tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47979165645756312682024-03-13T23:30:53.705-04:00Signing With Miss StephMy goal is to inspire you today. Most of my posts are intended to inspire your journey to early communication and long-term learning using American Sign Language via the Signing Smart program. However, I also want to inspire you to be the best parent, grandparent, family member, friend, or caregiver of young children possible. Make today great!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-17418770988935402712017-07-25T11:43:00.000-04:002017-07-25T11:43:48.118-04:00Mr. P. Visits the ZooSigning with your child allows you a glimpse into their thoughts before spoken language takes hold. Rather than trying to guess what your child wants by interpreting pointing and grunts, you know what is interesting to them and they'd like to talk more about!<br />
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One place that is lots of fun to use signs is the zoo. There are so many fun things to see and learn during a zoo visit. Using signs your child recognizes can help him connect with new information, as well as help you know what he's seeing and curious about!<br />
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In this picture, Mr. P. is pointing out the interesting BIRDS all around - do you see his sign?!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-75974783601484414182017-07-17T13:37:00.002-04:002017-07-17T13:41:15.873-04:00Detective Eyes: Miss E. Loves to Help!It's been a little while, but I'M BACK!<br />
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I'll be bringing you several posts featuring various kiddos I have had the pleasure of including in my classes. Their signs may not look exactly like your little one's, and that is OK. Just like early spoken words don't sound exactly like ours (adults in general), early signs don't look just like the pictures in the book. By watching different children sign at different ages, your detective eyes will become stronger and stronger!<br />
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Have a still picture or video of your little one signing you'd be willing to share for a future post? Please contact me at SigningWithMissSteph@Gmail.com. I'd love to include you!<br />
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<br />OK - on to today's video:</h4>
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Miss E. loves to help her Mommy and Daddy who are LuLaRoe retailers (<a href="http://morganaldridge.com/" target="_blank">you can check them out here</a>). She just wants to push MORE and MORE boxes - can you catch her MORE sign?<br />
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Want to see this success for yourself?</h4>
<br />Check out the<a href="http://www.signingwithmisssteph.com/" target="_blank"> Signing With Miss Steph website</a> for upcoming public classes as well as details about how to host a class of your own!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-39666919943519957082015-10-27T12:11:00.001-04:002015-10-27T12:11:55.360-04:00Bedtime Breakthroughs - Baby to Big Boy Overnight!If you would have asked me two weeks ago when we were going to break the "bobo" habit or ditch the crib for a toddler bed with my youngest, I probably would have laughed. My answer would've been something like "I'm not sure about the crib, but the "bobo" will probably go to college with him, and I might have to go with him so he can hold my hair while he sleeps"<br />
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That was two weeks ago.<b> It's amazing how quickly and unexpectedly things can change!</b><br />
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<b>Mr. L. has always been a "bobo kid."</b> As an infant, they were a near-constant companion. His big brother rarely used a pacifier; he preferred his thumb as soon as he had the muscle control to put it into his mouth reliably. It was cute at the time, and it was a great self-soothing method. It's been a constant struggle to keep the thumb out of his mouth, since, though! When baby #2 preferred a pacifier, I was thrilled. I could take it away when the time comes (<i>I thought</i>) and breaking the habit would be a million times easier (<i>I thought</i>).<br />
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How wrong I was! For the first year of his life the "bobo" was always within reach, and a back-up wasn't far away. <b>They seemed to help quell Mr. L.'s absolute hatred for car rides which made them worth their weight in gold. The fact that they also frequently calmed my seemingly un-cheerable little one was a bonus.</b><br />
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At daycare, they were used sparingly outside of nap time, which I was more than fine with - all the easier to drop the habit later. When he moved up to the next room at a year old, they were a strictly "crib only" soother. When he moved up again at 18 months, we were told they would be slowly and gently weaning all toddlers from their pacifiers. I panicked thinking my baby would never nap without it, but the awesome women at his daycare made it happen almost seamlessly!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wBcI_fPuspQ/Vi-eQlS3FZI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/tQOYx0DkAys/s1600/bobo-in-chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One year old sitting in toddler sized chair with pacifier in mouth" border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wBcI_fPuspQ/Vi-eQlS3FZI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/tQOYx0DkAys/s400/bobo-in-chair.jpg" title="pacifier lover" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Still the "bobo" was a must as we prepared for bed at home and whenever we rode in the car</b>. Even after the pediatric dentist chided me for the damage they were causing and warned me about the need for braces, I wasn't ready to just force him to quit cold turkey. I read all kind of articles about toddlers and even preschoolers who still used a pacifier at bed time. I read about how to break the pacifier habit. <b> I read anything I found on the topic, and still felt strongly that the time just wasn't right for us.</b><br />
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Then I had a giant mommy fail.<br />
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All of the pacifiers in the house ended up in the dishwasher at the same time. The dishwasher was in the middle of running. <b>It was bedtime and I had ZERO "bobos"!</b> <i>*GULP*</i><br />
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You know what? <b> Mr. L. handled it like a PRO!</b> He asked several times for his "bobo", and each time we explained that they were all being washed, and we didn't have one to give him. He checked the usual storage places a couple of times, and made a trip to his room to confirm our situation. That was it. <b>He tossed and turned a little bit more as he fell asleep that night, and he twirled my hair like there was no tomorrow, but he did it! He fell asleep without a pacifier!</b><br />
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The next morning, I knew we couldn't go back. My husband and I quickly made sure all stragglers left in the cars were out of sight, and resigned ourselves to a long car ride to school. Mr. L. surprised us once again! He again asked several times, but was receptive to our explanation that there was no "bobo" to give him. <br />
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Over the next several days, he asked less and less frequently. <b>The transition was so much easier than I ever pictured in my mind. </b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0eYyHSFSuw/Vi-eQIcvhPI/AAAAAAAAAgA/yd4jUMuuBlQ/s1600/Wine-and-cheese-nightt-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pile of no longer needed pacifiers" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0eYyHSFSuw/Vi-eQIcvhPI/AAAAAAAAAgA/yd4jUMuuBlQ/s320/Wine-and-cheese-nightt-compressor.jpg" title="pile of bobos" width="213" /></a></div>
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Feeling like a big boy with no pacifier, must have taken over Mr. L.'s brain - <b>only a few days later her figured out how to climb out of his crib.</b> Luckily, I happened to be sitting on the floor when it happened, or he'd have fallen right on his head!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUcAhLPL8lA/Vi-eQiW8swI/AAAAAAAAAgM/aTGE_CC56c8/s1600/helping-convert-bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="32 month old "helps" transition crib to toddler bed" border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUcAhLPL8lA/Vi-eQiW8swI/AAAAAAAAAgM/aTGE_CC56c8/s320/helping-convert-bed.jpg" title="helping build the bed" width="320" /></a><br />
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That afternoon, Mr. L. helped daddy convert the crib to a toddler bed. <b>My baby is really growing up!</b> (Now if only it would spill over into potty training!)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mur37xNcHSc/Vi-eQHo9xFI/AAAAAAAAAgI/5FfunSiOtkc/s1600/BED-at-32-months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="32 month old lying on stomach in new bed signs BED" border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mur37xNcHSc/Vi-eQHo9xFI/AAAAAAAAAgI/5FfunSiOtkc/s320/BED-at-32-months.jpg" title="32 month old signs BED" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lf3ux0ddi4M/Vi-eQemmr3I/AAAAAAAAAgE/z4tqXScloH0/s1600/big-boy-bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="toddler bed with pillow, blanket, and stuffed animals ready to go" border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lf3ux0ddi4M/Vi-eQemmr3I/AAAAAAAAAgE/z4tqXScloH0/s320/big-boy-bed.jpg" title="new bed all set up" width="320" /></a></div>
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The moral of the story?</h4>
If you're struggling with something, hang in there. It might seem like the necessary factors you need are impossible right now. But, tomorrow, they might be waiting for you on the door step. Never give up the hope that life you dream of can be yours - be that sleeping through the night, starting your own business, fitness, or anything thing else your heart desires.<br />
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Change happens so quickly and unexpectedly. You never know what tomorrow holds. Keep doing the things you know you need to do, but don't stress about the parts you can't control.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-60308844928067328652015-10-19T17:43:00.000-04:002015-10-28T14:52:23.249-04:009 Reasons You Need to Visit Cafe O'PlayAs the mornings have gotten colder, and <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/10/autumn-adventures-stopming-and.html" target="_blank">the days have gotten gray and rainy</a>, I've been having flashes of what our winter will look like. Two active boys cooped up in the house all day is not a pretty sight! Kids need to use their large muscles - run, jump, climb, and <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/09/remarkable-discoveries-lessons-found-at.html" target="_blank">explore like we do at the playground</a>.<br />
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<i>*I received free admission to Cafe O'Play and lunch for my family to facilitate writing this post. All opinions are my own.*</i><br />
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That's why I'm so grateful to have an awesome indoor play place near by where we can go safely burn some energy regardless of what the weather outside looks like! <a href="http://cafeoplay.com/" target="_blank">Cafe O'Play</a> is a large indoor playground with space to run, a two-story padded climbing structure, slides, and so much more.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zM2tvFPJLjQ/ViVdb4uWitI/AAAAAAAAAeI/6yXvT9zqh0I/s1600/Cafe-o-play-title-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9 Reason You need to Visit Cafe O'Play overlayed on picture of play area" border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zM2tvFPJLjQ/ViVdb4uWitI/AAAAAAAAAeI/6yXvT9zqh0I/s640/Cafe-o-play-title-compressor.jpg" title="9 Reasons You Need to Visit Cafe O'Play" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are always lots of chances to sign as well - TAKE-TURNS, BALL, WAIT, and DANCE are probably our most frequently used signs while we're playing.<br />
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Here are 9 reasons we love Café O'Play and think you will to:<br />
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1. Visit any Time of Year</h4>
With daily admission rates as well as monthly or 10-visit packages, <b>Cafe O'Play is perfect for any time of year</b>. During the summer, we pop in for the day when it's super hot and we want an air-conditioned place to play or to get out of the rain. In the winter, we opt for the monthly pass and stop in for a half-hour or so after school to burn some extra energy before heading home or visit for a few hours to get out of the house on a snowy Saturday morning.<br />
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2. It's Fun - and Always Different</h4>
The boys (and seemingly all the other kids there too) love to run, climb, slide, and play to their hearts' content. It's not uncommon to see a game of tag or some other creative game start up between a group of children then continue to morph into a dozen different things as each adds an imaginative touch. <b> It <u>is</u> totally common to see the staff join in on the fun! </b><strong><br /></strong><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SecBB9Zbji8/ViVdc4Kmt-I/AAAAAAAAAes/B4Thf0uTl5w/s1600/cafe-o-play-slides-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Child running on bridge in 2-story play structure with triple wide slide" border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SecBB9Zbji8/ViVdc4Kmt-I/AAAAAAAAAes/B4Thf0uTl5w/s400/cafe-o-play-slides-compressor.jpg" title="playing on the play structure" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just like the outside playgrounds we visit, the play structure doesn't change. The play, though, is never the same twice. It's amazing what a new day and a different mix of imaginations can dream up!<br />
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3. Time Out for Me - Or Not</h4>
I love that I can sit back and relax for a few minutes while the staff <span style="font-size: xx-small;">run</span> run<span style="font-size: large;"> run</span> with the kids. I also love that <b>I am more than welcome to slip off my shoes and climb my own socked feet up the play structure to help my child myself.</b><br />
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4. The Staff is Super Involved</h4>
<b>During busy times, the staff will often facilitate various organized activities</b> like parachute games, sharks and minnows, and other childhood favorites in the sport court. When it's less busy, there are a hand full of spongy balls, foam discs, and stuffed rubber octopuses and pigs (<i>I know - it sounds crazy, but they're always a hit!</i>) to use imaginatively.<br />
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5. Interactive Play</h4>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhe_8m09QZc/ViVddsZEwFI/AAAAAAAAAeg/IE6WHKkT4k0/s1600/eye-click-floor-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 year old boy plays a game using an eye-click floor" border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhe_8m09QZc/ViVddsZEwFI/AAAAAAAAAeg/IE6WHKkT4k0/s200/eye-click-floor-compressor.jpg" title="Playing with the eye-click floor" width="133" /></a></div>
Two other constant hits for my family are the<b> perpetual dance party</b> complete with fun lighting and the <b>"EyePlay Floor"</b> which projects video games onto the floor to be played with the whole body by stepping, swiping, dancing, etc. to play games like pop the balloon, rotating puzzles, coloring pictures, and more! <b> I think I have as much fun playing along as the kids do!</b><br />
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There is also a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ga-ga" target="_blank">gaga court</a> which looks super fun. My boys are a bit small to stay engaged for long, but I've seem some quite spirited games get started.<br />
