November is for Santa Claus Parades!

My mom is a dog groomer - she has owned and operated her business since I was born - let's just say it's been over 30 years.  She has been participating in the parade since I went to college or just before, at least 12 years.  My kids have been in it every year since I was pregnant with them - except this year :(  Which my mom reminded me of just a few times...."I miss my grandies"

What she does that makes is extra special, is how she decorates her dog, Toqui, to work with the theme.  Some people have complained that it's cruel - but honestly, it's gotta be less cruel then piercing an infants ears!  She feels no pain from getting her hair died, she doesn't mind the process of grooming, and she absolutely loves the attention. 

Kids in Barrie (2012) waiting for the parade

Pierre got to drive this year, so excited (2012)

Toqui is the Grinch and Jenna is Cindy Lou-Who
I am the over-dressed photo-bomber

Now this is cruel...says Sneakers.
Mila and Sneakers as "Whos" 2012

The Grinch and The Whos - Sneakers always looks beaten

Xmas Santa Toqui 2011

Candy Cane Toqui

Attachment Parenting Causes Divorce???!!!

Did Attachment Parenting Contribute to Mayim Bialik’s Divorce?

http://healthland.time.com/2012/11/29/did-attachment-parenting-contribute-to-mayim-bialiks-divorce/

Well this is an interesting story.  Everyone remember Blossom?  Now Amy in The Big Bang Theory?

What is Attachment Parenting?
The term and the theory was originally developed by Dr. Sears.  I like the guy, I bought his books, I read them, and I used a lot of his ideas.  I think that in any parenting situation, the best parent is the parent that takes what they learned from different outlets and uses what they feel works best.  I found his theories interesting and I adopted a lot of them with both my kids.

8 Steps to Attachment Parenting

1. Preparation for Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting
2. Feed with Love and Respect
3. Respond with Sensitivity
4. Use Nurturing Touch
5. Ensure Safe Sleep, Physically and Emotionally
6. Provide Consistent Loving Care
7. Practice Positive Discipline
8. Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life

There are a few criticisms to his philosophies.
1. It's too strenuous and demanding of parents.

William (2) and Charlotte (9.5months) 

- The idea is to create a unique bond with your child through nursing and continuously holding or touching your baby.  This worked for me, I nursed both my kids until they were over a year old.  Mainly because they were both tiny and because it gave them the best chance for development.  It was a heck of a lot cheaper than formula and certainly helped the mommy waste-line.  My theory was to dodge the formula get them to a point where they just needed regular milk.  I was uncomfortable with the idea that my kids could remember nursing or to the age where they could verbally asked to be nursed.  I also don't have any pictures of me nursing, I wasn't comfortable with that either and typically chose private locations for my own securities.
- I also slept with my babies until they were 2-ish. This was mostly out of convenience.  It's a lot easier to nurse a baby when they are right beside you.  I was a single mom when they were 2 and 9.5 months, so it was comforting to have them close by when I was alone.
- They went everywhere with me.  They didn't stay the night without me until they were over a year and they stayed with their father.  If I couldn't bring my babies, I didn't go.  It wasn't hard for me, I didn't feel like I was missing out and I knew that it was all just temporary.  It's a way of changing your life for your kids, like not drinking while you are pregnant or working from home so they didn't go to daycare.  It's not meant for everyone, but it worked for me.

William (2) and Charlotte (9.5months) 

2. Co-sleeping is dangerous
- Well, I can see this.  It worked for me, but then as soon as I felt the blanket come up too high, I was awake.  Again, just a change in lifestyle - less sleep is part of parenting and only lasts a couple years.

3. Creates Attachment disorders
- I'm really unsure of this.  The idea is that it's suppose to create children that are able to leave the nest.  I never had any issues with my kids being attached.  They were and still are quite the opposite in this regard.  William and Charlotte have always been comfortable saying bye to mommy and are never ever afraid to leave me.  They know I'm always there when they need me and I'm pretty sure that's because of the attachment lifestyle we adapted.  Maybe it's because I have always been comfortable letting them go too, I encourage "you will be fine without mommy" atmosphere even if it hurts me to say goodbye.  

