Share 'Em If You Got 'Em: Halloween Party Ideas for Kindergarteners

T.G.I.F.! Whew, I'm glad this week is almost over!

Not only am I ready for the weekend but I'm also ready to join Kailani of An Island Life for Aloha Friday.  Each week participants are asked a question and, in turn, ask questions on their own blogs.

And do I have a good question this week - one that I could really use some help on.

Big Brother is in Kindergarteners and I'm in charge of planning this year's Halloween Party.

While I'm great at choosing Halloween costumes (yes, we are one of those - the buyers!), preparing a menu, creating awesome little gift bags, I am not having such good luck on deciding on games for these little folks.

Most are reading yet, so forget anything that requires recognizing words.  This age has the attention span of gnats, so I don't want to do anything that requires much patience.   Based on simple safety precautions, things like bobbing for apples and games with sticks or other potential weapon type objects are also out.  And, since I like to plan TRULY ORIGINAL parties, things like Pin the Tail on the Black Cat is out.

Now that you know my dislikes, no-nos, and purely objectables, and you're not just shaking your head thinking, "Lady, there ain't nobody that can help you," I'd like to ask:

Do You Have Any Unique and Fun Halloween
Game Ideas for 5 and 6 year old Kindergarteners?

Think it goes without saying that I have no answer to this.  But if you've got something, I'm really anxious to hear it!  And THANKS SO MUCH in advance

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Prince Or Princess? for Aloha Friday!

First, I gotta say two things: (1) TGIF! You with me? and (2) The kids are back in school and I'm back in the Aloha Friday game!

For those of you who don't know what Aloha Friday is, here is what Kailani at An Island Life (the host of this meme) has to say:  "In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too."

Ask a question, answer questions.  That's how we roll with the Aloha Friday meme!

Ok, this week my question is about babies....

As parents, when we learning we're having baby, although we may not admit it, there's typically a gender that we favor.  (I do believe in the "as long as it's healthy parents" but I think the majority harbor a wish for either a boy or a girl.)  And some people even use methods to pick the gender of the baby (with some success, so I've heard).   
So, here's the question:

Did you (or do you) have a special preference for a specific gender any of the time(s) you were expecting a baby?

MY ANSWER:
The first time I was pregnant, I was just 17 and unwed; so I don't know that I really took time to think about a preferance.  I had a boy.  The second time I was pregnant, I desperately wanted a girl.  But once I realized I was having a boy, I was okay with it.  The third time, I really wanted a girl again.  But when I laid eyes on my third baby boy, all that wishing was forgotten.  Then I quit trying.  And surprise baby number four...well, I wanted a girl.  And that's what I got! 

Head on over to An Island Life to play Aloha Friday!

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18 Year Old Birthday Ideas....Anyone?

It's Aloha Friday time! Hosted by Kailani at An Island Life.

Seems like forever since I joined in. Actually, seems like forever since I've updated my blog.

Definitely getting harder to do these days with a one-year-old running loose. :)

Anyways....Can you believe on Tuesday I will have an 18-year-old son? I can't!



Seems like just yesterday he was I was holding him in my arms. Unsure what to do with his little wrinkled, red self. (Not to mention that funky cone shaped head where the doctor vaccuumed him out...lol)

Before I get all weepy...

He doesn't want a big shindig from Mom and Dad - which I understand, being a guy and all - but I'd like to do something a little extra special for this birthday besides the standard cake, ice cream, gift.

What would be something a little extra special I could do
for an 18-year-old boy's man's birthday?

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Ideas for a Princess Birthday Party?

Princess A's first birthday is less than a month away. I can't believe it!

During this first year, she has really developed any serious "favorites," so I've decided I get to pick the theme. :)

At first I had thought of doing a Minnie Mouse theme since we call her our Disney baby (she was a surprise baby with first symptoms that popped up during our Disney World vacation).

But... to host a MM (or even a Disney Princess) party for the number of people we're inviting would cost an exorbitant amount, I've opted to go instead with a generic princess theme.