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6. Options for the Smallest Guests</h4>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_60Z5aVT3jQ/ViVdb9k84iI/AAAAAAAAAfI/OIAVG-gBcok/s1600/Cafe-o-play-toddler-climb-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="three year old uses toddler sized foam climber with slide" border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_60Z5aVT3jQ/ViVdb9k84iI/AAAAAAAAAfI/OIAVG-gBcok/s200/Cafe-o-play-toddler-climb-compressor.jpg" title="toddler area climb and slide" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBUF7momLOc/ViVddVhsZUI/AAAAAAAAAe4/bibww-1acXg/s1600/cafe-o-play-toddler-area-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="three year old builds with giant foam blocks" border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBUF7momLOc/ViVddVhsZUI/AAAAAAAAAe4/bibww-1acXg/s200/cafe-o-play-toddler-area-compressor.jpg" title="building in the toddler area" width="133" /></a>For those with younger children, the <b>toddler area</b> (for those under 4) allows climbing, sliding, and lots more fun - all at a toddler's level.<br />
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<b>No one gets left out of the fun at Cafe O'Play!</b><br />
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7. The Chance to Grab a Bite to Eat</h4>
<strong>The <em>café </em>part in Café O'Play comes from their menu of goodies to eat and drink.</strong> There are great options for adults like cappuccino, chai, and a variety of infused waters in addition to the typical water, milk, juice options. Lunch and dinner choices include a variety of tasty sandwiches, soups, and salads like our favorites - broccoli cheese soup, balsamic marinated portabella sandwich, and red pepper Caesar salad. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcCd1CrJ7iI/ViVddAsh_nI/AAAAAAAAAek/3bOdWajLWmE/s1600/cafe-o-play-soup-and-sandwich-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="cup of broccoli cheddar soup with half ham and cheese sandwich" border="0" height="159" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcCd1CrJ7iI/ViVddAsh_nI/AAAAAAAAAek/3bOdWajLWmE/s200/cafe-o-play-soup-and-sandwich-compressor.jpg" title="soup and sandwich lunch" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaC_olfg-18/ViVdb-DhphI/AAAAAAAAAfM/9hlCpJL95Lo/s1600/Cafe-o-play-sandwich-and-salad-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="plate with half balsamic portabella sandwich and red pepper caesar salad" border="0" height="157" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaC_olfg-18/ViVdb-DhphI/AAAAAAAAAfM/9hlCpJL95Lo/s200/Cafe-o-play-sandwich-and-salad-compressor.jpg" title="salad and sandwich lunch" width="200" /></a><br />
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8. Kid Tins</h4>
<strong>The kids menu is my one of my favorites of anywhere we visit</strong>. There are traditional options like PBJ sandwiches, and mac and cheese, but <strong>we never pass up the kid tins</strong>. These six-section muffin tins come filled with five child-approved foods like turkey, cheese, apple sauce, carrots, pretzels, etc. they can choose from a list of 16 options. <strong>They are a hit for the boys every time which makes them a hit for Mom and Dad too! </strong><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDj79xlKUOQ/ViVdcum9weI/AAAAAAAAAe8/7wH7v-sdi-I/s1600/cafe-o-play-kid-tin-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kid tin with carrots, cheese, ranch, applesauce, ham, and tortilla chips" border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDj79xlKUOQ/ViVdcum9weI/AAAAAAAAAe8/7wH7v-sdi-I/s400/cafe-o-play-kid-tin-compressor.jpg" title="kid tins!" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>The portions are plentiful, and I definitely feel you get your money's worth!</strong> Rarely does my 2 year old finish the entire amount of food (<em>that's nothing new - he rarely finishes food</em>), but my 4 year old never walk away hungry. In a perfect world, I would love to see more fresh fruit and veggie options, but as a once-in-a-while lunch or dinner while we're playing, I can't complain.<br />
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9. The Aftermath</h4>
As you exit Café O'Play, you can't help but notice their warning:<br />
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It's true!<br />
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One of the best parts of visiting Café O'Play - be it crammed to capacity with children or we have the whole place to ourselves - is that <strong>the kids leave satisfied and tired, which means Mom and Dad leave satisfied too!</strong><br />
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<strong>If you find yourself in Stow, Ohio definitely take the time to stop by for a visit, you'll be glad you did!</strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-59385312513072278092015-10-08T14:50:00.003-04:002015-10-08T14:50:57.835-04:00Autumn Adventures: Exploring at the Apple Orchard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Fall is my favorite time of the year!</strong> I love the crisp air, the changing colors, and wearing warm cozy hooded sweatshirts. I love cooking with winter squashes, apples, and pumpkin (to some extent...you won't find me keeping a list of all the pumpkin spiced late items I can find). I love the smells of fall that fill the outside air, and the smells of cooking and baking found inside. <strong>The best part is more and more chances for family time, as we have several holidays close together.</strong><br />
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<strong>Any chance we get to set aside the hustle and bustle of a typical busy week to spend time together making memories is a win in my book, and fall presents lots of opportunities. </strong>It doesn't always have to be something big and costly. Sometimes, it doesn't have to cost anything at all - playing games, watching movies, <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/10/autumn-adventures-stopming-and.html" target="_blank">jumping in puddles</a>, or a <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2014/07/evening-walks.html" target="_blank">walk in the woods</a> are just a few great ways to do some family bonding. <br />
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Recently, we had the chance to go <strong>apple picking</strong> with one of the boys' grandmothers and an aunt. <strong>It was a perfect fall activity for us that day</strong>. We were able to get out of the house and enjoy a beautiful afternoon without having to spend all day planning, prepping, and packing to be gone all day. In fact, the decision to go was pretty spur-of-the-moment. <br />
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My in-laws live just a mile or so from 2 different apple orchards, so we decided to hop in the car and visit one. When we got there, we spent a few minutes talking to one of the owners about which trees held which variety of apple, which apples were ripe and ready, and getting a general lay of the land. From there we were free to explore and pick our apples right from the trees. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ekygdCNsTM/Vha2MrARBqI/AAAAAAAAAco/4yl43maOMGo/s1600/TREE-32-months-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="32 month old signs TREE" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ekygdCNsTM/Vha2MrARBqI/AAAAAAAAAco/4yl43maOMGo/s320/TREE-32-months-compressor.jpg" title="32 month old signs TREE" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKPmgCfpCzs/Vha2MhZq8NI/AAAAAAAAAc0/BSdLOGCGxb8/s1600/APPLE-32-months-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="33 month old signs APPLE" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKPmgCfpCzs/Vha2MhZq8NI/AAAAAAAAAc0/BSdLOGCGxb8/s320/APPLE-32-months-compressor.jpg" title="32 month old signs APPLE" width="213" /></a><strong>Both boys were super excited for this new adventure.</strong> At first, they were grabbing any apple they could reach. We paused for a minute to talk about which APPLES we wanted to pick, and which we needed to leave on the TREES to keep growing. We also talked about the apples we needed to leave on the ground because the were rotten, and covered in BUGS. From there, they both did a pretty good job of picking great apples, and not tasting any apples they found on the ground.<br />
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As we moved from one variety of apple tree to the next, Grammie shared her apple picking knowledge and experience. When we got to the trees growing golden delicious apples, she told us to make sure not to pick the green ones that weren't ready yet, but to find the golden yellow ones. Some of the them had been "kissed by the sun" and had spots of red, too. These were, essentially, sunburned and area always found on the very outside of the tree, but they're safe to eat and don't taste any different than their un-spotted friends.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHE_BIeF2sk/Vha2MX6oOnI/AAAAAAAAAcc/znlNBOYV5HI/s1600/Playing-in-the-trees-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHE_BIeF2sk/Vha2MX6oOnI/AAAAAAAAAcc/znlNBOYV5HI/s1600/Playing-in-the-trees-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="32 month old peeks out under tree branches" border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHE_BIeF2sk/Vha2MX6oOnI/AAAAAAAAAcc/znlNBOYV5HI/s400/Playing-in-the-trees-compressor.jpg" title="tree peek a boo" width="400" /></a><strong></strong><br />
<strong>Naturally, both boys tired of JUST picking apples before the job was done. They were more than happy to use the giant open spaces near the trunk of each tree to stretch their imaginations while we finished picking though! </strong> I heard snippets of conversation about magic wands, visiting each other's 'homes', and what creatures might be living in giant knot holes. It was a fun moment for all of us adults to watch Mr. I. and Mr. L. play with out their realizing it. A chance to witness their personality and inner thoughts unchecked always brings a smile to my face.<br />
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Of course, there was plenty of tasting (EAT) apples during our visit as well.<br />
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They played happily while we finished filling our bags and chatting about the yummy things we'd make with our pickings. Then we walked back to the office to pay for our apples. When we got there, they were using a conveyor to sort apples by size, it was pretty intriguing, so we stopped to watch for a bit.<br />
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Plenty of apples in hand, we climbed back into our car to head home for dinner. <b>A definite highlight of the meal was eating some slices of the apples we had a hand in bringing to the table!</b><br />
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What are your favorite ways to celebrate fall?</h4>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-20762729065801650742015-10-03T10:15:00.002-04:002015-10-05T08:44:17.820-04:00Autumn Adventures: Stomping and Splashing in the RainIt rained recently, after not raining much for the past month or more. It was a gentle, steady rain, and exactly what we needed. I was thrilled that our brown patches of <strike>straw</strike> grass might have a chance at revival. Mr. I. and Mr. L. were equally excited about the rain. No, they don't have an early interest in gardening....<strong>they were thrilled to be able to wear their raincoats and rain boots to school!</strong><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmUv-BhcpmI/Vg_iHJgG84I/AAAAAAAAAcA/xp2aIIyWKyA/s1600/Rain-Title-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Title pic: Boys splashing in a puddle in rain coat and rain boots. Text: Autumn Adventures: Stomping and Splashing in the Rain" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmUv-BhcpmI/Vg_iHJgG84I/AAAAAAAAAcA/xp2aIIyWKyA/s320/Rain-Title-compressor.jpg" title="Title pic" width="213" /></a></div>
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Anything that makes the morning routine smoother is a huge bonus, so not having to argue over putting on socks and shoes was great. However, as the day wore on and our scattered showers turned into all day showers, my enthusiasm waned. <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/09/remarkable-discoveries-lessons-found-at.html" target="_blank">We visit the playground almost daily</a> to get the wiggles out before dinner and wind down time. With everything soaked, we were going to need a really good backup plan to avoid the witching hour!<br />
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After talking with my husband, it was decided that dinner at a local fast food restaurant would be a good choice. With some healthier-ish options on the menu, and an indoor playground to run off the wiggles it was a good treat for our rainy day.<br />
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Dinner was nothing eventful, but definitely enjoyed. However, as soon as Mr. L. got out of the car at home, I knew <strong>we weren't finished with our wiggles just yet.</strong><br />
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<strong>"Jump puddle"</strong> he insisted sweetly. Looking at his hopeful face, and realizing that we were probably in our last day of warmth for quite some time, I nodded. He excitedly jumped in a tiny spot of water on the garage floor before heading down the driveway to a more appropriate splashing puddle. Mr. I. followed without an ounce of hesitation.<br />
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They played happily for quite some time....until Mr. L. jumped a little too big and totally missed landing on his feet. Wet but unhurt, he sat in the puddle unwilling to get up and refusing help from his big brother. Mommy to the rescue! This was the end of our time enjoying the puddles, as we all needed to dry off, and it was definitely time for bed. Reluctantly, both boys followed me into the house to start our nighttime routine.<br />
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<strong>My lesson from all of this? It's OK to have spontaneous activities. It's OK to veer away from the schedule set in my head. It's OK to get a little wet and messy. It's OK! The smiles and the memories from that 10 minutes of change are more than worth anything that would have happened in that time had I forced them inside where it was warm and dry.</strong><br />
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What is your favorite way to enjoy a warm, rainy day?</h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-81882656959221972432015-09-19T15:50:00.003-04:002015-09-21T09:14:37.805-04:00Can Signing Smart Benefit My Child on the Autism Spectrum?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In a word, <b>YES!</b><br />
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I've already shared <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/07/7-sensational-reasons-your-family-needs.html" target="_blank">7 reasons why everyone needs Signing Smart</a>. Over the past two years, many have asked about using the Signing Smart programs with children on the autism spectrum. My answer has always been that I didn't have the research to back me up, but what I knew about each of those subjects would lead me to believe that using American Sign Language with children on the autism spectrum who are struggling with communication would provide a great benefit. Recently, I have had the opportunity to do a bit of research on this topic, and I'm happy to say that, not only were our gut reactions correct, I now have some research to support that!<br />
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In may ways, though, the findings I will share with you apply not only to children on the autism spectrum. <b>Children with a delay in language for any reason can absolutely benefit from using American Sign Language and the tools and strategies offered by Signing Smart - even after the age of 2. </b><br />
