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February 2008 Newsletter
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President's Letter Love is in the air...or it could be the lingering scent of that bottle of perfume that Cecilia got into and spilled on the carpet. Either way, this is the month of love and it couldn't have come at a better time. January seemed to be one endless month of cold; now we have something fun to look forward to for February! Our month gets off to a rocking start with a concert. This is perfect for all our little music lovers out there! To kick off our Valentine’s fun, we’ll be throwing a heart-filled bash on the 13th, complete with snacks and crafts for the little ones. The fun continues through the month with several Valentine activities, as well as our usual assortment of themed storytimes, age group play dates and exciting adventures (in adult speak, trips). And, of course, what Valentine’s would be complete without a little pampering? Our MNO this month is a trip to the spa followed by some relaxing, eating and chatting at the Chili’s across the street. Spa treatments start at 6 pm and reservations are needed. Even if you can’t make it for the spa part, please join us at the restaurant at 8 pm for some quality “just girls” time. Crazy as this sounds, it is time to start thinking about elections. We need to get our nominating committee in place—we announce the names of those serving on the nominating committee at the March business meeting and, at the same time, issue a call for members who wish to run for elections. The nominating committee will announce the slate of officers at the April business meeting and our elections will be held in May. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please let me know as soon as possible. In other news, the groundhog may indeed see his shadow this year, indicating a longer winter, as the Farmer's Almanac predicts a long, cold winter for those of us living in the East. So keep those long john’s handy and make sure you’re stocked up on hot cocoa and logs for the fire! Stay warm and have a happy Valentine’s Day! Happy February! Chrissie A. Consignment Sale Elections Special Events Coordinator Infant Coordinator Needed The Great Backyard Bird Count: Feb. 15-18
Children Caroline C. turns 6 on the 5th Moms Jenny B. – 9th
We’d like to welcome the following new members: Megan C. and her daughter Sofia We’d like to bid a fond farewell and send best wishes to the following members: Kathie B. and her children Katy, Sophia and Davis
Tips for Tots Question of the Month: How do you stop your toddler from running away from you as you are trying to walk through the mall, choose books at the library, get from preschool into the car, etc.? Advice: I have my boys hold onto something other than my hand like the stroller (helping to push is always fun for them), my coat pocket, my belt loop, the strap on the diaper bag/purse. This way they are still feeling “in control” and I do not have to hold their hand if my hands are already full. Also, we just have a rule that you MUST hold my hand or stay with me while crossing the street or parking lot. Teach them at an early age what to do when you get to a crosswalk or place where cars are crossing. Talk them through it each time you cross a street--“okay, look both ways, are there any cars coming?”--so that if they do happen to run away they will stop and look by habit. Advice: We use "red light/green light." I allow my son to run up ahead a short distance and then call out red light. As I get closer then I yell green light and he takes off again. If he doesn't stop when I call red light then he must hold my hand and walk with me. There are times when I play along with him by allowing him to call out the light colors. We do this when we are on a walk in the park or someplace where there aren't moving cars or water. Advice: I used a stroller or cart in stores until my son was about 3 years old. As long as we were on the move, he stayed in the stroller. As he got older, I gave him snacks, toys, and books to play with while he was sitting. I would never had tried to walk through a retail establishment with him! Advice: I simply yell "STOP, WAIT PLEASE" and that usually helps. Not yelling at the top of the lungs, just a firm tone, only as loud as necessary. It is key to stay calm and not scream "GET BACK HERE NOW!!!!!!" (which I've heard parents do and usually evokes a tantrum or crying fit from the child). Granted, we've been doing this one for quite awhile, so she knows I mean business. If she continues moving away from me, then I threaten with one warning that next time she doesn’t stay close we will leave the mall and go home to sit in our room. Believe me I have done it and it isn’t pretty, but only a couple of times has it really been needed!! Advice: In the grocery store or other stores that have carts I give him two warnings and if he does it a third time he knows he will either get strapped into the cart up in the baby seat or down in the truck seat. That is the only time I use the straps so he knows I mean business, and he hates being strapped in anything. He stays there until we get to the car after shopping is finished. Advice: When our daughter was between one and two, we actually used the "leash". I know that a lot of people find it controversial because it is too close to something we would do for our dogs - I felt that way too until I had a runner. It really gave us peace of mind when we were in airports or crowded places. She felt more independent then if she were in a stroller and we felt that she was safe. Target has cute "leashes" that look like animal back packs. Once our daughter got older we made it into a game because stop (i.e. red light green light) wasn't working. For example, when unloading from the car - how long can you stand on the white line, can you keep one hand on the door, etc. We have a great book about hands (Hands are not for Hitting) which describes things we need our hands for such as "keeping safe" - this is something that we discuss often and it seems to have helped (i.e. holding hands when crossing the street, in parking lot, etc.).
Here is a recipe I found at www.foodnetwork.com. It sounds great for those of us that like to cook but are a bit on the lazy side (like me) – this one uses store bought pound cake! Try making it for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day! Raspberry Valentines Recipe courtesy of Cooking Live 1 store-bought pound cake Slice pound cake into 4 (1-inch) slices. With a medium-sized heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out hearts from each slice of pound cake. Set aside. In a medium bowl combine 1/2 the raspberries and the sugar. Crush berries with a fork. Add remaining raspberries to the bowl. Add the lemon juice and mix well. Whip chilled cream until the soft peak stage. Using 2 dessert plates, place 1 heart on each plate. Pour 3/4 of the raspberry mixture over each cake. Cover cakes with another pound cake heart. Top with whipped cream and remaining raspberry mixture.
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