Help The Children of Payatas

I recently saw a TV commercial showing what it is like for the children living near a landfill in Payatas. It truly tugs at your heart. The conditions in which these children and families live in are horrendous. Just to survive they must pick through this landfill for any item they can sell to get money. All they want to do is feed themselves. Could you imagine if your own children had to pick through garbage to survive? There is a youtube video entitled Christmas For Payatas and the url is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUBVKLZXK3E. Please watch for yourself what these children and families must go through on a daily basis just to survive for one day!

If during the Holiday season you volunteer your services or donate to a charity, please consider Christmas for Payatas. Join the many celebrities and other organizations in their efforts to raise money this Christmas season.

The landfill in Payatas, The Philippines, is notoriously known the world over as Smokey Mountain. For over 35 years, the smoking dump site has grown to become a stark and heart-tugging reminder of the desperate conditions of humanity.

On a daily basis, children pick through newly arrived garbage to
collect material to sell. The earnings made by one child are not enough to even buy food for the day. Hence, entire families are forced to climb the mountain each day, hoping to earn enough to feed everyone. Children as young as four years old are forced to work in this daily struggle for survival.

In response to the plight of these children, Totedaddy.com is working with Lighthouse Center For Children Foundation to bring a little cheer to the children this Christmas.

Totedaddy.com has kicked off with a cash sponsorship of USD 10,000 to enable the children to celebrate Christmas. FusionExcel International has also pitched in a USD 5,000 in cash sponsorship. The money raised will help fund the projects already in place, and help fund additional projects aimed at providing better housing, and a means of livelihood for the Payatas community.

It is hoped that by creating better awareness to the plight of these children, more support can be gathered towards their betterment. Together we can bury poverty!

Why Am I Like This?

I realize something about myself and I am not sure why I am this way.

If my son leaves the water running at the sink, I ask him to turn it off. Not unusual, right? but when he doesn't do it right away, it really annoys me. Ok...I want to save some pennies by not wasting water, but I find that if I am near the sink and I leave the water running while I turn to do something, it doesn't bother me.

Tonight, I realized I was sitting at the computer in the office while the TV was on in the living room. No one was in the living room. The thing is, I have a TV in the computer room and it wasn't on.

If my son had left the TV on in a room when no one was watching it, it would have bothered me, but here I did the same thing...

I am the same way with lights. I'm always turning the lights off after my son. He is not in the habit of turning off the lights when he leaves a room. I've caught myself leaving a light on once in awhile and it doesn't bother me.

Why is it when I do something that otherwise would bother me if my son did it, I don't give it a second thought? until now...

Can anyone identify with this?

Reading To Your Children

Reading to your children is a wonderful way to create a bond. It promotes not only learning, but expands their minds and imagination. Reading helps promote communication skills and the more your read to them, the more you are encouraging them to love reading. This is the best start you can give them.

My niece loves books. She can't seem to get enough. We all have been reading to her since she was an infant and that is probably why she loves books so much. I buy her a book every time I know I'll be seeing her. When she sees the book, she gets all excited... immediately sits down and waits for me to read it to her.

Leketha Marie Johnson wrote a wonderful book called Sunny's Adventures. Sunny is a little girl that loves to solves mysteries. This requires thinking on her part and she has to solve the clues she finds along the way.

As you read this book to your child, he or she must use their own minds as they listen to the story. It also gives them the opportunity to try and solve problems. Sunny also teaches how to help others because she needs to help find a lost puppy, a turtle, a stolen pie and other missing items.

Choosing books that teaches a life lesson is so valuable to your child. You will be helping them fulfil their potential. Reading is also a great way to give your pre-school aged child a head start.

Leketha Marie Johnson has a great website dedicated to Sunny's Adventures at www.sunnysadventures.com
For parents and for teachers, she offers many resources on her Home page. You can download a free Sunny's Adventures coloring book or decide to implement the educational activities she provides. She also offers a newsletter you can register to receive.

Buy The Book and read the best children's mystery book to your child.

