The Art of Recycling...

My son's school saves all the construction paper scraps to use in other art & craft projects. (such as this abstract)

I keep my kids' paper scraps in a shoe box.

Here's a link to some great recycle ideas-50 All-Time Favorite New Uses for Old Things

Some of Realsimple.com's smartest ways to rethink common items.

Thoughtful Thursday, September 3, 2009 - NEW TRAFFIC LAWS IN TEXAS

Many new traffic laws went into effect Septemeber 1, 2009 here in Texas.
You may want to check the current laws in your state...

Seatbelts:
HB 537 requires all occupants of a vehicle, no matter their age, to be secured by a safety belt, no matter where they are seated in the vehicle; changes the definition of a passenger vehicle to include a passenger van designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers including the driver; removes the current exemption for third-party Medicaid transportation provisions regarding the use of child passenger safety seats; and prohibits a motorcycle operator from carrying a passenger under the age of 5 unless the child is seated in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle.

SB 61 amends the existing statute regarding child passenger safety seats. The bill requires that any child younger than 8 years of age be restrained in an approved child passenger safety seat unless the child is at least 4 feet, 9 inches in height. The fine is no more than $25 for a first offense and $250 for a second offense. The law also creates a new court cost for conviction of an offense under this section to be collected and used by TxDOT to buy safety seats for low income families. The law becomes effective on Sept. 1, 2009, but tickets for this offense cannot be issued until June 1, 2010. Police officers are allowed to issue a warning before that date.

Driving:
HB 55 makes it illegal to use a wireless communication device in a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used. Cities or counties wanting to enforce this law must post a sign at the beginning of each school zone to inform drivers that using a wireless communications device is prohibited and the operator is subject to a fine. It is a defense to prosecution if the operator was making an emergency call.

HB 2730 increases the penalties for driving while intoxicated with a child passenger by adding an automatic driver license suspension period for first-time offenders and an increased suspension period for repeat offenders. The driver license re-instatement fee for completing an education program will rise from $50 to $100. Closes a loophole so a person who commits an offense as a minor cannot circumvent the driver license penalty if the person turns 21 before their court date.

Driver license:
HB 2730 requires that all applicants under the age of 18 take the driving skills exam to receive a driver license. The law also requires that a provisional driver license (under 18) or instruction permit expire on an individual’s 18th birthday, removes the requirement that a provisional driver license or instruction permit be renewed annually and increases the fee for those licenses from $5 to $15. It also extends the current phase-two restrictions for holders of a graduated driver license from 6 months to 1 year. These restrictions include limited night driving and limits the number of passengers.

HB 2730 and HB 339 restrict all drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.

HB 339 increases the total hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction a teen receives from 14 to 34 after TEA develops criteria for curriculum. (Goes into effect May 1, 2010)

SB 1317 creates a six-hour driver education course required for driver license applicants 18 years of age or older. It also mandates that applicants 25 or under must submit to an approved driver education course. (Goes into effect March 1, 2010.)

My daughter has been asking for a pet for the last two Christmases and birthdays. I've been putting it off because of the added responsibilities not only for the kids, but for me.

This year, I decided if my daughter asked for a pet for her birthday that it was finally time to oblige her. Of course, she did in fact ask for a pet again.

She wanted a snake.

We used to have a 5-foot long, red-tailed boa-so it wasn't a huge surprise. And although I absolutely enjoyed owning a snake, I wasn't thrilled with the idea of taking care of another one.

About a month ago, my kids were staying with my cousins one weekend and it just so happens they were taking care of a puppy in need of a home. The kids adored him and carried the puppy everywhere. It seemed that it was meant to be for us to have this puppy. I agreed to take the puppy and give him a try.





Well, the first few days were interesting...







I have company staying with me and they have a chihuahua. Unbeknownst to me, lil "Ay" is in heat. So day one of owning our first puppy became a lesson in the birds and the bees for my kiddos. The lesson came in the form of the mutt and the chihuahua. My son and daughter wanted to know what the dogs were doing. I explained that they were trying to make babies.

