Scrapbooking vs. saving photos from the scrap heap
Stickers, acid-free paper, fine-line pens, cricut, stamps, stencils, sequins, ribbon, twine … the list is endless of the tools and intricate items you’ll want to buy when you start scrapbooking.
My sister and niece are avid scrapbooking fans, and they have the craftily designed photo books to prove it.
Me? I have a scrapbook my sister made for me when my son was born, another she made for my husband’s birthday, and pages that she mostly assisted on. Even with years of buying paper, stickers and special scissors … and making sure to collect tickets and items from vacation destinations and snap photos to fit a theme page … my scrapbooking efforts are primarily a “scrap” heap.
So, I decided this past weekend to do something a little crazy.
I uploaded our vacation, family and first-day-of-school photos to Walgreen’s, picked up the photo order, bought a photo album and spent 5 minutes carefully sliding the paper memories into their protective sleeves.
Voila!
Not exactly crafty — although I was tempted to buy sticky sequins and place them haphazardly throughout the album – but I was done.
Later that day, my daughter was sitting on the couch, and she was flipping through the photo album.
So, the next day, I did it again. I ordered more prints and bought two more albums.
My kids love looking at family photos. Instead of making these family memories accessible, I had been storing them on discs or my computer desktop or stuffing them in envelopes with plans to crop and scrapbook.
I just needed to realize that sometimes a simple approach is still OK.
– Linda Lynn
Mother’s Day – What I want most
5 going on 15
It seems like it was just last week I was pushing around my little man in a stroller … able to contain him in any environment – the mall, the zoo, the arts festival.
But just a few short weeks ago, my baby turned 5 and I found myself registering him for kindergarten, setting up his big-boy bed in his room, and holding my breath as he went on the kiddie roller-coaster at the local amusement park.
Of course, it was a nonstop celebration to honor Hunter’s turning 5. It was a day he’d been anxious for and with all the begging and pleading, it still couldn’t come quick enough for him. For me? It’s always too quick.
A week full of a visit from Gwennie (as grandma is so affectionately called) culminated in the party of the century with a big dancing, talking mouse (any guesses?). A chocolate-only cake, decorated in Star Wars fashion was on the menu, topped with Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker with real working light sabres (it doesn’t get cooler than that). Friends, family and even a girlfriend (yes, girlfriend!) made the event extra special for my little guy.
And it seems things have changed overnight. My 5-year-old is already going on 15. The phrases he uses, the facial expressions, the eye-rolls … the ones that say “Mom, you are so not cool” when I’m trying to make him laugh. Worrying about giving his mom kisses in public … worrying about whether his jeans are “regular” or “skinny” and if his shirt is tucked just right. He’ll readily stick up for friends if they find themselves on the receiving end of a bully’s push. And he still manages to tell me how pretty he thinks I am and but now adds how he thinks I should wear my hair.
He’s truly turning into his own little man. As fast as it goes, it gets better every day.
-Erica Smith
It’s hot in there – Don’t leave children and dogs in parked cars
As the temperature rises, it’s getting warmer … but it’s even hotter inside your vehicle.
Don’t leave your children or pets inside your parked cars.
Would you want to be locked in a car with temperatures more than 100 degrees?
According to AAA, “On a summer day in Oklahoma, the inside temperature of a car can reach more than 100 degrees in just a short time. Heatstroke can occur in an adult when the temperature reaches 104 degrees and death can occur at 107 degrees; for a child, it is less.”
You might think you’re going to be “just a minute,” or maybe that ”it’s not that hot outside, so it must be OK in the car.”
But, you’re wrong. A minute can turn into 5, which can turn into 10, which can turn into half an hour. If you throw a hot car into the scenario, you’re putting your loved ones in jeopardy.
AAA also warns owners to keep their automobiles locked at all times when they’re not in use, so a curious child doesn’t become trapped in the vehicle.
Here are safety tips from AAA:
- Never leave a child unattended in a car, even for a minute, and even if the windows are tinted or down. The same recommendations apply to pets and the elderly.
- Never leave car keys where children have access to them.
- Keep doors locked and windows closed at all times, even when the vehicle is in the garage or on a driveway.
- Make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination.
Don’t leave anyone behind:
- When you first place a child in a car seat in the back seat of the car, also open the glove compartment door, flip down the passenger side visor or put a purse in the back seat. These actions can serve as visual reminders that a child is in the back seat.
- If you see a child alone in a locked, parked car, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.
March for Babies May 7 at State Fair Park
The March of Dimes annual March for Babies is planned for Saturday, May 7, at State Fair Park.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the program beginning at 9 a.m.
The day also will include a DJ, children’s carnival games and activities, a bounce house, face painting, team photos, food and a visit from Rumble during registration.
Funds raised by March for Babies in Oklahoma help support prenatal wellness programs, community grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.
The fee is $10 per walker.
For more information about the event, visit March for Babies or call (405) 943-1025
Goodnight, Sweet Dreams … Why is everyone still talking?
After my daughter saw a spider on her bed – tis the season of springtime creepy crawlies – she spent a few nights in her sister’s room on the trundle.
She complained, though, that her younger sister talked in her sleep. I told her she used to do that, too, and to be more tolerant, especially since she was the visitor.
A few days later, she ended up sleeping in my room, too, since she had worn out her welcome elsewhere. Early the next morning before she awoke, she started yelling, “No!” in an argumentative tone. She was obviously arguing with someone in a dream. I was hoping it wasn’t me.
Last night, my youngest son started talking in his sleep … “mml…go” … which, in his language, is “Wanta go,” which he loves to do.
