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May 2009
Five things to do with the kids this week (May 31-June 6)
June is here (well, it will be tomorrow anyway). With most schools wrapping up this week, that means all of us moms will be looking for some boredom busters. Here are some ideas for things to do this week.
Wednesday, June 3
The Kettering Children’s Choir presents “KCC at the Castle,” at 7 p.m. at the Schuster Center. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for seniors and students and can be purchased from the Schuster Center box office.
Friday to Sunday, June 5-7
St. Helen Spring Festival: Festival season is officially here, and this one will offer funnel cakes, rides, and games. The festival is at St. Helen Catholic Church, 5100 Burkhardt Road, Riverside. Hours are 6 p.m. to midnight Friday; 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday; 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free.
Troy Strawberry Festival: Speaking of festivals, here’s another biggie. Celebrate all things strawberry, all throughout Troy, with main events on the Great Miami River levee. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Attractions include entertainment, cornhole, inflatables, kiddie tractor pull, and more strawberry treats than you can imagine. Opening events, including a children’s parade, bed races and big-wheel races, will be on the Public Square beginning at 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 6
Kettering’s own Nancy Cartwright at The Fraze: If your children love The Simpsons, they may want to hear “Bart” in town. Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson comes to town, with Leroy Ellington and the E-Funk Band, to perform at the 5th Annual Concert for Literacy. The event is at the Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., in Kettering, at 7 p.m. Tickets $10; $3 for those younger than 10. Call (937) 296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
Thaddeus Rex in concert: The Centerville Arts Commission kicks off the 2009 Summer Concert Series with a free performance by the PBS veteran and award-winning songwriter at 7 p.m. at the Stubbs Park Amphitheater, 255 W. Spring Valley Road. After the show, the Arts Commission will provide free art activities for kids. Blankets and chairs are permitted, and parking is free. In case of inclement weather, phone the concert hot line at (937) 433-7155.
Plus, two things you can do anytime this month:
“High School Musical”: La Comedia Dinner Theatre continues its bid to “Bop to the Top” with audiences of the Disney stage hit. Wednesdays through Sundays through June 28. $52-$69 for adults, $28 for children 11 and younger. For information, call (800) 677-9505 or (937) 746-4554.
Dragons: A new exhibit at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, explores both the imaginary world of fairy-tale dragons and the real dragons of today through Aug. 30. The Boonshoft is located at 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton; visit www.boonshoftmuseum.org for museum hours and admission prices.
Do you know of more kid-friendly events happening this week, this month or down the road? Tell us about them at events@coxohio.com
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What to pack in your pool bag
Swimming season is here, so it’s time to get that pool bag ready for the long haul.
I’m not the most organized of moms — I forgot sand toys, of all things, when we went to the beach over Memorial Day weekend — but I do try to avoid meltdowns at the neighborhood pool by packing the essentials beforehand, and by remembering to replenish as needed.
Here’s my checklist:
— Swimsuits: With a rash guard for the little one to provide extra protection for his sensitive skin.
— Sunscreen: 30 SPF, preferably waterproof, plus a sunblock stick like Bullfrog for those freckly faces.
— Towels: Everyone has their favorites, so mom usually gets stuck with Barbie or Care Bears.
— Cover-ups: Just in case you need an ice cream fix at Graeter’s on the way home.
— Plastic boats: A lesson in sharing for the 3-year-old.
— Goggles: A pair for everyone. Sharing doesn’t work here.
— The right shoes: Knock-off Crocs or flip-flops from the Dollar Tree work just fine.
— Juice pouches/water bottles: Hydration matters, even around bodies of water.
— Change for the snack bar: I really try to limit purchases, but sometimes you just gotta have that Nerd Rope. (This is how my kids spend part of their weekly allowance.)
— Healthy snacks: Strawberries or grapes, granola bars or 100-calorie cracker packs help mom feel less guilty about the candy and ice cream :).
— Baby shampoo/body wash: We get all get a quick shower before we leave to save time later at home.
— Conditioner: Daughter’s hair sucks up chlorine like a sponge, so I vow to make her wet her hair down and slather on some conditioner BEFORE she jumps into the pool. This is a constant fight between us.
— Wide-tooth comb or brush for wet hair/extra hair bands.
— Clean underwear: Chafing in a wet swimsuit is no fun.
— Extra swim diapers: Just kidding! We’re all potty-trained, finally!
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Mom’s little white lie keeps on growing and growing and growing
I don’t normally lie.
Really, I don’t. First of all, it’s wrong and second of all, I’m really quite bad at it.
It usually goes something like this:
“Think this outfit is OK?” my husband asks.
“Um, well, yes. It looks, um, fine,” I reply as I look down at the floor.
Yep. My husband saw right through me when I told him his “Dork” T-shirt looked just fine with those neon green Nikes and the Levis jeans from 1998 that he picked up wrinkled off the floor that probably haven’t been washed in weeks if not years.
But it didn’t stop him from leaving the house that way.
But I digress.
Lately, I’ve changed my mostly honest ways for one reason: I don’t have the heart to tell my daughter the truth about her beloved pets.
Here’s the story:
Last fall, my husband and I bought our daughter a goldfish to reward her for sleeping in her big-girl bed after years of bedtime battles (too bad it was a shortlived victory, but that’s another blog for another day).
Sophie just loves Princess. She loves to feed Princess. Talk to Princess. Draw pictures for Princess.
Well, anyone who has a goldfish knows the life cycle can be pretty short — months, weeks, even days.
Princess was no exception. I gasped when I walked by the tank one busy morning and noticed my first-born’s first pet was belly up just a few weeks after we brought her home.
I quickly shoved some canisters in front of the tank so Sophie wouldn’t notice and frantically called my husband.
“Code Red. Code Red,” I yelled.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Princess is a goner. What are we going to do? What should I tell Sophie?” I asked.
I just wasn’t prepared to have the death talk with Sophie so soon. No way. I just couldn’t do it.
“I’ll take care of it,” my husband said.
By the time I got home from work, my husband had given Princess a proper burial at sea, and then we did what all good parents do to protect their little ones: LIED.
