Kid Crafts: Easy Flower Experiment

By Jessica Brown, Photos by Lenora Gim 

Think you need a degree in biology to introduce your child to science? Fortunately, an easy experiment like this one, which shows in colorful detail how plants consume water, is all it takes to spark his curiosity.

Not only will he love watching the flowers change color as they drink the dyed water, he'll also be developing skills he can use in everyschool subject, says Kathleen B. Horstmeyer, director of thepreschool and elementary level of the National Science Teachers Association in Philadelphia. "Science experiments help children as young as 3 become keen observers, think critically, and gain confidence in their ability to solve problems," she explains. "This project encourages kids to ask questions and offer opinions on how it worked."

You can boost the educational benefits by pointing out the flowers' veins as they change color and asking him what he thinks they're for; he may be able to guess that plants use them to feed. Then discuss why plants need water and how water overcomes gravity.

"Take the time to learn about the world together," Horstmeyer says. "If you show interest in your surroundings, your child will as well."

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Yankee Magazine: How to Press Flowers

Crafts: How to Press Flowers

by Shelley Wigglesworth

With the end of the growing season fast approaching, pressing and preserving flowers is an inexpensive and fun way to keep your garden memories alive permanently. Here are simple directions on how to press flowers along with five ideas to get creative with your pressed petals and blooms. Pressed flowers are also perfect for documentation purposes in garden journals.

How to Press Flowers

1. Pick flowers when they are at the peak of health if possible. If the flowers are wet, allow them to air dry before pressing.
2. Place each flower separately between two pieces of square cut plain white paper. Allow for at least a one inch border of white paper on all four sides of the flower.
3. Place the enveloped flower in the middle of a hardcover heavy book such as an old encyclopedia. Many flowers may be pressed at the same time in one book as long as each flower is enclosed in separate pieces of paper and spaced between several pages each.
4. Place other heavy hardcover books on top of the pressing book and leave the books sitting for at least two weeks.
5. At the end of the two weeks, check to see if the flowers are flat and dry to the touch. If they are, they're ready. If flowers show any sign of moisture, place them back in the book between fresh pieces of paper and check them again in a few days. Remove when completely dry.

5 Simple Craft Ideas for Pressed Flowers

1. Flower Documentation: Arrange the flowers between two pieces of waxed paper and cover the top of the waxed paper with a thin dish towel and iron. The wax will seal the flowers. When the waxed paper cools, use a permanent marker to write the plant name, the year it was grown and notes about it to add to your garden journal/record keeping.
2. Bookmarks: Arrange pressed flowers on cardstock paper or recycled greeting cards cut into bookmark sized strips and laminate.
3. Framed with a Poem: Copy a favorite poem onto handmade or textured paper. Place flowers around the poem to accent it. When you are happy with the arrangement use a tiny dot of tacky glue to secure each dried plant. Let dry and frame as usual.
4. Handmade Cards/Stationery: Purchase plain card stock paper or handmade paper and fold in half into a card shape. Use tacky glue to secure flowers and spray with a clear sealant if desired.
5. Place Settings/Mats: Use 11 X 14 inch heavy cardstock paper as a background for place mats and smaller cuts of heavy cardstock paper for place settings. Arrange flowers around names in calligraphy and laminate.

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Yankee Magazine: How to Dry Seeds

Gardening: How to Dry Seeds

by Shelley Wigglesworth

It's time to gather this past summer's seeds from your favorite flowers and veggies to save for next year's garden crops. In this post, I'll explain how to harvest and dry seeds from your garden and share which seeds are the easiest to harvest for great results year after year.  Read more

The Invasive and Beautiful Bittersweet Vine

by Shelley Wigglesworth

New Englanders know that the bittersweet vine is a catch 22. Loved for its beauty and versatility, yet loathed for its invasive and destructive ways. Bittersweet is an ornamental climbing vine that is native to Eastern Asia. It was brought over to the United States in the 1860s and has been running rampant ever since. Hardy, fast growing and visually interesting, the vines of the bittersweet plant mirror the warm colors of autumn upon reaching maturation. Reddish-brown creeping stems and leaves support clusters of tiny yellow flowers and orange berries that usually bloom just in time for autumn floral arrangements in the Northeastern part of the United States.
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Yankee Magazine: Make a Lavender Air Freshener

