Humor (but true) PARENT: Job Description

June 14, 2009 by admin
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POSITION:
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Long term, team players needed, for challenging,
permanent work in an
often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from
the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be a willing to be indispensable one minute,
an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for
the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include food service, floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:

Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because
of the assumption that college will help them
become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS:

While no health or dental insurance , no pension,
no tuition reimbursement , no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered;
this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis,
letting them know they are appreciated
for the fabulous job they do…
or forward with love
to anyone thinking of applying for the job.

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Pictures: Why Boys Need Parents (humor)

June 14, 2009 by admin
Filed under Humor, Love At Home, Photos

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As a mom of two sons, I thought this was really great and so true. Enjoy! Click on the smaller images for full size versions!

[View with PicLens]

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Household Hints: Things you can do with Coffee Filters

June 12, 2009 by admin
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Here are some great things you can do with coffee filters (other than using them in your coffee makers And, you can buy them dirt cheap at your local dollar store!

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.

2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they’ll leave windows sparkling.

3. Protect China.. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.

4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.

5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.

6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.

7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.

8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.

9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.

10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent
the soil from going through the drainage holes.

11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.

12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters.

13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them.
Soaks out all the grease.

14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great “razor nick fixers.”

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Love at Home Post List

June 10, 2009 by admin
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Love At Home (begins with you)

May 15, 2009 by admin
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After reading the article below. Click on this link to see all of the posts for Love At Home or use the search feature for something specific.

Love at Home Begins with YOU!
By Gerri Stephey

Everyone has heard the story of the man who returned home from work one day to find total mayhem in his house. His three children were outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. He found an even bigger mess in the house. A lamp knocked over, the TV blaring on a cartoon channel and the family room strewn with toys and clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly went in search of his wife. He was sure that she lay gravely ill or even worse. He found her lounging in the bedroom, still curled in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, “What happened here today?” She again smiled and answered, “You know every day when you come home from work and ask me what in the world I did today?” “Yes,” was his incredulous reply? She answered, “Well, today I didn’t do it.”

How many of us can identify with this story? We take our role of mother and homemaker very seriously, and we seldom stray far from that task. But what of our own development? Don’t we owe it to ourselves and our families to become all that we can be? Are we on call 24 hours a day without a break, or do we feel guilty when we do take a break? We wouldn’t dream of letting our children go hungry, or our homes go to ruin, but do we sacrifice the time it takes to continue to develop as individuals?

“Realize your personal self-worth”. How are we to realize our self worth if we don’t take the time necessary to grow? We need to grow spiritually, socially, intellectually, and culturally. A well-rounded person is not necessarily the one who has dish pan hands. Our Savior recognized this as is noted in Luke 10:38-42. “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou are careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Mary was taking a break from the ordinary to enhance her life. If we are to be helpmates to our husbands, examples to our children, daughters and sisters who can contribute to the quality of life of those around us, we must see that we take the time and make the effort to improve our minds and our abilities. We also must have some time for our own spiritual growth, our own hobbies and our own interests. Not only does this release us from the pressures of daily living, but also it helps us to become stronger and more well rounded individuals.

Love truly does begin at home. It is present deep within the core of our hearts. Just like a plant, we nurture it, cultivate it and watch it grow until it springs forth and takes root within the hearts of those around us. Taking the time to see to our personal growth is like a gentle rain that nourishes the love within the garden of our hearts. In your busy week of seemingly never ending appointments and schedules, don’t forget to schedule a little time to grow. You will find that it renews your spirit, revitalizes your energies, and makes the sun shine just a little bit brighter..

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The Nest is Emptying

December 31, 2008 by admin
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A week from Tuesday, my 19 year-old daughter, Cindi, will be moving out and into the University of Wisconsin-Parkside college dorm, as a Sophomore. She went to school last year, but commuted the 30+ miles every day of the week. With the rising cost of gasoline, and her desire to focus more on school, we’ve come to the conclusion it would be better for her all the way around to move into the dorm.

I like the idea. I’m glad she’s doing it. That doesn’t mean I won’t miss her. Cindi and I are very close, and it’s going to be difficult when she leaves. I’ll probably sob like a baby, but I know she has to do this.

Twenty-one-year-old Kelli moved out last April. She gave us one day’s notice, had no firm plan and no money. I was frantic. Funny enough though, she is making it – barely, but making it. When Kelli left, I didn’t think I was going to survive it.