“Where’s Princess?” Sophie asked.
“She’s at the vet,” Daddy replied.
Whew. She bought it, which bought us some time.
A couple days later, Daddy brought “Princess” home, plus a little surprise.
“Look, Princess had a baby,” my husband told Sophie. You should have seen the look on Sophie’s face. Now she had two pet goldfish to love.
“I’ll name the baby Bluh-Bluh,” Sophie said.
“Princess” and Bluh-Bluh lived happily ever after …
for two days.
Then I discovered Bluh-Bluh lost a fight with the tank’s filter. Gross!
I quickly got rid of Bluh-Bluh, and our little lie continued.
“Where’s Bluh-Bluh?” Sophie asked.
“Daddy took her to the vet for her baby checkup,” I answered without hesitation.
She bought it again. V-I-C-T-O-R-Y.
Bluh-Bluh 2 soon came home, but the homecoming was very shortlived. You see, Princess 2 wasn’t a big fan of sharing the food.
“Mommy, where’s Bluh-Bluh?” Sophie asked. This time she looked really worried.
“She had a cold, so Daddy took her in for a checkup.” The lie just came so naturally. I didn’t even have to think about it.
Given Princess 2’s eating habits, we decided that Bluh-Bluh would have an extended stay at the vet.
The pleasantly plump Princess 2 had a nice long fish life until a few weeks ago. I think you know the drill by now.
This time, I decided I would tell Sophie the truth when she asked about her pet fish, but when I opened my mouth, all I could say was: “She’s back at the vet.”
Bad, bad Mommy.
And Princess 3 and Bluh-Bluh 3 lasted only two weeks before we discovered them in an eternal slumber last week.
This time, my husband and I vowed to have the “Princess and Bluh-Bluh went to fishy heaven” talk. I even rehearsed what I’d say several times.
But when Sophie asked about her missing fish, you’ll never guess what came out of my mouth.
Yep. The little white lie continues…
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Moms, now it’s your turn to fess up. What’s the worst lie you’ve told your children (or anyone for that matter)? Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me — the Queen of the Liars.
How do you talk to your young children about death?
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Just saw this blog post today from Jenny at Mommin’ It Up (a local blog I just love!). Apparently I’m not alone in, well, stretching the truth a bit. Check out what Jenny is telling her son about their aging cat.
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There is a movement across the country for parents to ease up on themselves and admit and even laugh at their ‘bad parenting’ moments.
There’s a book out about it and Web site devoted to the admissions. Who’s willing to share their ‘bad’ moments?
The Web site has 1.8 million viewers and includes admissions about allowing a toddler to watch as much as six hours of TV a day. Another admits to hating her daughter’s friend, who is 3 years old.
Yours don’t seem so bad now, do they?
Willing to share? Please send an email to kmargolis@coxohio.com
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Photo of the Week: The “Shiner”
Although this pictures doesn’t do justice to the latest injury - as the bruising is not yet at it’s peak - I just had to use it.
My 3-year-old son, Nicholas, is notorious for being a “boys boy.” He has had more injuries in his short span of life than even I, his mother, who has been called “Grace” for similar reasons. My mother-in-law actually suggested I keep an “injury scrapbook” for him.
The last two “major” injuries - always to his face - have required trips to the ER for stitches and both involved the evil coffee table. This time, no stitches thankfully, and no coffee table either - just the side of the bathtub.
By “side” I don’t mean the ledge either. I mean the wall. The flat, smooth part of the plastic molding. Nick’s little feet slipped out from under him before my not-so-lightning-fast reflexes could catch him and and WHOMP! Followed by a wale of epic decibels.
His eyebrow swelled up like a caterpillar was making a cocoon on his face (ew!). We struggled with an ice pack but it wasn’t worth the increased screaming or wrestling him to the ground.
Gradually, as the swelling went down the bruising appeared. He now appears as if someone has smudged purple/blue/yellow eye shadow above his eye. His first, but probably not his last, “Shiner.”
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Motherhood: Keepsakes or dust collectors?
The school year is winding down and the pile of cutesy keepsakes from the nine months of learning are piling up.
My late grandmother was a self-proclaimed “pack rat,” and her stash of keepsakes included nearly every momento she received, from each child and grandchild. A sweet and loving gesture, no doubt. She dated every item and noted where it came from.
This apple, though, seems to have fallen far from the tree. I hate clutter. Despise it. It’s just one more thing I have to dust.
My son, Noah, though, is much like his great-grandmother. He wants to keep everything — from each worksheet he has completed, to every prize from every goody bag he received this year — including the candy that is now stale.
I don’t want to offend him by any means, as his worksheets and art are especially meaningful to him, just as they are Daddy and me. We just don’t have a place to keep every single thing. And it is all I can do to “remove and eliminate” some items without him noticing.
“Mom! Why is my letter M in the trash?”
“Because we had to make room on the fridge for your letter N.”
During Noah’s first year in preschool, I did keep every little thing. It was impossible to part with them as I marveled at his weekly progress. But by the end of the school year, I had a cabinet full of paper bag turkeys, 26 letter writing activities, hand prints, Christmas ornaments and field trip momentos.
To my relief, his organized teachers sent home an end-of-the-year booklet with Noah’s best work in it, photo’s from school events and his progress test reports.
Although, I felt a little guilty, it did allow me to sort through my own mess of keepsakes and eliminate many of them (while Noah was otherwise occupied). The next step will be getting the keepers out of that drawer and into some kind of scrapbook.
This year, the “keepsaking” has been kept to a minimum. A few favorites have been set aside, such as the Mother’s Day card that reads: “What does a Mother do?” and Noah responded, “She cleans.” At least he acknowledges it. Definitely a keeper.
Nicholas, who has made amazing strides coming out of his shell in preschool, presented us with his first ceramic handprint and told his teachers he would prefer to “vote for Mommy” while learning about elections and the inauguration.
These are all things I feel I should treasure now, for I’m certain that as the years go by, their acknowledgement of my cleaning efforts and me winning a popularity contest will be rare.
What do you keep and how do you organize it?
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0356 or dmjordan@coxohio.com.
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Is three the new two?