Make a Lavender Air Freshener

by The Editors of Yankee Magazine

"In the Middle Ages, the laundress was called the lavender," says Lorraine Kiefer, herbal expert and owner of Triple Oaks Nursery, in Franklinville, New Jersey. The name reflected the use of lavender to scent linen and laundry. "If you sprinkle lavender on your carpet or couch before vacuuming, it will be a beautiful air freshener," Lorraine adds. "If you sprinkle lavender oil on furniture, under cushions, or on carpets, it will rid your home of that doggy smell. And cats will refuse to sit in a spot sprayed with lavender oil."
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YANKEE MAGAZINE: Make Canvas Photo Prints

[From Yankee Magazine:  Make Canvas Photo Prints, by Bonnie Thomas]

Canvas photo prints — black and white photos transferred to canvas — are a unique alternative to hanging photos in frames. Canvas boards add texture and depth to photographs, and the transfer method used in this project leaves images looking weathered and aged, which gives the photos additional character and charm. When words are included on the boards you end up with wall décor that combines image and inspiration. The boards also make beautiful handmade gifts.  Read complete article

Daddy's at The End of His Rope

Well tonight your daddy was really frustrated at your mommy.  She wants to get a very large plastic kitchen for you to play with, and your daddy is just sick of having so many toys around the whole house.  He knows the kitchen will only be used for a couple of weeks and then it will be in the way and no longer useful.  He also is worried about all the little toys that go along with it.  Part and pieces all over the house.  I understand his frustration, and wish I could help.  Craigslist has many kitchens and I hope that is where they end up getting one from, if they get one.

He is tired of having to wake up so early with you and OE, and having to clean up the mess that is left behind all over the house, including dishes etc from the night before.  He goes to work at noon and comes home at 2300.  He is lucky if he gets 4 hrs of sleep.  I wish I could help out...but I'm in Georgia for the next year...

I miss you baby girl and can't wait to see you this weekend.  I will be up there this Thursday to go to school with you!  I am looking so forward to it!  Can't wait to see you and OE...I love you both with all my heart and soul...mama

15 Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Better

A nutritionist who's also the mother of 7-year-old triplets gives tried-and-true tips for getting your child to eat vegetables, drink milk, try new foods, and more.

By Julie Burns, R.D. from Parents Magazine

 Every single day, I deal with picky eaters both big and small. I'm the mother of 7-year-old triplets, all of whom have very different eating habits; I'm also a dietitian who teaches the professional athletes on the Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls teams how to improve their diets. Although it's tough to convince a towering basketball player or a 300-pound linebacker that junk food is bad for him, trying to get my kids to eat well can be even more of a challenge. My daughter Kathleen has severe and life-threatening allergies to eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts, and Julia will not eat fresh fruit; luckily, my son, Marty, will try just about anything. Mothers constantly tell me that they feel guilty about their children's diets; they know how important it is to feed their kids healthy foods, but they're just not sure how to do it. Despite my own background in nutrition, I had to go through some trial and error with my triplets. Here are the most important lessons I've learned, which should help you guide your kids to eat better.