Remember- It's never too early to talk to your kids about sex...

The lesson continued Day Two-though this was one lesson no one wants to learn. Before I could break up the two doggies from their folly, they literally became stuck together. Now, I've owned dogs before, but I've never seen anything like this-much less know how to end it! I was informed by my friend to "water hose them down!" My first thought was "really?"

It was quite tricky to carry the two dogs outside by the hose. I was a little frightened they might not have let me touch them. The look on their faces told me otherwise. They looked so helpless and pitiful-maybe even a bit embarrassed. I managed to carry the two outdoors and sprayed the "stuck" portion down with the water hose. The dogs didn't like it, but neither moved. Within a few minutes the dogs were free of each other. I'm glad to report that the "lessons" have ceased (at least for now)!

Texas Roadhouse -not just a good place to eat...

When I think about a place to go out to eat, I've never thought to have dinner at a Texas Roadhouse. I've only eaten there three times and each time I was invited with a group while attending a conference for work. I've always thought the food was very tasty and reasonably priced, but just never think of going there.

Recently, my daughter attended a tour of a local Texas Roadhouse with her summer day care center. I couldn't understand why the center would choose a restaurant for a field trip. Silly me! My daughter was so excited to tell me all about her tour of the Texas Roadhouse. She handed me a certificate of participation and a letter that read:

"It has been a pleasure to have your child come visit us for a fun learning experience at Texas Roadhouse, Friendswood. We've enjoyed feeding your child and showing him/her the 'ins and outs' of how a restaurant works at no charge to you. It's our desire to reach out to the community in any way we can. We hope you will come back with your child and visit us again.

Have a lengendary day!"

Now granted, the restaurant is surely trying to get more business, but what a great way to do so. My daughter is still asking me when we're going to go eat at the Roadhouse. She has always liked to help out in the kitchen and now more than ever. I think the field trip was a wonderful learning experience for her. My daughter said her favorite part of the trip was helping make the homemade rolls-which each child received 4 rolls to take home. Oh, and are they good!

Here's info on the field trip as described by the Texas Roadhouse website:

Texas Roadhouse Tours!
Looking for a fun and exciting field trip idea for your school or day care? How about Texas Roadhouse! Bring your group in for an exciting learning experience with their teachers for a fun-filled field trip. The children tour the restaurant, learning the different aspects of how a restaurant works, learn to line dance, and “pound” some of our dough to make our delicious dinner rolls! They are also treated to lunch and are sent home with Official Roadhouse Roadies Certificates, a bag of peanuts, some of the rolls they helped make, and a free kid’s meal pass for their next visit with Mom and Dad!

I think I'll be eating at the Roadhouse soon...and Kid's Night is every Tuesday-kids 12 and under eat free with purchase of adult meal.

(NOTICE: this is a true roadhouse and peanut shells cover the floor-beware if your child has peanut allergies)

Thoughtful Thursday, August 20, 2009

EARTH911.COM has a simple message:

REDUCE

REUSE

RECYCLE

and REACT!

8 Ways to Green Childhood

by Michelle Talsma Everson
This story is part of Earth911’s “Green Eight” series, where we showcase eight ways to green your life in various areas.
So, you’ve embraced the green lifestyle and may even be a champion of it. Now you’re ready to share your new-found eco-knowledge with the world. What better place to start than at home, with your own children?
After all, your kids are part of the next environmentally conscious generation, so why not get them started off on a green foot? No matter what age your youngsters are, it’s never too early (or too late!) to show them the green ropes and encourage an eco-friendly childhood.

1. Use Fewer Diapers
If your child isn’t potty trained, help save the environment one diaper at a time by using fewer disposable diapers. You can do this the old-fashioned way by solely using cloth diapers, which can be washed and reused, or you can use fewer disposable diapers in general by implementing Elimination Communication (EC).
Also known as infant or baby potty training, EC involves training your baby to communicate with you when they need to go, so you can take them to the real toilet every now and then, thus reducing their dependency on disposable diapers. You’ll still use diapers – but you’ll use them less frequently.