I've got the invitations (which are so not a Princess theme but...), ordered a custom birthday tutu set, and picked out the party supplies, but after that I need some great ideas.

After all, this will be the last 1st birthday party I'll get to throw for any of my children, she's my baby, and our only girl.

So it's gotta be good! :)

WHAT'S YOUR IDEAS FOR A 1ST BIRTHDAY PRINCESS PARTY?
(Menu, games, party favors, decorations, etc.)

Join in the Aloha Friday fun at An Island Life

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Do You Want To Know Your Future?

I'm guessing that many of the questions for today's Aloha Friday, graciously hosted by An Island Life, are going to be Halloween related.

Trying not to steer too far from such an appropriate theme, I'm going to play with a something different from the mysterious and (somewhat) dark side.

Fortune telling. Psychics. Predicting the future.

My Question:

Assuming that you wanted to, what is ONE thing you would like to know about your future?

My Answer:

I had to think long and hard about this answer. I think I would want to know my date of death. Not that I'm particularly morbid, but by knowing that date I could be guaranteed to have my affairs in order and to have said my good-byes.

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Tip Me! What's The Best Tip You've Ever Received?

Short and sweet this week-

My Question:

What is the best tip you've ever received. About life, love, parenting, etc.?

My Answer:

I have received many wonderful tidbits of advice during my lifetime, but if I had to choose one it would be: Pick your battles.

While the advisor is usually referring to children, I've found it is something that applies to life in general.

And since learning to follow this advice, life is much more simpler and enjoyable.

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What Is Your Very First Memory?

According to researchers, the average age for first memories (or the ending of childhood amnesia, as some scientist call it) is between 3 1/2 years and 4.

WHAT'S YOUR VERY FIRST MEMORY AND HOW OLD ARE YOU?

My Answer:

Thinking as far back as I can, my first memory occurs just shortly before I turned three.

I am sitting on my tricycle in the front yard of my childhood home. There is a big black and white "worm" on the ground in front of me. I am screaming. I can recall my (much younger) father running toward me and my very pregnant mother (with my brother who was born 2 days after my 3rd birthday) waddling quickly behind him.

Many years later, I learned that the "worm" was actually a snake. It was only about 3 inches long and was green.

So while I have a younger-than-average memory, it contains several inaccuracies.

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What's Your Favorite New Fall Television Show?

There are a lot of returning shows in this seasons television line-up, but there's plenty of new shows that are bound to become favorites.

Although I didn't catch it, I have heard A LOT of rave reviews about ABC's Flash Forward; a dramatic new series that begins with everyone in the world blacking out for 2 minutes and seeing 6 months into their own future.

CBS also introduced a new sitcom: Accidentally On Purpose. Based on a book by the same name, this 30-minute funny-show is centered around a single woman, her unplanned pregnancy, and coping with the biological father who was supposed to be a one-night-stand.

NBC brought Jay Leno back this season. After leaving late night television, he now has his own hour long show during prime time.

So - here's my question to you this week:

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE NEW FALL TELEVISION SHOW?

My Answer:

I'm loyal kinda gal, holding fast to my favorites such as Law & Order: SVU, Medium, New Adventures of Old Christine, and anything during CBS' Monday night comedy line-up but this season, I'm also adding The Good Wife (CBS) to my must-watch list.

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When Did Tacky Kill Class?

The photo at right is from the intended Kings Island (Cinncinati, Ohio) Halloween Haunt display for 2009.

This skeleton represents Farah Fawcett, who was but one of many "guests" to the now defunct (after much public outcry) display which also included the "likeness" of Billy Mays, Dave Thomas, Michael Jackson, and Steve McNair and his mistress/murderer Saleh Kazemi. (Photo below)

After pushing the boundaries and creating a massive public outcry, Kings Island has yanked their "celebrity line-up" from their Halloween display with a statement by spokesperson Don Helbig that they never intended "to be distasteful."

Are you kidding me??