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Many children who fall into this group may be labeled "non-verbal," however, they are far from silent! While unable to communicate successfully, a child may still be able to produce consonant and vowel sounds or even syllables consisting of multiple letter sounds. (Kauffman, N., <em>Shaping Verbal Language for Children on the Spectrum of Autism Who Also Exhibit Apraxia of Speech)</em> <b>Using American Sign Language via Signing Smart's techniques as a means of early communication and language exposure while simultaneously working on other speech development activities could lead to astounding results!</b><br />
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Just like with hearing infants and toddlers, research has found that <b>American Sign Language can actually speed the acquisition of spoken language.</b> Also, just like hearing infants and toddlers, the successful communication afforded by ASL can help to reduce frustration and can "serve the purpose of functionally replacing other disruptive behaviors such as aggression, self-injurious behavior, and tantrumming" (Helwig, C. <em>Autism and ASL) </em><br />
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Other researchers have found that using American Sign Language also provides <b>additional benefits to children on the autism spectrum.</b> One such area might be improved attentiveness to social gestures both those being used by the child as well as interpreting those seen from others. (Edleson, S., <em>Signed Speech or Simultaneous Communication) </em>Other benefits relate to the manual nature of ASL and the idea that parents/caregivers/teachers can physically help the child form a sign as part of the learning process, unlike spoken language. Because of this, c<b>hildren with a wide variety of functional abilities can successfully use sign language as part of their communication.</b><br />
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<b>Whether your goals are focused on developing spoken language or an alternative means of communication, American Sign Language and the Signing Smart tools and strategies can help you get there!</b><br />
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Ready to get started? Contact me to arrange your private, small or large group class! SigningWithMissSteph@Gmail.com</h4>
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Here are the resources that helped me write this post:<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Edelson, S. (n.d.). </span><i style="background-color: white;">Signed Speech or Simultaneous Communication</i><span style="background-color: white;">. from <a href="http://www.autism.org/sign.html">http://www.autism.org/sign.html</a></span><br />
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Helwig, C. (2008) <em>Autism and ASL</em> from <a href="http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/autism.htm">http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/autism.htm</a><br />
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Kauffman, N. (n.d.) <em>Shaping Verbal Language for Children on the Spectrum of Autism Who Also Exhibit Apraxia of Speech</em> from <a href="http://www.apraxia-kids.org/library/shaping-verbal-language-for-children-on-the-spectrum-of-autism-who-also-exhibit-apraxia-of-speech/">http://www.apraxia-kids.org/library/shaping-verbal-language-for-children-on-the-spectrum-of-autism-who-also-exhibit-apraxia-of-speech/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-7499374009451525872015-09-13T22:03:00.001-04:002015-09-13T22:03:28.273-04:00Mommy Moments #164<i>I'm so honored to be guest hosting Mommy Moments this week. I always enjoy finding posts that apply to my life as mom as well as teacher and blogger. I hope you find some new inspiration here today, too!</i><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 33px;">Welcome to Mommy Moments! We hope you all had a week filled with wonderful memories! I have enjoyed getting to know all the new mamas linking up and sharing their lives with us! I can't wait to hear more from you all again this week! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 33px;">Motherhood has its seriousness and frustration as well as its laughs. That's why we are here. Life is much easier when traveled with companions! So mamas, let's join together in the spirit of motherhood and share our moments together. We want to hear the happy, sad, tough, terrible, hilarious moments that make being a mother the best job in the world!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 33px;">The top viewed link this week belongs to our very own Heather from Arrows and Warriors and her post <a href="http://www.arrowsandwarriors.com/2015/08/choosing-joy-in-small-things.html">Choosing Joy in the Small Things.</a> What a great reminder that the little things we do as moms, wives, friends, homemakers, or businesswomen, really do matter! This post had some great perspective and was a much needed reminder to us all to choose joy!</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-14260205138711584792015-09-05T14:18:00.003-04:002015-09-05T14:18:50.174-04:00Remarkable Discoveries: Lessons Found at the PlaygroundMy two sons are always on the go! Whether it's<a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/05/family-time-saturday.html" target="_blank"> skipping rocks</a>, making <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/06/fill-up-faces.html" target="_blank">silly faces in the car</a>, or testing out<a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/07/life-saving-bubbles-part-1.html" target="_blank"> bubble recipes</a> in the driveway, these two little boys are always happiest when they're doing something active.<br />
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Even after a full day of "school" where they play and learn and move almost constantly, they aren't done. Every afternoon on the way home, my boys ask to stop at one of our local playgrounds. Most days, we're happy to grant their wishes. It's a great way for them to burn off some energy before dinner and wind-down time; it's a great way for us to spend some time together, and it's a great way to sneak a few more lessons into the day.<br />
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<b>Learning through play is what their little bodies were made to do, so that's what we do!</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNdNdyQjAWk/VesVnkEiMoI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/MRZgkq8LTgw/s1600/Playground-Lessons-Title-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Playground Lessons title picture" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNdNdyQjAWk/VesVnkEiMoI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/MRZgkq8LTgw/s400/Playground-Lessons-Title-compressor.jpg" title="Remarkable Discoveries: Lessons Found at the Playground" width="266" /></a></div>
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Everyday Lessons</h4>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWoL-0r7J1c/VesVn7PACrI/AAAAAAAAAac/aTr7tv80DaQ/s1600/Climb-playground-tree-branded-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 year old climbing fake trees at the playground" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWoL-0r7J1c/VesVn7PACrI/AAAAAAAAAac/aTr7tv80DaQ/s320/Climb-playground-tree-branded-compressor.jpg" title="Boy climbing fake trees" width="213" /></a>There's <b>problem solving</b>: I want to climb up and over this rope net, but I can't reach to go the most obvious way. Is there another way I can go? I want to get to the top of this pretend tree, how do I get there?<br />
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There's <b>team work, turn-taking and sharing</b>: We both want to play on this piece of playground equipment, how can we both feel happy? I can't turn the merry-go-around by myself, but if two or three of us work together, it will turn. You can ride for a while, then we'll switch. Let's play tag!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9TEciR_rE00/VesVowYbxZI/AAAAAAAAAa4/F8Q662mGmYU/s1600/sliding-branded-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="1 year old boy sliding down a twisty slide" border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9TEciR_rE00/VesVowYbxZI/AAAAAAAAAa4/F8Q662mGmYU/s200/sliding-branded-compressor.jpg" title="boy sliding" width="133" /></a>There are<b> endless opportunities for signs</b> to be used: HELP, MORE, ALL-DONE, SIT, SWING, and SLIDE are part of every trip. Sometimes we talk about colors or counting. Occasionally, we have to use GENTLE and I'M-SORRY, too.<br />
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Occasional Bonus Lessons</h4>
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It doesn't happen during every trip, but every now and again, <b>we get the chance to build on science lessons the boys have encountered though school</b>. Our daycare has a visit each week from a <i>*fabulous*</i> teacher who focuses on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) topics. It's always great when we can make connections between her lessons and our lives!</div>
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Sometimes we see <b>local wildlife</b> like geese or bunny rabbits or birds. Then we can talk about what they are, what they're doing, what they like to eat, where they live, etc.</div>
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One of our favorite playgrounds has a fishing pond. Both boys enjoy wandering along the edge and out onto the dock (under <i>very</i> close supervision!) where they can see fish in the water, algae on top, and lots of empty snail shells stuck in the muddy bank. </div>
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<b>Every once in a while, we discover something even more exciting</b>. On one recent trip we saw an empty SNAKE skin floating on the pond. Daddy reached it out with a stick and the boys got to examine it. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bD_ubqfgUkU/VesVoSsVWgI/AAAAAAAAAa0/JpEKEhQrNT8/s1600/dangling-snake-skin-branded-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="exploring a snake skin dangling from a stick while sitting on the dock" border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bD_ubqfgUkU/VesVoSsVWgI/AAAAAAAAAa0/JpEKEhQrNT8/s400/dangling-snake-skin-branded-compressor.jpg" title="dangling the snake skin" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-lDvCUG9hA/VesVnoHEL4I/AAAAAAAAAaU/__OJcRanLNY/s1600/Exploring-snake-skin-branded-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="looking at a snake skin on the dock next to the pond" border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-lDvCUG9hA/VesVnoHEL4I/AAAAAAAAAaU/__OJcRanLNY/s400/Exploring-snake-skin-branded-compressor.jpg" title="exploring a snake skin with a stick" width="400" /></a></div>
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Daddy added to their observations by pointing out where the eyes were, explaining how the snake had grown and shed its skin, and reassuring a nervous preschooler that it was definitely NOT a live snake. (<i>All the same, I was perfectly happy to stand apart from the group to take pictures!</i>) </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6bTz5gnfRzs/VesVoXGw-jI/AAAAAAAAAao/j1kfduSIbGg/s1600/SNAKE-30-months-branded-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mr. L. signs snake while Mr. I explores snake skin on the dock" border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6bTz5gnfRzs/VesVoXGw-jI/AAAAAAAAAao/j1kfduSIbGg/s400/SNAKE-30-months-branded-compressor.jpg" title="Mr. L. signs snake at 30 months" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SNAKE - Mr. L. at 30 months</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hiGqOvC_nsw/VesVoBh2Q7I/AAAAAAAAAa8/Diqb736KVvQ/s1600/SNAKE---Branded-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Daddy signs SNAKE while Mr. I. watches next to the pond" border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hiGqOvC_nsw/VesVoBh2Q7I/AAAAAAAAAa8/Diqb736KVvQ/s640/SNAKE---Branded-compressor.jpg" title="Snake sign" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SNAKE<br />
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<b>A simple trip to the play ground is always fun for two growing little boys. Mommy and daddy know it's not really as simple as it seems though; there's much learning to be done amidst that fun play time!</b><br />
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What are your favorite playground activities? Leave a comment, so we can discover some new fun ways to enjoy our trips!</h4>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-70248563531301497032015-08-27T15:08:00.000-04:002015-08-27T15:08:11.351-04:00Ensure an Awesome Massage: 5 Things You Can Do<br />
<a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/06/you-cant-give-what-you-dont-have.html" target="_blank">Have I convinced you of the importance of taking care of yourself as a parent or caregiver to a young child</a>?<br />
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For the sake of this post, let's say so. Let's also say that a great massage is one of the ways you've chosen to make that happen. You've done your homework, and taken <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/08/7-ways-to-prepare-for-tremendous-massage.html" target="_blank">all the steps to prepare for a great massage</a>...now what?<br />
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<b>There are a few things you can do during and after your massage to make sure you have a great experience</b>.<br />
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<h4>
During </h4>
<h3>
1. Relax....and Feel Comfortable</h3>
Unless you're getting a seated or chair massage,<b> it's likely that you'll be invited to remove some or all of your clothing before beginning your massage.</b> Doing so allows the massage therapist to access muscles more easily, but it's up to you which pieces of clothing stay. <br />
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<b>In order to get the most out of your massage, you have to be comfortable!</b> If you're tense and worried about feeling bare, you won't enjoy your massage. Better to leave on a few bits of clothing and enjoy the experience than ruin the whole thing trying to conform to what you think the expectation is! At least in the US (<i>other countries may allow different practices, always ask first!</i>) you will always be fully covered except for the area being worked on, so no need to worry about feeling exposed!<br />
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How this is handled will vary from place to place. Some spas I've visited have had a locker room, and I've been given a robe to change into. Other places have showed me to the massage room then given me some privacy to change and climb onto the massage table and cover myself. (<i>Outside the US, practices may vary - best to talk with your spa beforehand if this is a concern!</i>)<br />
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<h3>
2. Relax...and Clear Your Mind</h3>
I know how hard it can be to try to remove the thoughts of your kids, your to-do list, and everything else we have to handle on a day-to-day basis. <b> I may or may not have written this post in my head while lying on a massage table</b> (<i>it wasn't the best massage I've ever had, needless to say...</i>) so I definitely get it. <br />
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Try hard to to listen to the music playing, relax, and just be in the moment. A simple meditation technique I sometimes try is to just count deep breaths. Close your eyes, and breathe in slowly while counting 1...2...3...4...then breathe out slowly 1...2...3...4... do this for several cycles, and you should feel relaxed, and have a clear (or at least <i>clearer</i> mind).<br />
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<h3>
3. Relax...and Make Sure You Enjoy the Experience</h3>
A good massage therapist will know how to listen to your muscles and apply the right techniques to work with what they need. That doesn't mean they can read your mind, though! Sometimes, they might ask about areas you'd like to focus on, how much pressure you prefer, etc. before they start, others do not.<br />
