New Page 1

May '07

"Your children will see what you're all about by what you live rather than what you say." Wayne Dyer

Welcome! I am excited to be adding a new page to The Changing of Seasons, dedicated to children! Many who visit this site are Moms, Grandparents, Aunts and others who have little ones in their life and I thought this page could help in giving ideas with spending fun, quality time with them! Because this is a new idea for me and a work in progress, the format may seem a little odd but I'll try and work out the kinks once I see what works and hopefully get some feedback from you! I will be changing and adding things once in awhile so be sure to check back!
I would also like to maybe add an extra page to this of Parents giving advice, giving children's book suggestions, favorite toy ideas, etc. . . If this interests you, please email me at thechangingofseasons@yahoo.com and put CHILDREN'S PAGE in the subject so I know it's not spam. I have already received feedback from a few of you and would love to hear from more! A BIG thank you to those who have contributed so far and have sent words of encouragement! Really means a lot!
Please enjoy the Second edition of Kids Page and hope to hear from you soon!
Children are so very precious and remember, they ARE our future!

Click Here For More Ideas!

Let's Read a Book!

May 13th is Mother's Day! What child doesn't like to snuggle up with their Mom and read a book together?
There are actually 2 books I'd like to recommend this month, Love You Forever and I Love You, Stinky Face.

Love You Forever, written by Robert Munsch, is a story that all Mom's can relate to, that no matter how old our child becomes they will always be our baby. I can't help to tear up every time I read this story, so have your tissue box handy.
I Love You, Stinky Face, written by Lisa Mc Court, is a fun little story that says, I love you for who you are and I always will.

Share a book together. It's more than just a learning experience, it is special times spent together that your child will never forget!

Sandra S. from Pennsylvania has shared a great recipe that's perfect for children's little tummy's.

Rice Pudding

1/2 cup white rice
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 cup water
3 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
2 eggs, separated
2/3 cup heavy cream
3 1/2 TBSP sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees
Cook rice in salted water over medium heat until water is absorbed
Add milk, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Simmer 15 minutes stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon
Remove from heat and cool slightly
Stir in egg yolks, cream, sugar, vanilla and raisins
Beat egg whites until fluffy and fold into mixture
Pour mixture into a well-buttered, shallow baking dish. Sprinkle sugar and 1/2 tsp nutmeg on top and bake about 2 hours until lightly brown
Divide the pudding among several individual soup bowls. Serve cold with cinnamon sprinkled on top

Serves 6

Craft Time!

Mother's Day is right around the corner! Sure, flowers and jewelry are nice but nothing beats a homemade card from your little one. Or a dandelion freshly picked from the yard, by their little hands. These are things that come from the heart and there is no money in the world that can compete with that!

There are many wonderful, personal craft ideas that your child could try. Of course, there is the basic, folded greeting card that they can draw pictures and write what they would like to all over it. They could also draw a picture using markers, crayons, paint or whatever they can think of and then have an adult frame it.

Here's a fun project, if you don't mind a little bit of mess.

Handprint Tulips

All you'll need are:

white paper

green and red finger paint (could use pink, purple, yellow or any other pretty color besides red)

1. Dip from elbow to wrist in green finger paint or paint it on with brush.

2. Press on white paper a few times. This will be the stem of the tulip.

3. Dip hand in red finger paint (exclude thumb) and then press on top of stem, with fingers close together. This will form the flower.

4. You can make fingerprint leaves or use a thumb to make the grass, butterflies, bugs. . .

If they are old enough, have them sign their name and age .

Local Events

Take a look in your local newspaper or online to find fun places to go that are kid friendly! This is great for spending quality time together and it helps make special memories. If you know of any family events happening in your community, email me and I'll post it ASAP! Have fun!

Steppingstone Museum - Havre de Grace, Maryland

Civil War Living History Days

May 19 & 20 Sat. 9am - 4pm, Sun. 10am - 3pm

Admission $5

( A good learning experience for the older children!)

Dublin Country Fair - Dublin, Maryland

May 5 10am - 3pm www.dublincountryfair.org

( Fun for the whole family)

German - American Festival

May 6 2-7pm http://geocities.com/agas_dc

Harford Dance Theatre's Fairy Tale Classic

May 11 - 13 Fri.-Sat. 5:30 - 7:30, Sun. 3:30