How To Train Your Dragon: book series review

Am I the only one who didn't realize that the How to Train your Dragon stories were based on books!  My 8 year old son and I came across Cressida Cowell's book series at the library.  The first book was published in 2003 and there are currently 11 books published.  My son and I started with the 11th book (because that is what was at the library) How to Betray a Dragon's Hero, published in Sept 2013.  At the end of the book, the author notes that the 12th book is coming soon, and will be the final book in the series. Check out the book series website howtotrainyourdragonbooks.com.

I was so blown away by the book we read.  It was artfully done with skilled prose and pencil drawings.  The book moves alone quickly, and we always had a hard time stopping at the end of a chapter.  The 17th chapter, Sword Fight, was so wonderful, I took it to work and shared it with many friends.  It was all about what makes a hero, a king, a leader.  It was about hatred and forgiveness, and about identity and what choices we have when someone else has what we want. 

 

The books embody great character and morales, wonderful prose and illustrations, and the timeless epic tradition of books like the Narnia series and The Lord of the Rings.  Now, mind you, they are different in many respects too...but there is a journey across many lands, with multiple types of dragons, and the battle between good and evil.  The hero endures trials and overcomes obstacles, until he becomes more and more the king he was destined to be.

My son is 8 and is able to read the books alone, although I do think he misses a lot that way because of the vocabulary used.  He seems to get more out of it when we read together.  I love the books, so they are definitely appropriate for anyone about 3rd grade and older, depending on reading level and proficiency.

Monkey Birthday Party for Kids

 My son wanted a monkey themed party this year.  The cupcakes are chocolate cake with a chocolate ganache frosting.  Then I made a basic sugar cookie, cutting the batter out around a tablespoon before baking.

After baking, they looked like this:

I assembled the monkey cupcake by putting the cookie on the face like the monkey snout.  I put a dab of white frosting with mini chocolate chips on top for the eyes and drew on the nostrils and mouth with chocolate frosting.  The two ears are mini cookies I found at the grocery store.  I ended up putting a small banana candy on top of frosting for the mouth.

For the gifts bags, I used brown bags and printed off a monkey picture, putting each child's name in the placeholder.  

I added a dab of color with markers and hung some monkeys on the side of each bag.

The inside goodies included monkey tattoos, mini banana candies, a monkey keeper lego, monkey bracelets, and small monkey toys.  

It was a barrel of fun for the kiddos!  Hope your party is fun too.

5 Reasons I Started Shopping at Zulily

I have often seen ads for zulily.com but never checked it out until recently.  I was very pleasantly surprised and excited by the site.  It is a site where you can find the latest deals on things for women, kids, and the home from a variety of different vendors.  It is the type of site you check frequently, because the deals are only while supplies last, and the deals are for a limited time...usually about 3 days.  The items are discounted from regular price and the shipping costs are low.  You cannot return items, however, and you have to wait about 2 weeks to receive your purchases.  They have you "sign-up" so you have a log in and password, that this "membership" is free. 

 However, given those stipulations, I love so many things about it, I had to make a list...

1. Variety of Vendors and Items
We live in a fairly small city, and there are limitations to the variety of stores located nearby.  I tend to feel like I see the same things at all the stores.  But on Zulily, there are so many different vendors and the items are very UNIQUE.  In addition to having clothes, they also have toys, books, LEGOs, furniture, wall hangings, rugs, kitchen gadgets, boots, etc.  

2. Variety of Sizes
You can get unique clothing, shoes, lingerie, etc. for a wide range of sizes.  They have several plus sized vendors that have very nice clothing, of good quality, and a variety of styles (work, evening, lounge-wear, etc). 

3. Good Quality
The items I have received from them are of good quality and material, much better than if I bought them at a local discount store. 

4. Unique Categories: organic, gluten free/casein free, special needs
My son is in the autistic spectrum and he eats a gluten free/casein free diet to help manage his symptoms.  In the last month that I have been monitoring the site, they have had an Enjoy Life event for gluten free, allergy friendly food; many clothing events that have used organic cotton; and even a "special needs" event where they sold compression shirts, vibrating cushions, and chewy toys for kids.  

5. Latest Fashion and Toys
I was somewhat concerned that if these were "deals" they would be outdated clothing styles.  The merchandise they offer is always up to date for fashion and relevancy.  For example, they currently have many events carrying leggings, tunics, infinity scarves, and high boots for women.

