will spend this weekend planning the menu, making a grocery list and doing the shopping. That leaves me plenty of time on Wednesday to clean the house, make pies and do whatever odds and ends come up.

Whether you're hosting the big feast this year or just have a place or two that you're going and have to take food, this whole upcoming week is one that centers around food. And the staff of Piedmont Parent has shared some great recipes you can use to make your special dinner or wow people at a potluck. Some are even easy enough to let the little ones help you cook!

Pineapple Cheese Casserole

Three Bean Salad

Super-Easy Baked Brie

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Betties Bag Sale back in Greensboro for limited time!

2011-11-18 07:30:19

If you missed the October Betties Bag Sale, here's your chance to get some great holiday gifts at super low prices! Betties Bag Sale is in Greensboro again for a limited time through Nov. 19. Sale hours are Friday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 300 NC Highway 68. Park at the Christian City Church and look for the signs.
The sale features deep discounts on Buckhead Betties bags, totes, purses, organizers and seasonal items. For more information, visit www.bettiesbagsale.com.

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

Read, Read, Read

2011-11-17 08:02:50

Today at Lindley Elementary School, every classroom will have a special guest reader. It's part of the school's Literacy Week, which in itself is part of the Guilford County Schools "Two Million Books," all a part of helping encourage kids to read more an reinforce the importance of reading.

It's always exciting to have a guest reader in the classroom. It's something a lot of schools do occasionally anyway, especially on Read Across America day. But it doesn't have to be a special day to go to a school to volunteer, whether you're reading to a class, reading one-on-one with just one kid, or doing math flashcards to help improve multiplication skills. For so many kids, you might be the only person who cares enough to take time out of your day to spend some time alone with them, showing them just how much they matter and how much learning to read well can help you succeed in life.

There are plenty of ways to volunteer. You can always go ask about volunteer opportunities at your child's school, or sign up through the county system in Guilford County, and in Winston-Salem there's a really cool corporate volunteer program.

Then when you get home, remember to take time to read with your own kids. No matter how old, that time spent together will be something special they remember for years, but it's also something that will help them improve their own reading and comprehension skills.

For tips to make the most of your reading time, check out "Reading with Toddlers" and "Reading with Middle Schoolers."

Not Your Mommy

2011-11-16 20:55:33

My sister is in town this week to stay with the boys while I'm out doing student observations. While she is here, she is also "working from home." It's been interesting to see how she juggles working and keeping an eye on the boys.

On Monday afternoon, I came home between going on observations and an evening meeting to find the boys had their Snoopy Sno-Cone Maker out. They were having such a good time, but it was sitting in a gigantic puddle of water and Andrew was chewing on the squirt bottle! I usually don't get it out unless it's hot outside because, as Adrienne pointed out, it takes a lot of effort to get a little bit of "sno." Andrew and Benjamin picked something their Auntie A was completely clueless about and went for it.

If you ask Adrienne, Tuesday would be the Day of the Poop. I don't think I would ask her, though.

Adrienne ate lunch with Andrew yesterday, Wednesday. Rather than try the cafeteria food, she fixed herself a sandwich and some almonds to eat with her nephew. She came back and said his classmates asked her all sorts of questions, from, "Why does someone eat with Andrew every time he brings his lunch?" to "What are you eating?" Asking questions is what kindergarten is all about. When I came home yesterday afternoon, the boys were eating peanut butter crackers for snack. I thought that was fine until they started asking me for some Pez candy. While playing in Adrienne's car, they had found some that she had planned to use for stocking stuffers. I think she quickly learned that Andrew and Benjamin are hard to hide things from nowadays!

Adrienne is here for a couple more days. I think she'll make it!

Save on Canned Foods

2011-11-16 08:27:13

With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, we'll all be buying a bit more food, for us and for the many food drives going on at churches, schools and community centers. Now is a great time to stock up on those canned vegetables! Be sure to buy plenty to give away, to keep the shelves stocked at our local food pantries so children don't run the risk of going hungry once the cold weather sets in.

Some specials this week:

Harris Teeter: Del Monte green beans or corn are 5 for the price of 2.

Lowes Foods: Del Monte green beans or corn also 5 for the price of 2.

Food Lion: Buy one, get one free on Del Monte canned vegetables.

--Karen Alley, Web Editor

Keep Your Family Safe with Proper Food Handling

2011-11-16 08:06:57

Last night on Fox 8 News a reporter was interviewing food detectives and a woman who had gotten sick from food poisoning after attending the NC State Fair in Raleigh this fall. The report wasn't breaking news, but with the upcoming food-centered holiday coming up, it was a very timely reminder that one of the best ways to keep your family safe and healthy is to make sure you prepare and store all foods properly.

Each year, an estimated 76 million or more people report a food related illness, and 5,000 of those die from foodborne illnesses. Just like with the flu, food poisoning can affect children and the elderly worse than other ages, so taking the proper steps will be your child's best defense against food poisoning.

The first thing to do is stay on top of recalls. The FDA works very hard to keep our food supply safe in America, and they do a good job of reporting recalls like the big ones on cantaloupes last spring and ground turkey in August, or more regional ones like the chicken livers in New York this week.

But no matter how vigilent our inspectors are, there are plenty of bacteria inherent in the foods we eat. So that means you also have to take precautions at home. It's easy if you follow these four steps:

Clean: Make sure you wash your hands and cooking surfaces often. Using Clorox Clean-Up or a similar cleaning agent used right after handling raw turkey or chicken can help keep juices potentially laden with salmonella from getting onto your other foods.

Separate: Cut chicken and turkey on a separate cutting board from fresh vegetables.

Cook: Make sure to cook everything to its recommended temperature. If it's not printed on the label, it's easy enough to look up online.

Chill: Refrigerate promptly. This is especially important with the Thanksgiving holiday coming up. If you've carved the turkey and placed some on the platter but there's plenty of leftovers, go ahead and put that right in the refrigerator. Don't wait until the pies are eaten and everyone's had their afternoon nap before putting the leftovers in the refrigerator. Other leftovers need to be refrigerated promptly too. And once they're in that refrigerator, make sure you eat them within a few days. Otherwise, put it in the freezer!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Looking Forward to Thanksgiving

2011-11-15 12:23:07

Well I still can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week. Somehow it just doesn't seem possible.