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Regardless, if you're in the midst of a massage, and you'd like them to use more or less pressure, speak up! <b>Sometimes massage might be a bit uncomfortable, especially if a therapist is working with especially tight muscles, but you should never be in ought right pain.</b> Don't ever be afraid to ask the massage therapist to back of the pressure a bit or to let them know that you are experiencing pain.<br />
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A massage isn't one of the places I feel the need to chat with my practitioner throughout our time together. Don't feel like you have to be absolutely silent, though.<br />
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<h4>
After</h4>
<h3>
4. Drink Plenty of Water</h3>
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<b>Drinking lots of water is always a good idea. After a massage, it's especially helpful. </b></div>
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All that work on your muscles also drains water from your soft tissues. It's important to re hydrate after this workout. </div>
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Plus, all that released water has to go somewhere. In this case, it goes to your kidneys along with all the waste/toxins that were released from your muscles. Drinking plenty of water helps to flush them right out of your body. </div>
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<h3>
5. Expect a few Sore Spots</h3>
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Especially if you've had some serious knots worked out, you might have a few sore spots after your massage. Again, these spots should be painful, but might feel like you've just had a good workout. This should dissipate after a day or so. If not, I suggest getting back in touch with your massage therapist and/or your medical provider!</div>
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Some easy stretching and/or a warm bath might help to care for your original tension as well as your newly sore spots.</div>
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<h4>
We've looked at <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/06/pampering-as-part-of-my-normal-routine.html" target="_blank">using a great sugar scrub and lotion</a>, an easy <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/06/date-night-wine-and-cheese-at-home.html" target="_blank">stay-at-home date night</a>, and <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/08/7-ways-to-prepare-for-tremendous-massage.html" target="_blank">massage</a> as great ways to care for yourself so far. What else is on your list of self-care musts?</h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-15487422603877926052015-08-20T14:57:00.003-04:002015-08-20T14:57:33.817-04:007 Ways to Prepare for a Tremendous Massage Taking care of yourself is so important. It helps you feel great, and in turn be a better caretaker, co-worker, spouse, friend, etc. I can't stress enough the truth I've found to the statement <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/06/you-cant-give-what-you-dont-have.html" target="_blank">"you can't give what you don't have."</a> Treating yourself to a massage - weekly, monthly, occasionally - can be a super part of that self-care.<br />
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Massage is a great way to relax, relieve tight muscles, and can even be a beneficial part of healing an injury. To make the most out of your massage though, it's important to do certain things before, during and after your appointment. In this two-part series, I will share with you simple things you can do to help yourself have the most awesome possible experience treating yourself to a massage.<br />
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<i>*I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Please speak with your medical professional before starting a massage regimen*</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BjTbAjev5k0/VdYhk7M0gqI/AAAAAAAAAY0/eSXm_JMjRkM/s1600/Massage-prepare-title-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Title text on wooded background - 7 ways to prepare for a massage" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BjTbAjev5k0/VdYhk7M0gqI/AAAAAAAAAY0/eSXm_JMjRkM/s400/Massage-prepare-title-compressor.jpg" title="7 Ways to Prepare for a Great Massage" width="266" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Before</h4>
<h3>
1. Determine if Massage is Right for You</h3>
<div>
I greatly enjoy a good massage, and encourage you to enjoy one too. It's important to know that <b>massage isn't for everyone, though.</b> Certain conditions such as fever, cold/flu, early pregnancy, heart problems, cancer, and many others might be contraindications for massage. <b>If you have any medical conditions, you should first discuss with your doctor and your massage therapist if massage is the right fit for you</b>. Maybe you just don't enjoy massage - that's OK too. There are other ways you can relax and care for yourself if massage isn't for you.<br />
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<h3>
2. Decide What Kind of Massage You Want</h3>
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<b>There are lots of different types of massage</b>. Most frequently, I go for <b>Swedish</b> or relaxation massage - probably what you see most often portrayed as massage. Other common types are <b>deep tissue massage</b> (deeper layers of the muscles are massaged to relieve chronic tightness or muscle pain), <b>hot stone massage</b> (smooth stones are heated and placed on specific areas of the body to loosen tight muscles and balance energy) and <b>pregnancy massage </b>(specially trained massage therapists provide a massage using the proper positioning and support to care for both mama and baby). There are lots more, too. </div>
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Most spas will have a menu on their website describing the different types of massage they offer. Decide what sounds best, and start there. <b>If you have questions about what a particular type of massage entails or if it's right for you, don't be afraid to call the spa and ask!</b></div>
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<b>3. Choose Where to Get Your Massage</b></h3>
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It seems like you can find massage offerings almost anywhere these days. Do you prefer a more medical setting or something more spa-like? Ask for suggestions or check out some websites for local spas, salons, or private practitioners. <br />
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<h3>
4. Call and Ask Questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwF3MuQP6DU/VdYhk9oQgGI/AAAAAAAAAY4/EG8Kd4lrei0/s1600/Make-the-call-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwF3MuQP6DU/VdYhk9oQgGI/AAAAAAAAAY4/EG8Kd4lrei0/s1600/Make-the-call-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwF3MuQP6DU/VdYhk9oQgGI/AAAAAAAAAY4/EG8Kd4lrei0/s1600/Make-the-call-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="using a tin-can-phone" border="0" height="151" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwF3MuQP6DU/VdYhk9oQgGI/AAAAAAAAAY4/EG8Kd4lrei0/s200/Make-the-call-compressor.jpg" title="Make the call" width="200" /></a></div>
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</div>
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Are you trying to decide between a few different places? Are you still trying to decide which type of massage is for you? Call and ask! Any good business should be willing to answer any of your questions. If they seem hesitant to help you or un-knowledgeable about their offerings, it should be a red flag.</div>
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Other important questions to ask should be about pricing, tipping policies (some spas don't allow tipping, others automatically add a tip to the price of the massage, others leave it up to your discretion), cancellation policies, and anything else you want to know about making your massage a great experience.</div>
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<h3>
5. Make an Appointment</h3>
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Some locations will require to make an appointment for your massage. Others will accept walk-ins. I suggest making an appointment to get the most out of your time. Even though a spa accepts walk-ins, it doesn't mean someone will be available when you arrive or that they are the best at performing the type of massage you want. <b>To make sure you get the best massage possible, I suggest making an appointment as far in advance as possible.</b></div>
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This is also the time to let the spa know if you prefer a specific massage therapist, would rather a male or female, or other special considerations. <b>Don't show up for your massage and expect that they will be able to make accommodations - while they might be willing, they may not have the staff available to do so.</b></div>
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<h3>
6. Hydrate</h3>
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To get the most out of your massage, you'll want to drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment. <b>Make sure to visit the restroom just before your massage to avoid any discomfort,</b> though!</div>
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<h3>
7. Arrive a Few Minutes Early</h3>
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You want to be relaxed during your massage. Make sure to allow yourself enough time to arrive, park, and check in a few minutes early.</div>
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The spa might have some forms for you to fill out indicating your areas of soreness, injury, etc. Many will also offer you the chance to change into a robe, have something to drink, and relax in a quiet room before your massage starts.</div>
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This is also a great time to ask any last minute questions, if you have any.</div>
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Hopefully, by preparing, you'll have set yourself to have an awesome massage. It's time to meet your therapist, and enjoy! Stop back soon to see my suggestions for enjoying you massage to the fullest, and how to take care of yourself afterwards.<br />
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<h4>
Do you take care of yourself with massage? Do you prefer a spa setting or somewhere else? What other things do you do in order to take good care of yourself?</h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-72940834615007290982015-08-13T10:06:00.001-04:002015-08-17T11:26:25.633-04:00 2 Sure-Fire Steps to A Great Flight with Your Little OneRecently, we were lucky enough to be taken to Disney World for vacation by a set of very generous grandparents (<a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2014/09/national-grandparents-day.html" target="_blank">Thank you!</a>). We had lots of fun, and even learned some important lessons along the way. The lessons started immediately - at the airport. <b>Flying with a toddler and a pre schooler is no joke; but it doesn't have to be a disaster!</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1V28nVFpJ84/VcyfNFtuF1I/AAAAAAAAAXo/6MZ51AQ8MmY/s1600/Family-Picture-with-Daisy-Duck.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Family standing with circus performer Daisy Duck" border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1V28nVFpJ84/VcyfNFtuF1I/AAAAAAAAAXo/6MZ51AQ8MmY/s400/Family-Picture-with-Daisy-Duck.png" title="Family picture with Daisy Duck" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm not going to give you my list of 30 things to pack when you fly with toddlers. I can't tell you what snacks to pack that will magically keep your little one happy during the long travel day. I have no idea what activity or what movie will keep your child occupied long enough for you to drink your 3 oz. of complimentary beverage. <br />
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Do you know why? <strong>Every kid is different, and every trip is different</strong>. What worked wonderfully for someone else might not work at all for you. What worked on the flight TO your vacation might be the worst thing in the world on the way BACK from vacation. (<em>If your child is anything like mine, nothing ever works twice, so you're used to inconsistency. If not, welcome to the club; let your creative juices flow!) </em>What works great for one of your children, may not be the right fit for a sibling.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzSReuKhASo/VcyfM5FFp3I/AAAAAAAAAXU/yKcb8I_PDxg/s1600/Backs-of-boys-watching-plane-take-off-compressor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Backs of boys watching planes take off through giant window" border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzSReuKhASo/VcyfM5FFp3I/AAAAAAAAAXU/yKcb8I_PDxg/s400/Backs-of-boys-watching-plane-take-off-compressor.png" title="Boys watching planes take off" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let's face it, <b>flying is a great way to get somewhere, and there are some cool parts about it, but it makes for a long, stressful day</b>. Most kids love watching planes take off and land through the giant terminal windows. It can be a fun adventure: seeing the cockpit, soaring like a bird, etc. There's lots of waiting and lines, though. For little ones, without a fully developed ability to wait patiently, all that time between take-off and landing where you can't really move around too much can become a problem pretty quickly.<br />
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I do have some advice about how to make your trip go as smoothly as possible, though, and it all boils down to just two things.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16t2Xo6kOXA/VcyfNWT-kbI/AAAAAAAAAXg/7vjxV7dtUGw/s1600/Flying-with-your-little-one-two-steps-to-success-compressor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toddler approximation of plane sign" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16t2Xo6kOXA/VcyfNWT-kbI/AAAAAAAAAXg/7vjxV7dtUGw/s400/Flying-with-your-little-one-two-steps-to-success-compressor.png" title="Flying with Your Little One {Two Tips to Success}" width="266" /></a></div>
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<h4>
1. Over Pack</h4>
Is your child still wearing <b>diapers</b>? Pack way more than you think you'll need. If you get delayed for any reason, you don't want to run out!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YjTbxRLcsI/VcyfOU4ntPI/AAAAAAAAAYA/1r41-Lqlccc/s1600/mr-l-watching-laptop-movie-on-plane-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YjTbxRLcsI/VcyfOU4ntPI/AAAAAAAAAYA/1r41-Lqlccc/s200/mr-l-watching-laptop-movie-on-plane-compressor.jpg" width="152" /></a><br />
The same goes for <b>extra clothes</b>. Even if your kiddo has been using the potty for a while, you never know what's going to spill, leak, rip, etc. Pack extras of everything - for you and them in your carry on. <br />
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<b>Things to do, too.</b> Distraction will be your friend for passing the time. You know your child and his or her interests - follow them. Pack small toys, books, paper, crayons, stickers....whatever will keep them occupied for a while. Electronics are fine too, if you use them. I suggest making them a last resort - once they come out other things don't always seem so cool anymore. A few new surprises never hurt, but familiar favorites are great too! (<i>We packed everything in an individual back pack for each boy. They felt special getting to carry their treasures, and it made them easy to get to when we needed to switch activities. All except the lap top - that was stored safely in Daddy's carry on when not being used!</i>)<br />
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<h4>
2. Create a Mental Blueprint</h4>
