5/25/06 SNIPPETS, SYMPHONY, SOCKS, STICKERS, SUMMER, SONG

#1 · May 24, 2006, 6:15 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on May 24, 2006, 6:15 pm
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman

~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~

5/25/06 SNIPPETS, SYMPHONY, SOCKS, STICKERS, SUMMER, SONG

~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~

IN THIS ISSUE:

HOMEMAKING SNIPPETS

        ORGANIZATION

        GOOD TO THE LAST DROP

        COOKING AHEAD TO FREEZE

                GOOD RECIPES TO FREEZE AHEAD

                        TURKEY TETTRAZINNI

                        SYMPHONY

                        CASSEROLE RICE CAKES
STRUGGLES WITH SOCKS STAMPED OUT BY STICKER SUCCESS!

PLANNING FOR A SUCCESSFUL SUMMER

HIDDEN TREASURE

A SONG FOR BABY

"LOVE YOU FOREVER"

JUST MOMMIES

CELEBRATION OF BIRTHS AND ADOPTION!

HOMEMAKING SNIPPETS

Organization ~ Are you trying to get all your ducks in a row? Help is on the way!

__(-)> __(-)> __(-)> <(-)__   __(-)> __(-)> __(-)> __(-)>
___)   ___)   ___)    (___/   ___)   ___)   ___)   ___)

FlyLady at www.FlyLady.net has helped many ladies in organizing their homes. She will guide you step by step.

Good to the Last Drop ~ When you think you can no longer squeeze makeup, hand cream, cream rinse or other contents from a plastic tube, trust me - there is still more in there - much more than you realize! Just try this the next time you think a tube is empty! Cut the tube in half with scissors and clean out one side of the tube with a narrow rubber spatula or your finger, and put the contents into the other end. The two parts of the cut tube will slip together nicely so the contents will not dry out, as you benefit a week or more longer from what would have been tossed out! Hand lotion in heavier plastic dispensers can also be cut in half very carefully with a sharp paring knife. The remainder could be kept in a small Tupperware container for further use.

Cooking Ahead to Freeze ~ If you have not been in the habit of doing this, choose just one favorite meal your family enjoys - almost any casserole recipe, chili, spaghetti, Spanish rice, meatloaf, crab cakes, or one of the recipes below. Use a large dishpan to make multiple batches of one recipe all at once. Spoon it into casserole dishes and freeze solid, or wrap a meatloaf in foil. If you need to use your casserole dishes in the meantime, simply run hot water over the bottom of the dish, carefully pop out the food with a sharp knife and wrap the frozen contents in foil or wrap in plastic wrap before popping into freezer bags. The plastic wrap right next to the food may help prevent freezer burn, if it is closely wrapped first. Label and return to your freezer for multiple carefree meals later! While your meal is baking, you could enjoy reading, doing a craft, sewing or playing with your children! This is a great time-saver and can be a money-saver as well, if you buy the main ingredients when on sale!

GOOD RECIPES TO FREEZE AHEAD

TURKEY TETTRAZINNI

1 ¼ cups 2 spaghetti pieces (Whole wheat, spelt or rice spaghetti is a good substitute)

1 ½ - 2 cups cooked turkey breast (Cook a turkey breast in the crockpot overnight.)

¼ cup minced pimiento

¼ cup minced green pepper

1 can cream of mushroom soup

½ cup turkey broth

1/8 tsp. celery salt

1/8 tsp. ground pepper

½ grated small onion

1 ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (6 oz.)

Cook spaghetti until barley tender. Drain, rinse with hot water, drain well. Add remaining ingredients, except ½ cup grated cheese. Toss lightly. Taste and add more seasoning if necessary. Pour into a 1½ quart casserole. Sprinkle with ½ cup grated cheese. Bake casserole (covered) for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes 4 servings.

SYMPHONY

Cook 4 cups or more of egg noodles. (or substitute whole wheat, spelt or rice noodles)

Run cold water over cooked noodles to prevent sticking together.

Brown 4# ground chuck with a large onion and drain fat.

Mix 4 small cans tomato sauce together with meat. Set aside.

            Mix together:

16 oz. cream cheese

1 cup sour cream (or low fat plain yogurt)

2 cups cottage cheese (If someone doesn't like this, blend all cheeses in blender.)

2 Tbsp. minced green pepper

Layer in casserole dish or several smaller dishes:

                    half of noodles

        cheese mixture

        remaining noodles

        meat mixture

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

CASSEROLE RICE CAKES
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 pkg. chopped frozen spinach, thawed with all the water squeezed out

1 cup grated carrots

1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup milk
6 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. sweet basil, rosemary, thyme or other green herb

1 tsp. turmeric
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook brown rice for 45 minutes in a little more than double the amount of water. Add milk to cooked rice and mix. Add remaining ingredients and mix. Pour into a 9x13-inch pan. This recipe may be frozen at this point, to bake and serve later. If taken from the freezer, thaw and bake for 30 minutes at 325 degrees.   Cut into serving pieces and serve.

STRUGGLES WITH SOCKS STAMPED OUT BY STICKER SUCCESS!

By Lois Breneman, © 2006, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]

        A mother of a strong-willed two and a half year old son shared how she was having long power struggles with Matt twice every single day over not wanting to put on his socks! He would put up such a fuss that this poor mother, who would like to remain anonymous, said how she was at her wits end, not knowing what to do. This child was in control and he knew it!

