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Sweet Pea Chef
September 9, 2009
Playground Conversations, Jessica

It has become a new tradition in the short two weeks or so that R has been in kindergarten that we play on the "Big Toy" after school each day. You see, the kindergarten classes share a smaller playground for their recess, only venturing out to the super cool Big Toy if the older kids aren't out playing. So being able to play on the Big Toy after school is quite the treat. [more]

Talia Rivera
September 9, 2009
Remembering., Talia's Blog

The judge gave me a stay of execution to make living arrangements for my nine-month-old daughter, Porshai. Then I had to report back to the courthouse to be transported to the Suffolk County House of Corrections.

Before I left the courthouse I used a pay phone to call a Latina friend. "Gina, can you call Danny’s grandmother on the three-way for me?" I needed her to translate for me because Danny’s grandmother only spoke Spanish.

"Tell her I need a place to hide from the police. Ask her if I can stay with her."

"Hold on," Gina said. [more]

Aliki McElreath
September 9, 2009
Furry dilemma, Professor Mom

Not only did I get a panini press for my birthday, but I also got…a cat. Well, not an actual cat, but this:

and this:

T. is trying the litter box out for size

and the promise that I could pick one out after the Labor Day weekend. [more]

Allison McDonald
September 9, 2009
Recycled Box Name Puzzle , Craftivity Corner

Kids love to write their names on things. Just ask my mom! I am sure she regrets the roll of Allison stickers Santa gave me in 1983. Many things got tagged. Well, this craft is something your kids can write their names on.

1. Gather your materials. You will need an empty cereal type box, some markers ( one dark permanent) and scissors.

2. Cut the box open and trim any side pieces. [more]

Aliki McElreath
September 8, 2009
Full circle, Professor Mom

We spent the long Labor Day weekend in Maryland, visiting my family, celebrating my 40th birthday, and roaming through Ikea. I took T. [more]

Sweet Pea Chef
September 8, 2009
Salad Bliss, Jessica

We're back from our visit to Grandma and Papa's house, which always is a treat. They live right on the water, and their home looks out on the water from almost every room. Something about looking out over the water instantly relaxes and renews me. I wouldn't call the drive to and from the East Coast relaxing and renewing, but the boys did relatively well and we're ready to start a new week. [more]

Allison McDonald
September 8, 2009
Easy Eraser Stamps, Craftivity Corner

Stamps are expensive. I love stamping with my son and this craft uses dollar store mini erasers and milk jug lids to make super fast and usable stamps.

1. Gather your materials. You will need some plastic lids, mini erasers, paper and a stamp pad. I used glue but my so woke from nap wanting to try right away so I also used double stick tape, both worked.

[more]

Mitch
September 4, 2009
Beatlemania Reborn!

Have you heard the news? The Beatles are back! Well, sort of. On Wednesday, September 9, The Beatles: Rock Band will introduce the greatest band of all time to a new generation -- not to mention their parents. See, this isn't just some re-mastering of old records (although those will be released on Wednesday, as well). This actually lets people play along with the Beatles, using specially made instruments that work with popular video game consoles. [more]

Aliki McElreath
September 4, 2009
Sandwich love, Professor Mom If you ever find yourself on the island of Lefkada, in Greece, and you happen to be wandering around the center of town on a sun-soaked afternoon--maybe on your way back from the beach, or on your way to dip your feet into the crystal blue water, you might stumble upon a particular sandwich shop. It doesn't look like too much from the outside (or inside, really).
Allison McDonald
September 4, 2009
Please and Thank You : Books About Manners, Craftivity Corner

Manners in Public by Carrie Finn is a great to the point book about things you should and shouldn't do in public. It covers using polite words, being kind , waiting your turn and more. What made this book stand out from many others was how simple it was without talking down to the reader. The illustrations by Chris Lensch are funky ,and I think they really add to making manners cool in this book.

[more]