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This is especially important if your little one is taking his/her first flight or may not remember the last one. <b>They have no way to anticipate what will come next, which can be scary and frustrating.</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eUX-awY-Fqg/VcyfOMcEx-I/AAAAAAAAAXw/UIv5kEi_RFY/s1600/boys-making-sticker-pictures-on-tray-table-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Using stickers to make pictures on tray tables" border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eUX-awY-Fqg/VcyfOMcEx-I/AAAAAAAAAXw/UIv5kEi_RFY/s200/boys-making-sticker-pictures-on-tray-table-compressor.jpg" title="Two boys entertained on plane" width="163" /></a>On our trip, Mr. L. loved the tray tables that pulled out so he was able to reach them. He was really enjoying using his little personal table to play before we took off. Then came time to put the tray tables up for take off. Without the experience to tell him what would happen next and that he would, indeed, get to play again, my tiny two year old got mad pretty quickly. (<i>Hey, you would too!</i>)</div>
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That's where <b>signs saved our day</b>, yet again! We used the sign AIRPLANE along with classifiers to explain what was about to happen....we would TAXI-DOWN-THE-RUNWAY, then we would TAKE-OFF and CLIMB before LEVELING-OFF. Right now we needed to WAIT.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQS6xvCVj_0/VcyfNGIFzcI/AAAAAAAAAXk/yUQO804A3Rc/s1600/Daddy-explains-with-airplane-classifier-compressor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Daddy Explains what will happen using AIRPLANE and classifiers" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQS6xvCVj_0/VcyfNGIFzcI/AAAAAAAAAXk/yUQO804A3Rc/s320/Daddy-explains-with-airplane-classifier-compressor.png" title="Daddy using Airplane Sign" width="213" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aTeL11d76FI/VcyfNyvSIKI/AAAAAAAAAX0/aO37AyAemPU/s1600/Mr-l-Airplane-sign-approximation-compressor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mr. L. shows approximation of PLANE TAKE OFF" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aTeL11d76FI/VcyfNyvSIKI/AAAAAAAAAX0/aO37AyAemPU/s320/Mr-l-Airplane-sign-approximation-compressor.png" title="Toddler Approximation of PLANE" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. L. shows off his approximation <br />
of Daddy's explanation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We had to re-iterate this fact several times, but it helped Mr. L. (and big brother, Mr. I.) make sense of their situation, connect to something they did have experience with, and have a successful flight. In fact, but the time we got on our connecting flight, Mr. I. was using classifiers to explain to the stranger sitting behind us what was about to happen. (<i>Thankfully, she was very accommodating, albeit a bit thrown off.</i>)</div>
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If all else fails....hope they nap!<br />
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<h4>
Ready to make American Sign Language part of your communication with your little one? Check out <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.com/">SigningWithMissSteph.com</a> to find out about classes in Northeast Ohio, or <a href="mailto:SigningwithMissSteph@Gmail.com" target="_blank">Contact Me</a> about scheduling your own in person or virtually!</h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-2908103530165946232015-08-06T16:28:00.001-04:002015-08-06T16:28:12.473-04:00Wonderful Teachers are Just Regular People in DisguiseAs we're preparing for schools to start up again - <i>does it seem to happen earlier and earlier every year where you live too? - </i>I wanted to take a moment to salute our teachers. Not just those our "big kids" will see in school each day. We also have all the dance teachers, sports coaches, art, language, music, etc. teachers who we'll meet each day. Cut them - and you - a break, we all have a passion to help you and your child be something wonderful!<br />
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<b>When I take any kind of class I always see the teacher as magical creature who has all the answers both in and out of the classroom.</b><br />
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I watch the owner of the dance studio we attend teaching her youngest students with such accomplishment- a whole class of toddlers are excited to see her, they mostly cooperate with anything she asks of them, and the exit class smiling and excited. Surly she must have the same success with her own small child. Or, take for example, the teacher in an online workshop in which I'm studying about deaf childhood development. As a school employee, she must certainly have incredible victories with every child on her caseload. Even my own fitness quest can provide examples as each instructor undoubtedly maintains a perfect fitness and nutrition regimen every day.<br />
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Now, in my head, I know this isn't the case. <b> Each of these teachers is human.</b> They have a some great information to share, but <b>they have good days and bad days.</b> There are days when what they know *<em>should</em>* work - doesn't. There are days when they don't follow their own great advice. There are days where it just seems that everything goes wrong no matter what you try. <b>Still there tends to be a mystical perfection I apply to people in such positions in my life.</b><br />
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If for no other reason, I should know this because <b>I'm a teacher, and mystical, magical perfection is far from a part of my life!</b> I hope that the families I work with see me as someone a lot like them - a mom who's very much human and just trying to do the best I can for my family. The fact that I get to share my passion for language and children and early communication with them, and that it helps them too, is just a bonus.<br />
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Here's a story to prove it - in case you need a reminder like I often do:<br />
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I was having a heck of a day - one of those where it seems like the universe is just against you no matter how many nice things you try to do. After dealing with teething-induced tantrums, running late to teach my class, ruining the birthday cake I tried to bake for my husband, and not having a birthday present to give him, I let myself have a good cry before going to pick up said teething 2-year-old from daycare.<br />
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<b>My plan was to pick him up early, go shopping together for birthday presents, then go to his weekly dance class.</b><br />
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<b>3:45</b>: Get in the car, give Mr. L. a snack and a sippy cup - he's thrilled!<br />
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<b>3:47</b>: Start "Elsa" in the CD player - life is grand!<br />
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<b>4:00</b>: Arrive at department store. "Doctor" is the exclamation from my back seat. "You think this looks like the doctor's office?" (The brick store looks nothing like our doctor's office with a white exterior.) "This is a store. We're going to buy some birthday presents for Daddy."<br />
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<b>4:01</b>: My phone rings as we're about to get out of the car. We talk to Daddy for a few minutes about our game plan for the evening.<br />
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<b>4:05</b>: <b>We enter the store, and I try to sit Mr. L. in a buggy. He refuses, and he insists on walking.</b> I'm learning to work with his newly <strike>demanded</strike> discovered independence, so I take a deep breath and make a mental list of all the tools I have to keep him in sight, buy birthday presents for Daddy, and still get to dance class on time.<br />
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<b>4:15</b>: My mental list is exhausted. I am totally unable to keep him in my sight and do more than randomly grab things off of the shelf.<br />
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<b>4:16</b>: I take a deep breath and try to re-group while I retrieve Mr. L. from the little girl's shoe aisle. I kneel down to his level: "Mommy needs to be able to SEE (I sign see.) you. If you want to walk, you need to stay where I can SEE you. If you keep running off where I can't SEE you, you're going to have to ride (SIT) in the buggy.<br />
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<b>4:20</b>: We've made it through kitchen supplies. Mr. L. let me hold him as we made our way down the aisles, so we avoided breaking any of the display items! We're headed down the main aisle to men's clothing. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic that we'll get what we need.<br />
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<b>4:21</b>: I bend down to look at golf shirts on a low self. I look up, and can't see Mr. L. Luckily, his winter boots are anything but quiet, so I know right where he is.<br />
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<b>4:22</b>: I pick him up and try to sit him in the buggy with the reminder "Mommy needs to be able to see you. You keep running off, so you're going to have to sit in the cart for now." Can you guess how this disappointment went?<br />
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<b>4:25</b>:<b> I remind myself that I'm doing fine.</b> I expected the resistance, the kicking, and some verbal protests. <em>"Keep him engaged, let him help. It will be short lived."</em> (Am I the only one who gives myself mental pep talks?)<br />
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<b>4:26</b>: Mr. L. is still screaming and trying to climb out of his seat. I'm trying to follow my own advice. "Which one of these should we get for Daddy?" "What color shirt do you like?" If anything, these questions only irritate him further. Now instead of protesting, his screams sound as though I'm torturing him. <b>I'm certain everyone is staring at me</b> even though it's mid-afternoon and the store is nearly empty. Are the security cameras turning in my direction too?<br />
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<b>4:27</b>: With tears springing to my eyes, I pick Mr. L. up out of the cart and hug him to me for a chat. I feel the weight of the day sitting on my shoulder. "Mommy feels the same way, bud. We need to find a birthday present for Daddy, though. Can you help me?" Momentarily, I contemplate leaving and buying nothing. <b>Mr. L.'s tantrum intensifies</b>. Now he's screaming even louder (<i>how is that even possible?!</i>) and trying to throw himself out of my arms. I sit him back in the buggy seat as carefully as I can and try to ignore his screams, talking to him as though it were any normal shopping trip. I'm thinking of all the stories I've read about moms who've been applauded or criticized in similar situations. <em>"Just get what you need as quickly as you can. Stay calm. You're doing fine. If anyone says something negative to you, just ignore them."</em><br />
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<b>4:32</b>: Realizing I've just walked the same path through men's clothing for probably the 50th time, I give up. <b>Nothing I'm trying is working. I can't focus.</b> <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/03/i-was-that-mom.html" target="_blank"> I'm so distracted, I don't even remember there are bubbles in my purse!</a> I decide to purchase the couple of things I've already picked out and move on.<br />
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<b>4:37</b>: We're back in the car. I'm trying to figure out how to kill time until dance class. <b> I'm disappointed with the results of our trip. but I'm proud that I kept my cool and dealt with the situation.</b> We end up driving around for a while. Mr. L. calmly looks out the window and takes in everything going by.<br />
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<b>6:15</b>: Dance class lets out. Mr. L. participated and behaved like any other toddler - mostly doing what he was asked and needing a few reminders. We head home for dinner and bed.<br />
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<h4>
I'm very much human! </h4>
My tools and strategies aren't always successful. In many ways, we are probably a lot alike. We love young children, and we want to offer them the valuable gift of early communication. No one has all the answers all the time, but we are invested in learning as many of them as possible!<br />
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If you're a parent, you are your baby's first teacher. If you're a school teacher, a child care teacher, a teacher of teachers, a music teacher, a coach, etc., etc., etc., THANK YOU for all you do. You are human, but you wear a superhero costume sometimes - you're a teacher!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #45818e;">You're doing a great job. Stop for a minute today. Take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back. Not every situation will go off without a hitch - but you're doing great work!</span></strong></h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-11064873513766317962015-07-27T14:04:00.005-04:002015-08-07T08:45:23.758-04:00Life-Saving Bubbles {Part 2}<a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/07/life-saving-bubbles-part-1.html" target="_blank">Fresh off our bubble disappointment</a>, I was on a mission. <b>I was going to find a great bubble recipe that would allow my boys to make giant bubbles.</b><br />
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One suggestion from many was to replace the dish soap I'd been using with blue Dawn, the liquid soap often recommended for its magic. I'm not sure what's in there, but it's saved my day before, so I was willing to give it a try. <br />
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I also found an intriguing recipe that called for cornstarch and baking powder that seemed fun to try.<br />
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Then, just for good measure, I picked the brain of our daycare's STEM teacher. Every summer she does a giant bubble day with the kids....I'm talking putting kids inside the bubble giant! I knew she must have a great recipe, and I hoped she'd be willing to share her secret!<br />
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And then it rained.....and rained.....and rained. It's been one rainy summer here in Northeast Ohio, so our project had to be put on the back burner for a while.<br />
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Finally, we had a sunny Sunday afternoon, so I got the ingredients together for our two experiments and headed outside. The boys were excited to help measure and stir!<br />
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<h4>
Glycerin - Take Two</h4>
<b>We started with our recipe from the first go-round but replaced the dish soap we'd used with blue Dawn</b>. Knowing I couldn't guarantee the results, we started with a quarter sized recipe again. This batch was definitely pretty to look at in the pan, but would they work?<br />
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No one wanted to wait all night to test them out (who knew if we'd get another dry day!) so we started playing with them immediately. (We'd also been tipped off by our "favorite science girl" - AKA Ms. Mandy the STEM teacher, that <b>letting them rest doesn't really do anything for them.</b>)<br />