        Later that day I e-mailed this sweet mom with a couple things that she might try with Matt to help him be more cooperative, not only with his socks, but with almost any behavioral problem.

This is what I suggested:

        "If Matt likes stickers, you could have a "Socks Chart" for him. Every time he puts on his socks without fussing, he gets a sticker - maybe one sticker for each sock! Let him know that after he gets so many (10 or 20), he may choose a special toy that he's been wanting or to go somewhere he'd really enjoy.

        Another suggestion might be to let him stick a sticker on each of his socks to make them really special. Or let him help you choose some new socks for him to wear - maybe with pictures on them - or bright colors.

        My grandson loves vacuum cleaners more than anything else in the world, so I made him a book of vacuum cleaners and laminated it - last year. He still asks to have that book read to him and remembers that I made it for him. Actually he "reads" it to his mommy! Maybe you could try writing a funny story about a boy and his socks - then draw stick figures - or ask a friend to illustrate it for you, unless you draw yourself.

        The story could possibly be about a cat or dog named Socks, that was colored in such a way that he looked like he wore socks - and how the little boy who lives there wanted to have socks just like his cat or dog. Then you might tell how they went to the park together - with matching socks! Etc.

        The story could even be about a little boy who got very sore blisters on his feet from not wearing socks with his shoes. Or maybe he got a splinter in his foot.

        If your son has a special stuffed toy or a little boy doll, play up the socks with him too. I hope this helps! Let me know!"

Later that day, Matt's mom e-mailed me:

        Bless your heart!!! What fantastic ideas. I am extremely grateful. I have a book of stickers in the basement. I'll try that first. I'm going to find them right now and try this out when he gets up from his nap. When we left the park today, Matt took off his socks and shoes in the car and announced that he did not like them! He was stating his position for the next battle which will be about 5:00 this afternoon. I'll let you know how it works.  Thank you again for you kindness. I deeply appreciate your suggestions!

Then Matt's mom e-mailed me after his nap:

         It worked!!! When I heard Matt stirring in his bedroom, I went in and sat down in his rocker. He lifted his little head up off of his pillow, looked me in the eye, and said, "I'm not wearing socks!" Then he laid back down. I showed him the sticker book, and explained that he could have a sticker for every time he puts on his socks, and when he gets 5 stickers, we'll go to the dollar store. (I figured there needed to be a quick payoff the first time so he wouldn't lose interest, but we'll increase the number needed after each visit to the dollar store). He replied in an angry voice, "I don't want any stickers!" I changed the subject and read him a book. When we finished the book, he said, "I want a sticker." I told him he had to put his socks on to get it and he said, "OK."

        You could have knocked me over with a feather!!! I'm still speechless! He put on his little socks, his little shoes, got his sticker, and could not have been happier!   The positive approach worked so much better than the negative.  I thank God for your kindness to us. I am so appreciative of your help on this and your other suggestions as well - especially the vacuum cleaner book. That is such a good idea, especially for Easter since we won't do candy, due to his food allergies. I just can not thank you enough or praise God enough for you!   Paul wrote (somewhere, maybe Ephesians, might have been Thessalonians) that their good works resulted in praise to God - and your good work today surely has resulted in praise to God!

         This is only a preliminary report - one day does not a pattern of behavior make, but it is an incredible start - but I'll report back to you after awhile. When I woke up this morning, dreading the morning sock fight, I never would have guessed that tonight I would go to bed praising the Lord for answering prayer through you, and praising the Lord, with a child who has his socks on!

A week later:

        Matt has continued his faithful pursuit of stickers and a trip to the dollar store (he wants an airplane)! You could just knock me over with a feather! He has completed the chart I hurriedly made after I received your email last week. I will keep it for the memory book you showed us how to make! I will employ his help in making the next chart and will require a little more work to get the payoff now that he's engaged in it. I also found some construction equipment stickers
at the new A. C. Moore store for 1.99. (well worth the investment). I think these stickers and a chart that he and I design together will take us to the next level (which includes cooperating in all aspects of dressing!) I just feel such relief - and I feel the blessing of the Lord in being a Mom when I see my child working with me instead of against me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'll be in touch as we progress. I just so greatly appreciate your care and especially your knowledge of the strong willed child.

Another suggestion sent to Matt's mom:

        I got to thinking how yesterday Matt said, "OK," when you wanted him to put on his socks. You might want to give that good response some mileage, by saying something like, "Oh, Matt, it makes me so happy when you tell Mommy 'OK.' That's a good word! It shows how obedient you are! Remember how Jesus says children should obey their parents? Your saying OK to Mommy makes Jesus even happier than it makes Mommy!"

        Then go over that scripture verse in Eph. 6:1 - "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."

        I hope Matt's "OK" will continue today and the next day! You just might be headed to the dollar store tomorrow! I pray so!

A month later:
        The sticker chart has been a HUGE success. Thank you! Matt has completely forgotten about fighting over socks - now he hops out of bed, gets dressed, puts on his socks and shoes - and someone who had never seen this little fellow resist the system would not believe what he used to do. We now have a sticker chart on the lower part of the refrigerator. Whenever he cooperates in just about anything (from potty to getting in the car) he gets to put a sticker on his chart. This time, when he fills in his 20 slots, he gets to go to the mall and ride the rides in the food court. We are truly blessed - to be the recipient of your wisdom and experience! Thank you for helping us!