It has always been my favorite holiday, I think because of two reasons.

1. It is truly a time when we can stop and take time to share what we are thankful for. In today's society with everyone so busy we don't do that as much as we should.

2. I was born on Thanksgiving many years ago (no, I won't say just how many years ago) and I love hearing my mom tell the story of how she was apologizing to the doctor because he was missing his turkey dinner. That's my mom, always thinking of others.

Anyway, I am a believer in one holiday at a time. This weekend we were at Friendly Center buying Kaleb a new pair of shoes, and the kids were shocked to see all the Christmas decorations and trees. They all wanted to know why, and if the stores had forgotten that Thanksgiving is the next holiday. It's hard to explain to kids why stores start promoting Christmas so early, but I gave it my best effort.

The truth is I know why, but I don't agree. I would personally like it if the stores would wait until Thanksgiving is over to decorate and celebrate Christmas. Christmas is a wonderful time of year and I love it. I love it even more now that I have my own children to share it with; however when you hear the music, see the commercials and have to look at it for so long you have a tendency to forget the real meaning of Christmas. People get too wrapped up in the sales and great deals. This year I will continue to stress to my kids the real meaning, and I hope that they will understand and remember our special memories when they grow up.

Teenagers and Trouble

2011-11-15 08:06:38

Yesterday news reports started circulating about a new trend for teens: getting drunk quickly (and in their eyes secretively) with vodka-soaked tampons. Today there speculation that this might be more of an urban legend than the truth. Whether it's true or not, it sounds like it could be happening. Partly because teenagers are known for doing things that are pretty dangerous. Whether it's trunking, overdosing on Ritalin or getting high on K2, the man-made version of marijuana that's more potent than the organic version, teens are pretty good at figuring out ways to skirt the law. They're at an age where they feel invincible, they're experimenting with things and curious to see what it's like to be drunk or high, and they're trying to find ways to do it without getting in trouble.

Whether you have teenagers or your kids are still just babies, it's important as parents for us to stay on top of all these new ways of getting into trouble. It might seem like just yesterday that we were teens too, but while we might relate to some of the things our kids are going through, many things have changed. For one thing, we sure didn't text to flirt with the opposite sex!

While the tampon thing might be something you'd rather not even think about, turning a blind eye could have even worse consequences. Use this as an opportunity to strike up a conversation with your teen and ask if they know anyone doing any of these behaviors. Talk about some of the things you did as a kid to help them realize their thoughts and feelings are normal. And most of all, make them aware that you know what's going on and are tuned into their world.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

The Breastfeeding Battle

2011-11-14 07:56:28

You might consider me one of "those" parents. I limit the amount of screen time my kids get, letting them watch a show or two on TV but on days when it seems like they're watching more than usual I make sure the TV's off after they've logged 2 hours. I limit candy and desserts, and my daughter and I have spent many a night before bedtime counting up how many fruits and vegetables we've eaten that day.

But when it comes to breastfeeding, I didn't follow the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. The AAP recommends breastfeeding for one year at least, and exclusively for six month. But new research shows that only 3 out of 4 new moms start breastfeeding when the baby is born, and that number drops to only 43 percent that are still breastfeeding at 6 months.

I am one of those that started and didn't make it very long. Two weeks with each child. That was it. And for me, those two weeks were the longest, hardest two weeks of my life, at least with the first child. I admire all women who breastfeed and stick with it for as long as they can. But I also know from experience that it's just not the best thing for everyone. There are so many different reasons why it can be hard, from a baby who just can't seem to latch on to a mother who can't produce enough milk. When my pediatrician told me that formula is good for the baby and a sane, happy mother is even better, I could have hugged her. As a new mom, I only wanted to do what was best for my new baby. But it was just not working, for me, for the baby, for my husband ... and the doctor was astute enough to see something had to give, and soon.

One thing I learned from the whole experience is that I was not alone in the struggle. The good thing about childbirth and breastfeeding and a lot of the other things that come with being a new mom is that other moms are more than willing to talk and share their experiences. No one really told me before I had a baby, but after I did, I was surprised and reassured to find that I wasn't the only one who had a hard time. Other women did too, and some were able to make it through the hard times and end up being able to breastfeed for six months or longer, while others ended up going the formula route like me. Other moms are one of the best resources I've found, and the Triadmommies forum is a great place to find that type of support.

We have some help on our site as well, in the articles "Coping with a Nursing Strike" and "Armed and Ready: Winning the Breastfeeding Battle," which was written by a friend of mine who also struggled through the first few weeks.

There is also support in our area through classes at Women's Hospital in Greensboro and La Leche Leagues throughout the Triad.

Black Friday Deals

2011-11-14 06:49:35

Do you usually shop on Black Friday? Several stores have already released their sales flyers. Visit theblackfriday.com to see if your favorite store is listed. A few highlights:

Target
RCA 9-inch Portable DVD Player for $55.00

Toys R Us
Get $50 gift card with purchase of any Apple iPod Touch

Walmart
Amazon Kindle for $79

JCPenney
1.5-quart slow cooker for $7.88

Kohl's
Fisher Price toys 50 percent off

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

Co-Parenting Can Equal Support

2011-11-14 01:59:11

Many variables that are "part-and-parcel" of parenting are multiplied when there is a separation or divorce. When things upset our children, it becomes bigger than the problem itself. Now we worry about cluing into misplaced anger, signs of anxiety and internalization of fear. Beyond that, we hurt and we struggle with the decisions we have made voluntarily or involuntarily. We scrutinize ourselves harshly and sometimes we take the blame for the outcome. Even the most amicable separation or divorce leaves scars.