I grew up with one older sister and rarely did I have friends who had more than one sibling.
That’s probably why I’m up in the air about how many kids the husband and I will have. I’ve had a long standing rule that it would be two — and only two.
But now I’m beginning to see more people with three kids or planning to have three.
Recent studies show that people might be waiting to have more kids thanks to the uncertain economy. But most statistics show that the average is still about two kids.
My husband wants to go for a third if we have two girls. I use to tell him firmly that would only happen if we found a surrogate or adopted.
My first pregnancy did me no favors in wanting to have a third child, thanks to seven months of morning sickness. And by morning sickness, I mean “all day, I wanted to die” sickness.
Then my daughter came last summer and I forgot how awful I felt. She is perfect, fun and full of love — even at 1 a.m. when she wants us to know that she’s still there.
I immediately wanted another and another. That immediacy waned some, especially since we still aren’t sleeping through the night (Really, I’m OK with it. Do you mind if I take a nap for a minute?).
My mom told me if she would have known where she and my dad would end up in life, she would have liked more kids (I’m taking that to mean that my sister and I are so cool that she wanted more just like us.)
There are advantages to both. With two kids, we won’t be outnumbered. Plus, when I take them out on my own, I will have a hand for each. And we would be able to give them more financially, which I know isn’t everything, but have you seen what it would cost to send a kid to college? Good grief.
But with three, there is more to love, more to celebrate and another little person to teach.
So what do you think? Do you plan to have or do you already have more than two kids?
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Five things to do with the kids this week (May 24-30)
Summer’s almost here. I can feel it. Looking for things to do beyond the back yard? Here are some ideas for family fun this week.
MANY POOLS NOW OPEN, SO HERE ARE A COUPLE BIG ONES
3800 Main St., Moraine
(937) 535-1100
The wave-pool water park featuring water slides, a kiddie area and a lazy river is now open for the season. Tickets are $7.50 for children (3-17), $9 for adults and $8 for seniors (60 and older). This weekend, the pool will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, May 24, and 1 to 7 p.m. Memorial Day.
KETTERING RECREATIONAL COMPLEX’S WATER RAVES WATER PARK
2900 Glengarry Drive, Kettering
(937) 296-2587
The water park, which features a large, shallow-water pool, water slides, a waterfall pool, a sand playground and sand volleyball, is open for the season. Holiday weekend hours are noon to 6 p.m. today and noon to 8 p.m. Memorial Day. Daily rates are $6 for children (3-17) and $7 for adults.
KINGS ISLAND NOW OPEN DAILY
6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
(513) 754-5700
The amusement park is now open daily, so if you have a chance to go during the week instead of on a busy weekend, go for it! In addition to more kiddie fun than you can imagine in Nickelodeon Universe, from shows, to kiddie coasters, bumper cars and more. If it’s hot when you go, you can cool off in the water park Boomerang Bay, included with admission. Discounted tickets are available online.
SEE “UP” IN THEATERS
A Disney Pixar funapalooza film opens in theaters on Friday, May 29. The movie is about a little old dreamer, a pudgy young do-gooder and a dog with a voice box who find big adventure inside a house seemingly lifted by birthday party balloons. Visit www.DaytonDailyNews.com/movies to search for show times.
MOMTOPIA CARNIVAL
The Mall at Fairfield Commons and the Dayton Mall host monthly Momtopia events — events that cater to kids and to mom. This week, check out the Momtopia Carnival featuring games, an inflatable obstacle coarse, face painting, snacks, crafts and raffles on Friday, May 29 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Mall at Fairfield Commons, Center Court, 2727 Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek.
DRAGONS EXHIBIT OPENS AT THE BOONSHOFT
When: Starting Saturday, May 30. Open Mondays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton
Dragons explores the imaginary world of fairy tale dragons and the real dragons that can be found around the world today. Come face-to-face with a Frilled Dragon, a Dragon Moray Eel and some species of dragon “fish!’ Admission: Children (2-12) $7.50; adults, $8.50; seniors, $7.50; children younger than 2 and members free.
Also, don’t forget the Dar a Luz Network’s special event on Saturday, May 30, at Dayton’s c{space.
Know of more things to do this week? Share your ideas here.
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Bring the fam: Free Starbucks, Italian ice and Dewey’s Pizza!
Even though we’ve only known each other a short time, I can tell that April Kline is one neat lady.
She’s a super-involved mom of two (the kind who belongs to a mother/daughter book club), an excellent hostess (the type who constructs a maypole for the kids to weave during a May Day party), and the wife of a musician (that last one alone should bump her up a few spots in the line at heaven’s gate!).
April is also president and co-founder of the Dar a Luz Network, named for the Spanish phrase for giving birth, “to bring to the light.” The organization offers support and information on pregnancy, birthing and family care topics.
And now, for the point of this blog: Dar a Luz is hosting a Family Fun Afternoon on Saturday, May 30, in downtown Dayton’s c}space, 20 North Jefferson St., from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.
We’re talking serious fun here, folks. Activities include:
— Family-oriented raffle and auction items including massages, baby slings, gift cards, oil changes, etc.
— Free yoga, courtesy of Yogi Mama Kathi Kizirnis of Practice Yoga in the Oregon District
— Movie screening of “Born in the USA” at 2 p.m.
— Free chair massages
— Henna artist
— Free kids’ art activities provided by SPARK Art Studio
There will also be plenty of delicious treats on hand. The Oakwood Starbucks and Dewey’s will be providing free coffee and pizza. Kline & Associates is providing Rita’s Italian Ice, and Alexandria Montessori School will donate baked goods.
There is no entry fee for the Family Fun Afternoon, but donations to Dar a Luz will be gladly accepted.
The event is being sponsored by birthsource.com and Life Stages — Samaritan Centers for Women.
Dar a Luz Network holds monthly meetings in the Miami Valley. Women of all ages and stages of life are welcome to attend along with their children and partners.
According to their Web site, Dar a Luz believes that every woman deserves the broadest range of evidence-based information and unconditional support in the choices she makes for her pregnancy and birth.
For more information or a schedule of meetings, visit www.daraluznetwork.com or call (937) 241-5954.