Six weeks later Matt's mom gave another update and permission for her experience and her e-mails to be shared in this article for other moms:

        Matt is so excited about his sticker chart (and he is quite a talkative little one) that he tells perfect strangers in grocery stores that when he gets his sticker chart filled up, he is going to go to the mall and ride the rides. We've just got a few more slots to fill and he'll be on his way! This reward is so important to him because earlier he lost the privilege of riding the rides due to disobedience. In fact he had to watch his friends ride without getting to ride himself because of his poor and rebellious behavior in the parking lot while going into the mall to meet his friends. Now, due to obedience, he gets to regain that opportunity and he is excited!

        The sticker chart has become part of our lives, rewarding acts of obedience, and at times adding a really positive dimension to our parent/child relationship. This morning we got out the glitter markers and colored our sticker chart. It was a sweet time and I savored it. Moms who have strong willed children know that constant conflict can really strain that relationship. The sticker chart has been a huge blessing in our home!

        Just one more note for Moms who might want to try this - part of what has made it successful is using stickers that mean something - for example, a backhoe has much more value in the eyes of my child than a smiley face. Getting to choose different types of construction equipment has kept it fresh. And, choosing a really enticing reward is helpful.                 Lastly, battling over socks is something I normally wouldn't battle over, until he started getting blisters on his feet from shoes without socks. Then I felt that I had to stand my ground. My toddler just wanted a good fight. The issue wasn't all that important to him, as evidenced by how quickly he caved in. I was amazed because you would think from all the yelling, screaming and crying that the issue was dear to his little heart. It wasn't. And that has been the case on every issue where the sticker chart has been helpful - which illustrates one additional lesson my toddler has learned - there are more fun things to do than fight Mom.

Conclusion:

        Thanks to Matt's mom for sharing how a few special stickers and desirable rewards can melt a child's defiant and willful heart and turn it into one of obedience!   When a child's strong will is steered in the right direction, he will do well in life. In fact, Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, has reported that a child's strong will can work in his favor later in life. Isn't that encouraging? I have found that to be true as well!

        Any comments regarding this article will be directed to Matt's mom!

PLANNING FOR A SUCCESSFUL SUMMER

By Mary Gray Perdue and Jim Burns

Printed by permission of HomeWord. For additional information on HomeWord, visit www.homeword.com

The first few days of summer can be fun for both kids and parents. It is wonderful to break out of the school routine and decompress a bit. But shortly thereafter, reality sets in, and it is time to implement your summer plan. Summer is a wonderful time of relationship building and fun
in your kids lives. You have the opportunity to make memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives! And it is also a great opportunity for growth. All of this fun, memory making, and growth require advanced thought and planning and the time to begin is now! Let us help you with some tried and true steps to making this the best summer ever for you and your family! A great summer time requires a lot of thought and advance planning. But, the investment you make in preparing for summer vacation will result reaping great benefits both in the lives of their kids, and also in the overall family as well. Its well worth the effort! Planning for a successful summer is more than filling each day with activities. Its more strategic than that. So, whats a parent to do?

Mary Perdue, a long-time HomeWord employee and mother of three, has been implementing a successful summer vacation plan with her children for years. We hope youll find what Mary has learned by her own experience and research over the years helpful as you prepare for the upcoming summer season.

Schedule the Big Items:
Sooner, rather than later, get your calendar out and schedule the big items you know will be a part of your kids summer experience: family vacation, camps, mission projects, visits to relatives, etc.

Take the Big View:
While getting summer events and activities down on the calendar is important, dont get caught up in the idea that its all about filling in dates with random activities. Take the big view of each of your childs lives. Be proactive in considering the following four areas of personal growth, begin to think through and make a list for each of your children of what you want to see accomplished in each their lives this summer.

1) Physical Growth. All kids should be physically active each day. If one or more of your children have specific physical concerns (for example, if they need to build up their aerobic endurance, etc.), find a way to address it in your summer plan without making it a big deal. Incorporate these areas into a sport or other activities, like family hikes that you plan during the summer.

What to consider:
Physical challenges or goals for acquiring particular skills and exercise requirements
Ideas for achieving goals and requirements. Some family activities can crossover and help to accomplish your individual kids physical needs.

2) Emotional (Relational) Growth. All kids mature at different rates, so youll have to tailor the plan for each of your kids. Again, when it comes to relationships, you can incorporate family activities (from playing board games together, to outdoor sports, etc.) to help each child work on the area of development most needed.

What to consider:
Compassion
Anger management
Self-control
Team-building
Trust
Decision-making
Responsibility

3) Intellectual Growth. Summer is not a season where kids stop learning. All kids can benefit from reading something everyday. Intellectual growth goes beyond reading however, and youll want to consider what areas of learning your kids need to work on most, so you can find practical ways to put this in your summer plan. Set aside a half-hour or hour (or more!) every morning for learning activities.

What to consider:
Academic areas. Check in with teachers before the summer and ask what academic area(s) where your child needs the most work.

Summer Reading. Plan through your local library or just make your own chart/reward system.
New skills, interests or hobbies. Many communities offer free or low-cost lessons and a great opportunity for your child to learn especially when it is something they are motivated to learn.
Games that are fun and educational (Scrabble for instance.)

4) Spiritual Growth. While your childs spiritual growth is always a concern, summer provides extra time and opportunity to focus on the specific areas of faith development for each of your kids. Typically, most churches with youth ministry programs offer lots of summer opportunities for spiritual growth, from Bible studies to camps to service and mission projects. And, you can plan your own family projects to help needy families, visit nursing homes, or help neighbors with

yard work or repairs.