Conclusion
- Is Attachment Parenting the right way - well that's anyone's opinion and in all honestly, I believe that my approach worked best for my kids and whatever approach anyone else may have, works for them and is not my business or my concern.
- There is definitely no question that Mayim and her exhusband were on the fanatical side of attachment parenting.  But is it the cause of divorce?  Honestly, there are probably more issues in their relationship then how they raised their kids, if they can be compared to my situation.  I can't speak for my exhusband, but I'm sure that nursing, cosleeping, and carrying my babies wasn't the reason we are divorced now.  If it is for some people, then you are probably better off single!

Charity and Kids

Tis the season for giving and every parent can to attest to the importance of instilling this in our children. 

Check out some ideas I found on different ways to teach charity to our kids.

                 

       1. Donate Clothes – so easy, we all do it!  We just let the kids know why it’s done.

2

       2. Help Neighbours – our kids love this.  During tax season, I have a few clients that are in nursing homes and are older than 80.  I offer to pick up and drop off their taxes free of charge and I almost always find the time when I have some kids.  They love the trip and the seniors love the kids and the extra service.

      3. Give Blood – It’s been awhile since we have done this, better put that on my “to do” list.  We try to bring a couple kids along for this trip, but it’s tough with impatient nurses and excited kids!  Maybe they need some volunteers to entertain the kids for a bit, wonder if that would increase their donations.

      

      4.       Make Birthday’s Charitable – Lauren had a little buddy that did this.  She asked for donations to the food bank instead of gifts!

      

       5.       Donate to the pets – Humane Society is always looking for donations and it gives the kids some time to mingle with the inhabitants for a bit

       

      6.       Food Bank – Of course, we do this so often with the school but it’s important.  Interesting fact, the Food Bank takes opened bags of pet food, found this out just after I found out that Mila has food allergies :D

      

      7.       Change for Difference – This is fun, create a little change jar to collect spare change.  Use that change to buy something for someone else!

       

      8.       Community pitch in – This is just as easy as picking up garbage at the park with the kids – with a goal in mind.   

      

       9.       Pick your favorite charity and get the kids involved in making a change – We pick the MS Society because my brother was diagnosed a ways back.  A personal connection makes it so sentimental and worth-while.  We have done a walk in Barrie every year for 4 years now.  The kids love it.

Elf on the Shelf

December 1^st is elf on the shelf day! 

I was introduced to the elf on the shelf phenomenon last year by Mason.  Elf was the talk of his class and a couple of his friends had the little buddy.  Mason added him to his letter to Santa, and like any other toy I haven’t heard about, I Googled the thing. 

Apparently Elf on the Shelf was developed by a mom a while back, who saw the income benefit and developed a marketable product.  He (and now available in she, so I hear) is less that appealing in looks and requires a bit of parent time. 

We probably over-do it a bit.  We bought our elf about half way through December last year.  We wrapped him up in parcel wrap, included a letter from Santa and left him in the mailbox for Mason.  Pierre and I named our elf “Joey” before the kids came home to dodge the name fight. 

The kids wrote Joey a letter or drew him a picture every day or two – which meant we spent most evenings writing on Joey’s behalf – lazy little bugger didn't come with thumbs for $39.99.  Joey also followed us to 

Port Elgin to celebrate Christmas with my parents.  He got around quite a bit and made Lauren nervous enough to dress in the bathroom one night he was in her room. 

For the last 11 months, Charlotte has been missing Joey, she has been asking at least once a week about Joey.  The older three kids started talking about Joey over the last couple weeks.  And the good news is, Joey popped out of his hiding spot this weekend and is waiting in hiding for his appearance on December 1^st – which has already been planned by four excited kids.

Check out this link – 100 Mischievous Elf Ideas for some fun spots and ways to hide your elf.

http://designdazzle.blogspot.ca/2011/11/100-mischievous-elf-ideas.html

Packing the Lunches for School

I love Pizza Wednesday and Hot lunch Friday.  William and Charlotte don’t like pizza, so at least I get a break on hot lunch Friday.  For $5 a kid per week, they get a hot lunch.  Last week they chose between meatballs or nachos and carrots and watermelon.  It’s expensive but it’s worth every penny for the time it saves me not making a lunch! 