1. Make a schedule. Children need to eat every three to four hours: three meals, two snacks, and lots of fluids. If you plan for these, your child's diet will be much more balanced and he'll be less cranky, because he won't be famished. I put a cooler in the car when I'm out with my kids and keep it stocked with carrots, pretzels, yogurt, and water so we don't have to rely on fast food.
2. Plan dinners. If thinking about a weekly menu is too daunting, start with two or three days at a time. A good dinner doesn't have to be fancy, but it should be balanced: whole-grain bread, rice, or pasta; a fruit or a vegetable; and a protein source like lean meat, cheese, or beans. I often make simple entree soups or Mexican chili ahead of time and then freeze it; at dinnertime, I heat it up and add whole-grain bread and a bowl of cut-up apples or melon to round out the meal.
3. Don't become a short-order cook. A few years ago, I got into a bad habit. I'd make two suppers -- one that I knew the kids would like and one for my husband and me. It was exhausting. Now I prepare one meal for everybody and serve it family-style so the kids can pick and choose what they want. Children often mimic their parents' behavior, so one of these days, they'll eat most of the food I serve them.
4. Bite your tongue. As hard as this may be, try not to comment on what or how much your kids are eating. Be as neutral as possible. Remember, you've done your job as a parent by serving balanced meals; your kids are responsible for eating them. If you play food enforcer -- saying things like "Eat your vegetables" -- your child will only resist.
5. Introduce new foods slowly. Children are new-food-phobic by nature. I tell my kids that their taste buds sometimes have to get used to a flavor before they'll like the taste. A little hero worship can work wonders too. Marty refused to even try peas until I told him that Michael Jordan eats his to stay big and strong. Now Marty eats peas all the time.
6. Dip it. If your kids won't eat vegetables, experiment with dips. Kathleen tried her first vegetable when I served her a thinly cut carrot with some ranch salad dressing. My children also like hummus, salsa, and yogurt-based dressing.
7. Make mornings count. Most families don't eat enough fiber on a daily basis, and breakfast is an easy place to sneak it in. Look for high-fiber cereals for a quick fix. Or, do what I do and make up batches of whole-grain pancake and waffle batter that last all week. For a batch that serves five, sift together 2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour, 4 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 2 Tbs. sugar. When you're ready to cook, mix in 2 Tbs. ground flax meal, 2 cups water, 3 Tbs. canola oil, 1/4 tsp. vanilla, and 2 Tbs. applesauce.
8. Sneak in soy. Even if your kids don't have milk allergies, soy milk is a terrific source of healthy phytochemicals. My kids don't like soy milk but don't notice when it's hidden in a recipe. I use the low-fat, calcium-fortified kind in some recipes that call for milk, such as oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and sauces.
9. Sprinkle some sugar. Julia eats her cooked carrots with a bit of brown sugar, and I mix a little root beer into her prune juice to make prune-juice soda. Kathleen and Marty like a sprinkle of sugar on their fruit. I know that they'll eventually outgrow this need for extra sweetness, but in the meantime, they're eating fruits and vegetables.
10. Get kids cooking. If your children become involved in choosing or preparing meals, they'll be more interested in eating what they've created. Take them to the store, and let them choose produce for you. If they're old enough, allow them to cut up vegetables and mix them into a salad. Although Julia refuses to eat fresh fruit, she and I make banana or apple muffins together -- and she always eats them once they're done.
11. Cut back on junk. Remember, you -- not your kids -- are in charge of the foods that enter the house. By having fewer junk foods around, you'll force your children to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products.
12. Allow treats. Having less healthy foods occasionally keeps them from becoming forbidden -- and thus even more appealing. We call candy, soda, and cookies "sometimes" foods. I generally buy only healthy cereals such as Cheerios and Raisin Bran, but I let my kids have sugary cereals when they visit their grandparents or when we're on vacation. And I treat them to McDonald's for lunch every so often.
13. Have fun. The more creative the meal is, the greater the variety of foods my kids eat. We make smiley-face pancakes and give foods silly names. (Broccoli florets are "baby trees" or "dinosaur food.") Anything mini is always a hit too. I often use cookie cutters to turn toast into hearts and stars, which the children love.
14. Be a role model. If you're constantly on a diet or have erratic eating habits, your children will grow up thinking that this sort of behavior is normal. Be honest with yourself about the kinds of food messages you're sending. Trust your body to tell you when you're hungry and when you're full, and your kids will learn to do the same.
15. Adjust your attitude. Realize that what your kids eat over time is what matters. Having popcorn at the movies or eating an ice-cream sundae are some of life's real pleasures. As long as you balance these times with smart food choices and physical activity, your children will be fine.

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Montessori School

This last Thursday, 13SEP2012, you began Montessori School!  Your daddy and OE get to go with you every Thursday so you can learn new things and socialize with other babies your age.  Daddy said that you and your cousin didn't want to have anything to do with sitting in a circle and listen to your teacher.  And OE crawls all over the place I guess!  I will be heading up there next week to see you and OE and spend about 10 days or so with you.  I have a few more books I am bringing with me so we can do little learning snippets.  MaMa missing you little baby girl...can't wait to see you!

11SEP2012, Libyan Consult Debacle

[Baby Girl, I am putting this on your webpage so you can view it when you are old enough to watch it and understand what molds America's conscience.  Our world is in such turmoil.  Maybe your generation can resolve it...]