What to consider:
Specific areas of spiritual development (compassion, love, service, sacrifice, etc.)
Christian worldview issues (morals and values)
Apologetics (knowing what and why they believe)

Putting the Plan Together
As you consider the various goals you have for your kids and what activities throughout the summer can help achieve those goals begin to schedule on your calendar how all the activities fit together. Develop a specific routine to begin with, then adapt and adjust as you go along. Flexibility is an important component to summer, and will help keep everyone in the family sane! Be sure to include activities in your summer plan having no agenda other than fun! So many of lifes most memorable moments learning experiences included happen in the moment, regardless of what you have planned. Not everything you do needs to be scripted in order to have your kids work towards the goals you have identified. So perhaps planning Field Trip Fridays where you change up the activity every week (beach, park, amusement park, hike, etc.) can be just the prescription for both fun and growth along the way! Schedule these in advance and invite other friends and families to join along with you. This is a great way to expand the fun factor for your kids and others! Both planning and being proactive are keys to a successful summer. Youll also find that evaluating and adjusting the schedule according to your familys needs along the way is wise. Again, the goal is not busyness. The goal is to take advantage of this annual break in the normal routines to not only keep your kids growing, but to build your family relationships and cherish these very fleeting moments during our parenting years!

Note: If you are not a stay-at-home mom or dad, or work out of your own home, youll face greater challenges in planning and carrying out a summer plan for your kids while attending to your own busy schedule. Even in these instances, advance planning and scheduling is still the key and will help relieve some of the stress youll encounter if you fail to plan. Advance planning will absolutely help you and your family to make the most of your summer experience!

___________________________________________________________________

Mary Perdue, Marketing and Communications Manager since 1998 at HomeWord, a non-profit Christian organization, has been a guest speaker to single parents in churches around the country. She has also spoken for MOPs and been a guest on national radio programs.



Jim Burns, Ph.D., President of HomeWord is the host of the HomeWord with Jim Burns daily half-hour, one-minute, and weekly radio programs. His passion is communicating to adults and young people practical truths to help them live out their Christian lives. Jim is the author of many books including The 10 Building Blocks for a Happy Family and Creating An Intimate Marriage coming summer of 2006. Since 1985 HomeWord has been providing assistance to parents and churches worldwide, those who daily reach out to kids. He writes a monthly column for Ignite Your Faith magazine. Jim, his wife, Cathy, and their three daughters live in Southern California.

HIDDEN TREASURE

Author unknown - Thanks to Annamarie Kresge in Virginia for sending this! - A great story for family devotions!

        A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake.
        They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
        He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!
        Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left.
        Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!
        It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it.
        We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.
        There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.
        May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
       Note from Lois: I am so blessed by the gem of friendship I have with you ladies, even though I have never met most of you! Thank you for looking beyond my vessel of clay!

A SONG FOR BABY

By Lois Breneman, © 1979, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]

This is one of the two songs I wrote and sang to our last baby as I rocked and played with him. A similar song could be written and sung to your little one, by changing the name and the word, "boy" to "girl," if appropriate. It's difficult to give the melody in a newsletter, but when I sang it to him, I emphasized his name, "God gave him to us," and the "oh - so - much!" You can make up your own melody! I often bounced little Jamie in my lap, as a toddler, while I sang his personal song to him, as we both laughed. Such fun! I have sung the same song to our grandson, Justin! It's very adaptable!

              A Song for Jamie

There was a little boy named - Jamie!

There was a little boy named - Jamie!

God gave him to us,

And we love him - oh - so - much!

There was a little boy named - Jamie!

         -- By Lois Breneman, © 1979

"LOVE YOU FOREVER"

Recommended by Linda Bahn of Pennsylvania

"Love You Forever" written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Sheila McGraw, is a very moving story of a mother who sings to her infant son. It teaches the forever love of a parent, as she sings, "I'll love you for always, I'll love you forever."    The book is beautifully illustrated, and the repetitious style of the story will capture the interest of any young child. One warning for mothers: be sure to have a box of tissues handy!

JUST MOMMIES

I recently came across an Internet link that I thought some of you ladies might enjoy:
http://www.justmommies.com

CELEBRATION OF BIRTHS AND ADOPTION!

Congratulations to David and Linda Bahn in Pennsylvania, on the birth of their first grandchild! Austin Samuel Toczynski, the first child of Aaron and Jennie (Bahn) Toczynski in Ohio, was born on May 1, 2006.

Welcome to Aidan Shelton Lockhart, second son of Michael and Ellen Rachel Lockhart in Virginia, born on May 10, 2006, making Addison a "big brother!" Congratulations to all!

On May 11th, 2006 Charles Quentin Swarr was adopted into the family of Keith and Karen (Kohr) Swarr. He has already been living with his adoptive family in Pennsylvania for two years.  Charlie is four years old - soon to be five in October. He is the second son in the family, joining Sasha, who is nine.

Prayer wonderfully clears the vision; steadies the nerves; defines duty; stiffens the purpose; sweetens and strengthens the spirit. -- S. D. Gordon

                            Many Heart to Heart ladies and their families need our prayers, so

              please remember to pray for each Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.

(¨`·.·´¨)                          God bless you and your family and keep you in His care!

`·.¸(¨`·.·´¨)

      `·.¸.·´                                              Your Heart to Heart friend,

                                                                                                 Lois



The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to bring godly and practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family regarding homemaking, marriage, children and much more. You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to Lois Breneman at [email protected].