All these years, Tom and I have been “dreaming” about the empty nest – wishing for it, anticipating it, wanting it. And yet, now that it is almost completely upon us, I’m not too crazy about it. The truth is, I want my children around me. I want them around me forever. They are constantly on my mind and in my heart. Whatever happened to the nuclear family? What was so wrong with that set-up? It doesn’t seem right that we’ve got this big four-bedroom, four-bath house, and no kids to fill it up with.

Our son stays with us, but only because he can’t afford to move out yet. If he could, he’d be out there in a heartbeat, away from me. If he could, he would get as far away from me as he could possibly make it. That doesn’t seem right.

But I remember when all I wanted in my life was to get away from my parents. I wanted my own place in the world. I wanted responsibility. I wanted confidence. I wanted to grow up. When it comes down to it, I don’t really want my children to grow up. I’d be happy if they were little again.

I know this is the way life is supposed to be; that my children are supposed to grow up and leave me, but I don’t have to like it. I don’t have to ever get used to it, and I honestly don’t think I ever will. That’s not a complaint, just a fact, and I needed to express it.

Perhaps when they marry and bring me grandchildren, I’ll be able to get the big picture. But until then, I’m not buying into the “niceties” of the empty nest. Just as I never received a manual when the children were born, I don’t quite know how to handle this leaving home business. I guess it’ll come in time; raising them did. I sure have been blessed to have had that experience.

The truth is I know it’ll all work out. It’s just going to take me a little time to get used to the idea of the empty nest.

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Tags: From Labor to Laughter, Terri's Musings

The Charm of a Small Town

July 31, 2008 by admin
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There’s something good to be said about small towns. I was born, raised and lived for 40 years in a small city about 40 miles north of Chicago. Waukegan, Illinois, a bustling metropolis of about 80,000 ((not a small town), is best known as the birthplace of Jack Benny and author Ray Bradbury.

In summertime, mom and dad would pack up the family of seven and head on down to Litchfield, Illinois, where my mother was originally from. Litchfield is about 30 miles south of the Capital of Springfield. In the ‘60’s and ‘70’s when I was a kid, Litchfield had a population of only about 7,200, and today it’s actually gotten smaller at about 6,800.

Yes, we were used to living in a busier environment with its factories, churches, banks and most of all, traffic. One would think we’d be bored in a small town like Litchfield, but we weren’t. I had some of the best times of my life there.

My mother was the seventh child of nine, born to Levin and Margaret. She was born on Christmas Day in 1929, just about two months after the stock market crash, right in the throws of the Great Depression. Her father, about 80% deaf, worked as a carnival photographer and was often away from home. Her mother was a homemaker and hospital housekeeper, and they were not in the least very well off. They lived in a small house and often did not know where their next meal would come from, but somehow they got through those tough times.

I loved my Grandma C. (last names withheld) very much. I can remember her as far back as age 72. The one thing I remember most about her is that she always suffered severely with rheumatoid arthritis; took several Bufferin each day, and drank the hottest, blackest Maxwell House coffee you could ever imagine. She hurt constantly, and we kids were always scared to death we were going to make it worse by embracing her or even going near her. I can remember my cousin, Janice, saying, “Don’t step on Grandmaw’s feet, don’t step on Grandmaw’s hurtin’ feet.” She lived until she was 86 years old, the last five years in a nursing home.

I think the members of a community relying on one another are something that a small town has that bigger towns and cities don’t have as much of. Mom had many friends back home in Litchfield. We’d stroll downtown to the Rexall or the Fashion Lane, and at every turn, there was someone to say hello to or enjoy a visit with. That’s how small towns are. Everybody knows each other. They care for one another.

I can remember very much enjoying spending time with my Uncle Earl, a bachelor all his life. Uncle Earl was kind of a kid himself in many ways, and he related to us little ones quite naturally. He was gifted at gardening and painting and drawing and he could play accordian by ear! I can remember him teaching me how peach seeds have to germinate in the sun a certain amount of time before they can be planted. I must have been about eight years old. He really enjoyed we kids. He often would put us all in a wagon and hook it up to the back of his riding lawn mower and give us rides all evening long, all around their yard, which was about a half acre. That was fun. He never got tired of us. Our parents never worried about us when we were with Uncle Earl.

When the carnival came to town, Uncle Earl, was right there with an open wallet and the enthusiasm of a child. He didn’t have a lot of money, as he worked as a dishwasher in a hotel for many years, but he always found plenty to take my sister and me on at least five or six rides. We’d have a ball together.