Celebrating the Holidays with Special Needs Children

Trees, lights, decorating cookies, shopping, visiting family, school vacation, wrapping and opening presents, singing traditional songs of the season, and church services...

The best things about the holidays, right?

We all have our favorite part of the holiday season.  It usually comes wrapped with childhood memories of what was or what we wish had been.  We try to recreate scenes from Christmas past.  Capturing those great pictures of the kids for Christmas cards.  Surprising people with gifts on Christmas morning.  Visiting Santa and watching favorite Christmas movies on TV.

For children with special needs, all or most of the above may be very difficult and not enjoyable at all.  My dreams for the season are often not my son's dreams.  He is 7 years old and in the autistic spectrum.  Every year, I'm surprised by how much he struggles during the holidays.  Just this year, I spent some time crying at a coffee shop as I took a break from trying to cook for Thanksgiving.

As I try to regroup, these are my thoughts...

1. Anticipation and Surprise
For most of us, anticipation and surprise is what Christmas is all about.  But for my son, anticipation feels like anxiety.  He prefers to know what is coming.  He likes a predictable schedule.  He can seem "off" from before Halloween until after Christmas break.  "Off" could look like meltdowns, crying at small things, wanting to be constantly close to a parent, or wanting to be isolated like under a "tent" in his room or behind a chair.

** One thing we have tried is to ask Joshua if he wants to know the "schedule for the day" even when school is out.  This let's him know what unusual things may be in the schedule, or what usual things are cancelled because of the holidays.  Sometimes we ask him if he wants to draw out or write out his schedule.  Other times, he just wants to hear it. Here is an example of a visual schedule.

**Joshua wants to know what he is getting for Christmas ahead of time.  Yesterday, he and I ordered his gift together over the internet.  Now he feels good that he is getting something he will enjoy, but he doesn't have to manage that nervous energy until Christmas morning.

**You could also develop a social story like the ones at this link.

2. Crowds, Commotion, and Loud Noises
There is a lot more activity during the holidays than other times of year.  Even at his "typical" activities like fencing and school, there are Christmas songs, concerts, and his school even takes all the kids to a store to buy toys for charity.  These activities can be overwhelming because of the noise, scents, bumping, and bustling.

At any time of year, Joshua can be loud and physically active; however, sometimes this is most noticeable when he is actually overwhelmed.  When he is crashing through the house and can't stop, I know he is having a hard time.  There was a time when I thought he needed to "run off" this energy, but now I know that he most often needs help with calming during these times.

**He may need us to set up a quiet place like an indoor tent.  He can go inside and watch videos or play an app on a tablet. Try these ideas for creating a cozy resting place.

**Deep pressure and proprioceptive input can be also be calming and centering.  Try these sensory strategies OR these!

3. Diet

Holidays often have lots of treats, traditional dishes, and a deviation from normal diet.  In addition, Joshua follows a gluten free, casein free (dairy) diet to help manage his autistic symptoms.  Joshua typically does best when he has enough protein and very little simple sugar as well.  We try to cook healthy and organic as much as we can, but still have treats for Joshua at every holiday and special occasion.

**Joshua eats a lot of healthy foods, but he often rejects new or unusual foods.  Many of the traditional holiday foods are out of our typical routine (e.g., most of the Thanksgiving dishes).  While I may be working very hard to make stuffing, gravy, etc. Joshua often wants his usual dishes.  Or, he may ask for holiday dishes because other kids talk about them, but then often reject them when they are on his plate.  This Thanksgiving, Joshua ate coconut milk ice cream and that was it.  He rejected each of my Thanksgiving offerings.  I have to just anticipate that he may want his usual foods; I need to choose which ones I will make in combination with a few holiday dishes for us.  

**We try to really focus on protein and healthy eating, so sugar rushes don't add to his symptoms and struggle.

4. Little Bits at a Time
**We try to enjoy little bits of the holiday at a time.  Our church holds Christmas service during the week before Christmas, so we are able to go to service and then not plan anything else that day.  

**We don't have family in our area; rather than driving 8 hours to see family and stay in their home, we opt for a quieter holiday in our own familiar setting.  

**We spread out his presents across multiple days, rather than opening all the presents Christmas morning in a flurry of craziness.  So, he opens one large present on Christmas morning (of course he already knows what it is) and then across the following days, we dole the rest of the small presents over time.  

5. Take Care of Ourselves

As I was crying in the coffee shop this year, I remembered that taking time to myself is really important.  I can't do it without breaks and a chance to regroup.  So I either need a to find a babysitter, a willing neighbor, or take turns with my husband to get out of the house and breathe.  