-- To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: [email protected]

Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman

~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~

5/25/06 SNIPPETS, SYMPHONY, SOCKS, STICKERS, SUMMER, SONG

~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~

IN THIS ISSUE:

HOMEMAKING SNIPPETS

        ORGANIZATION

        GOOD TO THE LAST DROP

        COOKING AHEAD TO FREEZE

                GOOD RECIPES TO FREEZE AHEAD

                        TURKEY TETTRAZINNI

                        SYMPHONY

                        CASSEROLE RICE CAKES
STRUGGLES WITH SOCKS STAMPED OUT BY STICKER SUCCESS!

PLANNING FOR A SUCCESSFUL SUMMER

HIDDEN TREASURE

A SONG FOR BABY

"LOVE YOU FOREVER"

JUST MOMMIES

CELEBRATION OF BIRTHS AND ADOPTION!

HOMEMAKING SNIPPETS

Organization ~ Are you trying to get all your ducks in a row? Help is on the way!

__(-)> __(-)> __(-)> <(-)__   __(-)> __(-)> __(-)> __(-)>
___)   ___)   ___)    (___/   ___)   ___)   ___)   ___)

FlyLady at http://www.FlyLady.net has helped many ladies in organizing their homes. She will guide you step by step.

Good to the Last Drop ~ When you think you can no longer squeeze makeup, hand cream, cream rinse or other contents from a plastic tube, trust me - there is still more in there - much more than you realize! Just try this the next time you think a tube is empty! Cut the tube in half with scissors and clean out one side of the tube with a narrow rubber spatula or your finger, and put the contents into the other end. The two parts of the cut tube will slip together nicely so the contents will not dry out, as you benefit a week or more longer from what would have been tossed out! Hand lotion in heavier plastic dispensers can also be cut in half very carefully with a sharp paring knife. The remainder could be kept in a small Tupperware container for further use.

Cooking Ahead to Freeze ~ If you have not been in the habit of doing this, choose just one favorite meal your family enjoys - almost any casserole recipe, chili, spaghetti, Spanish rice, meatloaf, crab cakes, or one of the recipes below. Use a large dishpan to make multiple batches of one recipe all at once. Spoon it into casserole dishes and freeze solid, or wrap a meatloaf in foil. If you need to use your casserole dishes in the meantime, simply run hot water over the bottom of the dish, carefully pop out the food with a sharp knife and wrap the frozen contents in foil or wrap in plastic wrap before popping into freezer bags. The plastic wrap right next to the food may help prevent freezer burn, if it is closely wrapped first. Label and return to your freezer for multiple carefree meals later! While your meal is baking, you could enjoy reading, doing a craft, sewing or playing with your children! This is a great time-saver and can be a money-saver as well, if you buy the main ingredients when on sale!

GOOD RECIPES TO FREEZE AHEAD

TURKEY TETTRAZINNI

1 ¼ cups 2 spaghetti pieces (Whole wheat, spelt or rice spaghetti is a good substitute)

1 ½ - 2 cups cooked turkey breast (Cook a turkey breast in the crockpot overnight.)

¼ cup minced pimiento

¼ cup minced green pepper

1 can cream of mushroom soup

½ cup turkey broth

1/8 tsp. celery salt

1/8 tsp. ground pepper

½ grated small onion

1 ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (6 oz.)

Cook spaghetti until barley tender. Drain, rinse with hot water, drain well. Add remaining ingredients, except ½ cup grated cheese. Toss lightly. Taste and add more seasoning if necessary. Pour into a 1½ quart casserole. Sprinkle with ½ cup grated cheese. Bake casserole (covered) for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes 4 servings.

SYMPHONY

Cook 4 cups or more of egg noodles. (or substitute whole wheat, spelt or rice noodles)

Run cold water over cooked noodles to prevent sticking together.

Brown 4# ground chuck with a large onion and drain fat.

Mix 4 small cans tomato sauce together with meat. Set aside.

            Mix together:

16 oz. cream cheese

1 cup sour cream (or low fat plain yogurt)

2 cups cottage cheese (If someone doesn't like this, blend all cheeses in blender.)

2 Tbsp. minced green pepper

Layer in casserole dish or several smaller dishes:

                    half of noodles

        cheese mixture

        remaining noodles

        meat mixture

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

CASSEROLE RICE CAKES
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 pkg. chopped frozen spinach, thawed with all the water squeezed out

1 cup grated carrots

1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup milk
6 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. sweet basil, rosemary, thyme or other green herb

1 tsp. turmeric
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook brown rice for 45 minutes in a little more than double the amount of water. Add milk to cooked rice and mix. Add remaining ingredients and mix. Pour into a 9x13-inch pan. This recipe may be frozen at this point, to bake and serve later. If taken from the freezer, thaw and bake for 30 minutes at 325 degrees.   Cut into serving pieces and serve.

STRUGGLES WITH SOCKS STAMPED OUT BY STICKER SUCCESS!

By Lois Breneman, © 2006, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]

        A mother of a strong-willed two and a half year old son shared how she was having long power struggles with Matt twice every single day over not wanting to put on his socks! He would put up such a fuss that this poor mother, who would like to remain anonymous, said how she was at her wits end, not knowing what to do. This child was in control and he knew it!

        Later that day I e-mailed this sweet mom with a couple things that she might try with Matt to help him be more cooperative, not only with his socks, but with almost any behavioral problem.