And by all means, join April and her friends for an afternoon of fun on May 30th!
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Karmic payback for youthful angst?
“I hope you get a kid just like you!”
That is a phrase that has been passed down, almost as much as DNA, from one generation to the next probably since the first cave kid aggravated the first cave mom.
I know that I was told that by my mother while I was a teenager — although the way I like to remember it, she said it a little softer and with a smile.
And, as I recall, I responded: “Me, too!”
Little did I know those words would come back to haunt me.
You see, I was a pretty good kid. I got along well with my mom and did not go through the rebellious years in junior high and high school that many people do.
My older sister was playing that role in the house, so I got to play the dutiful child.
But I guess that natural angst has to come out sometime, and mine reared its ugly head in college — far from the eyes of my dear mother.
Unfortunately, it seems that her ears were still vulnerable.
My mom liked to tell the story about how I would call her from college (1,600 miles away), crying hysterically about this or that, talking about how the world was crashing around me.
She said she would stay up half the night after these conversations trying to figure out how to help or what to do about the situation.
When she would call the next day to check on me, she would learn that not only was I doing just fine, but that I had dismissed much of the previous day’s drama not long after our talk.
She said it took her awhile, but she figured out that even though I sounded distraught, that maybe I just needed some time to vent and sort it out.
I was reminded of these little exchanges after talking to my 10-year-old son.
The other night, after he and his brother were tucked in, he came out to the family room where his dad and I were. He said he needed to talk to me — alone.
(By the way, I used to think his choosing to talk to me alone was a compliment, but I am beginning to think he is targeting the more sensitive member of the parental herd.)
When we were in the other room, he started explaining how he really hated this academic program he was involved in and wanted to quit.
He started crying about the class work, the instruction, changes that had been made, and so on.
“I just hate it!” he said through sheets of tears. “I just don’t want to do it. Can I please quit?”
I tried to get to the heart of his issues, asked him a few questions and made a few suggestions as to ways that would help him cope.
Finally, trying to sound sure to him at least, I said: “This class really is an opportunity, and I don’t think you should quit. Besides, there are only three weeks of school left. Try to make it until then.”
That night, I stayed up late talking with my husband about it. We agreed we didn’t want him to miss this experience, but didn’t want him to be miserable, either.
We came up with a plan of action to help him refocus, and had plans to contact various teachers to enlist their help.
I was prepared with this information when he came home from school the next day — a day he also took part in the program.
But before I launched my solution-oriented offensive, I asked him: “How was that class today? Did everything go OK?”
While keeping one eye on the TV and dribbling a basketball, he responded: “Yep! It was great! And I have to bring in $3 next week because we’re going to have a soda party!”
So, maybe I should learn from the very lesson I taught my mother, and just let him vent during these times and sort it out.
At least that’s one benefit of having fulfilled my mother’s “hope” by having a kid just like me.
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Photo of the Week: Precious preschool days
My 3-year-old absolutely loved his first school experience. Starting in September, he went two mornings a week to a preschool that’s literally right around the corner from our house.
He formed close bonds with his five classmates — all boys! — and would have gone all day, every day if we let him. (What does that say about our home life?)
I loved the small class size and the friendly staff of the church-based school. I was so pleased with it that I signed him up for next year, even though the 3-year-old program is only twice a week, and we would have preferred a three-day program.
A large part of his success can be attributed to his sparkling, affectionate teacher, Miss Molly. She just adored her charges, and it showed. Through the year’s triumphs and tragedies, she became a dear friend.
Miss Molly is a true blessing.
But alas, the end is nigh. Today was our end-of-the-year picnic, and being the efficient, thoughtful person she is, Miss Molly had candids from the picnic posted on Facebook a few short hours later. So here it is, the Photo of the Week, straight from her album — I hope it’s not copyrighted! ;)
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How do you feel about Jon and Kate?
Did anyone else read the People magazine story about Jon and Kate Gosselin in this week’s edition? This online version is a little abbreviated.
The Gosselins and their children are the focus of the hit TLC show, “Jon and Kate Plus 8.”
If you are familiar with the show, it is an interesting, wrenching read.
What I got most from it was how completely Kate has become so immersed with having her life in a fishbowl (and the fame that accompanies it), that she seems to have lost perspective about what might be better discussed with her husband before the world.
As my husband told me after reading it, “If we ever get a divorce, don’t talk to People magazine.” He said he couldn’t believe all she said in there about someone with whom she supposedly is still trying to make it work.
As she is quoted in the story:
“I don’t know that we’re in the same place anymore, that we want the same thing,” she says quietly. “I’ve been struggling with the question of ‘Who is this person?’ for a while. I remember where I was the first time I heard her name. It’s one of those things where you can try to make it go away, but there’s blaring, red flashing lights.”
In my completely removed, unsubstantiated opinion, Jon was unhappy and he cheated. The real question is whether they can make this work together as a family before they decide to move on with the show or not.
Also, in the story in the magazine, she mentions a few times how they are “doing the show for the kids,” so they will be able to go to college and such. So far, though, the show’s biggest effect seems to be in forming the huge rift in their parents’ relationship.
Anyway, I was just curious what some of the other moms/fans thought about the article and the situation. What do you think?
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Motherhood: Be aware of the sun this month … oh! And you might be pregnant!
There is always a cause to support. Each month, is National Awareness of Something month.
I’m not opposed to keeping our attention focused on matters that affect our society every day such as cancer, heart disease and more, but I just can’t let May pass by without commenting on the fact that it is “National Pregnancy Awareness Month.”
Really? As if the protruding bellies of our afflicted women isn’t awareness enough?
This must give justification to the TLC program, “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant.” Which — while I know it happens — still blows my mind that one would not know she is expecting. I know there are many factors that can contribute to this lack of “awareness” — but I’m not interested in getting into a debate.
Even my 5-year-old son, Noah, is “aware” of pregnancy. In his Mother’s Day card to me he was asked by his teacher, “What is a mother?” His response, “A thing that takes care of kids and it has babies.”
