In the parenting tool box, no tool stands out like the infamous Sticker Chart.  Seriously, is anything else more instrumental in convincing children across the nation to go potty, pick up their toys, clear their dishes or make their beds?  If only they fill up that sheet with stickers, each representing a chore completed, a good deed done, they can get that toy they always dreamed of, that trip to the amusement park, the big cake with fancy decorations.  And what do parent’s get out of it? Kids who start to understand concepts of responsibility, of working towards a goal, of rewards that flow from hard work and patience.  But not all sticker chart programs are alike.  We have tried different variations, different rewards, and only recently feel like we found the right mix for us.  So, here it is:  Read the rest of the story...

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This past weekend marked a milestone for our family: our oldest son lost his first tooth.  Did the big event catch us by surprise?  Yes and no.   I think he may have been the last in his class to join the toothless club, and that little tooth had been showing only the slightest hint of a wobble since last August.  I admit we knew the time was coming.  We just didn’t expect it to suddenly loosen up and let go in less than a week!  And, of course, it happened late on a Sunday night, which limited the Tooth Fairy’s options considerably.   My Rooster and I could faintly remember receiving a quarter per tooth, and maybe a fifty cent piece for a special one, but that was a long time ago.  What does the Tooth Fairy leave these days?  That night we found ourselves using Facebook and Twitter to quickly gauge just what the Tooth Fairy’s going rate is.  Read the rest of the story...

I don’t know why this recipe is in my recipe box or where exactly it came from, but we are glad we have it.   We make this a couple of times a year, usually in the heart of winter, and it is so good even the kids go for it.   Now, I know Velveeta creates different emotions for different people, and we NEVER use it except in this soup, but if you try it you won’t deny it!  Here it is:

6 Large carrots, sliced

4 Stalks of celery, chopped

5 Large potatoes, cubed  Read the rest of the story...