Protect Yourself and Your Family from the Current West Nile Virus Outbreak

As of September 4, 2012, 87 deaths caused by West Nile Virus have been reported in the United States. There have been 1,993 cases of West Nile Virus in people, with 70 percent of those cases occurring in six states: Texas, South Dakota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Michigan.  Read more at usa.gov website

Forty-eight states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes.

West Nile Virus is a potentially dangerous illness that is primarily spread by bites from infected mosquitoes. The mosquitoes themselves become infected when they feed on infected birds.

About one in 150 people infected with the virus will develop severe illness that could cause permanent neurological effects or death. About 20 percent of people can have symptoms for up to several weeks. Eighty percent of infected people show no symptoms at all. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms.

The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites.

• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.

Learn more about the West Nile Virus outbreak from the Centers for Disease Control.

Read more at CDC website

Public Health Nurse Ready

Public Health Nurse Ready (PHN Ready) is an online certificate program for RNs working in public health, or desiring to know about how public health works.  LPNs and other RN's may find the certificate of interest as well. 
 
All courses are self-paced and on-line, with most courses providing continuing education credits.  Read more

Checklist: 10 Foods You Shouldn't Feed Baby

_ Cow's milk and egg whites, which can cause tummy upset, eczema and other tummy troubles in kids under 12 months.

___ Food that is either sticky or really hard (popcorn, peanut butter, marshmallows); they can cause your baby to choke.

___ Raw veggies (grapes, carrots) or whole pieces of canned fruit--all choking hazards.

___ Nuts. All kinds present choking hazards in children under 4.

___ Honey. There's an off chance it may contain bacteria that can cause infant botulism (it doesn't typically happen in babies over 1 or adults, however).

___ Anything caffeinated, such as soda or iced tea. Hey, the kid keeps you up enough as it is!

___ More than 4 ounces of fruit juice per day. It can cause diarrhea in infants.

___ Unpasteurized cheese, which has a slight food poisoning risk in young babies. Most cheeses sold in the U.S. are pasteurized, but just check the label or ask.

___ Fish, especially shellfish like shrimp, lobster, crab, scallops--these can trigger an allergic reaction in babies under 1. If fish allergies run in the family, then avoid fin fish until baby's at least 2 (it gives his immune system time to strengthen).

___ Swordfish, shark, tilefish or king mackerel, which are high in mercury. Even adults shouldn't eat these very often.

Allergy Prevention Tips for Babies

Introducing your baby to solid foods is exciting but it can also feel like a gamble when you consider the possibility of lurking food allergies. Awareness and preventative measures will help make this transition seem less like a game of Russian Roulette and more like a positive change.

By Tara Mataraza Desmond

Timing of Solids

Is it true that introducing solids before 6 months of age will increase the likelihood that my baby will develop an allergy?

Dr. Wesley Burks, Professor and Chief of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at Duke University Medical Center, notes that breastfeeding exclusively for more than 4 months -- and waiting to introduce solids until 4 to 6 months of age -- are two of the best ways to help prevent the onset of allergies. In addition to immune system strength, your baby's gastrointestinal and motor strength will increase month by month. While a 4-month-old might be able to digest solid foods well, she might be more physically adept and attentive at 6 months, making the transition to new foods faster, easier, and less messy.

Tough Mudder

[Saturday, 8 SEP 2012, your daddy participated in the TOUGH MUDDER up in Frederick, MD.  There were some really bad thunderstorms and lightening that caused the water obstacles to be taken out of the race.  Your daddy said he had lots of fun, was really beat and they ran out of water, so they couldn't even take a shower before they left.  He went with about 15 other guys he works with.  Your mommy, you and OE went and stayed at your other grandma's house.  I am so proud of your daddy!]

9/11 Teach and Learn

Interactive 9/11 Timelines

This digital timeline chronicles the events of 9/11 and the nine-month recovery effort at Ground Zero using images, audio and video from the 9/11 Memorial Museum's permanent collection.  read more

September 11: Teaching Contemporary History K-12

K-12 Lessons and Activities

Included below are links to lesson plans and activities for students and teachers from the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Flight 93 National Memorial, Pentagon Memorial Fund and the National Museum of American History.