Homemade Lip Balm: A Must Try!

This summer, I tried the recipe I found here: Homemade Natural Lip Balm at ourbestbites.com.

And today...I just used the left over I had from that first batch, remelted it, and refilled my containers (12 tubes).

This is a must for the winter and year round.  I used to buy other natural lip balms, but they were about $3 for one stick and rarely went on sale.  Once you invest in the ingredients, these balms will last a long time and are easy to refill.  And, they can be made in different scents and are great for gifts!

I got the beeswax pellets through Amazon and also ordered these tall slender tubes while I was at it.  I already had coconut oil in the house, and did use Vitamin E but found it hard to squeeze into the batch.  I used some oils I had in the house like peppermint.  Although I did invest in the decorative tapes, the trick was to be able to make them stick with all the oil and balm on my hands!  

Tea: What Makes It So Wonderful

I have recently realized how little I have understood about beverages and foods that take on characteristics of the region they come from (e.g., wine, tea, coffee, cheese). 

I recently read a new book in the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs.  The book is Sweet Tea Revenge and was just released in March of 2013. 

Aside from loving a good cozy mystery, I so enjoy reading her descriptions of teas, flavor profiles, infusions, and blends. 

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world (after water).  It is reported to have health benefits including the reduction of blood pressure, weight control, and the increase of bone mineral density.  Tea catechins are said to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. 

Teas can be categorized based on how they are processed with at least 6 different types: white, yellow, green, oolong, black, and post-fermented tea.  Teas from multiple areas may be combined to form blends.  There are also a large range of scented and flavored varieties such as Earl Grey.  In the United States and Canada, 80% of tea is consumed as iced tea. 

Check out the Teavana website for all things tea or visit one of their locations. 

They sell tea, tea blends, and other products like teapots and infusers.  They even have Tea of the Month clubs and their app is free.

Book Review-- Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work That Matters by Jon Acuff

Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work That Matters by +Jon Acuff .

I saw this book discussed on twitter as one you will find in the business section of your local bookstore.  I can see why, although it is certainly broader in topic than just business.  It is both motivational in tone as well as practical with steps to get started with work-that-matters.  I really enjoyed reading it and have recommended it to several people since it came out in April.    

Some of my favorite points and quotes:
1. "Fear is schizophrenic--it always tries to argue both sides of the coin. It will tell you you can't chase your dream, or that if you do, it must be perfect."  Or fear will say "It's too late to chase your dream" and "You should chase your dream later." 

This is a really good point--that not only is procrastination often fear-based, but so is trying to do everything right now and perfect.  The reason fear is addressed in a book talking about doing work that matters, is that Acuff tries to put into perspective how to achieve meaningful things over the long term.  He talks about taking small steps now (starting) and knowing they grow into bigger things later.  And no-it's not too late to chase after meaningful work. He points out that in 2011, 20 percent of new entrepreneurs were between the ages of 55 and 64.  He also emphasizes that the internet and social media break down many barriers that existed for previous generations.

2. "You have to be brutally realistic about your present circumstances and wildly unrealistic about your future circumstances." 
Acuff makes a good point about needing to be realistic about where you are.  Dreaming is not permission to abandon responsibilities to "chase after your dream."  He encourages you to be brutally honest about your finances, your family, your education, etc.  But be a starter--the only thing you are completely in control of is the starting line.  Take small steps to move toward the dream.  Be unrealistically optimistic about the future because no one knows how things will end.  You don't control the outcome, only the start.

I highly recommend this book.  I don't usually read books from the business section, but it is much broader in content and focus.  His writing style is also easy to read with many funny anecdotes and personal stories that add to the meaning he conveys.  This would be a great graduation or Father's Day gift since those holidays are coming up!

Options for Capturing Your Child's Thoughts and Words

I have a niece that is smart, funny, and precocious.  I love to talk to her on the phone, and believe me, she could talk forever.  I decided to get a book for her and my sister called Q&A a Day for Kids: A Three-Year Journal available at +Amazon.com.  It really could be used with kids at a variety of ages, although perhaps about 4-10 may work best.  The parent can fill in the writing, or the child could write their own answers. 

One nice thing about this way of capturing your child's thoughts and comments, is that this book offers the prompts of specific questions.  This may generate even more interesting answers.  Of course, it does not chronicle the more spontaneous gems we all love.  Each day has 3 spots on the page to answer the same question.  Theoretically, the same child, will answer the same question across 3 years and see how the answers differ.  