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<b>It was a moderate success.</b> Using bubble wands that had come with bubbles we'd purchased,<b> both boys were able to easily form plenty of regular-sized bubbles</b>. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oE-cMuESdM0/VbZvj6E6ijI/AAAAAAAAAVw/UtdgdoeK53o/s1600/SigningWithMissSteph.com%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="boy popping bubble with arm" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oE-cMuESdM0/VbZvj6E6ijI/AAAAAAAAAVw/UtdgdoeK53o/s320/SigningWithMissSteph.com%2B%25282%2529.png" title="" width="266" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZbP87ga4Jo/VbZvfJSI6FI/AAAAAAAAAVo/r75msO44lqI/s1600/SigningwithMissSteph.com%2B%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZbP87ga4Jo/VbZvfJSI6FI/AAAAAAAAAVo/r75msO44lqI/s1600/SigningwithMissSteph.com%2B%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZbP87ga4Jo/VbZvfJSI6FI/AAAAAAAAAVo/r75msO44lqI/s1600/SigningwithMissSteph.com%2B%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="toddler mixing bubble ingredients" border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZbP87ga4Jo/VbZvfJSI6FI/AAAAAAAAAVo/r75msO44lqI/s320/SigningwithMissSteph.com%2B%25284%2529.png" title="" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZbP87ga4Jo/VbZvfJSI6FI/AAAAAAAAAVo/r75msO44lqI/s1600/SigningwithMissSteph.com%2B%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZbP87ga4Jo/VbZvfJSI6FI/AAAAAAAAAVo/r75msO44lqI/s1600/SigningwithMissSteph.com%2B%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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When we tried our giant bubble makers, though, it was more hit and miss. We were able to actually form a couple this time, but they popped immediately.</div>
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Still, we decided this was a great recipe to keep on hand for regular bubble blowing, so we made another half-sized batch to keep on hand.</div>
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Cornstarch and Baking Powder</h4>
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Still hoping to find a GIANT success, we tried the other recipe I'd come across. I was pretty skeptical, but had the ingredients on hand, so I figured we'd never know if we didn't try. </div>
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Same deal as the prior batches, we made a small test batch first.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMzmIA73-oA/VbZwYyjbj6I/AAAAAAAAAWA/bPDbyaYA4qM/s1600/SigningWithMissSteph.com%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMzmIA73-oA/VbZwYyjbj6I/AAAAAAAAAWA/bPDbyaYA4qM/s1600/SigningWithMissSteph.com%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bubble ingredients" border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMzmIA73-oA/VbZwYyjbj6I/AAAAAAAAAWA/bPDbyaYA4qM/s400/SigningWithMissSteph.com%2B%25281%2529.png" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>This recipe didn't work well for us at all</b>. It was difficult to mix gently and yet forcefully enough to dissolve all of the cornstarch and baking powder. Once we got it all mixed up, it didn't do much for us. (<i>Disclaimer:We didn't allow this one to sit based on the looming grey clouds and advice from our STEM guru.)</i> Blowing regular bubbles was hit and miss, and it wouldn't even stick to the giant bubble maker. </div>
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We ditched this recipe pretty quickly. And then, it started to rain....AGAIN. We packed our supplies up for the day and headed in. <b> I had one more suggestion up my sleeve</b> from Ms. Mandy who did generously share her secret. <b>It sounded strange to me though, so I'd held off on getting the secret ingredient. </b>On the way back into the house, I decided that, strange as it sounded, we'd have to give it a shot. </div>
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So far, the <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/07/life-saving-bubbles-part-1.html" target="_blank">corn syrup recipe</a> we'd previously tested has been our favorite, but check back soon to see what Ms. Mandy suggesti and how it worked for us!</div>
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/pEucEQ" target="_blank">Don't miss a post - have them delivered straight to your inbox!</a></h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-32324663874642713462015-07-25T08:28:00.003-04:002015-07-27T09:22:02.681-04:00Celebrating National Dance Day - With Sign (Detective Eyes #9)<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As described by calendar.com, "National Dance Day is observed each year on the last Saturday in July. </span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Created as a day to raise awareness about and encourage Americans to embrace dance as a fun and positive way to maintain good health and combat obesity."</span><br />
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<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In our house, any bit of music is usually met with dance. It doesn't matter if it's the radio, a TV commercial or a song we've chosen to play. The dance might be just a little wiggle or an all out, full family room performance. While I'm treated to these feats on a daily basis, rarely am I lucky enough to catch them on video.</span><br />
<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
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Even tiny infants sometimes bless us with their own dances. What do your little ones love to dance to? What about you?</h4>
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Each group of families I've worked with has been quite different from the last. Some really enjoy music and will turn lots of different props in to drums, trumpets, or other creative instruments. Other groups would have been happy playing with nothing but rubber ducks for the whole session. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbTFVJ9MHb4/Vaff8pT-3-I/AAAAAAAAASs/abxw1xhpJ3c/s1600/Bubbles-Title-Part-1-compressor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbTFVJ9MHb4/Vaff8pT-3-I/AAAAAAAAASs/abxw1xhpJ3c/s400/Bubbles-Title-Part-1-compressor.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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There is one thing that is always a hit, though. It doesn't matter the age of the little ones in the class - 2 months, 20 months, all of two years - they are all equally enthralled. It doesn't matter how many older siblings are also in attendance. It doesn't matter who's starting to get grumpy or even who's upset that we've put away the fun toys we'd been playing with. <strong>Any time I start blowing bubbles, I have a group of engaged, positive participants.</strong> Some like to try to catch the bubbles, others enjoy using just their pointer finger to pop the little spheres of joy, still others just enjoy watching them float by. <br />
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Drive around on any warm (or even almost warm) day, and you'll see plenty of kids - of all ages - having a blast with bubbles. <strong>There's just something about bubbles that draws everyone in.</strong><br />
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Bubbles are a Life Saver!</h4>
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I have even pulled bubbles out in a department store in order to entertain both of my kids. Shopping with Mommy and Daddy is fun for only a short time. Especially when Daddy needs new shoes. They need to be found, tried on, compared - it takes time, and it gets boring pretty quickly. </div>
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Instead of chasing toddlers in different directions between racks of shoes - that gets old for Mommy pretty quickly - I pull out the bubbles from my purse. I have bought myself 10 minutes or more of happy children as we giggle and pop. Now, I do this as discretely and as politely as possible - avoiding any merchandise or other customers, but at the same time unapologetically. I'm doing the best I can to keep my kids happily contained for the better of everyone in the store. On the days I let my self get overwhelmed and forget I have bubbles, the <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/03/i-was-that-mom.html" target="_blank">results are less than fabulous</a>.<br />
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That's the reason I hand out little vials of bubbles with my business cards. <strong>I like being able to pass along something that - just like early communication skills - can save the day</strong>!<br />
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Let's Make Our Own!</h4>
<i style="text-align: center;">(This post was sponsored by <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/" target="_blank">Whole Foods Market</a> who provided the ingredients used to make these bubbles to me free of cost. All opinions and wording are my own.)</i><br />
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With all the fun bubbles bring, I thought it would be fun to make some of our own - big ones that don't break immediately.<br />
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I found two recipes at pbs.org, gathered the needed supplies, and set to work.<br />
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Corn Syrup Recipe</h4>
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We started with the recipe this recipe - I made our recipe 1/4 the size since this was a test batch.</div>
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We measured, poured and mixed very carefully. (<i>I totally forgot about microwaving, as we were all excited to try it out....we'll warm it up next time and see if the results change at all.</i>)</div>
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I fashioned a couple of quick bubble wands out of pipe cleaners we had on hand, and we set to testing our concoction.<br />
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SUCCESS!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz_Gt_teSqs/Vaff_CzAroI/AAAAAAAAATA/sINCdqGI7Q0/s1600/Ian-blowling-corn-syrup-bubble-compressor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz_Gt_teSqs/Vaff_CzAroI/AAAAAAAAATA/sINCdqGI7Q0/s320/Ian-blowling-corn-syrup-bubble-compressor.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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These bubbles were very easy to form, and, though they easily popped as soon as they hit the driveway, we did manage to "catch" a few. As a bonus, our corn syrup happened be vanilla flavored, so our bubbles smelled yummy too!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVOqpgoNifY/Vaff8QOdtlI/AAAAAAAAASo/MH36oyJq3qk/s1600/Catching-bubbles_corn-syrup-compressor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVOqpgoNifY/Vaff8QOdtlI/AAAAAAAAASo/MH36oyJq3qk/s320/Catching-bubbles_corn-syrup-compressor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once we played with those for a little while, we mixed up the second recipe, which was supposed to make BIG bubbles.</div>
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Glycerin Recipe</h4>
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Again, I made a 1/4 sized test batch.</div>
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Since this version suggested an overnight rest, we mixed it up and set it aside before heading in for dinner.<br />
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The next day, we brought our supplies over to Grandpa's house to try out during our visit. My husband and I fashioned the bubble makers out of straws and some cotton twine we had on hand, and set out to make some giant bubbles.<br />
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We delicately poured the solution from the canning jar we used for transportation into a baking pan. <br />
<strong>I could tell immediately that we were going to have to quickly figure out what "Plan B" was going to be</strong>.<br />
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With two excited kiddos wanting bubbles, we gave it a shot anyway with more parental involvement than we'd planned on. Being as careful as possible, <strong>almost every bubble I tried to form broke before I even got the bubble maker out of the solution.</strong> (I even tried doubling the glycerin, but to no avail.)<br />
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We did finally get to see one short-lived, not as giant as we'd hoped, bubble!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUWRgzGOiVw/VafmuRDWa_I/AAAAAAAAAT0/r3QknlJE9sI/s1600/one-successful-bubble-compressor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUWRgzGOiVw/VafmuRDWa_I/AAAAAAAAAT0/r3QknlJE9sI/s320/one-successful-bubble-compressor.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was going to take more research and materials than I could offer immediately to get to see our giant bubbles. Slightly disappointed, but distracted by getting to feed Grandpa's chickens, we put our bubble supplies away.<br />
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Luckily, I knew the perfect person to ask for advice! Stop back soon to see how we finally got to see big bubbles!<br />
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<a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/07/life-saving-bubbles-part-2.html" target="_blank">Life-Saving Bubbles {Part 2}</a><br />
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/pEucEQ" target="_blank">Don't miss a post - have them delivered straight to your inbox!</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-35687523260014747202015-07-08T11:23:00.003-04:002015-08-26T10:36:17.455-04:007 Sensational Reasons Your Family Needs Signing SmartThere are a litany of reasons I would encourage any family to sign with their children, especially with the Signing Smart program. Families who supplement spoken language interactions with their children using American Sign Language (ASL) signs meaningful to them are enhancing both early communication and long term learning. Below is a list of my favorite reasons for choosing to sign with little ones using the Signing Smart program.<br />
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<i>(Want to start signing with your own child? Check out www.signingsmart.com for a workshop or play class near you! Are you in the Northeast Ohio area? Please <a href="mailto:signingwithmisssteph@Gmail.com" target="_blank">contact me directly</a> so we can start your communication journey right away!)</i><br />
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1. Reduced Frustration and Tantrums</h4>
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- Children as young a 7 months (even younger on occasion) can express their wants and needs</div>
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- Toddlers can clarify their speech</div>
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- Did you know that many tantrums stem from frustration over not being understood?</div>
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2. 100% American Sign Language</h4>
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- Many infant and toddler sign language programs actually use made up gestures instead of REAL Sign Language</div>
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- If you're going to put out the effort to learn a language, learn one that others can understand too!</div>
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- Language facilitates language - the brain favors organized language units</div>
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- Consistency</div>
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- No need to try to remember all the invented gestures you've developed</div>
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- Is your gesture for CAR different than another caregiver in your child's life? Keep everyone on the same page!</div>
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- Limitless Vocabulary</div>
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- Want to use a sign that isn't part of the program? There's lots of places you can discover new signs</div>
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- Expand your learning to communicate with other ASL users</div>
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- Signing Smart gives you the perfect base to grow into learning a whole new language</div>
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- Create connections in the brains now to facilitate bilingualism later</div>
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- Communicate with deaf children and adults</div>
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3. Better Understand Your Child's Linguistic and Cognitive Milestones</h4>