Four kids, four different tastes, mean four different lunches every morning.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not a catering type of mom.  They get the same meal every night at supper time, no complaints allowed.  

However, I could make them all the same lunch and it just comes home and goes in the garbage, it’s a waste otherwise. 

I came across this fun website recently.  I have yet to find the containers they use for their little “lunchable” type meals – but I will post it as soon as I do!

Have fun mom’s!  Lunch is cool again!

http://easylunchboxes.smugmug.com/The-Best-Lunchbox-System/Yummy-Lunch-Ideas/10136835_YSuyb#!i=696914291&k=YxmUd

Hooray for Midwives!

It's been nearly 6 years since I had my last baby, but I thought an important kid-related subject to discuss with you is midwifery.

When I was pregnant with William, my first baby, back in October 2004 - I called my best friend right away to share my news.  Carla suggested that I look into a midwife.  The first thing that came into my head what a picture of a Mary Poppins type woman with a big doctor bag and seriously dated birthing techniques.  I'm assuming that because of my silence, Carla knew that I was thinking something very close to that.  She explained what she knew and how they could help and that was enough to make me interested.

Child birth and pregnancy is scary!  I'm an anxious person to begin with, add a baby in my tummy and I'm teetering on neurotic.  I called the Sages-Femmes Rouge Valley Midwives - http://www.yourmidwives.com/ the next day.  And a good thing I did because apparently midwives are in demand, as they should be! 

I met Carolynn Prior - she would later be my midwife and my friend through the whole process of the birth of my two children.  She came to our house and we had an interview.  I signed up and schedule myself in for her monthly appointments, which at the time were done in my home.

Anytime I had a question or a concern, I could call up the midwife's answering service and have Carolynn paged.  She had a back-up (Lisa) that could fill in if she was busy with another client - which is completely understandable. 

I remember when I was pregnant with my daughter, I went to Nova Scotia that summer to celebrate my grandparent's anniversary.  I was 5 months pregnant that week and I started to bleed, fairly significantly.  I called up Carolynn and was able to get support and encouragement.  They checked up on me by phone and I was able to call them anytime of the day and night.  Everything was fine, they were right - but I can bet that no doctor could do what they did for me.

I laboured for William for 36 hours, I was dedicated to having him naturally.  I was sure I did everything right, so it should just be that easy!  I went pain-med free, so I was hurting considerably but the midwives were there to rub my back and talk me through it all.  William was a cesarean birth, which is performed by a obstetrician - who made me cry within 2 minutes of meeting me - but my midwives were there the whole time for William when he was born.

When we left the hospital and went home, Carolynn came to the house daily and then weekly to check on his progress and make sure my emotional and mental health was ok.  I remember sitting with Carolynn and a midwife apprentice and just talking about personal experiences they had with their own infants. 

Such a fantastic experience and I wish my blog will help someone else considering a medical practioner for their pregnancy/labour.

How to Calm William

William Tallis - He's dedicated, focused, innovative, and has a huge heart - but when something doesn't work his way and he loses some control of a situation, he loses his patience fast.  He's just like his mommy, the apple did not fall far - so I can relate. 

William's goal in life is to reinvent everything; it can always be better in his mind.  I call him my little engineer.  I bought an electric fireplace that came in two large boxes.  William loves boxes and loved the fact that these boxes contained styrofoam molds.  His mind started cooking at 6:30am - because he doesn't believe in sleeping in - sleep is a waste of create time.  William built a styrofoam sled with his new materials and three rolls of tape that I constantly supply him with from the Dollarama (fuel for his creativity).  I knew the design flaw, but every good engineer learns from his/her mistakes... right?  I suggested using it down the stairs with stuffed animals as his riders to save it from total destruction.  That worked for the morning.  After school, he tried it on the driveway using his sister as the driver - fail.  He was beyond consolible.  Lost his brains and started throwing it around with tears flying everywhere.  I felt bad, a little amused, but I knew that he needed to calm down and secondly - learn from it.

There's a few options if you have a son/daughter like mine.  William is 7 years old - so I find the calming jar to be a fantastic idea! 