Discipline and maintaining consistency is another element that can give rise to a series of issues for parents. When one parent is the primary caregiver of the children, by default they assume the role of primary disciplinarian. A single parent is the "be all" for their children. Understandably, it can become very overwhelming at times. To make matters worse, when the other parent comes to visit and or pick the children up for the weekend, the children become excited and anticipation leads to realization. Trips to the mall, to the zoo, to the beach and anywhere else are reports that we enjoy and the fact that our children return happy makes us happy. However, with the crazy filled weeks and endless demands, many of us do not have the time to complete a thought.

With the constant struggle to find balance and maintain rules and discipline, it is easy to feel as though we are looked at as the stuffy bad parent. On the contrary there is an extra bite when we feel that our children believe that the other parent is the "fun" parent. The reality may be that if the tables were turned that may very well be our ex's viewpoint. Sometimes this deep fear comes from the fact that we ourselves want desperately to set aside the overwhelming tasks and responsibility in order to do the more fun things. We justify our thoughts by saying things like, "well, somebody has to do it."

A healthy co-parenting relationship with the ex can help alleviate and or support our role as a parent. No, you both may not be together anymore, but you both can share the demands and support each other in maintaining a united front. This has been a big help to me even in these teenage years.
1. If at all possible, negotiate times outside of scheduled times for a mental break or a break to focus on something. This could be time to get your hair done once a month or a couple hours to do the bills uninterrupted, etc.
2. Express your concerns with your ex and address ideas for combating the issue. Being direct and having some idea of what you think may help.
3. Make sure that discipline is consistent so that children do not have the opportunity to play the "I want to go to dad's because he is not mean" card. This helps to also show a united front so that a sense of normalcy is maintained.

These are just a few ideas that I wanted to share. Sometimes it is not easy to discuss your private lives, emotions and fears with anyone. However, this can cause you to feel isolated. I know that navigating so many changes all at once can be draining. I often felt alone. This was this inspiration behind blogging. Not all situations are the same, but the feelings are similar. Know that you are not alone.

Mommy Lesson: Support comes in many forms and sometimes it is in the least expected place. Your ex and his family may be a good source of support for you and most of all for you children. You are one person, with feelings and cannot do everything or be everything all by yourself. Momma, raising children is a hard and fulfilling job, but how can you see the fulfillment if you are always focused on the hard?

Take care of yourself and always walk good.

Auntie A! Hooray!

2011-11-13 18:50:54

My sister has come to spend the week with us while I do my last round of observations on my students in my class. She showed up yesterday afternoon with books as souvenirs for the boys from her recent trip to Texas. The other things she brought for them from her adventure were two little boxes of Mexican jumping beans. For those of you who don't know, the beans have a tiny moth larva in them that causes them to actually move around. Andrew loves his little beans! He hasn't named them yet, but he has made them a little house out of a box. He's set up a flashlight to shine in it to keep them active (evidently, the larvae go dormant in cooler temperatures). They are the first "pets" he's ever had.

The boys are excited to have Adrienne here. She and Benjamin should have fun while I'm out doing my thing. She asked me what was in the small town where we live. I told her there was a baker who knows Benjamin by name, a kids' consignment store that has a great selection of clothes, and a local library that rocks! The boys are known in the community and I bet Benjamin will happily introduce her around. If we can work it out, Auntie Adrienne may have lunch with Andrew at his school. She's up for just about anything, but she may pack herself a lunch to eat with him. Braving school cafeteria cuisine is probably not in her nutrition plan.

We're going to have a good week, Dear Reader, I hope you do, too!

Veteran's Day Discounts

2011-11-11 07:45:34

In honor of Veteran's Day today, many local businesses are offering special discounts for active military personnel and veterans.

Harris Teeter is offering an 11 percent discount today to all veterans and active duty militarty personnel with valid military ID card and VIC card.

Natural Science Center of Greensbro is also holding "Lifesaver Day" with discounted admission to all veterans and active military personnel as well as all first responders such as EMTs, police, firefighters and others from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Nov. 11

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

A Weekend for Theater!

2011-11-11 07:24:51

There's just something magical about sitting in a plush seat with the lights dim, waiting for the big curtain to rise up to a magical setting. A visit to the theater isn't just to be experienced by adults. Depending on the play, your kids can get a lot out of the experience. They not only get a chance to see a wonderful story told right in front of their eyes by real people, they also get to see some of the workings of the theater as people rush to do set changes between scenes, they learn how to sit respectfully as part of an audience and sometimes they even get a chance to meet the actors after the production.

This weekend there are so many great productions going on around the Triad that it's almost hard to decide which ones to go to. There's "Annie" by Twin City Stage, "Little Shop of Horrors" put on by the Livestock Players, "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" presented by the North Carolina Theatre for Young People, and the annual production of "The Wizard of Oz" presented by the Community Theatre of Greensboro.

To make things even better, we're giving away tickets to "The Wizard of Oz," there will be two ways to win on Monday, so you might just get a free night at the theater next weekend! If you're not already a fan of Piedmont Parent on Facebook, be sure to like us now, because on Monday Facebook fans will receive an opportunity to win two family four-packs of tickets to the Wizard of Oz. And that's not all. Everyone who gets our bi-weekly Piedmont Parent Update, the email that keeps you informed of the news and events of the parenting world, will have a chance to enter to win two more family four-packs of tickets. Enter your email above to get on our mailing list today!

Thinking About the Future

2011-11-10 08:35:11

As parents, we're busy all the time. So I thought it would be good to let you all know of a great opportunity for high school students next week. Make plans to attend the Guilford County Schools Career Fair, which will be held Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 4-7 p.m., at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. The fair will have representatives from different careers onhand to talk with students about the training and education it takes to get a start in certain career tracks.

I think this is a great idea. I personally remember being a child and not having any idea what my parents did all day when they were at work. My dad was a CPA for a while, and if you asked me and my brother, we just said he sat at his desk and typed on a computer. In school, our children are busy learning how to read, write, do math, have a base knowledge of science and history and maybe learn a few languages. But what can they do with that knowledge? How do you turn a high school degree into a career as a landscape designer? What exactly does a lawyer do at work all day? (We all know it's not like "Law and Order.") What if their passion is baking? Maybe they would like to go to culinary school but don't even know it's an option.