In defense of the second official “Pregnancy Awareness Month,” the press release I received actually urges to “focus on the moms-to-be and ways they can impact their developing babies — especially prenatal learning.” It isn’t to raise awareness about pregnancy as if it were something plaguing us.
On the sunny side, May also touts “Don’t Fry Day,” which is the Friday before Memorial Day.
This Friday, May 22, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention urges people to “Slip! Slop! Slap! … and Wrap!” Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, slap on a hat and wrap on sunglasses.
“As warm weather approaches and millions of Americans prepare to enjoy the great outdoors, the risk of UV damage of the skin increases,” their Web site informs.
Once (ignorantly) a sun-worshipper myself, I was jolted into reality this past winter with the removal of two suspicious spots. Now I can tell you exactly where every mole and freckle is on each of my children. They religiously wear baseball hats and our daily lotion includes an SPF of 15.
More than 90 percent of pediatricians surveyed by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2003 agreed that preventing childhood sun exposure will reduce the risk of adult melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
So, don’t forget to take a pregnancy test this month, because you just never know — and seriously remember to “Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap!” yourself and your children.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0356 or dmjordan@coxohio.com.
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Five things to do with the kids this week (May 18-25)
Memorial Day is just around the corner, and that means summer’s almost here. Let’s just hope that Mr. Sun figures that out soon.
Here are five things to do this week (plus a few extras since it’s a holiday weekend) to welcome in summer.
May 19-20
THOMAS & FRIENDS LIVE! ON STAGE: A CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19; and 4 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20
Where: The Ervin J. Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn
Trade in the toy Thomas trains for the real deal. Tickets for the live stage show range from $16.50- $44.50, with seats available in the arena or on the floor. Children ages 1 and older require tickets. Tickets are on sale at the Nutter Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 745-3000.
May 20
COME PLAY OUTDOORS CONCERT
When: Wednesday, May 20, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Eastwood MetroPark, 1385 Harshman Road, Dayton
Jim McCutcheon, the Guitar Man, will entertain preschoolers (and parents) with a sing-along. After the concert, visit with a naturalist and live animals, search for items on Mother Nature’s Scavenger Hunt list, make a craft and enjoy outdoor games. Pack a picnic and plan to spend the day outside. Event is free.
May 22
“Night at the Museum 2” opens in theaters What are those crazy exhibits going to do this time? Find show times at www.DaytonDailyNews.com/movies a few days beforehand.
May 23
RIVERBLAST
When: Saturday, May 23, 2-10 p.m.
Where: RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton
Come to Dayton’s official summer kickoff, a free street festival with two stages of live music and children’s entertainment. Watch acrobatic tricks from The Purina Incredible Dog Team, play in the free Family Fun Zone with a giant slide and obstacle-course inflatables, plus face painting, balloon artists, airbrush tattoos and more. Kids can join the K-12 Gallery for Young People and make an art project to take home or get a real farm experience by visiting with the goats from Possum Creek MetroPark. The family stage includes performances by SMAG Dance Collective and ventriloquist and juggler Mike Hemmelgarn. Don’t miss the fireworks at 10 p.m. For information, visit www.metroparks.org/riverblast
KID-MUSIC SUPERSTAR GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD IN CONCERT
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23
Where: Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St., Dayton
Illustrator/songwriter Morgan Taylor, more commonly known as Gustafer Yellowgold, comes home for a family matinee performance. Gustafer Yellowgold concerts are a blend of live music and moving image. The minimally animated illustrations are accompanied by story-songs. The New York Times describes the show as “Dr. Seuss meets Yellow Submarine.” Admission is $8. Doors open at 1 p.m. Children under age one are free. Call (937) 461-9343 or visit www.canalstreettavern.com.
PUPPET MANIA 2009
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 23
Where: The Greene Town Square, 51 Plum St., Beavercreek
Find puppets, puppets and more puppets. Watch puppet shows, make puppets, have your caricature drawn by a puppet and more. And plenty of shopping fun for all the moms while there. Free.
SPLASH MORAINE OPENS FOR THE SEASON
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 23; visit www.splashmoraine.com for calendar of hours
Where: 3800 Main St., Moraine
Kick off summer at the wave-pool water park also featuring water slides, a kiddie area and a lazy river. Basketball courts were installed this spring for those who prefer dry activities. Tickets are $7.50 for children (3-17), $9 for adults and $8 for seniors (60 and older).
Is your pool opening this weekend? Check out our online community pools guide for operating hours, prices and more for all local swimming pools.
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Funny stories: First kisses, Twilight, and texts about poop
From the front lines of mommyhood, three vignettes from a household that’s constantly in motion:
We’re all milling about the kitchen during that “sweet spot” of the day — 4:30 p.m. — after youngest’s nap, older two kids unwinding from school and looking for a snack, dad starting dinner :), just before mom’s mad rush to get to work at 6ish p.m. We all have a moment to take a breath and inquire about each other’s day.
Cell phone buzzes in the pocket of 13-year-old’s gym shorts, announcing incoming text. He checks it and sprints for the door, saying he’s headed to the park.
About 30 minutes later, he strolls back into the kitchen. I reach UP (!) to give him a hug and ask him what was so urgent at the park.
He says that the girl he likes was there.
I ask, ” Have you kissed her?”
He laughs, looks away, and says no.
Still holding onto him like a mother bear playfully wrestling with her cub, I ask if he’s kissed anyone yet.
He laughs again. “No.”
Mom: “Would you tell me if you had?”
Son: (more laughing) “No!”
…
“Twilight” has entered our house.
My 10-year-old daughter, an avid reader — to put it mildly — finally borrowed the immensely popular book from a friend yesterday afternoon and is already on page 420!
I said to her, “You basically just read whenever your eyes are open, don’t you?”
Daughter: “I read whenever I’m not supposed to be doing something else.”
She paused, then added: “And sometimes I read when I am supposed to be doing something else.”
Comedic timing, just like her mom.
…
There’s no getting around it: Working moms miss things. I’m luckier than some because I’m home during the day with the kids, but I do miss the occasional field hockey game or teacher conference while I’m on the late shift.