National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Tribute Art and 9/11
This resource, developed in partnership with the September 11th Education Trust and the Social Studies School Service, focuses on the artistic response to 9/11. In the aftermath of the attacks, many people chose to respond through a range of artistic channels as part of the healing, recovery, and rebuilding process. In studying these responses, students learn how art is not only a means for self-expression, but can also serve as a vehicle for community-building and personal growth.
Audience: Elementary/middle/high school

The Spirit of Volunteerism
These materials explore the themes of service and volunteerism, examining acts of service both on the day of the event and the spirit of service that continued into the aftermath of 9/11. The centerpiece, an eight-minute film titled “The Spirit of Volunteerism: 9/11 and Beyond,” introduces people who channeled strong emotions and feelings into constructive acts of human kindness.
Audience: Middle/high school

Webcasts: Exploring 9/11
This webcast series, hosted by Director of Education, Cliff Chanin, explores the continuing impact of the attacks of September 11, 2001 on the United States and the global community.
Audience: High school

Talking to Your Children About 9/11
Every year, the attacks of 9/11 recede further into the past. However, for those of us who lost someone close or otherwise experienced that day — whether in person or on television — thinking and talking about 9/11 may still evoke strong emotions that transport us back to the tragedy and can jar emotions long forgotten. This resource from the National September 11 Memorial & Museum offers tips and a broad outline for parents to aid in talking to their children about 9/11.

9/11 Commemorations and Memorials

[Baby girl, I hope that I live long enough to tell you about 9/11 and the part that I played at the Pentagon.  Maybe by then, I will be able to talk about it...]

Honoring Victims
On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners to strike targets in the United States. Nearly 3,000 people died as a result of the attacks.
By presidential proclamation, Americans are called on to participate in a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time on September 11, 2012. They may also observe the day with ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services. Flags should be displayed at half-staff in honor of the individuals who lost their lives.
Many Americans will serve in their communities in honor of 9/11 as part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Service projects range from food drives and home repairs to neighborhood cleanups and disaster preparation activities. In many areas, volunteers will honor veterans, soldiers, or first responders by collecting donations, assembling care packages, and writing thank you letters.
Learn how you can participate in public service on the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Other activities you may take related to 9/11:
Read 9/11 stories, tell your 9/11 story, and upload images, documents, and other digital files at the September 11 Digital Archive.
View the National Museum of American History’s display of objects recovered from the three sites attacked that day.
Visit the Library of Congress’s eyewitness accounts and personal reactions to 9/11.
View the September 11 National Medal from the U.S. Mint.    read more

National Park Service

For Kids

EXPLORE. LEARN. PROTECT. New Beginings.2012 is a year of discovery at Flight 93 National Memorial. On September 10, 2011 the permanent Flight 93 National Memorial was dedicated and opened to the public.. The memorial's Junior Ranger program was designed specifically for the temporary memorials and so it was retired. The memorial is in the process of developing new programs and materials for kids and family, including Junior Ranger materials, to make the most of their visit to Flight 93 National Memorial. Please check back regularly as new items are developed and added. Help Kids and Adults to Understand the Story of Flight 93.Flight 93 National Memorial realizes that children may struggle to understand what happened on September 11, 2001, especially since adults also struggle to understand the events of that day. Programs and resources are being developed to help both children and those who guide them to understand better the Flight 93. Partners in Education.The memorial is working with its Partners in Education in this effort. Learn more about our partners through the links below.  read more

10 First-Year Games for You and Baby

Playtime with your infant is more than just fun and games -- it also teaches your baby valuable life lessons.

By Kristen Finello from American Baby

Where Did It Go?
Take a koosh ball or other soft ball and squish it into a small container with a lid. Close the lid. Ask your baby, "Where did the ball go?" Encourage him to open the container and watch the ball spring out, jack-in-the-box style. The popping ball is sure to get his attention, and the game is an exciting way to learn about object permanence -- the fact that an object still exists even if you can't see it -- explains Susan P. Epstein, a parenting coach in New London, Connecticut.  read more

50 Simple Ways to Make Your Baby Smarter

Infant-development experts believe that the first years of a child's life are a prime time for learning, but sometimes it may be hard to think of new ways to stimulate your baby. Let these fun -- and scientific -- activities will inspire you.

By Heather Moors Johnson from Parents Magazine

Stimulate Baby's Vision

1. Make eye contact. Take advantage of those brief moments when your newborn's eyes are open, and look right into them. Infants recognize faces early on -- and yours is the most important! Each time he stares at you, he's building his memory.