So make plans to take your kids to the career fair. Talk to them about your own job and how you ended up working in that particular field. Maybe you could let them come to work with you for a day to see what life in the real world is like. National Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day is this spring, but there's no reason you can't do it any other time of the year. Clubs like FBLA and FTA are also good ways for kids to learn about careers, and those also sometimes provide opportunities to shadow someone for a day at work.

It's never too early to start thinking about what you want to be when you grow up, and understand the many different options available. Especially these days, when the cost of college continues to rise and it's more impotant than ever for our kids to graduate in four years.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Apply to Host a Hershey’s Cookie Exchange Party

2011-11-10 04:27:28

Wouldn’t you love to host a cookie exchange party around the holidays especially if you were provided with a FREE party pack full of fun goodies for you and your guests?! Well, apply to host a Hershey’s Cookie Exchange Party and you can do just that!

Here’s what you need to do…

Head over here and register on or before Nov. 20, 2011.
(be sure to complete the survey that follows your initial registration)
Hershey’s will then pick 1,000 applicants to host a cookie exchange party on or about Nov. 21.
Click here for all the official rules.

Each Host will receive a Party Pack which includes:

One Hershey’s and Betty Crocker co-branded Holiday Apron for the Host, Approximate Retail Value (ARV) $11
Three packages of Hershey’s Kisses chocolates, One container of Hershey’s Cocoa and Three pouches of Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes, ARV $18
Fifteen Hershey’s bakery boxes for guests to carry their favorite cookies home, ARV $19
Sixteen sets of Hershey’s and Betty Crocker recipe cards featuring classic cookie recipes including: Peanut Butter Blossoms, Chocolate Snowballs, Easy Holiday Cutout Cookies and Double Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies ARV $20
Total ARV of Party Pack: $70. Limit one Party Pack per person/household

**If you are selected to be a host, you will be notified by email on or around Nov. 21. Party Packs will be delivered to hosts on or about the week of Nov. 28 and you will be asked to host your cookie exchange party anytime during the month of December, no later than Dec. 31, 2011.

Thanks to Hip2Save for sharing this information.

- Renee Canada, Art Director

Apply to Host a Hershey’s Cookie Exchange Party

2011-11-10 04:27:28

Head over here and register on or before Nov. 20, 2011.
(be sure to complete the survey that follows your initial registration)
Hershey’s will then pick 1,000 applicants to host a cookie exchange party on or about Nov. 21.
Click here for all the official rules.

Each Host will receive a Party Pack which includes:

One Hershey’s and Betty Crocker co-branded Holiday Apron for the Host, Approximate Retail Value (ARV) $11
Three packages of Hershey’s Kisses chocolates, One container of Hershey’s Cocoa and Three pouches of Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes, ARV $18
Fifteen Hershey’s bakery boxes for guests to carry their favorite cookies home, ARV $19
Sixteen sets of Hershey’s and Betty Crocker recipe cards featuring classic cookie recipes including: Peanut Butter Blossoms, Chocolate Snowballs, Easy Holiday Cutout Cookies and Double Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies ARV $20
Total ARV of Party Pack: $70. Limit one Party Pack per person/household

Odds and Ends

2011-11-09 19:44:22

It finally happened! After making tarragon chicken in the crockpot for several years, Benjamin finally ate it this week! Those folks who say you must present some foods 15 times before a child will like it were right! Now, if I could just get him to eat pasta.

Benjamin and I picked up Andrew yesterday afternoon and we went straight over to the park. What a gorgeous day! The boys ran around for awhile and then we went for a walk in the woods. We followed the path along the creek and saw raccoon and deer prints. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

This weekend, we're having our family picture made. I can only hope they are better than last year's. We wore penguin hats last year and Benjamin refused to wear his. In the photo, he has such an expression on his face as if to say, "Yes, this is my family. Sigh." We had that one made into a calendar!

Benjamin has decided that he wants to be a Cub Scout when he grows up. Awesome!

Andrew still comes home tired and cranky from school. He's better if he has a chance to run around for about an hour before we start homework. There is a fine line between running around to get the wiggles out and being too tired to concentrate, usually, I am lucky enough to hit it. Tired and cranky as he may be, Andrew loves school. Bill and I had our first parent-teacher conference last week and his teacher talked about how much he knows. She doesn't know it, but she's barely scraped the tip of the iceberg.

Put Those Expired Coupons to Good Use!

2011-11-09 08:08:23

I'm going to admit something that I'm not proud of. Once in a while, when going through my coupons to get ready for a shopping trip, I'll notice that a coupon for something I was going to buy that day had expired. But if it's only been a few days, I'll stick it in the bunch and let the cashier run it through, and sometimes it works and they don't even look at the date.

Admittedly, I feel a twinge of guilt. And lately it seems the store employees are looking more closely at coupons, checking expiration dates and double checking the sizes of product allowed. So I've been more on top of things as well, and throw away expired coupons without worrying about the good deals I missed.

It turns out, I shouldn't have been throwing those coupons away after all! All of you couponers out there (and if you're reading this blog, you know you're one), start saving those expired coupons. It turns out people in the military can use them up to six months past the expiration date.

Send them to:

Jamie Sheehan
PO Box 261
Glen Mills, PA 19342

They will then be sorted and shipped to the groups that provide them to the bases.

For more information, check out their Facebook page.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

The Reason for Drills

2011-11-09 07:57:26

This is a test. This is only a test.

Today at 2 p.m., if you happen to have the radio or TV on, you will hear that ear-piercing beep and then the solemn words that we all know so well. I remember seeing the test pattern sometimes on TV when I was a kid, and I've definitely heard it as an adult. And almost always it's followed by the somewhat comforting, "this is a test of the emergency broadcast system." You might have seen news about the one today and wondered why they're letting us know. Today's will be different because it's the first time it will be done nationwide.

I have to admit, I have usually felt slightly bothered by these tests, and had never heard anything but the test version, until last spring. I was working and didn't have the radio on, but my husband was driving and heard an emergency alert that said there was a tornado that had hit in the community just five miles north of me. I immediately rounded up the kids and went to the basement, and also called the teenager next door who was watching his little brothers and sister. The tornado didn't hit here, but the storm was really bad. Luckily we were all safe and suffered no damage. The whole experience made me realize that there's a reason for those loud beeps that interrupt our listening or viewing schedules once in a while. And they really work.