If you want to make your own calming jar (good for moms as well) they are really easy! All you need to do is:

• jar or bottle with a lid
• 1 tbsp of clear glue (or glitter glue) to each 1 cup of (hot) water to fill the jar
• add in glitter (I added about 1 inch of glitter)
• food colouring (optional)

 

please note: Do not, I repeat, DO NOT give this jar to your child when they are in the middle of a fit… glass and angry/upset child will likely result in this beautiful jar smashed to pieces. If you would like to make one of these for a younger child I recommend a plastic bottle or jar instead. Also weather you are using a glass or plastic container please do not leave your child unsupervised when they are using the jar. There are many sites out there with variations on how to make your own “calming jar” (as we call it in our house) or “mind jar“.

I have been working on some relaxation techniques with William. 
I find that these are best after he has let his jar "calm" down

1. Move to the quiet place.

2. Sit on a chair, beanbag, or on the floor.

3. Think about a place that is relaxing for you

4. Breathe slowly and steadily.
5. Tense shoulders up, relax shoulders down.

6. Tense hands, relax hands.

7. Tense toes, relax toes.

8. Breathe slowly and steadily.

Finished !

Tax Tips for the Work at Home Mom

Tax Tips for the Work at Home Mom

 

<------  Tax Season 2008

 

A popular trend for mom's in past decade has been home-based businesses.  These businesses include daycare operations, Avon, Pampered Chef, Passion Parties, Blogging Businesses, Spa Services, Etsy and Ebay sales, Consulting businesses, and so on.  What links all these businesses, aside from that they are home-based, is that they are operating as self-employed.  Taxes are treated differently for self-employed compared to the traditional employment and subsequently the "T4" distribution.

My Advice

1. Keep organized.  Setting up a system in advance (January) is easier to keep up through-out the year and helps at tax time.  I suggest accordion folders to my clients

2. Keep everything.  Every slip of paper.  Make notes on the backs of your receipts to remind you how it relates to your business.  DO NO HIGHLIGHT!  It eats the ink on the receipt and makes me sad.  I suggest circling the totals or amounts if necesssary.

3. Work Space at Home tax deduction - this can be tricky.  Keep all your receipts you incur from running your home.  Determine by square foot how much of your home is used for business and how much is used for home.

 

In order for any expenses to be deductible, the work space must be either:

a. the place where the individual mainly does their work, or
b. used exclusively for earning employment income, and used on a regular and continuous basis for meeting customers or other persons in the course of performing the job.

I do not suggest claiming capital cost allowance.  When the business is sold or the home is sold, this will come back to bite you.

Here are some home-related you can potentially deduct that you should keep in mind:
- Mortgage Interest
- Rent
- Utilities
- Homeowners’ Insurance
- Painting
- Repairs
- Taxes
- Security Systems

4. Be Prepared to pay taxes in April.  When we are employed, our employer deducts income taxes and CPP based on our tax bracket.  This doesn't happen when you are self-employed but you still have to pay it.  I suggest putting aside a portion of your income on a monthly basis.  It all depends on the amount of expenses you have, but if you can guess what your income is after expenses - save about 30% of that for tax time.  Having more in your savings then you owe in April will certainly make spring happier.

5. Count kilometres.  If you use your personal vehicle for business use, count kilometres you drive for business.  Write down your beginning odometre reading in January and your ending on December 31st. 

Here are some other expenses you can deduct:
- Cell phone bill or a second business (just calculate the percentage of these bills that are business use, and deduct that)
- Business-related tools like a laptop, computer repair expenses, special software or a camera.
- Anything that you pay for that you need for work.
- Continuing education courses, memberships or fees
- Entertaining clients for business is deductible at 50%
- Business travel and lodging are deductible at 100%
- Business-related miles driven are tax deductible.

Final Tip - I advise my clients not to incur a business loss more than three years in a row.  This sends off flags that your operation is a hoax and only used to lower your taxes.  The CRA wants to see an attempt to make an income.

Anti Cyber Bullying - Amanda Todd

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Amanda+Todd+Anti+bullying+programs+learn+from+campaign/7393762/story.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80RqEf56Ix4

Like any other media-involved story, Amanda Todd's is filled with emphasis to encourage interest and leads to misinform reader.