This is what I suggested:

        "If Matt likes stickers, you could have a "Socks Chart" for him. Every time he puts on his socks without fussing, he gets a sticker - maybe one sticker for each sock! Let him know that after he gets so many (10 or 20), he may choose a special toy that he's been wanting or to go somewhere he'd really enjoy.

        Another suggestion might be to let him stick a sticker on each of his socks to make them really special. Or let him help you choose some new socks for him to wear - maybe with pictures on them - or bright colors.

        My grandson loves vacuum cleaners more than anything else in the world, so I made him a book of vacuum cleaners and laminated it - last year. He still asks to have that book read to him and remembers that I made it for him. Actually he "reads" it to his mommy! Maybe you could try writing a funny story about a boy and his socks - then draw stick figures - or ask a friend to illustrate it for you, unless you draw yourself.

        The story could possibly be about a cat or dog named Socks, that was colored in such a way that he looked like he wore socks - and how the little boy who lives there wanted to have socks just like his cat or dog. Then you might tell how they went to the park together - with matching socks! Etc.

        The story could even be about a little boy who got very sore blisters on his feet from not wearing socks with his shoes. Or maybe he got a splinter in his foot.

        If your son has a special stuffed toy or a little boy doll, play up the socks with him too. I hope this helps! Let me know!"

Later that day, Matt's mom e-mailed me:

        Bless your heart!!! What fantastic ideas. I am extremely grateful. I have a book of stickers in the basement. I'll try that first. I'm going to find them right now and try this out when he gets up from his nap. When we left the park today, Matt took off his socks and shoes in the car and announced that he did not like them! He was stating his position for the next battle which will be about 5:00 this afternoon. I'll let you know how it works.  Thank you again for you kindness. I deeply appreciate your suggestions!

Then Matt's mom e-mailed me after his nap:

         It worked!!! When I heard Matt stirring in his bedroom, I went in and sat down in his rocker. He lifted his little head up off of his pillow, looked me in the eye, and said, "I'm not wearing socks!" Then he laid back down. I showed him the sticker book, and explained that he could have a sticker for every time he puts on his socks, and when he gets 5 stickers, we'll go to the dollar store. (I figured there needed to be a quick payoff the first time so he wouldn't lose interest, but we'll increase the number needed after each visit to the dollar store). He replied in an angry voice, "I don't want any stickers!" I changed the subject and read him a book. When we finished the book, he said, "I want a sticker." I told him he had to put his socks on to get it and he said, "OK."

        You could have knocked me over with a feather!!! I'm still speechless! He put on his little socks, his little shoes, got his sticker, and could not have been happier!   The positive approach worked so much better than the negative.  I thank God for your kindness to us. I am so appreciative of your help on this and your other suggestions as well - especially the vacuum cleaner book. That is such a good idea, especially for Easter since we won't do candy, due to his food allergies. I just can not thank you enough or praise God enough for you!   Paul wrote (somewhere, maybe Ephesians, might have been Thessalonians) that their good works resulted in praise to God - and your good work today surely has resulted in praise to God!

         This is only a preliminary report - one day does not a pattern of behavior make, but it is an incredible start - but I'll report back to you after awhile. When I woke up this morning, dreading the morning sock fight, I never would have guessed that tonight I would go to bed praising the Lord for answering prayer through you, and praising the Lord, with a child who has his socks on!

A week later:

        Matt has continued his faithful pursuit of stickers and a trip to the dollar store (he wants an airplane)! You could just knock me over with a feather! He has completed the chart I hurriedly made after I received your email last week. I will keep it for the memory book you showed us how to make! I will employ his help in making the next chart and will require a little more work to get the payoff now that he's engaged in it. I also found some construction equipment stickers
at the new A. C. Moore store for 1.99. (well worth the investment). I think these stickers and a chart that he and I design together will take us to the next level (which includes cooperating in all aspects of dressing!) I just feel such relief - and I feel the blessing of the Lord in being a Mom when I see my child working with me instead of against me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'll be in touch as we progress. I just so greatly appreciate your care and especially your knowledge of the strong willed child.

Another suggestion sent to Matt's mom:

        I got to thinking how yesterday Matt said, "OK," when you wanted him to put on his socks. You might want to give that good response some mileage, by saying something like, "Oh, Matt, it makes me so happy when you tell Mommy 'OK.' That's a good word! It shows how obedient you are! Remember how Jesus says children should obey their parents? Your saying OK to Mommy makes Jesus even happier than it makes Mommy!"

        Then go over that scripture verse in Eph. 6:1 - "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."

        I hope Matt's "OK" will continue today and the next day! You just might be headed to the dollar store tomorrow! I pray so!

A month later:
        The sticker chart has been a HUGE success. Thank you! Matt has completely forgotten about fighting over socks - now he hops out of bed, gets dressed, puts on his socks and shoes - and someone who had never seen this little fellow resist the system would not believe what he used to do. We now have a sticker chart on the lower part of the refrigerator. Whenever he cooperates in just about anything (from potty to getting in the car) he gets to put a sticker on his chart. This time, when he fills in his 20 slots, he gets to go to the mall and ride the rides in the food court. We are truly blessed - to be the recipient of your wisdom and experience! Thank you for helping us!



Six weeks later Matt's mom gave another update and permission for her experience and her e-mails to be shared in this article for other moms:

        Matt is so excited about his sticker chart (and he is quite a talkative little one) that he tells perfect strangers in grocery stores that when he gets his sticker chart filled up, he is going to go to the mall and ride the rides. We've just got a few more slots to fill and he'll be on his way! This reward is so important to him because earlier he lost the privilege of riding the rides due to disobedience. In fact he had to watch his friends ride without getting to ride himself because of his poor and rebellious behavior in the parking lot while going into the mall to meet his friends. Now, due to obedience, he gets to regain that opportunity and he is excited!