2. Encourage (and Practice) Green Eating Habits
Reduce the amount of packaging waste from pre-made foods by making meals at home, and turn family dinners into a chance to cook your favorite organic or fresh food recipes. If possible, make your baby food from scratch – it’s healthier for baby and saves on excess waste from cardboard, glass, plastic and more. And if you’re really ambitious, consider starting a family garden. No matter its size, it will encourage your kids to appreciate their food and the earth it comes from.

3. Use “Green Bucks”
For older children, the concept of “Green Bucks” helps teach them about two types of green: money and the environment. Similar to an allowance, Green Bucks are given to kids as a reward, but instead of being used on the latest toy, they represent a set amount of money that is donated in their name to an environmentally-friendly charity of their choice.

4. Explore The Great Outdoors
To help them learn to appreciate nature, give your kids a chance to really explore it. Do some quick research to find out more about the environmental treasures in your local community, and take advantage of the chance to spend time as a family.

5. Recycle Together
Recycling is one of the most basic green living concepts. But you aren’t born knowing the ins and outs of this eco-habit, and the best place to learn it is at home. Make recycling a family project and get your kids involved. By making it fun using games and activities, your children will not only learn how and what to recycle, but it will become a lifelong habit. Check out the EPA’s Environmental Kids’ Club for recycling ideas, games and activities.

6. Buy Green Toys
One of the best things about being a kid is, of course, toys! You know you’re going to give them a treat every now and then anyways, so why not buy your children environmentally friendly toys? Green toys come in all shapes and sizes, but without chemicals or additives. One place to start your hunt for the latest eco-friendly plaything is Eco Toy Town. Many department stores are also beginning to sell eco-friendly toys and organic baby products for even the littlest member of the family.

7. Earth-Friendly Reads
Just like you read up about the latest eco-topics, it’s never too early to start reading green kids books to your young ones. Not only does it help develop their reading skills, but it can foster early awareness of the environment. For older kids, pass along your favorite green articles or Web sites – it will give you a lot to discuss and provide an opportunity to learn together as well.

8. Set an Example
Perhaps the most important tip for green parents is to teach by example. If you want your kids to learn to be good stewards of Mother Nature, let them see your green efforts in action! And, don’t forget to tell them when you’re being green – pointing out your own efforts will help remind them to be mindful of even the simplest eco-steps, from turning off lights to unplugging electronics when bed time rolls around.

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY, July 30, 2009

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

-When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang up my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one.

-When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

-When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I knew that little things are special things.

-When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I believed there is a God I could always talk to.

-When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight, and I felt loved.

-When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

-When you thought I wasn't looking, I LOOKED....and wanted to say thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.

(Thanks to Connie Back reposted from heartquotes.com)

My daughter even realizes how bad TV is for her brain...

I called for her several times to come eat breakfast and she didn't so much as flinch. I finally shut off the TV to get her attention. She apologized and then said, "The TV 'hizzmatized' me."

10 Cheap, Fun Family Events

(reprinted from MSN)

"I don't need to tell you that the economy stinks. A trip to Disneyland or to the water park doesn't sound like such a great idea anymore after watching five minutes of CNBC. That doesn't mean you can't have a great and memorable time with the family -- it's just time to get back to basics. Here are 10 great ideas for cheap family fun without leaving home." -By Craig Playstead

1) Sleepover movie night. Move all of your mattresses onto the family room floor for an energetic and fun family sleepover night. The kids will love it as you pop some corn, make root beer floats and watch a funny movie. Nothing brings a family closer than sleeping together as you tell stories and get away from video games, the computer and other distractions. We did this over the holidays and the kids still talk about it.

2) The (enter your last name here) Family Olympics. Now that the weather is shaping up, take a weekend day and hold an Olympics just for your family. Events can range from crab walks to walking with an egg on a spoon to the infamous water balloon toss. A combination of individual and team events will make everyone feel included. Use your imagination on this one -- the events are limitless.