It's also good for our kids to experience some of these tests and drills. It's the way they learn how to remain calm and act responsibly when all of a sudden it isn't a test. For example, have you ever wondered why they have to go through so many fire drills at school? If there's ever been a real fire you won't wonder why. It's the best way to instill in the kids the importance of remaining calm, listening to the teacher, and getting out of the building safely.

In North Carolina, our kids are supposed to have a fire drill within the first week of school, and every month after that. They also have a tornado drill during Severe Weather Awareness Week, which is scheduled for March 4-10, 2012. And some schools are even having lockdown drills, to prepare students in case of some sort of danger on campus.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

It's a good idea to expand on that and have your own fire and tornado drills at home. Make sure your kids know where to go and what to do. It's the best way to ensure that we're all safe whenever an emergency strikes, and we can all hope that the circumstance never actually happens.

Celebrating Milestones

2011-11-08 12:16:32

Little milestones add up to make long-lasting memories, and this week I want to share two with you.

Kyle received his report card yesterday, and since he is in 3rd grade this year it was, of course, different. Up until now we've had Os for outstanding, Ss for sastisfactory, etc. This year we are As, Bs, Cs, etc. As soon as he walked through the door he opened his bookbag and looked in his folder to review it. He wanted to read it to me so I listened anxiously.
Math - A
Science - A
Reading - A
Social Studies - A
Spelling - A.

I have to admit that I was so proud of him. Third grade is definitely more demanding and it includes a lot of work. He has been great about getting his homework done and not complaining. His teacher wrote a comment saying that he demonstrates pride in his work and always puts forth his best effort. That says the world to me because as long as he does that I will always be proud of him. It's really not the fact that it was all As, it could have been As and Bs. It's the fact that he did his best and wanted to put in the effort. I hope that he will continue to realize how important those qualities are and use them in all that life will throw his way. Keep up the good work Kyle!!!

The second thing is related to Kaleb. He will be 3 in January, and for the last couple of months he has been doing a good job going to the potty. It sounds crazy, but I really hadn't given it a lot of thought or said much to him about it. He just started doing it on his own. I think it must be the influence from his two older brothers and the desire to be like them. I simply took the approach that when he was ready he would do it, and thank goodness it seems to have worked.

I have still been putting him in Pull-ups, probably because it's easier just in case we are out and he has an accident. Last week his teachers told me that they thought he was ready for underwear during the day at school and encouraged me to bring some. I hate to admit it, but I hesitated. I'm not completely sure why, but perhaps it is because he is my baby, my last baby, and underwear means he is growing up. Yes, I do want him to grow up, but not so fast. I finally gave in and sent some underwear. He is doing great and is so proud to be a big boy. I realize that we are going to have accidents and that's OK. The main thing is I have to let go and let him grow up. Wish me luck!

Supporting Education

2011-11-08 07:46:05

Tomorrow, the Guilford Education Alliance will be hosting its 2011 Education Summit, a time for leaders in the community, teachers and administrators to get together and brainstorm ways we can all help improve our schools and give our kids the best possible start in life. This year's keynote speaker is Jim Goodnight, CEO of SAS. He will talk about how education is important to the success of individuals, businesses and our entire nation. His address follows a panel discussion Wednesday morning with Superintendent Mo Green and Dean Jim Ryan of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

The Education Summit is just one way the Guilford Education Alliance works to help improve schools in our area. They also help support the Teacher Warehouse, which provides supplies to teachers throughout the county, and advocate for high quality education through our communities.

Providing the best education possible for our kids is a team effort. We can't just expect teachers and principals to do all the work. The Guilford Education Alliance is one group that shows community members also need to help, by volunteering in schools and supporting initiatives that come to the ballots. It's also important for parents to take an active role in their own child's education. Volunteer in your child's school, make sure to attend PTA meetings and parent/teacher conferences to stay on top on what is going on and what goals the school has for each student's success. One way you can do this is by taking advantage of the resources the Guilford Parent Academy has to offer, and in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County school system you can join your school's PTA, or become part of the Parent Advisory Council.

And remember, communicating with your child's teacher is one of the best ways to ensure success.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Don't Eat the Lollipops! The Dangers of Pox Parties

2011-11-07 08:09:50

Did you know that you can buy a lollipop that a kid with chicken pox has licked, and give it to your child hoping they'll get a mild form of the disease and not need a vaccination? If you've actually thought about doing this, think again. Not only is it illegal (it's a felony to ship a disease across state lines), you're also exposing your child to more than you know. There's a chance they could get hepatitis, group A strep or a variety of other viruses. And they might not even get the chicken pox!

"Pox" parties aren't a new thing. There was quite a bit of discussion surrounding the topic a couple of years ago, in this instance parents were taking kids to houses of children who had the chicken pox, to expose them and get it over with before starting kindergarten.

In many cases this stems from parents trying to avoid vaccines, a trend that has arisen after there was quite a bit of discussion over whether vaccines were causing the rise in autism diagnoses. But there has been research done that shows no link between vaccines and autism.

I'm not a scientist, but I am a parent and a person who has lived through the chicken pox. I don't remember it, I had it when I was 2. And when I was a child, it was just one of those things everyone seemed to get. But you definitely hoped you had it young. A friend of mine had it in the 7th grade, and she ended up with scars from the pox bumps. Now that my kids are young, I don't even think twice about the chicken pox. It's rare that you ever hear about a case anymore, and I attribute that to the fact that the vaccine was introduced in 1995 and is now a part of the regular vaccination schedule.

As parents, all we want to do is what's best for our kids, and vaccines are just one of the things we can do to help protect them from disease.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Free Thanksgiving eBook With Recipes + Planner

2011-11-07 06:28:54

Hosting Thanksgiving at your house this year? I found a FREE Thanksgiving eBook packed with recipes, tips and printable planner, courtesy of Life ... Your Way.

