If your new here welcome it is great to have you here.  If you are returning thanks for stopping by again.  I hope you participate in our weekly round up you can do so by adding your answers in the comment area or on your blog,  please leave a comment so we can stop by and see what you were up to this week.  We do have some banners for our weekly round up if you are interested in using them.

1. Did you learn anything exciting this week?
2. Did you teach anyone anything this week?
3. Share something that happened that made you smile.
4. How have you been doing with your New Years Resolutions?

1. Did you learn anything exciting this week?

This week I learned that I can’t do it all, And with out my Husband I would probably be a lost puppy

2. Did you teach anyone anything this week?

Taught the Children how to make Hats

3. Share something that happened that made you smile.

Watching the little ones play dress up.

4. How have you been doing with your New Years Resolutions?

Not as good as I hoped.

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They have been troopers being such great helpers around the house and letting me nap. I make time to do little projects with them then a little snooze here and there. Having to do the daily stuff has been taking more energy then normal I hope this adjustment hurries up soon.

Fathers day was probably not the best day for Ned, He had to work around the house since the rest of his off we were running around town and it was his only day to do it. I felt so bad I was so ‘out of it’ to help out. I plan on giving him a day off to do what he wants to on his next off next week to rest and do nothing. We will see how that goes. He has been super supportive with this whole change of meds thing its amazing.

This weekend is Hoopfest Alin and a few of his friends are participating so he is practicing a ton lately. I hope they do well. I hope to get down there, not sure though since I really don’t do well with crowds and having to take the little two not sure it will be a good thing for me to do or not.

So that’s about it here. Thanks for stopping by

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It’s fairly well known that kids should not be exposed to certain types of paint. The chemical fumes are quite obvious, and the containers are clearly labeled with warnings about breathing those fumes and ingesting the product. But many parents are unaware that not every product that contains toxic ingredients is clearly identified. There are certain labeling standards that must be adhered to by law, but the label doesn’t always tell the whole story.

Every art supply sold in the United States must conform to ASTM D 4236 standards. This means that they must display warnings if they present an acute or chronic health hazard. Manufacturers are not, however, required to list each product’s ingredients on the label.

Some art supply manufacturers have their products tested by the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI), which is a non-profit organization that conducts evaluation and testing. ACMI may approve the product or require the manufacturer to place a caution label on it. Products with caution labels are not recommended for use by children.

While these measures are helpful, some harmful products can still slip through the cracks. For example, in 2000, three brands of crayons bearing the ACMI seal of approval were reportedly found to contain asbestos. While asbestos was not used as an ingredient, it may contaminate talc, which was an ingredient. ACMI testing did not find asbestos, but the manufacturers voluntarily stopped using talc in their products.

Another concern involves ACMI’s standards for approval. They do not require that products contain no toxins whatsoever, but that toxins not be present in quantities that pose a hazard. That means that approved products may contain small amounts of solvents, heavy metals, phthalates and other substances that are known to be dangerous.

How to Choose Safe Products

Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee that a product we buy off the shelves contains absolutely no toxic chemicals. But we can make choices that are less likely to harm our children’s health. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Avoid oil-based paints. They often contain solvents that can cause serious health problems. Watercolors are the safest choice for children, but even they can contain dangerous pigments. Make sure they bear the ACMI approved seal.
• Keep kids away from anything with a strong smell. This is usually an indicator that a solvent is present. In addition to paint, such solvents may be found in markers. Choose markers that are water-based if possible. Alcohol-based markers contain some toxins, but they are less toxic than solvent-based ones.
• Steer clear of rubber cement and similar adhesives. They contain neurotoxins. White glue and library paste are much safer choices.
• Do not allow children to work with dry clay. Clay contains silica, which can be harmful if inhaled. Wet clay is much safer. Children should be kept away from kilns, because some of the dust is released when clay is dried in them.

If you are concerned about toxic chemicals in store-bought art supplies, you can make your own. Finger paint and playdough are easy to make at home. Using all-natural ingredients can eliminate concerns about hazardous chemicals. Recipes may be found online.

It’s unfortunate that many art supplies can be detrimental to our children’s health. But if we make informed choices, we can greatly reduce the risk and concentrate on the good things about art for kids.

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Spending time together as a family is something that strong families do. Some teens are more independent than others, and may not need the extra time and attention. However, your teen may need your undivided attention on regular basis - more than you know. Since you know your teen best, you can determine how much time the two of you need to spend together.

Are they going through a hard time at school? They may need to know that you’re available to listen without judging them. You can encourage them by explaining some of the trouble you faced when you were their age. If they know that what they’re going through is common to teens, it may help them feel better about the situation and themselves.

They may have broken up with their boyfriend or girlfriend and need you to reassure them that it’s not the end of the world. You don’t want to give them platitudes about young love or time heals all wounds. Offer them a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen.