One time, Uncle Earl walked my sister, Tammy, and I down to Mohr’s Grocery store, about three blocks West on Jones Street. The road had been newly oiled and was scorching hot in the August sun. Tammy and I hadn’t bothered to put any shoes on that day, and we started crying, as our feet were burning like fire. My Uncle Earl, a big man of about 6 feet tall, picked up both Tammy and I, held us each in one arm, walked us to Mohr’s, bought us a 7-cent Popsicle, and carried us all the way back home. He didn’t complain for a minute. I think he would have made a good dad.

When we’d visit Litchfield, if it was summer, we would camp at Hillsboro Lake, about 12 miles East. In winter, we would stay at the family homestead at 914 South Montgomery. It was a 4-room house, with no indoor plumbing, but was always plenty inviting to us. It sure was cold in winter, and every morning about 5 o’clock, my Uncle George would shovel the coal into the big black pot belly stove that stood in the middle of the living room. I don’t think that stove ever generated much heat, but he’d do it anyway – every morning, without fail.

I had about twenty-five cousins and eight aunts and uncles not including the spouses. I can remember enjoying family picnics out at Walton Park or Lake Lou Yaeger. We’d be out there from early afternoon until dusk enjoying each other’s company. The adults all talked at once and we kids would horse around with one another until somebody would get mildly injured and start crying. My dad would make us settle down for a little bit, which was basically taking a time out to rest, but then we’d be right back having a good time.

My Aunt Mary and Uncle Gene were night owls, as opposed to my Aunt Helen and my Uncle Marshall, who went to bed every night by about 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. My folks weren’t ready to settle in for the night by nine, so we would often take a ride over to Mary and Gene’s on Madison to visit. They were always happy to see us, no matter the time. Even after my mother died, and we’d go to Litchfield, we stayed true to form and would visit them later in the evening. Aunt Mary had five children, 19 grandchildren and who knows how many great grandchildren, and her living room and dining room were filled to the ceilings with pictures of all those kids. We had plenty to talk about.

My Aunt Ruth was about 80% deaf, like her dad. She was married to my Uncle Eddie, who was a maintenance engineer at St. Francis Hospital in town. You couldn’t tell Ruth you liked something in her house, because once you said you liked it, she’d want to give it to you. I can remember her forcing dish towels on my mom one time. It may sound cliché, but those were good times. And man, she sure could cook! That lady could make an apple pie to put you on your knees and thank the Lord!

And speaking of cooking, my Aunt Helen was fabulous too. Heck, all my aunts were. We’d go over to Aunt Helen and Uncle Marshall’s place there on Lincoln, and Helen would never sit down to visit. She was too busy taking care of us. She was real hyper, and it made her happy to serve us as guests in her home. I have to mention too that she and Uncle Marshall were nuts in love. Boy, she always thought he was the cat’s meow, and vice versa. They never did anything inappropriate, but you could just tell. Today, at 92 and 94, they are both in the nursing home over on Illinois Avenue, and still nearly inseparable.

There were some not-so-fun times in Litchfield too, as my Uncle Bob was a very ill alcoholic, but I’m not going to dwell on those times. I’m also happy to say that he conquered that problem and was sober the last 10 years of his life. I like to focus on my fondest memories of when Uncle Chris, Aunt Pat and our family would all come down from Waukegan and visit the family in Litchfield.

My Aunt Mary, Aunt Helen, Aunt Pat, and Uncle Earl survive their parents and brothers and sisters today, and I’m happy to say that we’re going to trek on down to Litchfield this August for another visit. It will be one of the first times in a few years we’re not actually going for a funeral. I still have plenty of cousins down there to picnic with, and maybe we’ll take a ride out to the cemetery too.

Litchfield might not be much to some folks, but it’s a world of wonderful memories to me.

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Tags: From Labor to Laughter, Terri's Musings

Welcome to the 21st Century

July 21, 2008 by Julie
Filed under Love At Home, Right Column

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So what do you do when your dial up connection finally refuses to budge? I mean, you got nothing. No tiny creeping blue bar, no email access, no celebrity baby photos. Of course, as far as the photos went, it’s not like those ever loaded decently. I’d get about a third of a picture and there it would sit. Brad Pitts head and maybe just a smidgen of torso, stuck there reminding you forever, if you had the patience to wait that long, of all that the rest of the photo had in store. Never could really make out what particular child he was carting around. Visitors have always been amazed that as close to town as we are, we couldn’t ever tap into some sort of high speed connection aside from using a satellite dish. But up and over the hill and a mile or so away from all the necessary take out options, can still leave a person stranded with extremely spotty technology.

