Salavation Sunday: Voting Your Values.

One thing working in politics that used to just bug me was when I heard voters complain about our current events or government. A few minutes later, I realized they did not even vote at all. I wanted to point out that they said their piece by not voting. So in other words, quit your complaining; I do not want to hear it.

This Sunday, as we are in the midst of the final 72 hours of this midterm campaign season, I want to remind you to vote on Tuesday, November 2. Perhaps you will be voting for Governor, the retention of judges, or vote for your state legislature. I even encourage you to do some research on the candidates this Sunday afternoon so that you can vote your values. Make sure you really know what you are voting.

Our church has been doing a lesson on voting called "Politicked." If you are ticked at politicians no matter the party or of the state of affairs of the United States, then take some time to watch or listen to this little miniseries on what you can do. The bottom line as Christians is to align our votes with those candidates of similar values. Even more so, our duty as Christians is to vote, period.

If you need help finding your polling location, please take a few minutes to call your local, county auditor or visit their site online. On a side note, quite to contrary belief that your vote does not matter, who you vote for will impact not only policy the next few years but how your state redistricts for future representation. I wish you Happy Voting and Happy Results.

Sports Saturday: Happy Halloween!

This weekend's family recreation will probably consist of some form of Halloween. And with potentially beautiful weather, you could have fun carving your pumpkins or trick-or-treating in your neighborhood. This year we actually went to a local grocery store for a fun night where we could decorate pumpkins, do a cake walk, a Tootsie Roll toss, and eat for $0.99.

No matter where we go, we should all be aware of a few safety tips. This will not only ensure a fun time, but a safe evening as well for friends and family.

• Dress for the weather.
• Use hats instead of masks for your kids making it easier to recognize each other.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes.
• Make sure that your tails, skirts and pant legs, and/or feathers are not dragging behind so that no one will trip and fall.
• Trick-or-Treat earlier in the evening before it gets too dark.
• Dress your kids in light colors so that they are more noticeable at dusk/after dark.
• Eat only candy that is commercially and individually wrapped.
• Stop at houses only with porch lights on and well lit.
• Map out Trick-or-Treat route beforehand.
• Have a cell phone with you for emergencies.
• Use safe make-up.
  

For those who appreciate alternatives, taking your child to a pumpkin patch or an apple orchard is also fun family recreational activity. We also did just that and spent a weekend at the apple orchard picking apples, playing in the corn maize, and saying "hi" to the animals at the petting zoo. Add Grandpa and Grandma and you have lots of fun! and photos!

From our family to yours, may you have a Happy Halloween and a fun-filled Fall season! Safely of course....

Food Friday: All of that Halloween Candy!

It's time for sugar highs and late nights. It's Halloween. My four year old already has more Halloween candy than he can eat without getting a cavity...and we have yet to go trick or treating. Today, he was sent home with a LARGE bag filled with sweets and snacks.

But what does one do with all of that candy? Don't feel bad about eating some of it. Yeah, it's your kid's candy, but do you really want your kid eating ALL of that candy? Do you have dental coverage on your insurance plan?

Thinking back, my mother used to allow us ONE piece of candy a day. Our candy would last us until Christmas. Chocolate also keeps well in the freezer. And you can always pack the candy in lunches for your spouse as a little treat.

Just don't let your kid eat it all  in one night, like they will want to. Having a kid with an upset stomach on a sugar high is NO fun at all.

Good luck, Happy Halloween and Trick or Eating--I mean treating.

Toy Thursday: Educational Toys, Really?

Have you ever bought your child a toy just because you want to play with it. You caught me! I especially like toys that encourage interaction with your child, such as building blocks, balls, or musical instruments. Some of these toys we play with at the library during story time. If you are looking for a good Christmas gift for your toddler or preschooler, check out some of these toys at Lakeshore Learning Supplies.

Not only do these toys encourage learning by developing cognitive and motor skills, but they are also really fun. You can find toys by categories that utilize language skills, creativity, or even math. Not sure what you are looking for, then check out toys recommended for your particular age group. These toys provide hours of entertainment both for you and your child with so many opportunities for play.

Do not be intimidated that this company markets to teachers and school environments. These are the fun toys that you cannot find in stores but mommy wants to use. The best place your child can learn is right at home with hands on experiences starting with you. And if you teach your child at home, it will be like having preschool right at home. Have a play date and you will not notice that you are not at school.

Shh...our special favorites might find their way under our Christmas tree. Be sure though to pass the secret of this fun site on to your friends!

Wash Wednesday: The Crayon Stains on the Wall

You love your kids, you do. Most days. But if you have a kid who likes crayons, and coloring...on anything...your stress levels increase. A LOT.

I recently wrote an article on tried and true methods on how to get crayon stains off of a wall and thought that knowledge would be great to post here.

Your child thinks he's Rembrandt. And as a parent, you're expected to encourage their interest in art. But what do you do when the little artist colors on the walls? Rather than repainting, here are a few simple tips might save your sanity and pocketbook.

1. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works very well on crayons. Simply wet the "sponge", scrub and let dry. Be sure to keep the magic eraser away from pets and children.
2. Shaving cream also works. Apply the cream to the crayon marks, rub in and then wipe off.
3. Most homes have WD-40 in the garage or shed. A very small spray on the crayon marks and a simple wipe off will take care of the marks. Be sure to wash the wall with soapy water after removing the crayon marks to remove the grease from the spray.
4. Crest Toothpaste works to remove the marks, however, you need to use the paste, not the gel. Rub the paste onto the wall using your fingers and the crayon marks should come right off. After, wash the wall with water.
5. Baking soda and warm water mixed into a paste and applied to the crayon stains on the wall should work as well. Gently apply the past to the wall and scrub the marks off.
6. Non-stick cooking spray also works. Just spray on and wipe off.
7. Science has helped us as they now make a kids paint that allows you to wipe off crayon marks easily. If you have small children or think you might in the future, it would behoove you to purchase this paint...just consider it a crayon insurance plan.

Good luck with Rembrandt. Be sure to take a picture of the masterpiece before washing it off. That way you'll have proof for them, when they come crying to you about what their "little blessing" has done to their walls, that they did the same exact thing.