So, within a week’s time, all my children have been talking in their sleep.
What does this mean? I would guess it has something to do with unrestful sleep. All have either been sick, suffering from allergies or just tired.
Of course, it was a full moon recently, too.
–Linda Lynn
Do your kids make you laugh? Share and win
Chicken of the Sea is launching the Chicken of the Sea Funniest Kids’ Quotes Contest™, asking parents to submit the funniest remarks their child has ever said with the contest winners being chosen by popular public vote.
That funny gem could win your family a trip to a Disney park, or a cash prize of $1,000 or $500.
Parents are encouraged to visit Chicken of the Sea on Facebook and submit a short, written description showcasing their child’s funny comment or question. The contest submission period will end June 6.
Starting June 7, contest participants are encouraged to get their Facebook friends to vote for them once per day. Voting ends June 28. The grand-prize winner, first runner-up and second runner-up will be announced July 7.
During the contest submission period, Chicken of the Sea will also be giving away prize packs to one random contest entrant each Friday.
Coupon was pot ‘o gold
Thank you, coupon fairy!
I had stopped by a local store to pick up a few items, and there, on top of the diaper boxes, was a $2 off coupon for the item I wanted.
Someone had shared from their own coupon collection, and though I’ve seen stray coupons scattered with products at stores before, today was my day to take advantage of the gift.
While $2 might not seem like much, it adds up.
Inspired by my daughter’s Lent sacrifice of all softdrinks, I decided to give up everything Starbucks and sweet tea.
These sugary drinks and the food I always bought to accompany them were becoming an addiction that was bleeding my purse of $3 here, $5 there and $7 from somewhere!
The tall, decaf, no-whip, peppermint mocha was my little reward — and for “me” time.
I’m not saying I’ll never drink one again, but I needed to put my “little” expenses into perspective.
Although I never saw my dad with a cigarette in his hand, he would tell a story of how he quit, cold turkey, once he realized he could have bought a car with the money he had spent on his habit.
I don’t think my beverage expenses will even come close to buying a car – but maybe a set of tires for a car.
With so many costs related to basic living needs, my children, their schools, doctor visits, etc. and the desire to be able to maybe afford another home someday, I’m taking a second look at my budget — one cup at a time.
Linda Lynn
Baby on board … She got her driver’s license!
There’s the old joke when a 16-year-old gets a driver’s license that everyone better “watch out.” It’s usually followed by a laugh that the young driver doesn’t really appreciate.
Well, today my “baby” got her driver’s license. I’m sure she’ll hear plenty of remarks, some in fun, some congratulatory.
But, for my husband and me, it’s scary.
As I said, she’s our “baby.” She will always be, no matter how old she gets.
Lacking the mileage of an experienced driver, she isn’t as quick to react. And, like any driver, she can make mistakes.
After riding with her the other night, there had been a discussion of my hesitation when I told her whether a lane was clear. After we were home, and we’d destressed a bit, I sat down with her.
“The decisions you make when you’re driving are life and death decisions,” I told her. I didn’t like having the conversation, but it’s exactly what every driver needs to be told.
I remember when I first got my license, and I’m sure my driving wasn’t perfect. If it had been, my mother wouldn’t have been applying the invisible brake on her side of the car every time she rode with me.
Now, I seem to be pressing on the invisible brake when I’m in the passenger’s seat. It’s annoying to my daughter, but it’s just a reaction on my part.
Although we’re still not ready to let go and give her full reins of the car, I know this rite of passage will be helpful in the future. Those early morning band rehearsals, trips to the store for last-minute items, meeting friends … these are all reasons that another driver in the family could prove useful.
Friends and family also are encouraging. They’ve experienced first-hand how it made their schedules a little more manageable.
I’m not sure we’re ready, but she is. She is moving forward, growing.
I just want her to keep in mind the responsibility she carries with her every time she gets behind the wheel of a car. My baby’s in that car.
Linda Lynn
Students not sidelined by their developmental delays
This morning’s Roundup assembly was pretty special at Edmond’s West Field Elementary School.
For the first time, the children from the developmentally delayed classes were the presenters.
Their teachers were nervous, the students were orderly on the risers, wearing Dr. Seuss hats made from red and white paper.
My son, Cade, was one of the younger students involved and was placed on the front row.
When I came into the gym, he ran over to me to give me a hug — a couple of times. So, I had to leave and then sneak back in to sit in another location.
Friday morning “Roundup” is a gathering of all the teachers and students. They recite the Pledge of Allegiance and school creed, listen to announcements and sing songs. It’s a good way to end the week and recognize students and classes for their weekly accomplishments.
Each week, a different group of students helps to present the program.
As the students said their names and directed the gathering on what was coming next, it was moving to see their excitement, anticipation and delivery of their speaking parts.
When Cade said his name, his voice was loud and sweet. His language development is still “developing,” but you couldn’t mistake the way he proudly spoke into the microphone.
I smiled and laughed a little, giddy with the excitement of seeing my baby perform in front of a group. Then, for a moment, tears came to my eyes, a flash flood of emotions coming over me.
But I recovered and was able to enjoy this simple — but very important — moment of the day.
Afterward, the teachers were asking questions, “How did they sound? Could you hear them?” and saying, “They did such a good job!”
It was a milestone for the school. It’s not only good for the students who presented, but also for the students in the audience. And good for the teachers. And good for the parents attending.
And good for the community.
These lovely children are a part of the community, and the public display of their talents and dedication is a lesson in how they, too, can contribute to the activities in everyday life.
It was a proud and moving moment for me.
Linda Lynn