2. Stick out your tongue. Studies show that newborns as young as 2 days old can imitate simple facial movements -- it's a sign of very early problem solving.

3. Let him reflect. Have your baby stare at himself in the mirror. At first, he may think he's just eyeing another cute kid, but he'll love making the "other" baby wave his arms and smile.

4. Make a difference. Hold up two pictures about 8 to 12 inches away from your baby's face. They should be similar but have one small difference (perhaps a tree is in one but not the other). Even a young infant will look back and forth and figure out the distinguishing features, which sets the stage for letter recognition and reading later on.   read more

HEAD LICE REMEDIES

KIDS Eat Right

Your source for scientifically-based health and nutrition information you can trust to help your child grow healthy. As a parent or caretaker you need reliable resources and you can find them here, backed by the expertise of nutrition professionals.

shop smart

To encourage a healthy lifestyle, get your children involved in selecting the food that will appear at the breakfast, lunch or dinner table.

cook healthy

Involve your child in the cutting, mixing and preparation of all meals. Even a snack can be healthy.

eat right

Sit down together as a family to enjoy a wonderful meal and the opportunity to share the day's experiences with one another.  read more

HARD FACTS ABOUT SOFT DRINKS

by Mary Mullen, MS RD and Jo Ellen Shield, MED RD LD at www.eatright.org

In 2009 sales of carbonated beverages totaled $18.7 billion—that is about $5 billion more than total milk sales! One reason why soft drinks are so popular is the price. Kids learn quickly that they can get more "bang for their buck" by buying a super-size soft drink instead of an 8-ounce carton of low-fat milk. And, let's face it, the variety of types and flavors of soft drinks—regular, diet, with or without caffeine, cola, uncola, and energy drinks—is a temptation trap.

Sweetened Soft Drinks

The main ingredient in sweetened soft drinks is water; they are about 90 percent carbonated water. They provide essentially no key nutrients and are sweetened with either sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, which is a combination of fructose and dextrose (a sugar that comes from corn). There's been a great debate as to whether high-fructose corn syrup may be the reason why obesity rates in the United States have skyrocketed, but there is not enough scientific evidence to say that this sweetener changes metabolism, increases body fat, or boosts appetite. Many companies are removing high fructose corn syrup from their products, but the key to reaching a healthy weight is to trim calories—cut back on all types of added sugar.

Soft drink flavors come from artificial and natural flavors. Acids such as citric acid and phosphoric acid give a tart taste and act as preservatives. Coloring might also be added. Many soft drinks also contain caffeine. While caffeine is not necessarily harmful, it is a stimulant that can affect kids' alertness and sleep patterns; make them feel anxious, jittery, or dizzy; or cause headaches. Unfortunately, the amount of caffeine is not listed on labels or in the Nutrition Facts, but most caffeine-free soft drinks say so on the label.

If your child or teen drinks sweetened soft drinks, consider these Think Before You Drink tips: 

• Cut down the quantity over time. Each week, have your kid cut back until he or she reaches the goal of drinking one serving or less a day. And, no, a 64-ounce cup is not a serving! The daily limit should be no more than 8 to 12 ounces, or—better yet—none at all.
• Diet sodas are a better alternative than regular sodas, but water is the best way to quench thirst. 
• Serve water or low-fat or fat-free milk at meals instead of soft drinks.

Make Your Child’s School Lunch Creative and Filled with Nutrients

September 7, 2012 by Olivia Wagoner  (VA.gov)

Make Your Child’s School Lunch Creative and Filled with Nutrients
September 7, 2012 by Olivia Wagoner
What do you typically pack for your kid’s lunch? There are many different ways to add fun foods to your brown paper bag with a variety of nutrients to enjoy during the day. Find recipes and other healthy eating tips at here to give you more ideas for packing lunches.