Case in point: I couldn’t make it to the spring chorale concert that my 13-year-old son was performing in earlier this week (chorus is a class that he wouldn’t have chosen by his own volition, but it beats music appreciation homework).
It’s 7:28 p.m., and I’m knee-deep into editing a pile of stories for the next day’s newspapers.
My phone buzzes.
Text from Hubby: “r’s group sang good … d didn’t make it to the potty on time and pooped in his pants. all in all a fun time!”
New package of Batman underwear, size 4T: $4.99.
Unlimited text messages: Priceless.
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How ‘child-proof’ are your pill bottles?
My 10-year-old daughter and I came up with an excellent science fair project this year. We (yes, we: Parents were encouraged to lend a hand) posed the question: ‘Is it really child-proof?’
After getting permission from the parents of my preschooler’s classmates, we used five 3-year-olds and a 5-year-old sibling as guinea pigs and tested various and sundry medicine bottles and child-safety devices. We used Scooby-Doo fruit snacks as incentives.
Although my daughter conjectured that if given enough time the kids would be able to figure the puzzles out, we were surprised to find that only a few of the devices failed. More often than not, the kids quickly became frustrated and gave up, which should be reassuring news to parents — especially those of us with prescription bottles in the house or around grandparents’ homes.
I’ve always been adamant about teaching my children at a very young age that if a stray pill is found on the ground it is not candy, even though it may look like it. “Pills can make you sick!” — I’ve stressed that more times than I can count. Who among us hasn’t dropped an aspirin — or worse — on the floor and watched it roll under the edge of the counter? It’s dangerous stuff, folks, and kids need to hear about it.
Anywho, here’s a quick overview of the results:
— PASS: Medicine bottle lids that push-down-and-turn or line-up-arrows-and-push-up.
— PASS: Safety devices including doorknob covers and double-door cabinet locks.
— FAIL: Medicine bottle lids that have you push-down-tab-and-turn.
— EPIC FAIL: Pronged electric outlet covers. (Every kid but one was able to pry these little buggers out!)
Please be safe and teach your tots that medicine can be hazardous to your health!
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Making plans for ‘golden years’ starts early
I was feeling pretty old a couple of weekends ago. I had spent most of that Saturday gardening and the Sunday after it nursing muscles that shouldn’t have been nearly that sore.
But come Monday, after spending some time with my great-aunt, I started feeling downright sprightly. My little aches and pains must have snaked away in embarrassment, knowing that hers could have blown them over with an exhale.
My great-aunt is 88 and recently moved to the Dayton area after living near Chicago for most of her life. She wanted to be closer to family, and my sister and I have been helping her get settled in.
But even though she is “doing well for 88,” as the multiple doctors we meet with keep telling her, it is difficult to see how challenging the simplest tasks can be, like cooking a meal or climbing a staircase.
My husband also has been taking care of his father, who lives in a nursing home in Cincinnati. Although his needs are very different from those of my great-aunt, dealing with both of their situations has been eye-opening.
It has made me not only have more sympathy for the elderly, but also has made me think more about how I might spend my old age.
And that has driven me to want to do whatever I can to make sure I am healthy now and that I will be well taken care of when I get older.
And I am not alone. Many of the 30- or 40-something moms I know have been thinking about this as well.
At a recent soccer practice (I always seem to be at soccer practice), some of the other moms and I started discussing this topic on the sidelines.
One mom works in the medical field. She said she sees some older parents who are doted on, and those who aren’t.
“There are those who are checking their watch the whole time that their mom or dad is in (the doctor’s office),” she said. “And then there are those patients whose fingernails are painted, but they don’t even know their own name.”
She added that she thought her son would be the one taking care of her, rather than her daughter, when she got up in years.
“He would be the one to pluck those hairs from my chin. He cares more about the way I feel than his sister does.”
Another mom, who also has a daughter and son, said she has been reminding her kids for years that all she is doing for them is being credited to her account, and she will collect when she is old and frail.
“I tell them, ‘That’s another visit to the nursing home!’ ”
To which her daughter responded with a smile: “We’re up to like 700, aren’t we, Mom?”
Another mother, who has two boys, said she is going to leverage an old Mustang that both the boys want.
“I’ve already told them,” she said, “whoever takes care of me gets the car.”
As for me, I already pulled my older son aside after one of our tougher trips to see his grandfather. He, more than his brother, tends to lean more toward me than his dad.
I figured I’d better lock in my preferred situation while he still likes the idea of living with Mom.
“I’m not going to live in a nursing home,” I told the 9-year-old. “I’m going to live with you, OK?”
Then I smiled.
He nodded, a little wide-eyed, in agreement.
But I won’t really hold him to that, yet. I’ll wait at least another 10 years or so before I revisit that weighty conversation — and bring something for him to sign.
In the meantime, I guess I’d better toughen up a little for the real aches and pains to come.
As Bette Davis aptly put it: “Old age ain’t no place for sissies.”
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Photo of the week: From diapers to cap and gown
Last night, my daughter graduated.
Well, from preschool, that is.
I swear it was just yesterday I brought my precious angel home from the hospital at a tiny 7 pounds.
Not quite 5 years later and more than 30 pounds heavier, my little angel is wearing a cap and gown. It’s hard to believe.
I must admit I got a little teary eyed when she marched into the auditorium to pomp and circumstance. I was suddenly picturing my little girl graduating from high school, then college.
Sigh …
Guess I shouldn’t obsess over those milestones yet. My next battle is to survive the next one — kindergarten … stay tuned!
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Motherhood: Season One of T-ball erupts into laughter and memories
America’s favorite past time isn’t high on my list of entertainment items. No offense to the baseball fans out there, I just find it boring (although I do enjoy the Dayton Dragons).
Having played softball back in the day, I know the basics of the game. But once fast pitch was upon me I opted for the much “safer” sport of horseback riding.
Naturally though, my eldest son (afraid of horses) has decided that baseball is the greatest sport ever and could not wait for his first T-ball season to begin.
Practice time got under way in April. Watching a co-ed team of 4 and 5-year-olds? High on the entertainment list. My kudos to the patient coaches.