It’s one thing to have to position yourself against the proper window to make a cell phone call, entirely another to coax any speed out of your stationary computer. Cell phone calls we have gotten down to a science. Two windows, family room and master bedroom, are best suited for successful cell calls. These rooms are suitable due to the lack of the tin roof that covers the original part of the house. The raised tin roof, perfectly lovely and wonderful when it rains, was still a common component of homes in Virginia even as late as our home was built, which was in 1939. Ours is a nice shade of red, my favorite color for a tin roof, though I have to admit that the red color only covers the front part of the roof. This is because, after successfully painting most of the front portion of the roof, my husband decided that the bees were getting a bit too plentiful. Claimed they were dive bombing him. So he climbs down the ladder, retrieves some Wasp and Hornet Killer and heads back up to the roof with the can in tow. He goes back to the painting, spraying liberally when the bees threaten. Doesn’t take long and the roof becomes saturated with Wasp and Hornet Killer and this is not good for the traction on his sneakers. When he does finally slip, he manages to NOT fall off the roof and merely loses the can of paint he was using. So a good portion of the grass next to the walk is red and an even bigger portion of the flagstones that make up the walk is red, but there are no broken bones and grass can be mowed and flagstones can be flipped over. Whenever I mention that, really, that back part of the roof desperately needs to be painted, he recalls how he nearly slipped off the roof before. Well, yes, I say, that’s true but you were spraying Wasp and Hornet Killer with wild abandon and that was probably not a good idea. Why don’t you get back up there at a time of the year when the bees aren’t so rabid? Oh, yeah, I should do that, he says. And then it never happens. And it’s been four years since he managed to paint the front and leave the back a not so appealing shade of primer yellow.

So, yes, the tin roof is a major obstacle in connecting with those cell phone towers. But we can usually hang onto a conversation if we turn just right and basically press our bodies against the window. When even those attempts fail, we are forced to go outside and find a suitable spot. The driveway is not so good, but if we go over towards the west side of the front yard we can make a call from there. And if it’s evening we can watch the cows filter down from the top of their field. Put on the bug spray, get comfy on the bench and watch the calves run amok. For a change of scenery, we can also make calls from the top step of the back deck. Can’t try this on the steps leading down from the master bedroom into the yard, and can’t do it on any of the other deck steps. This also involves the use of bug spray and a hat doesn’t hurt if we’re placing the call during the day because it is quite sunny there. Texting, though, works from a number of windows and rarely involves having to go outside. Type the text, stick your arm straight up in the air, and wave the phone wildly about, and the text will be successfully sent.

While we have come to accept and deal with our cell phone limitations, even going into town to place a long distance call if the cell phone gods are being particularly obnoxious on a given day, we have been slogging our way through dial up connections for far too long. With virtually no hope of any cable stretching it’s way down into our rural environment, we have feared that our only reprieve was catching our high speed connection through a dish. We have had a satellite dish for our T.V. for about ten years, and since that is our only choice for proper T.V. reception in the 21st century, we have to put up with all the flaws that comes with it. Basically, if the wind picks up over ten miles an hour, we lose the family room reception. The reception on the bedroom set will hang in for, oh, maybe, twenty miles an hour worth of wind, and then that’s gone. And if a dark cloud in the southern sky decides to so much as hiccup, forget it. We’ve lost “The World’s Most Luxurious Yachts” thirty-five minutes into it, just when we’re totally sucked into the mindless, captivating power of the program. Nothing is more annoying then the ruined hour long program.

But this is where the Happy Ever After kicks in. Thanks to the persistent, but always polite, salesgirl at the Verizon store, we have entered the 21st century, late but better then never. Didn’t even know, couldn’t even guess, that the little device popped into one of the USB ports on the modem could provide such happiness. Along with the obliglatory two year commitment and careful, patient tweaking of it’s little antenna, we have successfully achieved two green bars on our connection screen! Oh, yeah, we did have to purchase the booster antenna and haul in a magnetic surface to stick it to and carefully and patiently point it where it demanded to go. And it really doesn’t want to produce more than two green bars when the truly desired amount of bars is four. But there’s always the Wi Fi booster for one of the other USB ports. Never give up, never surrender. And never, EVER, trip over, dislodge, or otherwise jiggle any of the carefully tweaked, patiently aligned connections to the outside world.