I also wonder if it would be fun to chronicle a different child in those spots.  For example, my other sister has 3 children, and she might enjoy comparing the oldest boy's answers with the youngest for example.  They all 3 have such unique personalities, that I think that would be interesting.  Examples of questions include: "What is the best thing about your life right now?", "What is the last thing you built/made?", "The best thing about being a grown up is...."






Another thing to consider are apps for this purpose.  One app someone recently recommended to me is the Posterity app for capturing family quotes.  It currently costs $1.99 and has gotten good reviews so far.  Parents seem to enjoy the photo option that joins with the quotes.  Many say they are wanting a video option to put capture their child's thoughts as well.







Another way to chronicle your child is to take videos of him or her in action and upload the videos as private +YouTube entries; these can then be shared with a few special family members and kept in your YouTube account for long term keeping.

And finally, there is the photo book option.  Many internet sites offer photo books for you to create and order (e.g., +Walmart, +Shutterfly, and Michaels are just a few options).  If you include your wonderful quotes, along with pictures, this would make not only a great memory book (imagine giving a copy of the books to your kids at their graduation, wedding, etc), but also a great gift for grandparents and other family members.

Helping Kids with Intepersonal Transitions: Hello and Goodbye

Some children, particularly in preschool years or younger elementary grades, have difficulty with interpersonal transitions.  They may have a hard time adjusting to the arrival of the babysitter or saying goodbye to visiting relatives.  They may have trouble saying goodbye to a teacher at the end of the year or to a parent leaving them at school/daycare. 

One of the things that helps my son with those transitions is to add some structure, so he knows what to expect.  This structure ends up being kind of a routine, something he can "count on" even though his interpersonal moment is in flux.  He knows his role in this scenario, and he is reassured that he can anticipate what is coming.  

When my son was two and three, he had difficulty when the babysitter arrived even though he knew her well.  We developed a short routine where he would always pick something ahead of time to "show her" when she came.  This way, he knew his role at the time of the greeting and could count on there being something "expected."  He felt more in control as well, as if to say "Hi.  This is my space and I'm letting you come in.  I'm showing you something I like.  I'm choosing to invite you in."

We have developed another tradition for when his Nana and Papa are leaving to go back to their home in Michigan after a several day visit.  

My parents draw him a picture reminding him of what they did together, that they love him and will be driving home, and that they will see him next time.  After we say good bye at the door and talk about when we will see them next, Joshua runs through the house to find the picture which is accompanied by a small gift.  This time, he received a Star Wars toothbrush that lights up like a light saber.

What kinds of traditions and routines help your youngster deal with interpersonal transitions?

JibJab: Video ECards with a Personal Touch and more

My husband recently had a birthday and my parents sent him a JibJab e-card.  I have to say, I laughed out loud!  Completely hysterical.  I remember that they sent a Christmas ecard and I loved it as well--I need to start using this site. 

What is it?  Well you go to jibjab.com and see an array of ecards with face cut-outs.  Then you use digital face photos from your own library to insert into the ecard which then dances to music or tells a story.


So, go onto your computer and pick out some good face shots of friends, family, or yourselves and check it out.  You might make a video card that looks like this:

 JibJab snow race card
 

Also at the site, jibjab is announcing their new children's site called StoryBots.  It looks like a site built for fun and education in which you put your child's photo into the applications so they see themselves while playing the game or learning new information. 

They also advertise apps--They have a behavior game where kids earn points during the day and can loose points according to behavioral goals.

Another app is one that captures kids quotes with their photos in a cute display for messaging others.  Here's an example-- 

Many of the features seem fun.  I am going to check them out!

Children's Artwork Into Keepsakes

My son's school uses Art to Remember every year as a fund raiser for their arts program.  This is the one fundraiser I actually look forward to every year.  They take a piece of artwork that he has created at school and then you can order gifts/products that feature the artwork.  It always happens in the Spring and I love to order things for Mother's Day and Father's Day, as well as things for our home.

I ordered large magnets last year and they are so durable, beautiful, and don't get lost.  I also ordered the grandparents magnets and erase boards with my son's artwork featured.  This year I'm looking at even more kinds of things like flower pots, aprons, notecards, ceramic tiles, and mouse pads. 

Another site that features ways to turn your child's art into gifts is Snapfish.  They have multiple products and photo book options.  I have decided to start scanning my son's artwork into the computer and then making photo books that feature the artwork.  There are some great examples at Snapfish. 

What do you do with your child's artwork?