There's a lot of great information packed into the eBook:

* thawing a turkey
*carving a turkey
* recipes
* decorating ideas
* printables for planning: guest list, baking and menu planners, shopping list, etc.

And if you are looking for additional side-dish recipes for your Thanksgiving meal, be sure to check out family favorite recipes from the Piedmont Parent staff:

Bing Cherry Salad
Grandma's Pecan Pie
Pineapple Cheese Casserole
Super-Easy Baked Brie
Sweet Potato Pudding
Three Bean Salad

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

I Remember When ...

2011-11-06 23:06:07

Talking with my 17-year-old daughter today was very interesting. We were running a couple of errands and we found ourselves conversing about what I consider our "dual 'Remember When' -ity". I shared with her a previous conversation shared with a friend of mine about the struggles of middle school and the developmental stages of middle school children. Anyway, as I listened to the descriptions I worded about her, I quickly realized that in so many ways I was like that as a young girl. Of course, there were some minor differences. I was raised in a very social household and culture, and I was an extrovert. Nonetheless, it was really a moment of bonding. It felt so good.

Maybe the other part that made me smile was being able to remember myself at that age. It helps me understand my children and temper parenting with compassion.

Mommy Lesson: We were our children's ages before we became parents. I remember wondering if my parents were never young because they never seemed to be able to connect with me. When we become adults, we tend to leave our "child" self behind only to recall those poignant memories that had a defining moment. Sometimes as parents, we need to take time to listen to that inner child. There are many things we can learn about ourselves that could enhance how we parent or us as people. Maybe just the fact that we can share ourselves with our children could be nourishment for our souls and they will gain a deeper understanding of us.

Remember to take care of yourself and always walk good.

The Afternoon Car Line

2011-11-06 19:48:35

Every day I go pick up Andrew at his school. I wake Benjamin up around 2:15pm (I hate to wake him, but he's usually okay) and we leave the house within the next five or ten minutes. During the first couple of weeks of school, Bill and I discovered that if we left as early as 2:00pm or as late as 2:25pm, we still collected Andrew around 2:40pm.

Benjamin finishes waking up on the way. When we arrive at the line, it has snaked through the school parking lot and onto the main road, past a neighboring child care center. We park on road and I put down the windows so we can watch the cows or the Clydesdale horses in the pasture that runs behind the school and the child care center. If there is no livestock, Benjamin usually has a book to read or some small toy to amuse himself with. I often bring a book to read as well, or my students' work to grade. One of my friends has said she has tried to take a nap in the car line at her son's school! I don't think I could do that (nor would Benjamin let me). Benjamin and I usually talk about what's going on around us: two guys working on a truck, what happened to the front steps on a house, the kinds of cars waiting with us.

The car line creeps slowly down the street. At the turn into the school, I try to let the car waiting to make a lefthand turn go in front of me. By the time I get to pick up Andrew, we are all ready to go. He climbs in the van, buckles himself into his car seat, and we're on our way.

Dear Reader, what's the car line like at your child's school?

Save Big at Belk's Charity Sale Nov. 5

2011-11-04 07:40:50

You can get discounts up to 70 percent during Belk’s semi-annual charity sale. Tickets to the charity event are $5 each and are on sale now. The event is from 6 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5.

Proceeds from ticket sales will be shared with charities and schools represented at each Belk store.

Your can receive $5 off your first purchase when you present your charity sale ticket to a sales associate in the store. On the morning of the sale, the first 100 customers in each store will receive free Belk gift cards worth $5 to $1,000. You'll get a chance to win one of three $1,000 Belk gift cards awarded company-wide.

Visit www.belk.com/charitysale for more information.

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

Have a Family Night This Weekend

2011-11-04 07:35:41

When you have kids that are pretty spaced out in age it can be hard to find something to do that the whole family enjoys. But there are some options, and after seeing the new releases for DVDs this week, I've decided that this just might be a perfect weekend for a family movie night. The kids love it when we order pizza, eat in front of the TV and all watch a movie together. And with it getting dark earlier and chilly outside, it's a perfect time for settling down on the couch under some blankets and enjoying spending time with the family.

Movies are just one way to have a great family night. You could also bring out the board games, put in Rock Band and jam out together, play some bowling on the Wii or hang out in the kitchen making brownies or banana bread.

Take advantage of this little lull between Halloween and the rush of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays to spend some quality time with your family.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-11-03 07:22:26

Christmas seems to come earlier every year, at least when it comes to the retail sector. This year they didn't even seem to mind that we hadn't even made it to Halloween yet, the big blow-up jack o'lanterns were sitting right next to Santa and his reindeer. Of course, now Halloween has come and gone and we're looking towards the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and all the decorations in the stores and commercials on TV help remind us of that.

The thing is, it might seem early, but for parents, we're already thinking about Christmas as well. Time to start doing some shopping, figure out when the best weekend is to put up the tree, make sure you get to your town's holiday parade and find a way to fit in all the special family traditions you have while still keeping up with the busy schedules of school and work.

That's why it's a good idea to take advantage of things that make the holiday season easier, like the personalized Santa letters from The Mommies Network. Orders will be taken this month, up through Nov. 30, to ensure delivery by Christmas. And from filling out a simple online form, your child will receive a special letter in the mail from Santa Claus, to help add a little more magic to the holiday season. The best part is, the $6 you pay for the letter all goes to a great cause, helping The Mommies Network continue to provide a place for moms around the Triad and across the nation have a place to go to for companionship, advice and fun.

Baskin Robbins - November Flavor of the Month BOGO

2011-11-02 20:54:31

Try a cone of Baskin Robbins' Winter Chocolate Marshmallow and cool off with the delicious taste of hot chocolate! November's Flavor of the Month is hot chocolate flavored ice cream with a whipped cream ribbon and yummy marshmallow dough.

This flavor will only be around this month, so be sure and try it before it's gone. As an extra incentive, print the coupon below to buy one cone, get one free. Offer is good on Winter Chocolate Marshmallow flavor and expires 11-5-11.

- Renee Canada, Art Director

Buy 2 Video Games, Get 1 Free

2011-11-02 06:34:08

If your kids have video games on their Christmas wish list, now is the time to buy.