In my opinion, a blind monkey could see that the displays were not only distasteful but out right rude, crude, and offensive to families - especially those celebrities with young children.

My Question:

Do you think this display was tacky? and why or why not?

Find More Aloha Friday at Island Life

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Where Were You On September 11, 2001?

Please take time today to remember the victims of the worst attack to ever occur on American soil: September 11, 2001.

And remember those victims still bearing the grief today of losing a loved one.

Most of all REMEMBER.

My Question:

Where were you on the morning of September 11, 2001 when you heard the news that America was under a terrorist attack?

My Answer:

Even 8 years later, it's difficult to remember that day without crying.

I had only been at work for a short while when friends from a nearby law office called to ask if I had turned on my television. When I responded that I hadn't, I was told that a plane had hit the World Trade Center and asked to see what the news reports were saying.

At this time, there was no indication that this was anything other than a horrendous accident.

Not long after turning on the television, I witnessed live as the second plane flew into the second tower of the WTC.

Even in my small town, hundreds of miles from New York, it seemed that mass confusion ensued as people began exiting their businesses looking for confirmation that what they had just seen on television or heard on the radio was real.

I will never forget how, in that one day, everything seemed to come to a grinding halt. Everyone gathered together to watch the news reports; hoping somehow that it was all wrong. Only later to watch as reports came in about the Pentagon and United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

I remember being sickened as the towers crumbled; knowing the fate of those who remained inside.

I will forever carry images of fireman and police officers who ran toward danger to save the lives of people who they had never even met - many to forever leave behind wives, husbands and children.

I will always admire those who I knew personally, and those I didn't, who - without a second thought of their own safety - headed north to render aid in any way they could.

I will always hold in the highest regard the men and women who fight the war in Iraq - to ensure our safety against such evilness - despite the callousness of many Americans who now claim that we are fighting a rich man's war; a war about oil.

Because they have forgotten.

But I will never forget.

Find More Aloha Friday at An Island Life

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Will Your Children Hear President Obama's Speech Tuesday?

From WorldNetDaily: "Parents across the country are rebelling against plans by President Barack Obama to speak directly to their children through the classrooms of the nation's public schools without their presence, participation and approval....

At issue was an announcement that Obama plans to deliver a message directly to students via the Internet into public school classrooms across the nation on Sept. 8.

According to announcement posted on ServiceWire.org, Obama will address students "about the importance of persisting and succeeding in school" at 1 p.m. Eastern at the WhiteHouse.gov website.

The announcement said the federal Department of Education "is encouraging educators, students and parents to use this opportunity to help students get focused and begin the school year strong."

The government also is publicizing a list of suggestions for students and teachers to do in preparation for the speech, including studying Barack Obama's writings and presidency."

[read the complete article....]

My Question:

Will you allow your children to participate in this event if your school district opts to broadcast it?

My Answer:

I think I've made my thoughts pretty clear in previous posts...lol....no, my children will not be permitted to attend school on that day.

It is MY responsibility to teach MY children about citizenship, not a President who has so been so transparent in his arrogant, egotistical views.

Although I declare my self a Republican, I can assure you if a Republican President was so brazenly against my views on morality, economics, citizenship, and race as Obama, my children would not listen to him either.

Have a Safe & Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Visit More Aloha Friday at An Island Life.

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Are You A Procrastinator?

My husband is driving me CRAZY!

I can be a procrastinator, but when it comes to projects I like to get them over and done!

Usually, Brian is this way too. But he hates (and that's putting it nicely) this fence project he started.

And now here it sits, almost finished and he keeps piddling with his other projects.

And I'm slowly, but surely, losing my mind.

My Question: Is there a project that you're putting off starting or finishing?

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What's The One Thing You Couldn't Live Without?

We've all got something that we couldn't live without.

Or think so anyway.

I'm not talking about food, clothing, shelter - needs.

I'm talking about a want that we've turned into a need.

For me, it's a book.