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- What counts as a word? How many words does your child have in his/her vocabulary?</div>
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- When can you expect your child to start signing back and how many signs can you expect when?</div>
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- When will your child start speaking?</div>
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- Learn the answers to all of these and more!</div>
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- Signing Smart was developed by two mothers who happen to be developmental psychologists, Dr. Michelle Anthony and Dr. Reyna Lindert</div>
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4. Enhanced feeling of Empowerment for Your Child</h4>
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- Children can initiate conversation</div>
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- Children can share what they wonder about, remember, and find interesting</div>
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- Children can let you know when they're hurt, sick, or what they like or dislike</div>
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5. Research-Proven Strategies Make Signing Fun, Easy, and Successful</h4>
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- Anyone can learn to sign with their child because Signing Smart gives you the tools and strategies to make it happen</div>
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- Any child can learn to sign - many signs, especially early ones, use natural movements and hand shapes for baby</div>
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6. Open a Window into Your Child's Mind</h4>
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- Get to know their likes and dislikes</div>
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- Even though the muscles needed for speech aren't fully developed until well after 1 year, babies are ready to communicate long before that!</div>
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7. Advanced Linguistic and Cognitive Abilities</h4>
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- Learning is triggered via multiple senses</div>
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- Research has shown children who sign have stronger linguistic abilities and higher IQs through the elementary years</div>
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What are your favorite reasons for signing with your little one? Comment below!</h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-63075390183311661392015-06-27T15:57:00.001-04:002015-06-30T17:25:49.579-04:00Fascinating Fill-Up Faces: A Sure-Fire Way to Pass TimeIt happened the way many things do....completely by accident and out of necessity.<br />
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My husband had stopped at the gas station on the way home from daycare with both boys one day. They were itching to get out of their car seats and go to the park, so they weren't being terribly cooperative about waiting while he filled his tank.<br />
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In an effort to try to keep them entertained, Daddy started making silly faces through the windows. It definitely made the boys giggle, and they even started making their own funny faces back at him. With the boys sufficiently distracted, Daddy was able to finish filling up the tank and they were on their way to play.<br />
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Now, every time we stop for gas, the boys insist on playing this game. Mr. L. likes to make sure that no one misses out on the fun, and insists everyone gets their own turn. It's hard to hear him through rolled-up windows, though, to determine who's turn he thinks it is.</div>
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Once again, our signs save the day!</h4>
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I started signing YOUR-TURN to each of the boys who would come up with the silliest face they could then MY-TURN and I'd do the same. This wasn't a brand new sign for any of us, but it was definitely a new context for it to be used! At first, the boys would point along with my sign to whoever was to make the next super silly face. Then, out of the blue one day, Mr. I. started using the sign all on his own.</div>
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We were on our way to an out of town birthday part and made a quick stop to fill up and grab a drink from the convenience store. I was pumping gas while Daddy ran in to make our purchase. I was a tad lost in my own thoughts and had forgotten about our gas station ritual. The next thing I knew, I heard a little knock on the window, and Mr. I. was excitedly grinning and signing YOUR-TURN. We each took a few turns making silly faces and signing YOUR-TURN while little bother snoozed in his car seat.</div>
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At 4, signs are not a daily part of our communication strategy with Mr. I. but our experience using the Signing Smart tools and strategies definitely still serve him well. He is able to pull out signs at exactly the right moment to make sure he's fully understood!<br />
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What are your favorite ways to pass the time for your little ones while you run errands?</h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-74463991172503631892015-06-18T11:10:00.000-04:002015-06-18T11:08:32.463-04:00Paralyzing Perfection<div style="text-align: center;">
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I admit it...I'm a perfectionist. I like things to be "just so." Especially when I'm doing things for others, I want - whatever it is - to be impressive, impeccable, and well-received.<br />
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Wow...that's a lot of pressure. At times, this self-imposed pressure can be astounding. Where do I start? Now that I've started and things are going the way I pictured, how do I keep moving forward? How do I change my vision or accept this different outcome? I don't think it's "good enough" - I should just quit, or throw it away or what?! There are times that this way of thinking has prevented me from doing great things because I'm paralyzed by my "need" for everything to be out-of-this-world.<br />
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Have you ever encountered similar feelings? A common sentiment from families who've tried using some of the other sign programs on the market, reflects this concern. Often, they don't see their child signing back as soon or as much as they expected. They only know how to sign in specific contexts - such as when singing a particular song. They're frustrated, and often give up.<br />
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With <i>Signing Smart</i>, that paralyzing perfection mission is combated by support, research, and strategy. <i>Signing Smart</i> families, teachers, and caregivers learn how to use signs in ANY situation - not just via songs and finger plays. They learn about the research of Drs. Anthony and Lindert that sets appropriate expectations for when and how children should start signing back. From day 1, students learn "general signs" like MORE, ALL-DONE, and LIGHT that can be used in almost any situation, so that a sign is always available to enhance communication with their little one. To top it all off, my students all have multiple ways to ask questions of me and other Signing Smart families. Together, we often discover that perfection - the exact right thing - doesn't always look "perfect." Early signs don't look like the dictionary, but they are exactly right for little hands and developing brains.<br />
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With support and proper expectations, this:<br />
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easily becomes perfection:<br />
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SUCCESS - you might have it and not even know!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-72257261323386591922015-06-11T11:28:00.001-04:002015-07-17T16:04:02.488-04:00Date Night: Wine and Cheese at Home<em>When I say "date night," it could mean the traditional date night with your spouse or significant other. It could also mean a night out with friends. It might even be something fun to do alone as "me time." If you are married or in a committed relationship, I am an absolute advocate for nourishing it, and making that relationship a priority. It's also important to honor yourself and your friendships, though. I hope you'll find some inspiration for fun ways to do all three!</em><br />
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<a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/06/you-cant-give-what-you-dont-have.html" target="_blank">Taking care of yourself</a> is an excellent way to be prepared to take great care of the other people in your life. This extends from yourself as a single person to nurturing the important relationships in your life.<br />
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One of the date nights my husband and I enjoy is sharing dinner together after the boys are in bed. It's a chance for us to spend time together, eat a meal uninterrupted (hopefully), and it doesn't require getting a sitter!<br />
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One dinner that we go back to time and time again for this date night is a wine and cheese plate. Now....we are far from being connoisseurs in any of these areas. We just pick a few things we know we like or look fun to try and go with it. We also put red wine in glasses meant for white. It was nothing fancy, but it was a tasty date night!<br />
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On this particular night, we tried:<br />
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1. Mini Beef links</div>
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2. Pepperoni</div>
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3. Summer Sausage</div>
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4. Peppered Salami</div>
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5. White Cheddar</div>
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6. Havarti</div>
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7. Bruchetta Jack</div>
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We had a few different kinds of crackers and made a honey mustard sauce out of<br />
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All of that was paired with a red wine we had on hand.<br />
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We put our spread on a wooden cutting board, grabbed a couple of plates, and had a picnic on the floor. With no toddlers around, we were much less concerned about spills. We did set our glasses on a nearby end-table though, just to be safe. Red wine stains on our year-old carpet would have ruined the night.<br />
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All in all, it was a nice relaxing dinner and a nice chance to spend a little time together. Next time, though I'm definitely making sure the only thing that was missing gets addressed - a rich chocolate dessert!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-54261668610902548172015-06-08T16:54:00.002-04:002015-06-08T16:54:37.384-04:00Pampering as Part Of My Normal Routine<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This post was sponsored by <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/" target="_blank">Whole Foods Market</a> who provided the products I tried to me free of cost. All opinions and wording are my own.</i></div>
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Remember, <span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/06/you-cant-give-what-you-dont-have.html" target="_blank">"Nemo dat quod non habet - you can't give what you don't have."</a> </span>Taking care of yourself is SO important, but i<span style="text-align: center;">t can be incredibly difficult to try to squeeze one more thing into the day, especially</span><span style="text-align: center;"> when there are little ones to take care of. That's why I love doing little things to pamper myself that fit into what I have what I already have scheduled. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">One way I do this is by incorporating a scrub and lotion into my shower routine. Using t</span><span style="text-align: center;">hese two products adds less than 5 minutes to taking a shower, and they are worth every second! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The awesome Whole Body team at Whole Foods Market helped me to choose the exact products I've been using. I told them that when I use a scrub, I like something that feels super scrubby. I also told them that I wanted to find a lotion that doesn't leave a sticky feeling. (I didn't share how much I <i>loathe</i> the sticky feeling some lotions leave.) They took it from there, and they did an outstanding job!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Sweet Citrus Sugar Scrub</span></h4>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I was a bit leery of a sugar scrub at first. I have found the most success with salt scrubs in the past, and didn't think sugar could possibly feels as good on my skin. I did think it was pretty cool that this is a product made in-house at Whole Foods Market and available in bulk, though, so I decided to give it a try anyway. After using this product for a couple of weeks every-other day, I'm happy to report how wrong I was!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">This scrub had a texture similar to damp sand. Rubbing a <br />quarter-sized bit of the scrub on each leg leaves them feeling soft, smooth, and ready for summer! It also releases a nice, subtle citrus scent that reminds me of cutting into an orange. It definitely stands up to the salt scrub I have used in the past, and even surpasses it's results.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I did find that the sugar scrub dissolves in the water faster than salt does. The quicker dissolving doesn't stop it from doing a fantastic job of scrubbing - especially if I'm rushing through my shower to head out to work or tend to the kiddos. If I'm taking a more leisurely shower, I might try a smaller amount of scrub and do only part of my leg at a time. I did use this on my heels as well, which needed some attention after this past winter. It did a great job of softening and smoothing the rough areas! I would caution you if you choose to use this product on your feet, as it can cause things to get a bit slippery.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: center;">Because of how the sugar dissolves in water, I was a tad nervous about leaving the container in the shower. I contemplated transferring it to a mason jar, but didn't think the metal lids would fare well. I keep thinking I should find something else, but haven't come up with a better option yet. After two weeks of sitting on the shelf in the shower, the remaining sugar scrub is still in perfect condition, though!</span></div>
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<br />Deep Steep Body Butter</h4>
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<span style="text-align: center;">When talking about a lotion to try, I shared that I was looking for something that was a great moisturizer but wouldn't leave me feeling sticky or greasy. I didn't share how incredibly sensitive I am to those feelings or the countless number of lotions I've tried once or twice and then tossed aside when they didn't fit the bill in this area.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">The Whole Body Team at Whole Foods Market knew just the right answer to my request, deep steep body butter - this is my new favorite lotion. It's thick and holds in the moisture - even using it only every other day, but it absorbs quickly and doesn't even leave a hint of stickiness! I also like the mild citrus scent which pairs nicely with the sugar scrub.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I've been using this lotion after my shower when I use the citrus sugar scrub. While the directions say it can be used as an all-over lotion, I have been using it only on my lower leg and really focusing on my knee and heel areas. After just two weeks, I've noticed how much softer the skin has become on my heels and knees after the winter left them quite dry. I've also found that on the "off" days my legs still feel soft and well-moisturized. </span><br />