I believe that regardless of what the real story is, the underlying message is important.  As any parent, cyber bullying is a big concern and I want to be as informed as possible so that I can raise my kids without ignorance.

I discussed Amanda's story with my 10 year old step-son Mason.  I didn't go into scary details; I just informed him that she exposed herself online to an individual that tormented her with it.  That putting something on the internet is permanent and doesn't just disappear.  

I bought a computer armour this summer to hide my desktop in the kitchen.  So whenever the kids are on it, they need permission and I can see everything that happens; whenever it's out of use, I can hide it behind doors.  I know how to check the history when it comes time to monitor him closer.

11 Facts About Cyber Bullying

1. Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online. One in four has had it happen more than once.
2. One in three teens has experienced cyber-threats online.
3. Nine out of ten middle school students have had their feelings hurt online.
4. About 75% have visited a website bashing another student.
5. Four out of ten middle school students have had their password(s) stolen and changed by a bully who then locked them out of their own account or sent communications posing as them.
6. The psychological and emotional outcomes of cyber bullying are similar to real-life bullying outcomes, except for the reality that with cyber bullying there is often no escape. School ends at 3 p.m., while the Internet is available all the time.
7. Over 80% of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most common medium for cyber bullying.
8. Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying.
9. About 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. More than four out of ten say it has happened more than once.
10. 90% of victims will not inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse.
11. Cyber bullying has increased in recent years. In a national survey of 10-17 year olds, twice as many children indicated they had been victims and perpetrators.

How Parents Can Help

If you discover that your child is being cyberbullied, talk to him or her about any experiences you have had in your childhood. This can help your child feel less alone. Let your child know that it's not his or her fault, and that bullying says more about the bully than the victim. Talking to teachers or school administrators also may help, but take cues from your child.
Many schools, school districts, and after-school clubs have established protocols for responding to cyberbullying; these vary by district and state. But before reporting the problem, let your child know that you plan to do so, as he or she could have concerns about "tattling" and might prefer that the problem be handled privately.
Other measures to try:

• Block the bully. Most devices have settings that allow you to electronically block emails, IMs, or text messages from specific people.
• Limit access to technology. Although it's hurtful, many kids who are bullied can't resist the temptation to check websites or phones to see if there are new messages. Keep the computer in a public place in the house (no laptops in children's bedrooms, for example) and limit the use of cell phones and games. Some companies allow you to turn off text messaging services during certain hours. And, most websites and phones provide the option for parental controls, which provide parents with access to their children’s messages and online life.
• Know your kids' online world. Check their postings and the sites kids visit, and be aware of how they spend their time online. Talk to them about the importance of privacy and why it's a bad idea to share personal information online, even with friends. Encourage them to safeguard passwords. Write up cell phone and social media contracts that you are willing to enforce.
• Look to the web for resource and support information about cyberbullying.

If your son or daughter agrees, you may also arrange for mediation with a therapist or counselor at school who can work with your child and/or the bully.

Kid's Halloween

October 31st, 2012 - Happy Halloween!

Fiance Pierre wants to be a Cheerleader, but not a man-cheerleader, he wants fake guns and big blond hair.  He will be so pretty....

William really wants to be a zombie from Plants Vs. Zombies - http://www.popcap.com/games/plants-vs-zombies/online
I'm pretty sure I can come up with something like this for next to nothing.

Charlotte wants to be a flower, I figure I can work that in with the whole Plants VS. Zombies plan.

Peashooter Costume Pattern
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25882690@N02/6220006012/

16 Easy DIY Kids Costumes - http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/halloween/diy-halloween-costumes-00100000065971/index.html

More DIY Costumes - http://crafts.slides.kaboose.com/254-homemade-halloween-costumes

I made William and Charly in Bam Bam and Pebbles four years ago (copying my mom from when my brother and I were the same ages)

Sneakers is a hot dog of course and the kids picked out a frog costume for Mila.  I wanted a taco costume since she is half chihuahua but PetSmart didn't pull through for me this year.  Maybe 2013 will be the year?