We watched from the bleachers as the herd of preschoolers chased after each ball from one end of the field to the other — paying no mind to their “position.” The girls, clad in their pink batting helmets and matching pink gloves, convened on the field for gossip sessions while the boys played in the dirt.
After a few meetings such as this, it was game time. Noah donned his maroon jersey, spiffy new baseball pants and treasured cleats like a pro on his first opening day in the majors. He collected his tiny bat and glove and headed to the chariot that would transport him, officially, to the world of Little League.
Opening Day at the baseball park was like a reunion of childhood friends. All of us who were once team-mates are now the parents cheering on the kids. Fortunately, a game of T-ball is played in just two innings or 1.5 hours — whichever comes first.
From the sidelines, I counted eight — yes, eight — parent/coaches on the field at one point, attempting to maintain some sort of organization to the game.
After wrangling the little ones in and out of the dugout and onto the field; keeping up a batting order; and repeating, “Pay attention!” — I realized exactly why the game time was limited to 90 minutes — because the coaches just might collapse from exhaustion.
Much different from a coach/friend who told to me, “My daughter’s team was voted ‘neatest dugout’!” Seriously? You have time to beautify their holding pen?
I know this is just the beginning of the sporting event chaos we will likely endure, but it does make for fun, memorable moments of which will whiz by like a fastball.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0356 or dmjordan@coxohio.com.
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Five things to do with the kids this week
Hey moms, looking for some boredom busters (or an excuse to get out of the house)? Here you go …
May 1-10
12TH ANNUAL FAMILY FUNFEST CARNIVAL
When: Wednesday and Thursday, 5-11 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m.- midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday, May 4-5.
Where: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Springfield Street, one-half mile northeast of the U.S. Air Force Museum at Gate 1-B.
The carnival will feature rides, inflatables, food, and games. Cost is $17 for daily ride-all-rides wristband or $1 for individual ride tickets. More information and discount coupons can be found at www.durantamusements.com
May 15
NIGHT AT THE AIR FORCE MUSEUM
When: 6-10 p.m.
Where: National Museum of the United States Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
This free after-hours gathering at the museum will offer a unique opportunity to see aviation history come alive. Look into aircraft cockpits, see free IMAX films (seating first come, first served), enjoy movie rides, meet characters from all eras of military aviation history, get camouflage face painting and write a postcard to troops. Tickets are not required, but groups of 10 or more are encouraged to pre-register. For information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
May 15-17
A WORLD A’FAIR
When: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, May 15; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 16; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 17
Where: Dayton Convention Center, at the corner of Fifth and Main streets downtown
This annual three-day celebration of world cultures will showcase food, dancing, music, costumes and exhibits representing the ethnic backgrounds and cultures of Dayton and the greater Miami Valley. The Kenya Safari Acrobats will perform during the day and evening on Saturday and Sunday. Advance tickets are $5 for adults and seniors, $3 for ages 6 to 18; at the door, it’s $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for youth 6-18. For information, visit www.aworldafair.org.
May 15-17
ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL
When: Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: St. Patrick Church, 409 E. Main St., Troy
Food, beer (adults only, of course), rides, games, Bingo, raffles, cornhole and more. Ride all rides as many times as you wish on Sunday for $10. More info at www.stpattroy.org
May 16
HOMETOWN HEROES TRUCK TOUCH
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Young’s Jersey Dairy, 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs
Do your little ones love all things truck? Check out this second annual gathering of trucks, equipment and vehicles including fire trucks and emergency service vehicles, to military, construction and farming vehicles on display. A $5 donation is suggestion, with all proceeds benefiting “Honor Flight”. A special bonus: The Moovers & Shakers train ride opens for the season. While there, don’t miss the animals, ice cream, miniature golf, batting cages and more. More info at www.youngsdairy.com
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Show us your mom tattoo, or are you chicken?
I get about 10 e-mails a day from marketing people trying to grab a little free press for their companies, beseeching me to mention their “revolutionary” products or services on the mommy blog.
I mostly just delete them. I mean, how relevant would this blog be to average everyday moms like me if I flooded the space with notions on “how to dress your baby like the celebrities,” “spoil yourself with a 10-day ranch getaway,” or “own THE stretch-mark eliminator — for only $89.99!”
I’m more of a “how not to spend your every last dime on Christmas presents” kind of gal.
But … hold the phone … this Mother’s Day promotion from KFC caught my attention. I just had to share.
Are you ready?
“Show us your ‘mom’ tattoo and win free chicken for a year!”
I am not kidding — how could I make that up?
KFC says it wants to “salute those showcasing their love for their mothers 365 days a year by sporting a mom-themed tattoo.”
“If you’re communicating your love for mom in a permanent and visible way, KFC wants to reward you and your mom!”
And they’re asking entrants to send a photo proving that they wear their heart on their sleeve.
While the premise for this kooky sweepstakes is a bit unsavory for my tastes, the prizes are impressive: daily $10 gift check giveaways, a motorcycle, a family vacation, and yes, free chicken for a year.
“Consumers without a mom-themed tattoo can download a KFC-themed tattoo cutout paying tribute to their mom.”
Huh?
First it was Oprah’s ‘grilled’ chicken, now this?
I’ve got to give KFC credit — this promotion is truly an original recipe.
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What’s so relaxing about going out to eat?
Mother’s Day is just another day.
Another day of “sleeping in” until 7:30. Another day of finding something decent to wear that doesn’t make me look fat by sorting through the pile of dirty, wrinkled laundry on the floor.
Another day of tripping over toys blanketing my living-room floor at least 10 times, setting off rounds of the world’s most irritating, migraine-inducing noises.
Another day of playing Chutes and Ladders five times in a row, followed by Candy Land, then “Memory” and lastly by Hi Ho Cherry-O. Oh wait, and Candy Land “just one more time, I promise.”
Yep, just another day.
The one thing that’s different about today is — drum roll please — we’ll celebrate by going out to eat.
Well, I have one question for whomever started this whole eating out on Mother’s Day tradition: What’s so relaxing about going out to eat?
After all, isn’t that the point of Mother’s Day?
I’ll go out on a limb and say going out to eat is way more stressful than cooking dinner and eating at home.