        The sticker chart has become part of our lives, rewarding acts of obedience, and at times adding a really positive dimension to our parent/child relationship. This morning we got out the glitter markers and colored our sticker chart. It was a sweet time and I savored it. Moms who have strong willed children know that constant conflict can really strain that relationship. The sticker chart has been a huge blessing in our home!

        Just one more note for Moms who might want to try this - part of what has made it successful is using stickers that mean something - for example, a backhoe has much more value in the eyes of my child than a smiley face. Getting to choose different types of construction equipment has kept it fresh. And, choosing a really enticing reward is helpful.                 Lastly, battling over socks is something I normally wouldn't battle over, until he started getting blisters on his feet from shoes without socks. Then I felt that I had to stand my ground. My toddler just wanted a good fight. The issue wasn't all that important to him, as evidenced by how quickly he caved in. I was amazed because you would think from all the yelling, screaming and crying that the issue was dear to his little heart. It wasn't. And that has been the case on every issue where the sticker chart has been helpful - which illustrates one additional lesson my toddler has learned - there are more fun things to do than fight Mom.

Conclusion:

        Thanks to Matt's mom for sharing how a few special stickers and desirable rewards can melt a child's defiant and willful heart and turn it into one of obedience!   When a child's strong will is steered in the right direction, he will do well in life. In fact, Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, has reported that a child's strong will can work in his favor later in life. Isn't that encouraging? I have found that to be true as well!

        Any comments regarding this article will be directed to Matt's mom!

PLANNING FOR A SUCCESSFUL SUMMER

By Mary Gray Perdue and Jim Burns

Printed by permission of HomeWord. For additional information on HomeWord, visit http://www.homeword.com

The first few days of summer can be fun for both kids and parents. It is wonderful to break out of the school routine and decompress a bit. But shortly thereafter, reality sets in, and it is time to implement your summer plan. Summer is a wonderful time of relationship building and fun
in your kids lives. You have the opportunity to make memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives! And it is also a great opportunity for growth. All of this fun, memory making, and growth require advanced thought and planning and the time to begin is now! Let us help you with some tried and true steps to making this the best summer ever for you and your family! A great summer time requires a lot of thought and advance planning. But, the investment you make in preparing for summer vacation will result reaping great benefits both in the lives of their kids, and also in the overall family as well. Its well worth the effort! Planning for a successful summer is more than filling each day with activities. Its more strategic than that. So, whats a parent to do?

Mary Perdue, a long-time HomeWord employee and mother of three, has been implementing a successful summer vacation plan with her children for years. We hope youll find what Mary has learned by her own experience and research over the years helpful as you prepare for the upcoming summer season.

Schedule the Big Items:
Sooner, rather than later, get your calendar out and schedule the big items you know will be a part of your kids summer experience: family vacation, camps, mission projects, visits to relatives, etc.

Take the Big View:
While getting summer events and activities down on the calendar is important, dont get caught up in the idea that its all about filling in dates with random activities. Take the big view of each of your childs lives. Be proactive in considering the following four areas of personal growth, begin to think through and make a list for each of your children of what you want to see accomplished in each their lives this summer.

1) Physical Growth. All kids should be physically active each day. If one or more of your children have specific physical concerns (for example, if they need to build up their aerobic endurance, etc.), find a way to address it in your summer plan without making it a big deal. Incorporate these areas into a sport or other activities, like family hikes that you plan during the summer.

What to consider:
Physical challenges or goals for acquiring particular skills and exercise requirements
Ideas for achieving goals and requirements. Some family activities can crossover and help to accomplish your individual kids physical needs.

2) Emotional (Relational) Growth. All kids mature at different rates, so youll have to tailor the plan for each of your kids. Again, when it comes to relationships, you can incorporate family activities (from playing board games together, to outdoor sports, etc.) to help each child work on the area of development most needed.

What to consider:
Compassion
Anger management
Self-control
Team-building
Trust
Decision-making
Responsibility

3) Intellectual Growth. Summer is not a season where kids stop learning. All kids can benefit from reading something everyday. Intellectual growth goes beyond reading however, and youll want to consider what areas of learning your kids need to work on most, so you can find practical ways to put this in your summer plan. Set aside a half-hour or hour (or more!) every morning for learning activities.

What to consider:
Academic areas. Check in with teachers before the summer and ask what academic area(s) where your child needs the most work.

Summer Reading. Plan through your local library or just make your own chart/reward system.
New skills, interests or hobbies. Many communities offer free or low-cost lessons and a great opportunity for your child to learn especially when it is something they are motivated to learn.
Games that are fun and educational (Scrabble for instance.)

4) Spiritual Growth. While your childs spiritual growth is always a concern, summer provides extra time and opportunity to focus on the specific areas of faith development for each of your kids. Typically, most churches with youth ministry programs offer lots of summer opportunities for spiritual growth, from Bible studies to camps to service and mission projects. And, you can plan your own family projects to help needy families, visit nursing homes, or help neighbors with

yard work or repairs.