This weekend we will decorate.  William is obsessed with making Halloween crafts this weekend.  I'm done exams tomorrow, so I will get some time this weekend to be creative and spend some overdue time with my babies.

Halloween Crafts - http://crafts.slides.kaboose.com/316-halloween-crafts & http://www.craftideas.info/

I will definitely have to wait until my step-kids are home before we carve pumpkins

 

Check out this fantastic link for 140 pumpkin carving stencils!  - http://itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.ca/2011/10/130-free-halloween-pumpkin-carving.html

Happy Haunting Families!

Kids Photography Tips

Great article on how to capture true character in your photos!

They have articles on large group photography, photographing babies, and trip photography.


Have fun with this one parents!


http://www.clickitupanotch.com/2012/02/capturing-true-character/


My Favorite Photographers

1. Chris McBrien - http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmcbrien/

2. Adam Muise - http://500px.com/muisephotos

Disney's Frankenweenie!

Frankenweenie!

I may be a bit biased.  Sneakers has been a part of my family for 9 years and she's a long-hair minature dachshund.  I look forward to going to this movie with my family.

Reviews anyone??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cqI6hPra7c

Mom's Tax Advice

Welcome to Cadman Accounting Services!
Soon to be Dalcourt Accounting Services - July 2012.


I own and operate a fairly successful accounting firm, I don't advertise, I'm purely word-of-mouth.  I prepare about 1200 tax returns a year from Corporate returns and statements to Personal returns.  I love my work, it keeps me busy and I love the social aspect with clients.

It's October and even though it's early, I thought I would toss out a couple of family-related tax hints for the 2012 tax year.


1. Medical Expenses

• Travel expenses - often we a unfortunitely required to travel more than 40kms out of our home town to seek specialized medical attention.  This is particularily necessary for a lot of young children needing care at the nearest children's hospital.  As long as it's more than 40kms one way and is the closest practioner available for the services needed, you are eligible for travel expenses.  This includes meals, gas, parking and can really make a difference on your taxes. 
• Premiums you pay on your medical insurance plan above what your employer pays is also a tax deduction!
• Weight-loss clinics -  fees paid to a weight-loss clinic by an individual in respect of a weight-loss program for the treatment of obesity would qualify as a medical expense where the services are provided by a medical practitioner who is authorized to act as such in the province in which the services are rendered.

2. Tuition and Education Expenses

• Tuition, education and textbook tax credits are available to students enrolled at a “designated educational institution” in a “qualifying educational program”.
• Children can transfer unused tuition tax credits to their parents for additional tax benefits, they can also carry them over to future years (Hint: Transfer to the higher income parent for the most tax benefit)
 

3.Moving Expenses

• If you move more than 40kms for work or school, you can claim certain moving expenses

4. Child Care Expenses

• While most people know of this, there are some key factors.
• The maximum is $7,000 for each child under seven and $4,000 for each child over that age
• To qualify for this deduction, you need a tax receipt from your day care provider.
• Summer camps are also considered child care.

5. Arts and Fitness Tax Credits

• You can claim to a maximum of $500 per child the fees paid relating to the cost of registering your or your spouse's or common-law partner's child in a prescribed program of physical activity.
• You can also claim to a maximum of $500 per child the fees paid relating to the cost of arts programs now, this includes: literary arts, visual arts, performing arts, music, media, languages, customs and heritage - girl guides, beavers, tutoring, etc

Just two more happy clients of Cadman Accounting Services - well at least this pair didn't complain when I took their photo!

 

Thanksgiving Fun for Kids

 

Fun Ideas for the kids this Thanksgiving

 

 

My kids will love this surprise for lunch!

 This is a fun table idea

http://frogprincepaperie.com/2010/11/giving-thanks-a-thanksgiving-kids-table.html

I will eat you little Oreo Turkeys!  Gobble Gobble!!!

 

Turkey Day!

Mmmm I love turkey day...aka Thanksgiving.

I love making dinner for my family.  I'm dedicated to the perfect meal and it feels so good when it all turns out perfectly. 