Here are a few simple steps and ideas in order to pack a tasty and nutritious lunch:
Let your child help you pack his/her lunch. This will introduce them to foods that are healthy and they will enjoy their lunch more the next day knowing that they helped to prepare it.
Go green by eliminating the use of plastic sandwich bags. Find a reusable and fun colored Tupperware container to use that your kids will enjoy.
Packing your child’s lunch will allow for them to have more time to actually eat during lunch time if they don’t have to buy it. Most kids have around 20 minutes to eat lunch, so provide them with easy to eat and easy to open packages to save time.
Fill their lunch box with small foods that are easy for the kids to handle as well as fun to eat. For instance, pack the ingredients for a sandwich and let the child put together his/her own sandwich to add some fun to lunch time.
Finish up by packing something fun: a sticker, small note, small cookie wrapped in plastic with a ribbon, fruit on a stick, dessert cut into a playful shape.
Do not forget the drink to top off the meal. Send water, low-fat milk to add calcium and vitamin D or 100% fruit juice. Avoid sweetened beverages that contain excess sugar such as any soda. According to dietitians, sweet soft drinks provide essentially no key nutrients and are sweetened with either sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. Check this out to help choose appropriate beverages for children.
If you have other questions about healthy eating, cooking, or meal planning contact your local VA’s dietitian.

And finally, some ideas on what to pack for lunch boxes:

Turkey sandwich cut into squares, baby carrots and grapes
Peanut butter and jelly tortilla wraps, peach, homemade snack mix (dried fruits, unsalted nuts and pretzels, baked crackers)
Turkey wrap or sandwich cut up into pieces, small handful goldfish, small handful pretzels, raisins, strawberries
Grilled chicken strips, 5 whole-grain crackers, 3 slices cheese, mixed fruit (grapes and peaches), small salad with tomatoes
Pasta salad with vegetables, apple, salad
Six small sushi bites, strawberries, snack peas
Meat and cheese slices, pasta mixed with pesto, crunchy vegetable sticks, mixed fruit
Olivia Wagoner is a dietetic intern at the Memphis VA Medical Center. She loves to spend her free time trying new recipes, running and enjoying her Saturday mornings at the local downtown Memphis farmer’s market.

Act Like a Baby: Life Lessons from a 1-Year-Old

by Eleni Gage,  (too cute not to post!)

1.) Eat small meals every three hours. Try everything -- breast milk, zucchini fritters, yogurt, octopus balls -- but eat lightly, eagerly and often and you'll develop an incredible metabolism.

2.) If you're enjoying what you're eating, hum, clap or stop briefly and do a little dance. The chef will be delighted and it will enhance your eating pleasure

3.) Stand up and keep going each time you fall, and every day you'll get better at moving forward. (But if you plan to fall down a lot, it helps to have some padding on your butt.)

4.) Smile at babies, dogs, homeless people and anyone looking at you and not at their cell phone. They'll probably smile back.

5.) Say no when you don't want to do something. But half the time, after you say no, change your mind and give it a try.

6.) If someone asks for applause, clap. It's the easiest, cheapest way to make people happy.

7.) Trust your gut. If you like someone, pat their arm. If you don't like someone and they get in your face or try to grab you, yell.

8.) Try something new every day, but bear in mind not everything you see is food.

9.) Be curious. Open every cabinet, crawl underneath furniture, empty full drawers. Just make sure someone has locked up all the sharp objects first. And when you're out in the world, keep your eyes open and you'll probably spot something wonderful -- like a butterfly or a cloud.

10.) When you see someone you love, smile so hard you laugh out loud and occasionally topple over.

11.) Nap.  read the rest!  

KITTY KAT OREO DIED TODAY

My little baby girl, I know you will never remember OREO, but she was your mommie's kitty kat and she loved her very much. Your Aunt KT stayed at your house with your daddy while you and OE and your mommy went to Ohio for a family reunion. You all rode up to the reunion in your other grandma's SUV, with your grandpa and Cyper. Cypher's mommy didn't go.

Today both your mommy and daddy had off. So your mommy and Aunt Sharon took Oreo down to the vet and they had her put to sleep. Your Aunt KT dug the whole in the ground at your house, while your mommy was gone. Your daddy had to take OE to the doctor for a well baby check. He is 24 inches tall and weights 25 lbs. He's a big boy.

Your mommy must be feeling very hurt and in pain from the death of her kitty. She had Oreo for almost 20 years. Oreo was a black kitty and she weighed only 5 lbs. I kept telling your daddy he should talk to your mommy because the kitty always looked real thin and had bumps all over her. She could no longer take care of herself, so her hair was all knotted up. She got her claw stuck in the carpet and couldn't get it out. She just layed there. I guess it was really sad...she's is in Heaven now and is in no pain.

I will try to get a picture of her so I can post it...you now have only Butter left, he is a fat kitty kat...