At least that’s the case with my kids.
Let me give you a few highlights of the dining-out experience with my daughter, 4, and son, 20 months.
“But Mommy, I don’t wanna go there. I wanna go to … Old McDonald’s, 3W3s, Flickers or the Chinese Store (hey, the names are close enough).” Basically, my daughter wants to go anywhere but the place I’ve picked.
“Mommy, I’m weally, weally starving.” Yes, just two minutes into that 45-minute wait, my daughter — who by the way wasn’t at all hungry when we left the house — is suddenly starving and just can’t wait any longer for food. Oh, yes, and we’ll hear this sentence at least 15 more times in the waiting area, each time a little whinier and by minute 40 including crossed arms and a pouty lip.
“Oops.” Yes, this simple little word can have many meanings. Sometimes it’s the I-just-spilled-my-drink-all-over-the-table-and-all-over-my-pants “oops.” Sometimes it’s the I-just-dropped-the-sugar-packet-holder-on-the-floor-and-now-it’s-broke “oops.”
“Mommy, I weally have to go to the bathroom.” I hear this one at least three times every time we eat out. Nothing like spending half your mealtime in a tiny bathroom stall, and listening to people chuckle as your child very loudly says, “Mommy, the poop won’t come out.”
“Mommy, I smell something stinky.” Yes, and so do I. Little brother just filled his diaper. In fact, it’s now overflowing, and we’re in a crowded restaurant, the bathroom is all the way across the room and I left the extra clothes in the car. Aughhh! My children have impeccable timing.
This is just a sampling of the Fong restaurant experience. I forgot to mention that three-quarters of every restaurant meal ends up on the floor. If it’s any consolation, we tip very well.
As you can see, I’m clearly that mom who gets all the dirty looks in the restaurant — and I can’t say I blame all those diners. I just wish they’d give me a sympathetic glance from time to time instead of a scathing one, but that’s life, I guess.
Maybe we should just stay home this Mother’s Day.
After all, Mother’s Day is just another day — and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
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Photo of the Week: Buckeye Boys
Being an OSU alumni, I can’t help but encourage my boys to be Buckeyes too. Over the weekend we decided to take a jaunt over to my college stompin’ grounds for a stroll down memory lane.
Already fans of Ohio State football, to my heart’s delight - Noah and Nick proudly posed with Brutus Buckeye.
During basketball season, Daddy, is thrilled the boys enjoy watching the Kansas Jayhawks as much as he does.
I however, believe I have the advantage as we already live in Ohio, thus OSU will be cheaper. In-state tuition, right?
Of course, should we be lucky enough to raise kids who are offered a scholarship, we will support them at whatever higher education institution they attend - even if it is that school up North.
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Motherhood: Mom finds economic relief in sons’ piggy banks
I am a total pushover.
Ask any child — especially a Girl Scout — if I have the backbone to say, “no” when asked to buy something for a fund-raiser. The only time I ever refuse a sales pitch is if another neighborhood child has already duped me into more wrapping paper.
After all, I did my time selling bows and Christmas tins, softball candy and, of course, Girl Scout cookies — my personal weakness.
The problem I have is keeping the cash on hand to pay for them when they arrive. I am always caught off guard and unprepared.
Having bought at least 10 boxes of cookies this year from four different Scouts, I owed a few dollars here and a few dollars there. But who wants to write a check for $3?
Recently, during a rare “girl’s night out,” a friend delivered a box of cookies I had ordered from her daughter. Cashless I was, as is usual in this convenient debit card world we live in. So, I did what any mother would do. I raided my sons’ piggy bank for the greenbacks I needed.
My friends stared at me as I sat the jingling bank on the counter and popped the plug out of the bottom. They didn’t say much — at first. Then longtime friend, mother and apparently fellow conspirator, Erin, broke the ice. “Don’t you put an IOU inside? I always do,” she said.
Then the confessions came rolling out. Apparently, I am not the only one who uses her child’s piggy bank as an at-home ATM machine.
My own mother may have been able to get by “borrowing” cash from me as a child, and maybe she did, I don’t remember. But before the age of 5, my brother had earned himself the nickname of “Alex P. Keaton” — the tightwad, money-mongering son on the TV series “Family Ties.” Mom wasn’t getting anything past him.
Aware of my little secret, when the boys’ deposits are made at the bank, Daddy always compensates for my depletions. Not to mention, the boys won’t let me forget about my “loan,” so they are getting their money back … eventually.
Once I handed the money over for the cookies that day, I brought out Noah’s box of irresistible candy bars he had to sell for T-ball this year. The cash I handed over for cookies was returned to me for a couple of Hershey bars, because fellow mom, Nicole, didn’t have any paper money with her.
So my IOU to my son also became an IOU to my friend’s daughter — from her mother — for the cookies I bought. Make sense?
It’s a vicious cycle, but I’m sure we will all break even in the end somehow.
Moms - are you guilty of snagging a few bucks here and there from your kids’ piggy banks? How do you compensate?
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0356 or dmjordan@coxohio.com.
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$1 off tortilla chips for Cinco de Mayo
I was lingering in the snack aisle of Dorothy Lane Market the other day (dangerous business, I know) when I heard another mom from the neighborhood heave a sigh.
She was searching for a healthy snack to bring home to her kids. “They’re so sick of pretzels,” she said. “And they’re all SunChipped-out, too.”
My mind popped back to a recent e-mail I had received from the makers of FoodShouldTasteGood tortilla chips. I’m on their fan club list and had received an offer for $3 off 2 bags of chips, just in time for Cinco de Mayo.
While the $3 off bargain is just good for those who are already fans, I checked out their Web site again and saw an instant $1 off coupon if you sign up as a fan.
(I raved about these tasty chips in a previous blog listing our favorite healthy snacks.)
So … I recommended the chips to my neighbor. They were even on sale! I hope she and her family likes them as much as we do.
Our favorite was the Sweet Potato chip dipped in fruit salsa from Trader Joe’s — totally addictive!
And chug on over to Kaboose for more Cinco de Mayo goodies, craft ideas and printables.
Happy 5th of May!
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