A Surprise In The Mail

My niece/goddaughter is a year and half and she is just a delight. She has brought new life to the family.

Of course my brother and sister-in-law constantly take pictures of her (how can you resist!) and try to share them with us when ever possible.

Today I received a wonderful surprise in the mail. My sister in law had gotten custom Photo Cards made and sent them to the family (and her friends)...'just because'.

What a great idea! I know my other family members were probably just as happy about receiving this surprise in the mail as I was. It sure brought a smile to my face.

I called my sister in law and she said she went to cardsdirect.com and easily ordered the customs cards. I went to the site because it got me thinking how I could use this photo card for business and use my logo or business card on the front. I was impressed at the quality of the card.

I don't have a way to show you what my card looked like, but here's the card. I took this off their site..of course mine had my niece on it. This card is sure to be a keepsake.



Cardsdirect.com offers a huge assortment of cards and photo cards to choose from:
Business Greeting Cards, Anniversary Cards,Birthday Cards, Congratulations Cards,Get Well Cards,Sympathy Cards,Thank You Cards,Thinking of You Cards Welcome Cards,Assortment Packs,All Occasion Cards,Photo & Custom Cards, Custom Greeting Cards,Photo Calendar Cards,Photo Holder Cards and Holiday Cards.

You don't pay for personalization or the custom verses and shipping is a flat $5.00. I think it's a good deal.

Next time you are sending special or holiday cards, you might want to surprise someone with a photo card and bring a smile to someones face...

Teenagers Who Bully

I have trouble comprehending the ways some of our children are behaving. We've been hearing alot about and seeing youtube videos of kids bullying others.

What is happening to the minds of our youth? What posses them to do this to one another?

Just this morning I heard about the teenager being charged with the death of another due to the taunting caused by way of a fake myspace page. The accused set up this fake 'boy' myspace page and repeatedly contacted the girl and bullied her...literally to death.

The accused caused so much pain to this other teenager. It boggles my mind that the accused actually carefully thought out and planned this torture. The other girl was under such pressure, was depressed and was experiencing emotional harm...in the end, she hung herself! I can't fathom this... Now children are dealing with cyber-bullying too?

Think of the families...not only for the family who lost their young child, but the family of the accused.

It is said that one student in 10 is bullied at least once a week. Bullying can either be physical, verbal or emotional (shunning, spreading nasty gossip). It is deliberate and hurtful behavior to another.

If you are a parent with young children, please read below the warning signs that a child is being bullied, according to About.com,

* Comes home with torn, damaged, or missing pieces of clothing, books, or other belongings
* Has unexplained cuts, bruises, and scratches
* Has few, if any friends, with whom he or she spends time with
* Seems afraid of going to school, walking to and from school, riding the school bus, or taking part in organized activities with peers (such as clubs)
* Takes a long, “illogical” route when walking to or from school
* Has lost interest in school work or suddenly begins to do poorly in school
* Appears sad, moody, teary, or depressed when he or she comes home
* Complains frequently of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical ailments
* Has trouble sleeping or has frequent bad dreams
* Experiences a loss of appetite
* Appears anxious and/or suffers from low self-esteem

Bullying should not be a normal part of growing up...

Inspiration From Children

Every once in awhile I receive emails that are touching and have special meaning. To me they're worth sharing.The following email is one. Children bring to us so much if we only listen.

What Love means to a 4-8 year old ....
Slow down to read this. It is so worth it. Touching words from the mouth of children.
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does love mean?'

The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined.
See what you think:

'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.'

Rebecca- age 8
***
'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'

Billy - age 4
***
'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.'

Karl - age 5
***
'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'

Chrissy - age 6
***
'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'

Terri - age 4
***
'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'

Danny - age 7
***
'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss'

Emily - age 8
***
'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'

Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
***
'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'

Nikka - age 6 (we need a million more Nikka's)
***
'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.'

Noelle - age 7
***
'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'

Tommy - age 6
***
'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.

He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'

Cindy - age 8
***
'My mommy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'

Clare - age 6
***
'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'

Elaine-age 5
***
'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.'

