Pack Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Now

I'm putting together my Operation Christmas Child shoebox for Samaritan's Purse. Since 1993, these gift boxes have been shipped around the world to kids in need. We've been participating for about that long. Here's how I'm saving $11 packing it in person. But packing a box online works great for homebound and elderly.Packing Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoe box

I Don't Say Happy, but Blessed Veterans Day

(my poem for Veterans Day, 2013)

I feel wrong saying "Happy Veterans Day."
War isn't something to celebrate.
Killing and dying aren't festivities.
War just is.  Reflections of the Vietnam Wall, Blessed Veterans Day

Pet Owners, Animal Care Workers Beware of Jerky Treats

Jerky treats have been causing pets to get sick. Since 2007, 580 pet deaths have been linked to jerky-style pet treats. 3,600 dogs and 10 cats have gotten sick from eating the snacks. The US Food and Drug Administration has been testing to see what's causing the illnesses and deaths. They've run 1,200 tests and still no conclusions. Pet owners, if you love your kitty or doggie, don't give jerky snacks. Jerky Treats Sicken and Kill Pets FDA Looks at Why

Free Printable Thanksgiving Cut and Paste Activities

Want cut and paste Thanksgiving crafts for kids? Or free printable holiday crafts for classroom, homeschool, day care, scouts or church groups? Print turkey, pilgrims, harvest, pumpkins for Thanksgiving cut and paste crafts. Keep busy hands and minds active making decorations, coloring pages, place cards, Thanksgiving greeting cards and thank-you notes.

Here are websites that allow you to print free with the click of your mouse. Nothing to download, no registration or user ID. You can request to be put on free email mailing lists; keep up to date with all the wonderful crafts and cut and paste activities available. You might even have some activities to contribute.Free Printable Thanksgiving Cut and Paste Activities 

I Thought America Was a Melting Pot--What's this About Illegals?

I'm hearing this term "illegals" a lot from my fellow Americans. It's meant to reference those who have entered the US illegally. But I don't get it. How can you call a person "illegal?" Does their very existence violate some human code?

And in America, the "great melting pot" that makes no sense. But then Americans tend toward reactionary extremism. We think patriotism means waving a flag or saying the Pledge of Allegiance. We proclaim to support our troops yet stand by while they have to fight for benefits. We know less about US history than immigrants. Our national holidays are just beer drinking blasts. We're fellow Americans only as it suits our purpose. We're ethnocentric while bashing each other's background (see this post I wrote).  Who Are These Illegals You Speak of? I Thought America Was a Melting Pot

Teach Kids Social Skills, Encourage them To Form a Club

Sharing this great idea that my daughter came up with. She writes for Bubblews and this is her idea for a club she'd like to start. She explains "I want to start a club. My friend started one and its time I start my own. At school, one of my teacher has shown interest in starting a club with me. We had considered forming a Star Wars club because we are both massive Star Wars fans. However, there wouldn't be a lot to do in the club so I have created a new idea for a club. A conspiracy theorist club."

Okay first that's just a really cool idea. Second, joining clubs are a great way for kids to connect and get involved. Third, starting a club helps kids learn organization, social skills,  motivational and public speaking and self-advocacy. Fourth, a conspiracy theories club--educational, creative and fun! Does my heart proud to call her "daughter." Conspiracy Theorist Club

Time to Think Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child

Back to School sales are a great time to stock up on stocking stuffers for Christmas. They're great sources for cheap gifts for holiday toy donations. Looking for a good children's charity try Operation Christmas Child from Samaritans Purse. This group collects shoeboxes of Christmas presents for needy kids. To participate, fill shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, articles of clothing, personal care products, candy, books. The website lists suggestions and what to avoid (breakables, liquids, war toys). Print a shipping label from website and indicate age and gender the box is for. Include $7 donation for shipping (a pretty fair deal considering weight and goods shipped). Boxes are due Nov. 18-25 and drop-off locations listed on the website.  Best Childrens Charities for Holiday Toy Drives Operation Christmas Child

Balance is Healthier Parenting Than Health Obsession

We want to give our kids the best, right? And the closer to nature, the healthier and better, right? Drugs, chemicals, cleaning products, household items, cosmetics, disposable items, kids products--we try to use natural ingredients as much as possible. Note I said "as possible." It's virtually impossible to avoid all. And my naturalista friends are going to gasp, but I say balance is healthier parenting that rigid obsession with health.  Balance is Healthier Parenting Than Health Obsession

Diet Tip of the Day: Purge, Donate Fat Clothes

I've lost 80 pounds. I'm not trying to brag, but to share healthy, safe weight loss tips that work for me. So today's weight loss tip: purge the fat clothes. Get them out of your closet. I just did that for the second time. I'd done it a few months ago but missed weeding out the summer garments.

As you take them out, try the clothes on. Look at how they DON'T fit anymore. Notice how they sag. It's incredibly therapeutic to see how big your clothes have gotten, or should I say how tiny you have gotten. Take photos of you wearing outfits. I like to compare how I looked when I was fat and how the same outfit looks now. Diet Tip of the Day: Purge, Donate Fat Clothes

Soda Ban for Food Stamps Recipients--Violations of Rights or Common Sense?

Food stamps will no longer be used for soda pop or sugary beverages, if 18 big-city mayors get their way. Leaders including NYC's Michael Bloomberg who has long-opposed soda, are pushing for limits. Ostensibly, they're doing it to curb the nation's obesity problem. I've got mixed feelings on this. Of course bevvie makers are objecting. But that's profit-motivated, more than anything. My humanitarian self says you can't legislate morality (or lifestyle, dietary choice). It's also a little shame-based and patronizing. But the big picture is, we taxpayers are funding unhealthy habits. We have a right to object to misuse of our money. We have a say in how it's spent. Soda Ban for Food Stamps Recipients--Violations of Rights or Common Sense?