What to consider:
Specific areas of spiritual development (compassion, love, service, sacrifice, etc.)
Christian worldview issues (morals and values)
Apologetics (knowing what and why they believe)

Putting the Plan Together
As you consider the various goals you have for your kids and what activities throughout the summer can help achieve those goals begin to schedule on your calendar how all the activities fit together. Develop a specific routine to begin with, then adapt and adjust as you go along. Flexibility is an important component to summer, and will help keep everyone in the family sane! Be sure to include activities in your summer plan having no agenda other than fun! So many of lifes most memorable moments learning experiences included happen in the moment, regardless of what you have planned. Not everything you do needs to be scripted in order to have your kids work towards the goals you have identified. So perhaps planning Field Trip Fridays where you change up the activity every week (beach, park, amusement park, hike, etc.) can be just the prescription for both fun and growth along the way! Schedule these in advance and invite other friends and families to join along with you. This is a great way to expand the fun factor for your kids and others! Both planning and being proactive are keys to a successful summer. Youll also find that evaluating and adjusting the schedule according to your familys needs along the way is wise. Again, the goal is not busyness. The goal is to take advantage of this annual break in the normal routines to not only keep your kids growing, but to build your family relationships and cherish these very fleeting moments during our parenting years!

Note: If you are not a stay-at-home mom or dad, or work out of your own home, youll face greater challenges in planning and carrying out a summer plan for your kids while attending to your own busy schedule. Even in these instances, advance planning and scheduling is still the key and will help relieve some of the stress youll encounter if you fail to plan. Advance planning will absolutely help you and your family to make the most of your summer experience!

___________________________________________________________________

Mary Perdue, Marketing and Communications Manager since 1998 at HomeWord, a non-profit Christian organization, has been a guest speaker to single parents in churches around the country. She has also spoken for MOPs and been a guest on national radio programs.



Jim Burns, Ph.D., President of HomeWord is the host of the HomeWord with Jim Burns daily half-hour, one-minute, and weekly radio programs. His passion is communicating to adults and young people practical truths to help them live out their Christian lives. Jim is the author of many books including The 10 Building Blocks for a Happy Family and Creating An Intimate Marriage coming summer of 2006. Since 1985 HomeWord has been providing assistance to parents and churches worldwide, those who daily reach out to kids. He writes a monthly column for Ignite Your Faith magazine. Jim, his wife, Cathy, and their three daughters live in Southern California.

HIDDEN TREASURE

Author unknown - Thanks to Annamarie Kresge in Virginia for sending this! - A great story for family devotions!

        A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake.
        They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
        He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!
        Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left.
        Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!
        It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it.
        We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.
        There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.
        May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
       Note from Lois: I am so blessed by the gem of friendship I have with you ladies, even though I have never met most of you! Thank you for looking beyond my vessel of clay!

A SONG FOR BABY

By Lois Breneman, © 1979, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]

This is one of the two songs I wrote and sang to our last baby as I rocked and played with him. A similar song could be written and sung to your little one, by changing the name and the word, "boy" to "girl," if appropriate. It's difficult to give the melody in a newsletter, but when I sang it to him, I emphasized his name, "God gave him to us," and the "oh - so - much!" You can make up your own melody! I often bounced little Jamie in my lap, as a toddler, while I sang his personal song to him, as we both laughed. Such fun! I have sung the same song to our grandson, Justin! It's very adaptable!

              A Song for Jamie

There was a little boy named - Jamie!

There was a little boy named - Jamie!

God gave him to us,

And we love him - oh - so - much!

There was a little boy named - Jamie!

         -- By Lois Breneman, © 1979

"LOVE YOU FOREVER"

Recommended by Linda Bahn of Pennsylvania

"Love You Forever" written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Sheila McGraw, is a very moving story of a mother who sings to her infant son. It teaches the forever love of a parent, as she sings, "I'll love you for always, I'll love you forever."    The book is beautifully illustrated, and the repetitious style of the story will capture the interest of any young child. One warning for mothers: be sure to have a box of tissues handy!

JUST MOMMIES

I recently came across an Internet link that I thought some of you ladies might enjoy:
http://www.justmommies.com

CELEBRATION OF BIRTHS AND ADOPTION!

Congratulations to David and Linda Bahn in Pennsylvania, on the birth of their first grandchild! Austin Samuel Toczynski, the first child of Aaron and Jennie (Bahn) Toczynski in Ohio, was born on May 1, 2006.

Welcome to Aidan Shelton Lockhart, second son of Michael and Ellen Rachel Lockhart in Virginia, born on May 10, 2006, making Addison a "big brother!" Congratulations to all!

On May 11th, 2006 Charles Quentin Swarr was adopted into the family of Keith and Karen (Kohr) Swarr. He has already been living with his adoptive family in Pennsylvania for two years.  Charlie is four years old - soon to be five in October. He is the second son in the family, joining Sasha, who is nine.

Prayer wonderfully clears the vision; steadies the nerves; defines duty; stiffens the purpose; sweetens and strengthens the spirit. -- S. D. Gordon

                            Many Heart to Heart ladies and their families need our prayers, so

              please remember to pray for each Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.

(¨`·.·´¨)                          God bless you and your family and keep you in His care!

`·.¸(¨`·.·´¨)

      `·.¸.·´                                              Your Heart to Heart friend,

                                                                                                 Lois



The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to bring godly and practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family regarding homemaking, marriage, children and much more. You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to Lois Breneman at [email protected].

-- To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: [email protected]

Post Reply: 5/25/06 SNIPPETS, SYMPHONY, SOCKS, STICKERS, SUMMER, SONG

Cancel