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Tags: From Labor to Laughter, Julie

Why is it that…

July 10, 2008 by admin
Filed under Love At Home, Right Column

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Last night as I was lying down to sleep and after I said my nightly prayers, I got to thinking about what I might write about in my next blog. I have always had a curious mind and have often asked the question, “Why?” Here are some observations that I’ve made in my lifetime.

Why is it when you’re in a public bathroom, and there are 20 stalls or so, and you choose a stall far away from everyone else, that someone else comes into the bathroom and chooses the stall right next to yours? Now remember, there are at least 15 stalls to choose from, most of them far away from you, but she chooses the one next to you. Why is that? Doesn’t that seem kind of strange? Just askin’.

Why is it that whenever I have diarrhea and I tell my stepmother, she asks the question, “What color is it?” She does this with my snot too, by the way. Why is that? Why is it necessary for her to know the color of my excrement? I’ll tell you why! My stepmother can diagnose whatever ails you by the color of your void material! My poor dad can’t take a private trip into the bathroom without her reminding him not to flush. What is that about? Apparently, if your poop is dark black, you may have a bleeding ulcer or cancer. This is definite if there’s blood in it. If your poop is a yellowish dun color, you have the stomach flu. I don’t remember what green means. Where she gets this? I do not know. She also becomes concerned if you don’t poop after a couple days, so she keeps tabs on that for my dad too. I find that a little disturbing, and wonder if I’m going to need to know the color, texture and frequency of my husband’s poop some day. I guess it could happen, but I sure hope not.

I have a lot more things I wonder about; not just bathroom things. Like why do people pierce themselves, especially their tongues? What is the pleasure in that? I’ve been told it’s for sexual reasons, but I can’t imagine putting myself through so much pain for sex. But then again, maybe others would. Isn’t it bad enough when a person asks, “Do you want fries with that?” than to say, “Do you mant fried wit dat?” I’m just sayin’ they sound like they have a mouth full of change.

Why is it that every time we make or break camp, it’s raining? I don’t think anything more about that needs to be said. I don’t want to anger God, that’s for sure.

Why have six remotes? Isn’t our technology advanced enough today that we can do all the things we need to do with just one remote? I mean we need to change the t.v. channels, watch DVD’s, record VHS tapes to DVD, digitally record t.v. shows, play CD’s, turn on the fan and operate our computers, so why can’t we do all that with just one remote? Why hasn’t just one universal remote been invented? Wouldn’t that make things easier? This is just another one of my “why-isms”.

Why is it today that many young people feel that they have to wear their pants half-way off their butts? Who came up with this fashion idea? I’m just not getting that one.

Why do people still smoke? This is a big one for me. I can’t understand after all we’ve learned about smoking and the harm that it causes to the smoker and everybody else who has to breathe in the smoke, that people are still smoking. And why do young people start smoking? That’s weird. I can understand older people have the habit, and it’s a tough habit to break, so they don’t quit for whatever reason (maybe they can’t), but after all we know about smoking, why do young people start up? That’s just strange to me. But I digress.

Why is it absolutely unfathomable to touch your seat partner in an airplane? Why is that? About a month ago, I was on a very scary flight, and without thinking, I touched the arm of the gentlemen on my right. I was immediately apologetic to him, feeling I had committed a very big no no. It just isn’t politically correct to touch your seat neighbor. How come? Why did I feel the need to apologize so profusely to him? Who knows and who made up that rule?

Why is it that after my Uncle Marshall accidentally dropped the Thanksgiving turkey on the American Legion Hall floor while carving it, we still ate that turkey without flinching? It’s not like there wasn’t more turkey. I think we had three birds all together that year.

When you’re pregnant, why is it that everybody and their brother’s uncle’s cousin feels a need to touch your stomach without your permission, and they do it? It’s “anything goes” when you’re pregnant. Aren’t there any rules to follow? If not, why not? They don’t touch your boobs, at least they didn’t when I was having babies. Heck, maybe things have changed and they do touch your boobs now. Maybe that rule is out the window too now.

Why is a food that is as good as corn on the cob so messy and difficult to eat? Why can’t it taste lousy and therefore be undesirable like Brussells sprouts or asparagus?

There are some questions that just can’t be answered I guess. Still, I wonder… I guess I’m just an incessant smart alec. That’s the rumor anyway.