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A new lotion in the house is never safe from my husband's quest to end his dry skin issues. Here's what he thought:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I have been using Deep Steep body butter from Whole Foods Market for about 3 weeks now. I must say that I have been very pleased with the results so far. With very minimal usage (maybe 4 times per week), I have seen pretty substantial results. Before I used this cream, I tried many other options including, a skin care company's night cream made especially for very dry skin, petroleum jelly and various other lotions. My pants used to stick to my knees like Velcro when I put them on. That is a thing of the past now. I do not have any more raw cracks. The smell is also quite pleasant (very mild) The absorbency factor is quite nice as well, and there is no greasy feel.</span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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To top off the great things about this lotion, it's cruelty free - not tested on animals!<br />
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These are both products that I have no intention to stop using. They do their job well - my skin is now summer ready! They last, so I'm not having to make a trip every week or two to replace a product that requires substantial amounts be used each time to get results. Plus they smell great!<br />
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Thank you Whole Foods Market and to the Whole Body Team for introducing me to two new products that are becoming one of my favorite parts of my day!<br />
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My mini pampering routine is just one of the ways I take care of myself by fitting something special into my daily schedule. What's your favorite way to sneak something special into what you do everyday?</h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-53891429490148769112015-06-04T11:19:00.002-04:002015-07-09T12:26:00.360-04:00You Can't Give What You Don't HaveWhen I was pregnant with my first child, my mom and sister hosted a family baby shower for my husband and me. It was a co-ed shower attended by my aunts and uncles, grandparents, and a few family friends from the town where I grew up.<br />
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One of the party "games" involved asking each guest to impart some wisdom or advice to the new parents by writing a tip on a paper frog. We got lots of great advice!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Affirm best efforts, not just best results"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Don't arrive home and say 'What's for dinner?' Arrive home with dinner"</td></tr>
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We also got some tips that seemed a little strange at first, but have turned out to be incredibly profound!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rule #9 Always carry a knife" (Any other NCIS carbs out there?)</td></tr>
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And then there was this gem:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Nemo dat quod non habet - you can't give what you don't have"</td></tr>
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Oddly enough, this philosophical tip came from an uncle with no children. He was just about spot-on, though! I certainly don't put myself first ALL of the time. But I do notice what a difference it makes when I take the time to take care of myself, and even pamper myself a little!<br />
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On days when I've had enough sleep, when I've eaten well, and when I'm feeling centered, I have the power to do great mom things. I calmly ask my 4-year-old for the 3,000th time to put his shoes on so we can play outside. I pull out the play dough without so much as flinching when all the colors get smooshed into one. I pretend to love the worm being held less than an inch from my nose. I don't even bat an eye as my 2-year-old dumps his milk on the table in protest.<br />
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There are days when I don't heed his wisdom, though. Maybe I'm just too busy, or maybe I'm already stressed or ill. Whatever the reason, these are the days that I make parenting choices I'm not the most proud of. My fuse is way too short. I snap instead of offering another chance. I don't have the energy to get down on the floor and take part in the game of cars that's going on. <br />
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When you're taking care of little ones, it can be hard to make the time to take care of yourself - but it's SO important! "<i>Nemo dat quod non habet - you can't give what you don't have</i>."<br />
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In the spirit of supporting you and your family not only through your communication journey, but through being important in the lives of little ones, I am excited to start sharing some of my posts with you about "being your best you." I'm already thinking of some fun date night ideas, easy ways to inject some pampering into your busy schedule, and even some fun family activities There will still be plenty of posts about signing with your little ones too, so I hope you'll visit often for a little bit of inspiration!<br />
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What was the best advice you got about being a parent or caring for little ones?</h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-50043264156007133282015-05-27T10:48:00.000-04:002015-06-30T17:26:29.989-04:00Detective Eyes #8aBack in January, I <a href="http://signingwithmisssteph.blogspot.com/2015/01/detective-eyes-8.html" target="_blank">posted about how signs change and develop over time.</a> I showed you the same child signing HELP 10 months apart, and mentioned that in time the sign would continue along the path to looking just like the pictures in the dictionary.<br />
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Well, here it is - OH SO CLOSE! <br />
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It happened quite unexpectedly, too. </div>
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Just before nap time, we were all starting to settle down by snuggling on the couch. Mr. L. requested his "bobo," but none were to be found. We let him go upstairs to retrieve one from his crib, where quite a collection had amassed. (We're currently treading the fine line between safety and independence, so I stayed quite a bit behind as he climbed the stairs.) The next thing I knew, he was walking out of his room quite calmly and clearly requesting "hep" and signing HELP clear as day!</div>
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I know it won't be long until he's got that thumb up and his sign is picture perfect.</div>
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I was more than happy to reward his successful communication by helping him retrieve just the right pacifier from his crib. You can see for yourself how proud we both are!</div>
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After showing off for Daddy, we snuggled down for some wind-down time, and Mr. L. fell soundly asleep in my arms. Success!</div>
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I know it won't be long until his sign is picture-perfect. In the meantime, though, it really doesn't matter. I absolutely understand his requests, and he knows that he can ask for help without screaming, grunting or pointing. </div>
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Happy toddler, happy mama!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-18877403406477211562015-05-26T11:17:00.002-04:002015-05-28T10:38:00.795-04:00Memorial Day Reflection: May They Know Only PeaceI've never been the mom who tears up at each milestone. Gender-revealing ultrasounds, first view of my sons' faces, first steps, first day at daycare, etc. Each came with a mix of emotions, but no tears. Sometimes, I would wonder if I didn't have a strong enough connection with my boys...certainly I should be at least misty-eyed at these momentous times...right? <br />
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On Memorial Day, though, something really touched me. <br />
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As I stood behind a booming marching band playing our national anthem as the American flag was raised just across the street, I got tears in my eyes. As I held my youngest son at shoulder height - letting him see over the sea of blue-capped marchers, it hit me. My eyes brimmed with tears, and I didn't dare look at anyone, lest they spill over.<br />
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My family has been abundantly blessed. I had to dig through generations of photos to find a tribute for Memorial Day. Not since World War Two, has my family had to endure a loved one not return from their military service. So many other family can't say that. So many - husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, <u>children</u> - bear the raw wounds of learning to live each day without a loved one by their side.<br />
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As I listened to the building volume of the Star Spangled Banner, I hugged my two year old a little closer. I said a prayer that as he grows, he, his friends, and all the others of his generation will not need to know the fear and uncertainty of terrorism, that they will have no need for war or violence. I prayed that there comes a time that Memorial Day is for remembering those who served long ago, and no new names are added to the lists of those who didn't return home from their military service.<br />
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It's been proven that signing with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers gives them enhanced language abilities once they reach school. May they use their jump-start on communication and their enhanced language skills to peacefully catapult our world into the future. We tell them now "use your words." May that sentiment remain with them as adults who use words rather than fists and guns to solve problems large and small!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4797916564575631268.post-58598775612430631752015-05-21T10:47:00.001-04:002015-05-30T11:21:06.980-04:00My Mommy MarathonI have lots of friends who are runners - a few of them are featured in this post with their permission. They each seem to truly enjoy their hobby even though they do it for lots of different reasons: running in groups as social time, running alone as "me time," running for health reasons, running to raise money for great causes, and probably a million more reasons I know nothing about.<br />
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They get up early or make time after work to train. They run races from 1 mile to full marathons. No matter what happens - rain, heat, injuries - they keep at it. They might have to made adjustments, but they don't give up. On race day, when they get really stuck, the people on the sidelines cheering lift them help and help them finish. The strangers they pass help, but their biggest fans provide the biggest lift - their families. At the absolute hardest moment, their family is there to cheer, and hug, and help them to the finish line.<br />
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I am not a runner. In fact, if you see me running, please find out what or who is chasing me! I know what they experience during those races, though. My job as a mommy, has given me a taste of the running a race experience.<br />
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I train for my "race"</h4>
I read books and blogs about parenting. There are more parenting styles out there than I ever imagined! I can't say that I follow any one of them fully, but I do find aspects of each that fit well for my family. I also talk with lots of different parents and early childhood educators about their experiences. There is something to be learned around every corner if you're willing to look.<br />
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<em>As a teacher, I am honored to help other families in their training by sharing the tools and strategies offered by the Signing Smart programs. By supporting their communication journey, I hope they find lightened footsteps in all areas of their day.</em><br />
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Some days require more work than others</h4>
There are days where it seems nothing goes right, no matter what I try. There are days where I have to remind myself over and over that what I am doing will be worth it in the long-run. There are times when I'd rather take a nap, or have cupcake, or just take a break. But I can't, and I don't because what I'm doing is bigger an more important than the nap or the snack. I'm not raising money - I'm raising two awesome little boys!<br />
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<em>As a teacher, I hope the families I work with see the benefit of using American Sign Language when the tough times come. When remembering to use new signs, learning new signs, or even when signs don't seem to be coming back quickly enough, I hope they recognize all of the wonderful things they are doing, and keep at it.</em><br />
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I make adjustments</h4>
As I learn new things though my training, I often find ideas that seem to better fit my family than what I'm currently doing. When this happens, I make a change. As those bad days and struggles arise, it's obvious something needs to change, so I seek out options. <br />
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Change is not always easy, but it's necessary in order for my family to be the best it can be!<br />
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<em>As a teacher, I try to make to make the changes I ask of my students as painless as possible. Signing Smart offers a variety of tools and strategies to help families and caregivers find success in any situation. By providing them with multiple tools and strategies to choose from, as well as anecdotes about how I or other families have used each one, I hope they will understand the importance of the change I'm asking them to make and find it doable.</em><br />
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I have a cheering section</h4>
No one lines the street holding clever signs to tell me I'm doing a great job, but there are plenty of things that cheer me on and lift me during the hard times. When an acquaintance comments on my boys' sweet hearts, I am lifted. When friends go out of their way to ask about how the boys are doing, I know I (and they) are loved. When my husband holds my hand during a tough moment or shares an exciting milestone, I know I'm never alone in my marathon. When extended family members make a special trip to share special events with the boys or to babysit, I am reminded of the generations of love that make my family so special. I definitely have a cheering section!<br />
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<em>As a teacher, I try to be a virtual cheering section to all of my students. By providing encouraging messages, opportunities to share their journey with others, and access to support long after class has ended, I hope each family I have had the privilege of serving feels the net of support they have around them at all times.</em><br />
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Whether you are a parent, a grand parent, another extended family member or a caregiver, you are not alone in caring for and about the youngsters in your life. How can I help you along the way?</h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807702131948831235noreply@blogger.com20