I always have to have something to read. And if I find myself without a book, it's like I'm a lost puppy. I just don't know what to do.

Most everyone else I know would say: internet, television, cell phone, computer, dishwasher.

Not me. I'm a nerd. I can live without those things as long as I have a book.


My Question:


What's the One Thing You Couldn't Live Without?

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What's The Funniest Thing Your Kid Said? (Kidisms)

I love kidisms! You know, those funny - usually one liners - that kids are prone to pop off with at the least opportune time.

My four-year-old - who we call Big Brother - either refuses or just can't seem to get the "T" in the word "Hunting." So, he goes around saying, "Hunking."

While it's hilarious to us - so much so that, at one time or another, all of us have jokingly said "hunking" instead of "hunting" - it can be embarrassing when you run into someone, usually a someone that you haven't talked to in a while, and your preschooler spouts out "I'm going deer hunking with my Dad!"

This innocent little phrase typically evokes a tried-to-be-discreet-but-failed look of shock along with a "You're what?"

I, of course, always "translate," much to the relief of said individual.

Right now, at times, it can make me want to crawl under a table. But I know one day, when he's all grown up and got the "t" in "hunting" down to a tee (hopefully), this is one of his adorable little sayings that I will look back fondly on.

What's Your Kidisms?

Have you blogged about your own child's or another kid's kidisms? Share your link!

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Share Your Thoughts On A Fat Tax

In 2008, Alabama instituted what some refer to as a "fat tax."

State employees who peruse the insurance plans available to them will be required to undergo medical screenings. Those who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high glucose will have to pay $25 a month more in health insurance beginning in January 2011, if they don't take steps to address their health problems.

And it's not just Alabama looking to take steps to rid their residents of their love handles.

New York, since last year, has been tossing the idea around of a similar tax - sometimes referred to as a "Twinkie Tax" - that would place tax penalties on items such as non-diet soft drinks.

Now that the hot topic of Universal Health Care is on the table, many believe that a "fat tax" will be one of the first means of paying for the program.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON STATE OR FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS IMPOSING FAT TAXES ON THEIR CITIZENS?

On the surface, this seems like a good idea considering that 72 million (1/3) adults in the U.S. are now overweight or obese; add to that the 32% of American children who are overweight.

Upon learning of the possibilities of fat taxes becoming a nationwide mandate, I took time to seriously contemplate the pros and the cons.

Overall, however, I see a major problem: one more way the government is telling us how we should live.

What it really boils down to is this: American's are willing to take responsibility for their health, so the government wants to jump in with a health plan. In turn for your free (said tongue in cheek) healthcare they control your diet; or, at the very least, make you pay extra for your goodies.

I personally think that Americans need a little lesson in tough love - meaning the government can butt out. If we can't control ourselves from eating all the unhealthy stuff out there, then let the thinning of the herd begin!

Let us fend for ourselves for a while and maybe common sense will make a comeback.

And if not, oh well....

I have my diet well under control considering my scare with gestational diabetes; but about once every three months, I allow myself a sweet little treat. And, quite frankly, I'm not to keen as paying a tax on that goody that serves the same as a governmental slap on my hand.

Besides, has anyone noticed that the arrogant men and women looking to punish the "bad people" have innertubes around their wastes and vienna sausage fingers?

Ha! How about we give this idea a test run on them first and see if actually works? I'll go ahead and put my money down on a BIG FAT ~FAIL~!

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Your Thoughts On Pregnancy and STD Testing In Schools

Beginning this fall, schools (elementary, middle and high schools) in Port Chester, New York will be administering pregnancy and STD testing to requesting students.

If the child tests positive, s/he will be referred to a nearby off-campus medical clinic.

The policy was put into place by Port Chester school officials after realizing that 19 of 525 (roughly 4%) high school girls were pregnant or parenting in 2008.

Parental notification is not required prior to testing. However, the board did election to require notification of parents before pap smears or the dispensation of the "morning after pill" although New York state law does not require such disclosure for a minor.