Chris - age 7
***
'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.'

Mary Ann - age 4
***
'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'

Lauren - age 4
***
'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image)

Karen - age 7
***
'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.'

Mark - age 6
***
'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'

Jessica - age 8
***
And the final one

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,

'Nothing, I just helped him cry'


Just wanted to Bless all my friends in whatever it is that you may be needing this day. May your life be full of peace, prosperity and love.

A Scientific Way to Name Your Baby?

A friend of mine was telling me that she saw this ad on TV about a company called TheRightBabyName.Com . It explains there is a scientific way to name your baby.

I have posted before about the names parents have given their children. Some are outrageous.

The Right Baby Name explains there is statistical data on a name's "uniqueness", "goodwill", and "fit". Uniqueness refers to a name's memorability and frequency. Goodwill refers to general public perception of a name's class, economic, and educational implications. The fit of a name refers to how a name matches your family, ethnicity, and religion. There is also some data on the association of names with celebrities, Ivy Leaguers, academics and professional success.

I was so curious that I checked out The Right Baby Name and found all sorts of tools and information for expecting parents. They give you name comparison, name recommendations, name meanings, a name poll and a name type analysis.

Back in the day when I was pregnant, I will admit to buying a baby name book and looking up the meanings on some names. I realize now a days, people give this much more thought.

The Right Baby Name also offers other useful links for expectant mothers on pregnancy and specials off on maternity wear. You'll find links for what to expect while expecting, understanding your baby and free products and samples.

So, if you are expecting, this might be a great site for you to check out and learn how to name your baby the scientific way.

TheRightBabyName.Com...Register For Free Trial Today!

Before I Was a Mom

Before I was a Mom~
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom~
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom~
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a
baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom~
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom~
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom~
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.


I believe this holds true for...Before I Was a Dad also...Isn't it just amazing how a bond is formed immediately with your newborn? How you feel this tremendous amount of love as soon as you look into your babies eyes...it's just an awesome feeling

11 Year Olds on Birth Control??

On Christmas morning while I had some time to relax, I turned on the Montel Williams show. His guest was Judge Judy. I heard something that just got me upset. It concerns middle school aged children, grades 6 thru 8.

Judge Judy was saying that when parents sign those permission medical forms...you know giving the school permission to provide medical care to your child if the parents are not readily available, the school can give medical treatment to your child.

Here is the horrifying part: did you know that the permission form you sign, gives the school permission to give your daughter birth control pills or son contraceptives? Oh My God, imagine...11 year olds on birth control. Do 11 yr olds even know what to do at that age?! What judgement do 11 year olds have?

It seems in Maine a decision was passed, voted 7-2 to make this happen. What is worse is that this birth control (medication) is given WITHOUT the parents' knowledge.

As a mother, I would not want my 11 yr old son having sex, nor would I want the school to step in and give my son condoms without my knowledge. I have trouble putting sex in the same sentence with 11 year olds.
I remember as a single parent, having the 'talk' with my son at an early age, but I did not have to worry about him actually having or even thinking about having sex.

This brings up several concerns. Are parents educating their children to the best of their ability? If the children in Maine or in other states are becoming pregnant at the age of 11, something is seriously wrong.

If birth control is given to these children, are they aware this is not consent to go out and have sex, nor protect them from disease? Is this actually encouraging them to have sex?

And, think about the young, growing bodies of an 11 yr old little girl. Giving hormones to these girls? What does this do to the chemistry in their body?

I know times are changing. Young children are growing up way too fast. We allow them to wear certain clothing that really is suitable for older kids, we allow them to watch certain shows and movies that are really not for young children.

Is it the parents, society, peer pressure, celebrities who encourage? Who isn't teaching morals and values?

Why can't kids just be kids?

Video provided about Associated Press:
Students in Maine will be able to get birth control pills and patches at their student center

In Washington, another view on the subject.

The Sky Angel Cowboy

Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf. His words have wisdom beyond his years.