Target is currently running a deal on video games through Nov. 5. Buy two video games and get an additional game for FREE. The discount will be applied to the item with the lowest cost. Offer is valid while supplies last, and quantities are limited.

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

Kids & Soft Drinks

2011-11-02 06:33:26

As if caffeine and sugar content weren't enough to make parents wary of letting kids drink soft drinks, a new study recently found a link between soft drink consumption and violence in teens. That seems like a stretch, but the study goes on to explain that teens might be drinking sodas and missing other good nutrients, causing them to have low blood sugar and higher irritability. Add that to the fact that experts warn teens not to drink energy drinks because of the dangerous side effects, and it's obvious that what we put into our bodies can have plenty of adverse effects.

The best thing to drink is water and milk. And as parents, the best thing we can do is be good role models. Just the other day I was eating lunch with my extended family, and my nephew came to the table with Mountain Dew. His grandparents told him they didn't like him drinking that type of stuff because it's bad for him, but each of them had a Diet Pepsi, and I had my traditional Coke. He drank it anyway, and later I thought about it and realized he was sent a lot of mixed messages. I know I need to drink more water, and when I'm drinking water, my kids drink water, and then we all feel better.

-- Karen Alley/Web Editor

Halloween Reflections

2011-11-01 11:27:49

Ok, we did survive Halloween. Although I made every effort to be organized ahead of time, we still had some last minute chaos. Of all days, Kasey and Kaleb both failed to nap. I think they were too excited about trick-or-treating. I barely got them to eat any dinner because they were too anxious to get their costumes on. Johnny took Kasey and they went to more houses this year than in the past. Kyle went with some friends and Kaleb and I went to just a few of our close neighbors. He was not very happy because the "monsters" scared him. Some of the kids did have some scary costumes, and he just didn't know what to think about it.

When we came home to give out candy he kept telling me to "close the door, lot of monsters outside." He was so cute, and I kept reassuring him that they were just pretend. Finally I turned on Nick Jr., and "Blues Clues" caught his interest so the rest of the night went fine.

Kyle had a hard time deciding what he wanted to be this year. He kept changing his mind and finally at the last minute, he decided to wear his baseball uniform and be a ball player. He had thought about being a cowboy, but had decided against it. What was so funny is that we have a girl who lives just a few houses down from us and she was a cowgirl. They recently moved to our neighborhood so I don't really know her. What I do know is that she is a couple of years older than Kyle, and they ride the same bus. When he got back from trick-or-treating last night his first words to me were "I knew I should have been a cowboy." I think he is trying to impress her.

I had no idea that he really even knew girls existed. Then he asked me if she had come by our house, and I told him no that I hadn't seen her. He very carefully sorted his candy and picked out her favorites. He is going to take them to her today. I did my best to explain to him that it was great he wanted to share with his "friend," but because she is older she might want to play with kids who are closer to her age. He seemed OK so I hope he doesn't get his feelings hurt. We ended up turning out lights out around 8:30. I think that is plenty late considering it was a school night.

Believe it or not our doorbell rang 3 more times. Once at 8:45, once at 9 and the last one was almost 9:30. I really couldn't believe it. I thought when your lights were out that people realized that means NO CANDY!!! I was frustrated because each time the boys heard it and jumped up which meant they all went to bed later than normal. One time it was some teenage boys and they weren't even in costume. I told them that my light was out for a reason. When they left I realized that I probably should have been more polite (not that I was really rude) because who knows what they might do if they get upset with me.

Anyway, I hope that one day when they are parents, they will understand what I mean.

Dealing with Death

2011-11-01 07:32:26

The staff of Piedmont Parent has had some challenging times the past couple of weeks. One of us had to explain the death of a dog who had been a member of the family more than twice as long as the five year old who loved him so much. Then a few days ago my own family traveled to the funeral of my sister-in-law, who lost a tough fight with cancer. All of these experiences are a part of life. We experience babies being born, weddings, death and funerals in our lives. But it seems so hard to have to watch our own children go through the grieving process, and even having to explain death and what it means can be challenging.

The important thing to remember is that children do grieve. They may do it differently than we do as adults, but it’s important to be honest with them about what’s going on, and give them the space and time they need to be sad. And of course, be sure to let them know they can talk with you and ask questions. Cristi’s written a great article about helping kids deal with the death of a pet, something many of us will go through with our kids at some point. (http://www.piedmontparent.com/articlemain.php?When-a-Pet-Dies-1383) And if you do have the unfortunate necessity of having to deal with the death of a loved one, whether it’s an aunt or uncle, a grandparent, or just a close family friend, remember that kids are pretty strong. They appreciate being included and knowing that you’re being honest with them. Check out KidsHealth.org (http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/death.html) for more good information.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31 08:48:02

Tonight’s the big night. The kids will put on those costumes (maybe for the third or fourth, or even 20th time) and head out to get all the candy their little hearts desire. They’ll come home, have fun sorting through it, pick out a few pieces to eat right away, and then we all know what happens. It gets stored away in the pantry, for to dole out little by little (secretly snatching a few now and then) and then when Christmas rolls around and we start getting more treat bags, we realize there’s still Halloween candy left up in the pantry.

This year, make sure you don’t have Halloween candy hanging around until next Easter. Tomorrow you can take your candy to Drs. David and Janna Civils in Greensboro (http://www.drcivils.com/blog/2011/10/halloween-candy-buy-back/) or Spangler and Rohlfing Pediatric Dentistry in Winston-Salem, and get $1 for every 5 pounds of candy you turn in. It’s their way of helping prevent cavities and teach healthy habits to our kids. The candy is then donated to Operation Gratitude, which sends it to our troops overseas.

You could also recycle some of it for birthday party treat bags and piñatas. For more ideas check out “Putting Halloween Candy to Good Use.” (http://www.piedmontparent.com/articlemain.php?Putting-Halloween-Candy-to-Good-Use-1128)

Moola Saving Mom to Host Coupons 101 Class

2011-10-31 06:01:02

Want to learn how to maximize your coupons with strategic shopping and save more than 60 percent on your grocery bill? Moola Saving Mom is hosting a FREE Coupons 101 class on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Rural Hall Public Library, 7125 Broad St.