3) Top Chef Family Challenge. Playing off the popular TV show, this turns into a party. Invite 2-3 families over and have a cook off. One thing to remember is that you need to set some ground rules so no one goes hog wild and prepares grilled sea bass or filet mignon. At the very least, make each family create one dish that has a $10-$15 limit. Have everyone taste the dish and declare a winner. The best part? Potluck at the end.

4) Backwards day. Take a day during the weekend and reverse everything to create your own backwards day. Here are some good ideas: have breakfast for dinner; put your clothes on backwards; watch a movie in the morning and cartoons in the evening. Include the kids in the planning and enjoy the ideas they come up with. Anything that is out of the norm will make for a fun day and break the daily routine.

5) Treasure hunts. These can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish. We started this when our kids were 3 and 4 and needed something to keep them busy while my wife was working from home. Simply ask them to "find something purple" and as soon as they find it and bring it back, request something else. At the end, give them a treat or a little reward. To make it more elaborate, give them a list of the things that you've hidden and let them go.

6) Eat like a pig. Kids love a mess -- that's not debatable. So break the rules one night this summer and have a dessert eating contest with only one rule -- no hands. Your kids will think they have died and gone to heaven. Any excuse to eat without silverware and be funny. This will be a blast for everyone. It's even better if you can move the contest to the backyard and hose everyone down when it's over.

7) Have a themed dinner night. One of the greatest tools we have to bring a family together is the good ol' family dinner. Just tweak it a bit. Make spaghetti, put on some Italian music, and have each member of the family bring one fun fact about Italy. Cook an authentic dish from where your family roots lie and let the kids learn their history. This is a great way to get kids to try new foods, learn about other cultures, and have fun at the same time. Get them involved in the cooking process to empower them.

8) Have an outdoor food fight. I made the mistake years ago of telling my kids about a food fight that broke out in high school. Now they ask me about it at least once a month. This isn't something I would do all the time, but it shows that you can let your hair down, have a little fun, and not take yourself so seriously. Just make sure you choose a food that is easy to clean up, and doesn't hurt when you get hit by it.

9) Make slime. Nothing says fun to a kid like something that's gross, oozing and slimy. Follow this recipe to make cheap and fun slime to entertain your kids for hours. It's easy to make, and it's a fun science experiment that will leave them playing for hours. This recipe was from a preschool function we were at years ago -- and I have yet to find a kid that doesn't love it.

Recipe:
1 ½ cups of warm water
2 cups white glue
Food coloring (any color)
Mix in container #1
1 1/3 cups of warm water
3 Tablespoons of Borax
Mix in container #2
Add container #1 to container #2, but do NOT stir. Pull it from the bottom and work with hands until all the liquid is gone (about 5-7 min.).

10) Family game night. I'm not talking about board games -- that's been done to death. If you're like me, you spend way too much time telling your kids that they can't play Xbox (or Wii). Well, indulge them. See what all the fuss is about, grab a controller and join in. Get the whole family involved and play a fun, multiplayer game like Rock Band or Lego Star Wars. The kids will be thrilled that not only are they playing video games, but they're not at war with you while doing it -- and you'll wonder where the last two hours went.

Craig Playstead is a freelance writer and happily married father of three living in the suburbs of Seattle. He frequently writes about fatherhood and anything else of interest to guys for MSN.

More Family Fun ideas:

• 29 Ways to Entertain Kids
• Safe Toys for Kids of All Ages
• Camp Stay-at-Home

Thoughtful Thursday, July 9, 2009

"Approach every 'problem' as an opportunity."

"Encourage the miraculous by believing in the 'impossible'."

-Reprinted from Out-Smarting Your Karma Copyright ©1996 by Barry Neil Kaufman. All Rights Reserved. Published by Epic Century Publishers.

Just think how courageous and confident our kids can be if we set the example by using the above beliefs in our everyday lives.

25 Kid-friendly restaurants

I'm always on the hunt for good deals-especially when it comes to dining out with my kids. Here's a list I saw on delish.com