The Read Aloud Handbook-by Jim Trelease

What a FANTASTIC reference.  I am trying to absorb everything he writes about.  I am a HUGE fan of reading aloud to your children.  I've just started reading this book, and so far I have learned:

• 54% of fourth-graders read for pleasure
• 30% of eighth-graders read for pleasure
• 19% of twelfth-graders read for pleasure

Wow!

"The more you read, the better you get at it; the better you get at it, the more you like it; and the more you like it, the more you do it."

"The more you read , the more you know; and the more you know, the smarter you grow."

• Background knowledge
• Building vocabulary
• Reading role model
• Conditioning a child's brain to associate reading with pleasure

~Expanding your child's attention span

~Your child reading on a certain level and listening on a certain level. ( I had no idea about the listening level)

Sportsman's Warehouse Military and Public Safety Discounts

Sportsman's Warehouse Celebrates Military and Public Safety Appreciation Day
with Discounts

To honor those serving in the U.S. military and public safety occupations,
Sportsman's Warehouse will offer product discounts during Military and
Public
Safety Appreciation Day, January 22, 2011, at all stores nationwide (except
those states prohibited by law).

Discounts of up to 20 percent will be given on most products, while
firearms, ammunition, optics and electronics will be offered with a 10 percent
discount. "We are proud to recognize the dedication and commitment of those
who serve to keep us safe," said Sportsman's Warehouse Senior Vice President
of Stores, Jeremy Sage. "All of us at Sportsman's Warehouse understand and
appreciate the invaluable service provided by these dedicated individuals,
and we look forward to thanking them personally at our retail locations."

 Thanks to those that serve!

Pregnancy

Nursing/Breastfeeding-


I wanted to blog about this because with my first child, I was doing it COMPLETELY the wrong way! I really hope this helps and gives encouragement for those trying to breastfeed.

The most important thing to know about nursing is THE LATCH!!!!! You will see "latch" repeated several times throughout this blog. I cannot express it enough. Once you understand and can feel the difference, it will make nursing so much easier!

For a mother wanting to nurse with the pains and rips and tears from trying, I WANTED it to happen.  I didn't know what it was REALLY supposed to feel like.  I had heard so many stories from so many ladies. "You just have to get used to the pain at first", or It isn't supposed to hurt?".   My newborn and I were trying to figure it out together.  So, for first time mom's out there,  the LATCH is so important!  If you do not have a good latch, then you probably think it's too painful and you do not want to continue.  Nursing is NOT supposed to be painful! Really, for myself I didn't think I was in so much pain in my life. But I cried WANTING so bad to nurse my baby and for it to NOT hurt.  Of course I was prideful and didn't want to get help from anyone, that I would feel dumb or whatever.  I finally thought, there's probably something on the internet.
If you do NOT have a good latch:

• You may experience more pain that you ought to.
• Your baby may not be getting enough milk and seem to want more feedings
• You think you want to "give up"

This is a pretty good video for the Latch on. I have given this out to others that needed help with  nursing and it worked. If you have been wondering "what is the latch?" I really hope this helps! (I'm a visual learner so this REALLY helped me out.)

 http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/helpme_video_latch_on.html 

  I haven't read her book. But I do know the very import thing is the LATCH.

Nursing SHOULD feel like tugging on your nipple, but not in a painful way.  The first few days of nursing you may be a little sore, BUT no bleeding, tears, or excruciating pain. If that's the case that means your baby is sucking just on the tip of your nipple and doesn't have the correct latch. (It should feel like massaging around your nipple)

Another thing I had to work on while nursing was/is PATIENCE. :) I always wanted to look at the clock and say "Aren't they done yet?" Some babies are very quick eaters (like my boys) or what I call lazy grazers (like my girls).


The benefits of breastfeeding
 (I LOVE the benefits)

• The natural nutrients your baby recieves ( make sure to be eating the right foods at every meal)
• Cost efficient
• Stronger Immune System
• Bonding between you and your baby(this is the best)

*Tidbits- Always eat a well balanced meal. Even if you don't have an appetite! Just think of the needs of your baby.  I'm sure you want to lose that baby weight and think, "it's ok to skip a meal". Eat something! The better foods you have going into your body, the better your baby is going to feel and be! And no worries you will and can lose that baby weight! That's the truth!

Watch out for foods such as:
Brocolli-causes gassy and discomfort in your baby.
Dairy- if your baby spits up or vomits a lot. So sorry, no dairy products. This does help! I've had to do it with each kid!
Chocolate- Yes, chocolate. (I know it's sad)Your baby may break out into really bad baby acne, or vomit.
Spicy Foods- Lots of spit up. Even Pizza.( The pepperoni)

Recipies

I was once asked if I "cook for every meal" and my answer is "YES!". I love to cook, it's my stress reliever.  I grew up having wonderful examples in cooking
from my mom to both of my grandmothers. 