Out of the mouths of babes we are reminded...out of the mouths of babes we are inspired.
Thank you Logan for sharing this with us and giving us a very special message.

I know what you had to do was extremely hard, but you did what had to be done.
Many Blessings to you and your family.




MERRY CHRISTMAS

The Golden Compass: Is This Atheism For Kids?

With the new movie The Golden Compass hitting the theaters, many parents will be taking their children to see the movie.
I do not have any young ones and this type of movie doesn't interest me, but after a friend of mine sent me a review of this movie, it got my attention.

The movie has been described as "atheism for kids" and is based on the first book of a trilogy entitled "His Dark Materials" written by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the "Chronicles of Narnia." His motivation for writing this trilogy was specifically to counteract Lewis' symbolisms of Christ portrayed in the Narnia series.

Both the book and the movie introduce atheism to children. The story ends with Adam and Eve killing God

Clearly, Pullman's main objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview, "my books are about killing God." He has even stated that he wants "to kill God in the minds of children." It has been said of Pullman that he is "the writer the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed."

While "The Golden Compass" movie itself may seem mild and innocent, the books are a much different story. In the trilogy, a young streetwise girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle to ultimately defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God. Another character, an ex- nun, describes Christianity as "a very powerful and convincing mistake." In the final book, characters representing Adam and Eve eventually kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH. Each book in the trilogy gets progressively worse regarding Pullman's hatred of Jesus Christ.

Hmmm...and this movie premiered in December. A coincidence?

I recently read a review by Cooper. Read her review and comments by clicking HERE

Please give me your thoughts and if you have seen this movie, what did you think?

Free eCards To Help Toys For Tots

Have you ever heard of the Marines Toys for Tots? This has been an ongoing tradition in the United States Marine Corp. Reserves for 60 years now! Toys for Tots delivered an amazing 19.2 million toys to over 7.6 million children.

But, there are literally over 13 million children living in poverty and Toys for Tots is asking in the name of the Holiday Spirit in each of us to help out this year.

If you are sending eCards this holiday season, here is a great way to raise money for Toys for Tots by simply sending free eCards to your friends and family. Here’s the scoop: Month2Month.com is a totally free, high quality eCard web site that has joined with Toys for Tots and will make a contribution for every holiday card that is received. Their site has no advertising, doesn’t require subscriptions, sign-ups or downloading toolbars. And the cards are great…better than what you’d find on those other sites that charge for subscriptions. This is what the holiday spirit is all about... giving. So let’s all take advantage of this and PLEASE!!!! Pass this along to everyone you know.
Here's where to find Toys for Tots free eCards

Hugging Not Allowed in California?

Ok, I just came across this and I'm perplexed. A middle school in California is now punishing children who hug? HUG! With all that is going on in our schools...the drugs, violence, lack of learning...they're worried about chldren hugging?

I've posted on this blog in the past about the benefits of hugging. I certainly can understand concern if there was unwelcomed touching, but to have a ruling on hugging in which children are getting suspended?

After you read this, please tell me your thoughts...

Child Abuse in a Public Place

Ok, so I truly wanted to stay away from the stores yesterday, Black Friday. I don't know what it is about that day that makes people 'crazy', but it does. I had no choice but to go into a store and I witnessed something that made me sad and upset.

It instantly brought a memory of many, many years ago when I was a teenager. My Nana and I were in line at the grocery store. While standing there, this woman with a small child in the shopping cart started beating him in the head...hitting him over and over. While everyone around just gasped and stared, my Nana (who I miss so much) went over and tapped this woman on the shoulder.She began talking to her, which diverted her attention away from the boy. Then she began talking to the child. As the situation grew more calm and the woman was at ease, my Nana boldly asked this woman why she was hitting her child in the head. It turned out that he wanted 'candy' and the woman lost her patience. In the end, this stranger hugged my Nana and thanked her. I was never more proud of my Nana then on that day.

That memory allowed me to do the same thing yesterday. I couldn't watch as this woman was physically hurting her daughter. The innocent look on this girls face, looking up at her mother. It saddened me and to think what might go on behind closed doors. At least I diverted the woman and the little girl for a time.