My question for you this week:

Do you agree or disagree with this new policy by the Port Chester school board?

My Answer:

I do not agree with any legislation (federal, state, or local) that permits a kindergartner to be tested for such serious matters as pregnancy and STDs.

Quite frankly, if you have a child in elementary that needs testing for these potential "ailments," you've got bigger problems than for what they are testing.

Some have argued it is a good thing because children are afraid to approach their parents on these subjects. Well, in my opinion, when children did have to go to their parents because they were pregnant or needed to be treated for an STD, there was a lot less of it going on.

So maybe the government should butt out of raising our children for us, because all of their "efforts" to decrease is only resulting in drastic increases.

Maybe letting parents be responsible for their children would be a nice "change."

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Tell Me About The Best Life Lesson You've Learned

I used to be extremely judgmental of people. I was horrible! It seemed that there was constantly critizing someone for the things they did; how they reacted to situations.

I never really believed I was better than anyone, but my thoughts and actions sure didn't show it.

I guess more than anything I thought I was smarter than others; or maybe I thought things could never happen to me and, if they did it wouldn't be nearly as bad. Because I, the all-knowing one, would handle it perfectly.

Boy, was I ever setting myself up to be taught some horrendous life lessons. Lessons that would come with heartache and headache and leave me in a position to be judged myself.

I made it through those difficult times; and surprisingly mentally and emotionally intact (although at times that is questionable).

I wouldn't trade what I experienced for anything in the world. By walking the proverbial mile in someone else shoes, I have learned to be a better person, mother, and wife. I also learned to think before you speak or act because, at some point in life (whether it be sooner or later), it will come home to you.

My question for you this week:

What's The Best Life Lesson You've Learned?

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This Mom Blog Goes Political About Universal Health Care

I know what many have said: Mom blogs shouldn't be political.

I've never really understood the reasoning behind that thought.

Just because I'm a mother and I blog mostly about "Mom things", doesn't mean I don't have opinions on current political issues.

So I'm going to cross that line today and go a bit political on a topic that has many people talking these days: Universal Health Care in the U.s.

To be frank about it, I'm against a universal health care system.

While it is sad that there are many who cannot afford health care, I'm so happy to live in a country where at least good excellent care can be found.

I don't care where you go in the world, money does talk. Even in Canada, the very basis of argument for a universal health care system in the United States, offers private clinics where you can avoid excessive waits - up to 2 or 3 years just to get a family doctor! - if you can afford to pay for it out-of-pocket.

I've known several people who have become very ill and had an inability to pay high medical costs. In those cases, the community came together -as most will do - and held fundraisers to help those in need.

And because of a competitive medical society, where cash fuels awesome care, those people were able to get effective treatment quickly.

My sister-in-law was one of those people. Suffering from severe Type I diabetes, she was in desperate need of a pancreas transplant. With the aid of fundraisers, she was able have a successful surgery in a relatively short amount of time.

If she had lived in a country with a universal health care system, chances are she would still be waiting - if she was still alive to wait.

My Question To You:

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON A UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES?

And, if you have a few minutes, watch this video on the truth about the Canadian health care system:

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What Is Your Everyday Attire?

Being a full time mom doesn't leave me much reason to get gussied up everday like I did when working as a legal secretary.

Oh boy, sometimes I really miss those days.

I'm happy to say that, unlike some of my friends - fellow Moms (real life and online), I at least get out of my pajamas every day. (God love 'em, they crack me up!) But I'll admit, I have some days that I don't bother to put on more than a ragged pair of shorts and an even rattier t-shirt.

Most days though, I give a little effort; at least in dressing. And I can be found in a pair of capri pants and a tank-top.

Now...the hair, no so much. (Gotta love a pony tail, right?) But that's another post for another day.

So my question to you this week is:

WHAT'S YOUR EVERYDAY ATTIRE?

Aloha Friday is brought to you by Kailani at An Island Life.
To find out more, visit her blog at http://www.island808.com/

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