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Tags: From Labor to Laughter, Terri's Musings

Kids: Science Fun with Kids

July 9, 2008 by admin
Filed under Love At Home, Right Column

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Fireworks in the Kitchen
sent by Cindy Fall

Children ages 3 years and up
Materials needed:
whole milk
food coloring
9×12 pan
dish detergent
Directions:
Pour whole milk into a 9 x 13 pan until the bottom of the pan is covered.
Drop food coloring into the milk.
Drop dish detergent on the food coloring. Since milk is made of fat and water, the detergent causes it to split making a tie dyed pattern in the pan.

How Water Travels Through Plants Colored Celery
sent by Cindy Fall
For children 3 years and up.
Materials needed:

1 piece of celery
clear glass of water
food coloring (red is best) Directions:
Fill a clear glass or jar with water and add food coloring. Cut off the end of a piece of celery (stalk end) and put it into the water. Watch the progress daily as the celery changes color.

Liquids To Solids Experiment
Here’s a fun way for children to learn the concept that liquids turn to solids when frozen and then back to liquids when warmed.
Children ages 3 and up

Materials needed:
small paper cups
water
your freezer
Directions:
The night before, have your child help you fill a three paper cups with water and place them in the freezer. The next day, remove cups from freezer and show your child what has happened to the water in the cup. Discuss how when water gets very, very cold it freezes. For older children, you explain that water freezes at a temperature of 32 degrees Farenheit or lower.

Have your child place the cups in various areas around your home that differ slightly in temperature and see which cups of ice melt the fastest. Explain to your child that when ice (frozen water) is placed where it is warmer than freezing temperatures, the ice will melt and become water.

To aid in discussion, you can ask your child the following questions:

Where did you place your cups of ice?
Which cup of ice melted first?
Which cup of ice melted slower, which one melted faster?
What happened to the ice cube?

Low-powered “microscope”
Children 8 years and up, with assistance and supervision

Materials needed:
An empty oatmeal box
Scissors or x-acto knife (x-acto knife requires adult assistance.)
Plastic wrap
Rubber bands
water
cup

Directions:
Cut the bottom of the container out and remove the lid. Carefully cut 3 large windows in the oatmeal container as shown in the picture above. Take the plastic wrap and cut a 12″ x 12″ sheet. Secure the plastic wrap with a rubber band over the top of the container, but not too tightly– it should give a bit when you pour water on top. On a flat surface, place a cup upside down. Place an object that you wish to look at (e.g. a leaf) on top of the cup. Place the container over the cup and object with the plastic side up.

Pour around a 1/2 cup of water onto the plastic wrap gently. Look at the object through the water”lens” to get a closer view.

Planting A Seed
sent by Cindy Fall

The next time you’re at McDonalds, ask if you can have a couple of their sundae cups with lids. They make perfect places to plant seeds. Fill the cups with potting soil and place a seed (sunflower seeds are quick growers) close to the outside of the cup so the child can see the growth take place. Put the lid on and place in the sunshine. The cup is a natural greenhouse so watering isn’t necessary until it’s time to remove the lid to allow the plant to grow. Sprout some seeds Materials needed:

bird seed or grass seed
paper towel
sandwich bag
tape
Directions:
Moisten a paper towel . Place seeds in center of paper towel square and fold paper towel over seeds. Place paper towel in sandwich bag. Tightly seal the sandwich bag. Tape sandwich bag to sunny window. In a few days seeds will sprout.

Volcano
sent by Cindy Fall

Be sure to make sure you have a place for this experiment that can get really messy (like the back yard). Stand a small, empty water bottle (16 oz. size) on the ground with the lid on and create a volcano around it, making sure to leave the opening of the bottle free so the lid can be removed.

When your volcano is constructed, remove the lid from the water bottle. Pour 1 tablespoon baking soda into the bottle. In a separate container, mix together a couple of drops of red food coloring and 1 cup vinegar. Pour the vinegar mixture into the bottle and stand back!

By mixing the baking soda and vinegar, you’ve created carbon dioxide gas. The pressure of the gas force the liquid out of the bottle while the mixture of gas and the liquid creates a foamy lava.

Volcano Two
sent by Sandy Riggs
Materials needed:

empty toilet paper roll
1 c. vinegar
1 TBS baking soda
food coloring of your choice
sand box or backyard

Directions:
Place empty toilet paper roll in center of sandbox or in a wide open sandy space. Pack sand around roll about halfway up the roll so that the roll stands firm on its own. Pour baking soda into roll. Add 4-5 drops food coloring to inside of roll. Slowly pour vinegar into roll and watch the volcano erupt!

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