Did my Nana and I do the right thing? I think so...maybe, just maybe it sparked something in these people to think twice before 'loosing it'.

Thinking a child might need or deserve a 'tap' on the hand on occasion is one thing, but to do physical harm is another story. I worked in a private day care for children aged 2-10 for 9 years. I witnessed first hand child abuse. It is gut wrenching. I attended child abuse seminars to enable me to handle and deal with situations. The memory of my Nana is what came to mind this time.

What would you do if you saw a parent loosing control and hurting a child while out in public?

Starting a conversation to divert their attention away from their action is a good start. Saying something negative may only cause the adult to get angrier and make things worse. Saying something positive or complementary about the child's eyes or clothes will change the mood.

If you saw a child alone and unattended in a shopping cart, would you take the time to stand near by until the parent returns?

Our time and small actions when seeing a child in possible danger is all it takes to help.

What Ethics Should be used When Reporting a Story?

While having our usual casual conversation around the water cooler at work, the subject turned to an explicit newspaper article regarding a child abuse case that ended in the death of a 3 year old child. This reporter thought it was necessary to give graphic details. It was heart wrenching.

I wonder if this reporter thought of the child’s family or friends reading this article. They had to relive the painful death of this child or maybe become aware of certain facts they didn't know.

This unfortunate death happened over 3 years ago and was brought back to life when this reporter was giving her review of the court session. I did read this article and it disturbed me the entire day and well into the night.

I understand that a reporter must not show personal feelings and report the facts, but...must it include such horrifying facts of what the child abuser did to this child? and include details on how this child suffered?

A reporter writes an article for public interest, I understand, but should they write everything that they have learned while investigating the facts for the story?

Should some compassion be shown for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children?

Human nature is one of curiosity...sick at times. Ever see something so gross or an accident that you didn't want to look at, but couldn't take your eyes off of it? That's what I thought about this article...I kept reading it because I couldn't believe what I was actually reading....

I guess the reporter did accomplish getting a reaction from me and I am sure from others as well about the important issue of child abuse.

Graphic descriptions, distasteful or shocking material might be considered the most important facts to convey, but maybe a warning at the beginning of this article stating explicit or disturbing material may offend some readers should have been used.

What are your thoughts on this?

HELP STOP CHILD ABUSE

The Sweet Smell of Childhood

It is amazing how the sense of smell can bring back so many memories. You catch a scent of something….perfume, cologne, food, clothes just washed and hung out to dry…it takes you back to a time in your life…hopefully a happy time, but it could even stir up an unpleasant memory.

I recalled a memory this morning that kept with me the entire day. Luckily for me, this was a pleasant memory. We even had problems in the office today, but since I had such a feel good memory on my mind, I was able to just breeze thru any issues that arose.

As a child, my family would visit my aunt, uncle and cousins who lived by the beach every Sunday. A tradition that went on for many years. Our family is Italian and there’d be a house full of people…more aunts, uncles and cousins… eating macaroni and gravy (yes, gravy! And of course homemade macaroni), meatballs/sausage, braciole, salad and then of course there would be many deserts to choose from.

They lived on the bay side and allowed us kids to walk down to the dock. There, we would fish or watch the other fishermen, look for shells, watch the boats, be lazy watching the small waves rock to the shore.. We’d walk around for hours, thought how lucky we were when one of the fishermen asked us to help them. And, what a prize we had, when we were given a minnow for our pail.

I distinctly remember the smells at the bay: the salty air, the seaweed, the fish (that’s probably why I don’t eat fish now!) the railroad ties that lined the dock. When the sun beat down, you were able to smell the tar on the railroad ties.

I passed construction taking place on a bridge as I drove into work this morning. I caught a whiff of that very same scent: tar on a railroad tie! Instantly, I was brought back to being a child at the bay, hanging out on the docks. What a great time! Carefree, with skinned knees, laughing with my cousins and remembering when we got back home to my aunts, we’d all have to wash our feet. We never had shoes on. While I drove, I had a smile on my face while in my mind playing the movie of the days at the beach…I remember it just like it was yesterday.

