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Monday, March 31, 2008

Been Around the World


I'm baack! Just spent 4 days in New York City and had a blast although it was freezing! Anything below 70 degrees is freezing to me. . .but with the weather in NYC averaging about 45 degrees I'm sure many would agree on my assessment. BRRR!

At least once a year (sometimes more) my family and I take a trip. I think traveling is the best social studies lesson you will ever receive because it not only gives you a chance to see how other people live but you develop (hopefully) a deeper understanding and respect for other cultures, races and religions. We are but one body that inhabits this planet with over 6.6 billion other people. How amazing is that?!

I think it is imperative that we expose our children to the world through travel. Children should leave their communities periodically so that they are made aware of the myriad of options that exists outside of their neighborhood. If they decide to open a store or become a doctor or lawyer in their own neighborhood- that's wonderful- but they should know they can pursue an education or occupation ANYWHERE in the world! There are seven continents, fifty states and hundred of countries and they are only limited by their lack of knowledge.

Even if you drive to the next city or state you should make a point to not only take your children on a trip (at least annually) but give them some background on the destination or show them where it's located on a map. I always try to combine fun and learning! Here are some places I recommend:

  1. Houston, TX (Space Center, Children's Museum, Kemah Boardwalk)
  2. San Diego, California (world famous San Diego zoo, Legoland, FREE beaches)
  3. Orlando, Florida (all things Disney, Universal Studios)
  4. Ocho Rios, Jamaica (Beaches Sesame Street resort)
  5. San Antonio, Texas (Sea World, Fiesta Texas, Riverwalk)
  6. Washington D.C. (White House, Jefferson & Lincoln Memorial, National Zoo, Museum of American History)
  7. Langhorne, PA (Sesame Place)
  8. Chicago, IL (Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, Wrigley Field)
  9. Myrtle Beach, SC (Broadway at Beach, MagiQuest, Ripley's Aqaurium)
  10. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho (Yellowstone)

Also, think outside of the box when it comes to arriving at your destination. How about a bus or train ride? Or a cruise? Just get out there and travel! Start planning and saving today! The more places you go, the more you'll learn and the more you'll know! Don't rely on second hand knowledge about the world- experience it yourself!

Comments Closed

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

I'll Be Back!


Pork Shoulder Ribs


(If you don’t eat pork, please disregard this post)


Looking for a quick mid-week meal? How about a barbecue?! It’s simple and within an hour dinner will be on the table. Start off with a family size (or smaller) pack of thawed pork shoulder ribs, sprinkle with BBQ seasoning (or kosher salt, ground pepper, garlic salt and chili powder), place in a baking pan (cover with aluminum foil), and in the oven at 350 degrees. The meat should cook for about 50 minutes. After about 40 minutes take the meat out of the oven and pour on a liberal amount of your favorite barbecue sauce. Place the meat back in the oven to cook for ten minutes.

While the meat is cooking open a can of baked beans and boil a few ears of corn. Sliced pickles, onions and ice tea complete the meal.

YUM!

Comments Closed

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Texas Statistics


I’m taking a government class (don’t ask) and we were given an article to comment on called Texas on the Brink. The article listed areas such as education, health care, housing, etc. and where Texas ranked in each category. To say our rankings were pathetic is an understatement. We are the worst state (according to this report) in terms of health care insurance for children and the elderly. We also spend more on housing prisoners than we do on educating our children.

At first I took offense to the report, because yall know Texans LOVE their state! Then I was outraged- as a tax paying citizen- that my state’s leaders are apparently a group of inept, incompetent fools who keep getting re-elected. I realize the lack of health care may have to do with unemployment in most households but I think that the main reason the ranking was so low is because of the individuals included in the study. It is no secret that Texas has a huge problem with illegal immigrants, whose children are born in this country and are legal citizens of the state but because a lot of their parents don't have health insurance the kids don't have insurance. This lack of coverage (not all by children of illegal immigrants) is putting a huge burden on our state subsidized (FREE) clinics and hospitals. This issue really needs to be a priority for Congress instead of getting funding for zoo projects!

The health issue aside my biggest concern is the education statistic. Are we seriously spending $7,142 per student in Texas and $20,232 per prisoner?! That is UNACCEPTABLE! It almost supports the conspiracy theorists notion that they are preparing a place in prison for anyone who can’t afford go to college. We need to provide more opportunities and college bound programs for children in the inner city, public schools. Speaking as a suburbanite who pays school taxes for the district where I live- I understand wanting the tax money to be used for students (i.e., your children) and programs in your area. But if we don’t start sharing the proverbial wealth, Texas will be on the brink of losing its ability to compete and provide economic opportunities for all of its citizens.

There is no reason that ALL schools in the state of Texas should not be equipped with the proper amount of teachers, textbooks and computers. Remember how outraged we all were about the property tax hike? So, we protested (well I didn't actually physically participate but I was yelling and screaming at the t.v. in protest) , picketed, and wrote letters to Austin. And they ACTUALLY lowered the taxes! Never underestimate the power to make changes (especially during an election season). We need to be just as outraged if not more that the state does not have a more comprehensive plan in place to ensure all children have access to the same quality education. We cannot afford to just be concerned about what’s going on in our own backyard- Texas is our backyard and if we don’t tackle this issue head on then we may as well make room for more prisons.

Read full article here: http://www.borderhealth.org/files/res_880.pdf

Comments Closed

Monday, March 24, 2008

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

One day my son and I were in the car and he started crying. I became alarmed because he usually only cries if he hurts himself. "What’s wrong?!" I asked while surveying the area for a spot to safely pull off the road and tend to his injuries. This little. . .he started LAUGHING. "I’m just playing," he said happily. I’m not particularly in the mood to play. "That’s not funny. Keep it up and you will be just like the little boy who cried wolf," He thought about it for a second and asked, "What does that mean?"