 

 

Turkey

1. Clean it out, wipe it out, dry him up.  Pull out the bag of giblets if included.  I'm not keen on these but I leave them in the pan to cook for the drippings I use for the gravy
2. I salt the outside a bit - usually sea salt for health.  I find that a bit of salt holds in the juices better in all my meats.
3. Butter the outside, I get messy and use my hands to butter that baby.
4. I stuff it sometimes - I know it's not recommended but if you prefer not, I cram with apples and onions.
5. Tie him up, both the neck and the rear.  I use thread and needle to sew with big stitches (maybe four stitches on the back side.  I cover him for the first 3/4 of the cooking
6. Roast the turkey until the meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees F. Don't forget to let the bird rest at least 30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to re-absorb into the flesh. You don't want the moisture to drain out.

Roasting times are for a preheated 325 degrees F. oven.

Approximate Roasting Times for Stuffed Turkey
Turkey Weight	Hours
6 to 8 pounds	3 to 3-1/2 hours
8 to 12 pounds	3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours
12 to 16 pounds	4-1/2 to 5-1/2 hours
16 to 20 pounds	5-1/2 to 6 hours
20 to 24 pounds	6 to 6-1/2 hours
Approximate Roasting Times for Unstuffed Turkey
Turkey Weight	Hours
6 to 8 pounds	2-1/2 to 3 hours
8 to 12 pounds	3 to 4 hours
12 to 16 pounds	4 to 5 hours
16 to 20 pounds	5 to 5-1/2 hours
20 to 24 pounds	5-1/2 to 6 hours

Stuffing

1 1/2 cups cubed whole wheat bread

3 3/4 cups cubed white bread

1 pound ground turkey sausage

1 cup chopped onion

3/4 cup chopped celery

2 1/2 teaspoons dried sage

1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 Golden Delicious apple, cored and chopped

3/4 cup dried cranberries

1/3 cupminced fresh parsley

3/4 cup turkey stock

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F (175 degree C). Spread the white and whole wheat bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes in the preheated oven, or until evenly toasted. Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl.

2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage and onions over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the lumps until evenly browned. Add the celery, sage, rosemary, and thyme; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to blend flavors.

3. Pour sausage mixture over bread in bowl. Mix in chopped apples, dried cranberries, and parsley. Drizzle with turkey stock and melted butter, and mix lightly. Spoon into turkey to loosely fill.

4. I cook the remaining in a slow cooker on low during the turkey baking.

Junk food lowers kids' IQ - study

Of course!  I didn't need a study for this result but it's good to read.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10838567

Junk food is ok, in moderation.  Our kids view it as a treat, I'm happy with that.  They feel extra special if they get dinner out. 

Honestly, it's expensive and unnecessary.

Pack a lunch, just part of being a parent - save some money and feel good about it. 

Picnic Lunch after a waterpark adventure - make your own sandwich with veggies and dip!

PS - Not my hat lol, it was Mason's after I dried him off

 

 

Swimming with alligators kids pool parties shut down in Florida

Swimming with alligators kids pool parties shut down in Florida

http://blogs.theprovince.com/2012/10/04/swimming-with-alligators-kids-pool-parties-shut-down-in-florida/

 

 

Seriously?  This was someone's idea?  Someone actually went from idea to operation?

And yet I worry about child services showing up everytime my son comes home with wet mittens.

Meet Mila!

 This is Mila.  She's a Jack-Chi, aka Jack Russell Chihuahua.  She is 5.5 months of pure energy, heart, and intellegence.  She was my fiance's neice's pup until today.
So she joins 4 kids, 1- 9-year old weiner dog, 2 cats, 2 bettas, and 4 hermit crabs.  She will fit right in....I hope!

 I knew Mila needed a home a week before.  This weekend Charlotte, our youngest at a fun 5 years decided we needed a Chihuahua, which was coincidental but I'm the queen of surprises.  Surprise Charly!  She's happy!  Mila is a bit scared.

William is like his mama, he wants to love and save anything with a heartbeat.  His goal is to train it to be like Sneakers, ha ha.

Mila on her 2.5 hour ride home.  She's already claimed me - but that's typical for pets I figure.  They love their feeder the best!

Will be an interesting couple of months for Mila, she will be fixed ASAP!  Shots, training, etc.  She's a cutie though!