Even now as I am recalling this to you, the smile returns….

Amber Alert

As I post this, I have the goose bumps. I know there are literally many,many children who are lost and the very thought of the parents and families having to go through such torture of not knowing where their child is, is just unimaginable for me. As a parent myself, I just couldn't imagine this ordeal.

I received the following in an email tonight and wanted to post this since the information is verified. I have received similar emails regarding lost children,but they turn out to be false.The below information was taken directly from snopes.com.

I don't understand why children have to suffer and pay the price...whether it is the difficulty the parents face while going through a divorce or something else, our dear children suffer. The innocent ones who cannot speak for themselves.

In reading the entire article at snopes.com, it states that the person who they thought was with this child, Leigh Cowen, has since been found dead of apparent suicide. There haven't been any clues where the little girl is. Maybe, just maybe, through others awareness, we can help in some way.

Child: Reachelle Smith
Age: 3
Height: 40'
Weight: 40 lbs.
Hair: Light brown straight middle of back
Eyes: brown
Clothing: no description
Additional Information (Location, Date, Time): Last seen at residence 105 16th St NW, Minot, ND on May 16, 2006 at approximately 10:30 PM.

If you have any information about this child or suspect, please call 701-852-0111 immediately. The above AMBER Alert information is available to the public by calling 511 and at www.nd.gov/amber .

Let's pray for this child and have hope that she is returned to her loved ones

My Mother Taught Me

While at my friends' daughter's 6th birthday party over the weekend, I stood by watching the kids enjoy the festivities.
As you can imagine having 20 little ones together can keep parents pretty busy . There were a few trouble spots over the 4 hours we were all together.... one little one wouldn't share or one didn't want to play with a certain child, pushing started or the occasional "tap".

I listened as the parents tried to teach their child the appropiate behavior...I couldn't help but laugh out loud when I heard "fight nice"...fight nice? My mom actually use to tell my brother and I that very same thing. Of course I never really knew what that meant. Maybe it was the shock value of hearing it, but I remember my brother and I would stop fighting...

I also heard...do you want me to call your father? That's a good one...and try putting a child in time out while a birthday party is going on....that was pure hell to watch.

Hearing some of the comments spoken to these kids in order to teach them a valuable lessen did bring back some memories of my own childhood and the rare times I spit out the very same comments to my own son.

What did your Mom and Dad teach you while growing up?

Here's a few...
My mother taught me to APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

My mother taught me about RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

My mother taught me about LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."

My mother taught me about FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

My mother taught me about IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks like a tornado went through it."

My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times.. Don't exaggerate!"

My mother taught me about the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"

My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home."

My mother taught me about MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."

My mother taught me about ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you'll be cold?"

My mother taught me about HUMOR.
"When that lawnmower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My mother taught me about GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

My mother taught me about WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand.

My mother taught me about SHARING.
"I'm going to give you a piece of my mind!"

and my favorite one....
My mother taught me about FEAR.
"One day you'll have a child who'll do the same things to you." How true I found this to be...

Children's Safety

I witnessed something today that disturbed me.

While I was out and about running errands, I noticed a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street. The flashing red lights were on and the 'stop sign' extended.

Summer school is in session and apparently it was time for the kids to return home.

Here in Jersey, we all know that when you see a school bus about to let children off the bus, you are suppose to STOP and allow the children to safely cross the street. With kids, you never know where they may dart from...

Much to my surprise, I saw not one, but THREE cars pass the school bus! Not one of those cars stopped. I was just amazed. I felt road rage coming on...well, not exactly, but I was really ticked.

Are we that much in a rush that we just ignore the safety of the children coming off a school bus?

What if the drivers of those cars had children coming off another bus and someone didn't stop for them? I wonder how they would feel if their child was 'hit' because a person was in a hurry and just didn't care.

What are your thoughts about this?