Perhaps your family has been affected by divorce and your teen feels like the split is their fault. It could also be that since their parents aren’t together anymore they’re feeling vulnerable and that their world has been torn apart. It’s times like this that teens need extra time and attention. You may want to concentrate on them to let them know the breakup of your marriage wasn’t their fault and that you’re not going anywhere. Reassure them that you and your spouse still love them but that you had problems that you couldn’t overcome.

Whatever the situation that makes your teen feel that they need you, you’ll want to know how can you spend more time with them? It’s not as hard as you think. In fact, it could be as easy as eating meals together each night instead of everyone running their separate ways.

You could also try taking up a shared hobby or sport. Has your teen always wanted to try rollerblading? Now would be the perfect time for both of you to take it up. If you have a teen daughter, you may want to spend time going through old photographs and create scrapbooks together - one for each of you.

It’s not really that important what you do to give your teen time and attention. What’s important is that you’re actually spending time together, talking, and listening to what they have to say. They want to know they matter and spending time with them can help accomplish this.

Experts agree that friends and peers are important to children and teens, but there’s no one that can compare to the influence a family has on them. When teens spend regular, quality time with their families, they get the type of support that only families can give. And that support can make a world of difference in their quality of life.

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If this is your first time visiting a Weekly Round Up welcome it is great to have you here. What we do is basically share a little about our week, the good the bad and the unexpected with this short little meme.

1. What do you feel best about this week.
2. Any thing not go as you planned this week?
3. Share a good event of this week.
4. Have you planned anything for the summer?

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1.Disney World

This ultimate family vacation has been the source of great joy for adults and kids alike. Whether you stay several miles from the theme park or enjoy the onsite amenities, this vacation affords you an endless array of activities designed for the entire family. From Epcot Center to Sea World; from Disney Village to Universal Studios; Water parks to Wildlife parks; no time is wasted at this world-famous resort.
Moreover, many online travel sites are offering special packages to Disney World as well as Southwest Airlines and others. In addition, you can save quite a bit of money by selecting hotels that offer free stays for children, as well as free meals for the little ones. This is one destination where you can easily book a trip based on your budget and stick to it.

2. Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch.

From Alaska to Wyoming, there are a multitude of dude ranches perfect for a family vacation. But, one of the most notable is the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Colorado, approximately 20 miles from Rock Mountain National Park. Here, your family can engage in an array of activities including: horseback riding, hayrides, nature walks, and a host of amenities provided by the ranch.
This dude ranch is perfect for families who love the outdoors as well as enjoy visiting such historic sites as Fort Collins, Old West Museums, and Cheyenne (where you can buy tickets to the world’s largest rodeo held from July 17 to the 26th).

3.Hawaii.

While Oahu has always been a popular destination, it is Maui that attracts family vacationers more than any of its islands. The reason is that it offers a wide variety of activities such as whale watching (seasonal); Lahaina, a famous whaling village; and Maui Ocean Center, home to the largest aquarium in Hawaii.
Your family can also take a ride on the Sugar Cane Train, circa 1890; visit Oheo Gulch to marvel at the spectacular waterfalls; spend a day at Iao Valley and view the Iao Needle; or visit the black-sand beaches at Waianapanapa in East Maui.

For fabulous weather, magnificent sunsets, and beautiful beaches; Maui is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy spending quality family time.

4.New York.

Probably the most exciting vacation spot for families is New York. The “Big Apple” has something for everyone; from Broadway to Rockefeller Center, you will never run out of things to do here. Among the many sites to visit is Radio City Music Hall where you can take in a show; Madison Square Garden; the Empire State Building; the Village; 42nd Street, the Theatre District; museums; shopping, fabulous cuisine; the list is endless.
Spend a day walking along Fifth Avenue and stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral; take a tour of NBC Studios; spend an afternoon in Central Park and visit the zoo there; go to the South Street Seaport or take in a matinee performance on a Wednesday afternoon.

Whether you stay uptown or downtown, you will always be in close proximity to the many historic sites and sounds that comprise Manhattan. Moreover, your kids will enjoy all this city has to offer.

5.Las Vegas.

The city that never sleeps offers a wide range of attractions for kids. This is why it is among the top family destinations in the US today. Moreover, it is an affordable vacation because the hotel packages and meals will fit any budget.
Among the many attractions offered for families include: M&M’s World, the Lion Habitat at MGM, Adventure Canyon, Game Works (a video game-playing wonderland), Sports Park, Circus Circus rides; Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage hotel; Shark Reef; New York, New York’s roller coaster; Madame Tussaud’s; Lake Mead; Children’s Museum (the largest of its kind); and Adventuresdome, the largest theme park in the U.S.

Many of these attractions are free and are well worth visiting. Don’t forget the Flamingo Habitat at the Flamingo hotel or the spectacular water fountain show across the way at Caesars Palace.

For great fun and awesome rides and venues, Las Vegas is a wonderful choice for your next family vacation.

If you want to go on a vacation but dont think you can stop by  GlobeCheep.com to learn how to safe 80% or more on a fun family vacation.

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