Moola Saving Mom will share tips on how to save big at Lowes Foods, Harris Teeter, Food Lion and Walmart.

-- Myra Wright/General Manager & Editor

Stepping Out and Beyond!

2011-10-31 02:10:37

There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, I am referring to the end of a semester. This is not just any semester, but rather my last semester. At the end of this journey, I will have two bachelor degrees. My first degree - many years ago - was in Communications and my second B.A. is in Psychology. It has been a road filled with more elements of personal growth and development than of stress and dismay. For me, knowledge is a byproduct of mental stimulation and boy, was my mind stimulated. As a mom who has spent most of her adult life in the capacity of a stay-at-home mom, in a community that bore no roots for me, I know what it feels like to have a sense of stagnation. Having to find ways to create intellectual stimulation while focusing on raising my children was often times a battle against feeling isolated. Standing firm in my conviction to be an accessible mother - driven by a lack of a support structure - was a motivating factor in my day-to-day struggle between grasping the implication of my choice of motherhood over building a career. It was not easy, but staying focused on my long-term goal was my northern star guiding me the entire way.

I was raised in the belief that education was the key to success. Likewise, my friends and family were too. As I chose to exit left of my career path to raise children, I saw many of my peers rise and achieve many levels beyond me. That was a source of internal turmoil for me. Add that to being a fish out of water in the area and a marriage that was crumbling, finishing college back then was my buoy. Now here I am. I discovered while making my way through the gentle waves and riptides presented by life as I had chosen, that there was more to me than a label or a restricted role. I discovered that I, as a woman, had the capacity to do and be more than a simply laid out plan. My reality may not be your reality, but at some point, we get there -- wherever there is.

My reality has afforded me the ability to parent my children the way I wanted to. I was able to grow into the person I am today. By no means was it easy to follow a path that was not mapped out clearly beforehand. However, the view from this point is amazing and I am still growing and learning along the way. It is amazing the power that lies within. Sometimes strength, truth, and self-discovery are just off the beaten path of a well-planned life. No one has to make extreme diversions to find what they are looking for. Sometimes what you are missing and have been looking for can be found in indulging in a forgotten hobby, or taking a risk and starting that new business you have been thinking of. My needs may not reflect your needs, but there is a universal need in everyone to have a fulfilled life. I am not finished stepping out into the unknown following my passions. Hey, I am sitting here sharing parts of my life with an audience whose members I may never meet, all in attempt to be a supportive source to those who may connect with something I have written. When I graduate in December, I am embarking on creating my own endeavor -- again following my passions.

Mommy Lesson: Mommies have needs and dreams too. Just because we have other dreams to nurture does not mean we should abandon those things that make us who we are. Of course, I am not talking about vices and negative or extreme behaviors that can cost us our families. Some moms are already in a space where they feel fulfilled and content -- and that is awesome. However, many moms out there have lost some of themselves to the world of motherhood and are feeling a bit flat. Some moms are going through life changes and are fearful of their choices and abilities. Some moms just want to reconnect with other adults. Whatever the reasons, moms are not one-dimensional. We embrace the ideals of raising well-rounded children and encourage them to expand their horizons. Why can't parents do the same? Our children are students, athletes, musicians, and more. What better way to teach our children how to be diverse in their lives, than to present them with role models who are living that way? Momma, you have a layer of depth beyond what others see on the surface. You have abilities that cannot be measured on a single scale. You are mom, wife, lover, friend, child, and most of all you are a woman poised to shine in any capacity you choose. Sometimes we just have to take that first step and then, watch out! Take care of yourself and always walk good.

Fantastic Four!

2011-10-30 20:07:12

Dear Benjamin, Yesterday, you turned four years old! Dad said you were singing to yourself and when you got to the "Happy Birthday, Dear..." part, there was a pause and you continued, "meeeee!" We love to hear you singing. To me, it means you are happy. And you are such a happy fellow. You are content to play cars with anyone and everyone who will drive them around on the floor with you, including me, Papa, and the neighbor kid. Playing cars and building a wide variety of garages for them has given you a rich imagination. I am so happy to be a part of it. You have no problem showing affection. Every morning, you load your daddy with smooches before he goes to work. You always have a hug to give. Your sense of humor is starting to bloom. Right now, the phrase "Brussels sprouts" is the funniest thing you've ever heard. You have been trying to work it into a knock-knock joke, for over a week. You are hilarious! You have accomplished so much in the past year. Hanging out in Andrew's preschool class while I volunteered showed you what school will be like. You learned to swim! And last night, I saw you swinging by yourself at the playground; you didn't even need a push to get started. Boudreaux, your daddy and I are so proud of you. Every year gets better and better.

Last-minute, inexpensive Halloween costumes

2011-10-28 07:30:32

Don't panic if you don't have a Halloween costume yet for your child (or yourself). There are some great inexpensive, easy do-it-yourself costume ideas that you can pull together quickly. Plus with a little creativity, your costumes will be unique and your child won't be one of five Spidermen or eight princesses in their class.

Find easy homemade Halloween costume ideas here. This site has some great tips for easy costumes to make from just a leotard and a pair of tights or sweats or from a box as well as ways to make your own makeup. Another site with even more ideas is http://costumeideazone.com/.

Happy Halloween!

-Cristi Driver, Assistant Editor

Happy Friday!

2011-10-28 07:29:16

The weekend is here, and boy is this a weekend for fun. Why let Halloween be celebrated just one day? Make sure you get the most out of those costumes, enjoy making some special cupcakes, go to a few Halloween events and have an all-out great time. We’ve got everything you need to make your celebrations this weekend extra special right here on our site. Check out our Halloween page (http://www.piedmontparent.com/living/holiday/holiday.php?Halloween-2) for some great ideas for spooky treats and fun games. Then find a Halloween event (http://www.piedmontparent.com/articlemain.php?Halloween-Events-1366) for your whole family to enjoy.