I've decided to include a recipie every now and then that is very easy and quick for those that need to prepare a meal for their families. (Mom's, Dad's, whoever) I'm always wondering what to make that's different creative and close to being healthy. :)

ITALIAN CHICKEN

What you need:

• Chicken Tenders
• Italian Dressing ( I always buy the walmart brand-Great Value and it's Italian Dressing-LIGHT- tastes great!)

Oven Temperature and cooking time:
350 degrees for 1 hour and 25 minutes

I just use a glass dish (13x9 size). I put the frozen chicken tenders in the dish (frozen and all) then I just put the whole thing of Italian Dressing over the chicken. Put in the oven and let it cook!

Fun side dishes:

• Rice- white or brown
• Green Salad
•   Green Leaf Spinach, Strawberries ( Or any fruit really another fave is pomegranates, when in season) , caramelized walnuts, Coconut (optional), and top with Raspberry Vinaigrette.
• Green beans, Corn or Peas

Budgeting for Kid Clothes

How much should I be budgeting for kid clothes? 

For the Month? Year? Per kid?

Shoes

Socks

Shirts

Jackets

Coats

Pants

Shorts
Church clothes

All of these add up pretty quickly. And for having more than one child, that adds up to!  I could attach a figure to the "budget" but, everyone has their OWN budget.

All I know is that I like to save my pennies and make them S T R E T C H. :)

*TIDBIT- I buy during the SALES at the end of the season. so RIGHT NOW!!!!

I always buy a year ahead. If your child is three years old this season, buy four year old clothing for next season. My girls are pretty petite so I can get away with getting a year ahead clothing. My boys are a little bit bigger, so I buy a little bit bigger sizes. I do however have my older children get the "newer" clothes because their siblings get the "hand me downs". Well, I do buy some newbie clothes when I get the "dollar deals". (those are the BEST!)

My favorite places to SHOP for the best sales:

Old Navy

Target

Walmart

Ross

Kohls

Oily Hair Trick

If you are one of those kinds of people that are "blessed" with oily hair ( like myself!) ,here is a Simple Tidbit for the trick!

BABY POWDER

Just put little amounts of baby powder in the ROOTS of your hair.

Really it works! Try it out! Let me know your results.

Diapers- the best ones!

After having three kids and testing many brands of diapers.  It all comes down to

 "which ones are the best?"

Here are my picks!

For newborns my Fave- Pampers Swaddlers

For girls ( you really think there is a difference, oh but there is:)- I can typically get away with a generic brand like Walmart. (Or I'll use Huggies)

For boys ( they sure do water down those diapers!lol)- Huggies definitely does the job. Especially during the night!

USBORNE BOOKS- the best books for children of all ages(adults too!)

Usborne Books are THE BEST! They are the leading publisher for children's educational books. My kids absolutely LOVE them! Like I said my children are 3,2,1. They love to read and they LOVE to learn.  My three year old has some of the books memorized and has been learning to write. My two year old is also memorizing the books. Knowledge is something you WILL take with you, this life and after.

This is the website:

http://www.hollsbooks.com/

Whether you want to add to your own library, just go to the website and purchase books.

 HOST a show

 or

 become a CONSULTANT

it's so worth it!

My kids favorites are: 

The touchy feely books, like "That's not my Princess", "That's not my Dinosaur". Other books include "There's a mouse about the house", "The Gobble Gobble Moo Tractor Book", "Everyone Poops!"(great for potty training), "Don't tell lies Lucy", "1001 Pirate things to spot. I wish I could name them all because they just love them!

    

 



Seriously these books are durable, fun, interactive, internet linked and educational! And there are over 1400 titles!

My favorites: "Conspiracy 365", "The Wickit Chronicles", "Oliver Moon and the Summer Howliday", "War Stories", Children's Encyclopedia, "See Inside your body", "50 Brain Games", "The big book of Fantasy Quests".

    

    

*TIDBIT- Read to your kids! Make at least 30 minutes of reading together. If you are unable to read to your kids,  get a designated reader (a neighbor kid or babysitter)

We read to our kids at night right before they go to bed. THEY LOVE it! Then they get to pick out a book to read in bed.

Getting started!

Ok, here it is, my blog.:) Out of all the little helpful tidbits in life, whether it be for marriage, children, personal, spiritual, food, health and fitness...whatever. I've decided to SHARE what I have found.

Hopefully there is something someone can use or try. 
And I apologize for any grammar mistakes, it's been awhile since I've been in school. Plus, I'm usually up at a really late hour adding blogs. (which also doesn't help with my grammar)

Thanks for visiting this site!