Family Minute #30

Do you C.H.A.R.M. your children?

An old Irish saying defines charm as the ability to get someone to say “yes” before you even ask the question. So use the acronym C.H.A.R.M. to capture your child’s heart.

C – Converse. Talk regularly with your kids on topics they enjoy.
H – Have fun. Do things together that make you laugh.
A – Ask. Ask open-ended questions about their day.
R – Read. Read books together.
M – Make memories. Capture photos of your time together.
C.H.A.R.M. your children and...

Remember your family first.

Family Minute #29

Want a fun way to mix learning and Independence Day?

Give your kids a quiz. Make it fun and award a prize to the one who gets the most answers right. You can use questions like: Where was the Declaration of Independence signed? Who sewed the first American flag? And, who was the king of England during the Revolutionary War?

Do you know the answers? Check out the library or internet together to find the answers. It’s a great way to teach your kids the facts behind the fireworks.

Remember your family first.

A Tribute to the Flag

"I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS,

ONE NATION UNDER GOD,

INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY

AND JUSTICE FOR ALL."

I don't think I ever heard Elvis in 'better voice' than on this. Enjoy Elvis' version of America the Beautiful.

Get facts about the flag of the United States.

Read about the timeline of the flag.

Get the history and how to's to care for the flag from the United States Congress.

To Smoke or Not To Smoke

Here is timeline that shares the positive facts about the immediate effects of quitting smoking:

In 20 minutes your blood pressure will drop back down to normal.
In 8 hours the carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) levels in your blood stream will drop by half and oxygen levels will return to normal.
In 48 hours your chance of having a heart attack will have decreased.
In 48 hours all nicotine will have left your body.
In 48 hours sense of taste and smell will return to a normal level.
In 72 hours your bronchial tubes will relax.
In 72 hours your energy levels will increase.
In 2 weeks your circulation will increase and it will continue to improve for the next 10 weeks.
In 3 to 9 months coughs, wheezing, and breathing problems will dissipate as your lung capacity improves by 10%.
In 1 year your risk of having a heart attack will have dropped by half.
In 5 years your risk of having a stroke returns to that of a non-smoker.
In 10 years your risk of lung cancer will have returned to that of a non-smoker.
In 15 years your risk of heart attack will have returned to that of a non-smoker.

Does this encourage you to not smoke?

Around the Blogosphere #9

Check out the beautiful scenery of the United States of America at My Beautiful America. This site offers an awesome pictorial tour around the country comprising all 50 states.

Thursday Thirteen #5

13 People I am Thankful For

In no particular order...

1. For my son, Cameron, for his sweetness that reminds me that he can overcome all obstacles.
2. For my daughter, Cassandra, for her sassiness that reminds me that she has a mind of her own and is very independent.
3. For Jessica, a new friend, Cameron's former TSS, for her generosity and joy of life. She is a younger version of me... sassy and quirky and all.
4. For Sandy, a long-time friend and confidante for being my cheerleader and advice giver.
5. For Champ, my Chihuahua, who loves me no matter what.
6. For Teresa, a long-time friend, for her help and support in so many aspects of my life and for the many things we have in common.
7. For Phyllis, a new online friend, for her help and kindness and for the many things we have in common.
8. For the WrapAround Team that provides services for my son.
9. For the Big Brothers Big Sisters (program) of Butler County for providing fun and support for my daughter.
10. For Art, for making me feel sexy even when I'm not.
11. For Dave, for constantly checking on me and for mowing my grass.
12. For the creator of the Internet, so I can sit here and write such a list.
13. Most of all, for God, for everything he has given me.

Wordless Wednesday #17

Last day of school.

Make Me Laugh Monday - Gas Prices

If you want to join in the fun and laughter, please sign Mr. Linky below. Please leave a link to your Make Me Laugh Monday post and not to the front page of your blog so we can read your post more easily.



Thanks to Jen, at Absolutely Bananas, for passing the hosting wand to me and thanks to each of you for participating. Don't forget to visit each other.