So, I go about the business of TRYING to explain the story of the little boy who cried wolf, to my 4 year old son who has never heard the story. At the end of my translation without missing a beat The Genius asked, "So if I keep pretending to cry, a wolf is going to come?" Deep sigh. "Let’s go to the library," was my reply.

The version of this infamous fable that we checked out is retold by B. G. Hennessy and fabulously illustrated by Boris Kulikov (I love how the boy has dirty feet- makes sense because he’s outside with no shoes on). The best part of this version is the ending. I can recall in the original the wolf eats the boy (or his sheep- okay, I guess I can’t recall) but in this version the sheep pull the wool (pun intended) over the eyes of the hungry wolves and the shepherd boy.

If you’re in your local library any time soon be sure to check this one out! A timeless lesson for kids about telling half truths (LIES) or pretending to be hurt.

Comments Closed

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Happy Easter


Took a photo collage of some things around the house. . .a bouquet of flowers on the table, the "Easter basket" I use as decoration (it's for EVERYONE in the house- no individual baskets here), and a picture of The Genius when he was about 13 months old with the Easter Bunny.

Comments Closed


Saturday, March 22, 2008

Pass the Tissue

I'm sitting here wondering when my son is going to wipe his nose. Now if I can see that it's running, he can certainly FEEL it?! Okay, he's getting up and he's getting a. . .car. Okay, now he's going to. . .his room. Okay, he came back. . . surely after passing by the box of tissue for the second time he will see it and realize the wet liquid pooling around his top lip can be wiped off using one of these soft, soothing. . .okay, enough already excuse me while I yell- um, I mean gently remind him to wipe his nose! Geez!

After my son started daycare (it's been almost a year and a half) he developed what I call a chronic runny nose. It started as allergies-clear runny nose and watery eyes-but soon his nostrils were always filled with thick yellow and/or green (EW!) mucous. A doctor's visit revealed that he had become the recipient of the germs and viruses shared in abundance by children in daycare.

The doctor prescribed antibiotics and after taking the appropriate doses his nose would stay dry for about a week. Then the vicious cycle would start all over again. The reason: allergies are not contagious but sinus infections and head colds are contagious and many parents take their children to daycare unaware that they pose a potential threat to their playmates. We've been conditioned to believe the only time a child is contagious is if a fever is present. But if a child has an infection and they wipe their nose throughout the day (even with tissue) and then play with toys that other children come in contact with or if they touch other children with their hands they are unknowingly passing germs.

The only way we would be able to prevent my son from being infected is to either take him out of daycare or take him to daycare in a bubble suit. Since those aren't really viable options we have learned to live with it and pray that once he starts public school his immune system will be stronger. In the meantime we stock up on tissue (note to self- buy stock in Kleenex), keep Children's Claritin on hand, and a nasal aspirator. Another way to control (not cure) a chronic runny nose is with salt water (saline) drops in the nose for maximum drainage.

Don't know if your child is contagious? Here are some signs:
1. Fever
2. Thick yellowish green or gray nasal discharge with or without a fever
3. Excessive coughing and/or sneezing
4. Tiredness (when they are usually very active)

Also, remember to have children wash their hands several times a day and every time they wipe their nose. For more information log on to http://www.aap.org/

Comments Closed

Friday, March 21, 2008

Lessons Learned


It's Good Friday! Thank you to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the multitude of blessings I receive daily!

I count my son among those blessings and you can thank him for these priceless gems. These are words straight from his 4 year old mouth, to my ears, to this page, for your eyes. Words to live by:

1. If you count from 20 backwards real slow the hiccups will go away.
2. If you always forget stuff that means you’re getting old.
3. If you are 37 years old you should not be asking a 4 year old how to do stuff.
4. Don’t say yes to something unless you’re "askolutely" sure about it.
5. If you put worms in a bucket and then cover them up with dirt and leave them on the porch- they will crawl out of the dirt and the bucket.
6. Somebody is only "bad" if they are not your friend.
7. Sometimes when you don’t want to talk to people (or even look at them) you might be shy.
8. If you hurt yourself and somebody kisses it, it will feel better.
9. Never say can’t- always try.
10. When your tummy hurts that means you have to go poop.

Tip- The Genius was sick last night (still recovering). He had a 101.9 fever. I find a teaspoon of Children's Motrin and a Popsicle is the best cure for his fever. His temperature was down to 99 in about twenty minutes.

Comments Closed

Thursday, March 20, 2008

A New Day



Soon the honeychildmedia site will be a thing of the past. . . .I’m canceling my web page at the end of the Spring season. I’m still (more than ever) interested in developing a publication for African American parents in the Houston area but I think I’m going about it the wrong way. So, until I can get my "stuff" together I’ve started this new platform to stay in touch and offer my tidbits more frequently.


I am a HUGE fan of blogs. I think it is a great a forum for allowing people to share their experiences and as you read these stories (from the sublime to the ridiculous) you begin to realize and appreciate that we all share a common bond. We all want to live a life of substance. We all want to be loved. And those of us with children want them to grow up to be productive, well-adjusted adults. I have another blog that I author but there is NO WAY I’m sharing that with anyone I know! If you happen to come across it, shhh, keep it to yourself. I don’t need the world knowing the depths of my insanity!

Anyway, welcome aboard, sit back, relax and come along with me on this journey as I share some anecdotes, information, rants, raves and musings on my life as a woman and a parent
Comments Closed

Monday, March 31, 2008

Been Around the World


I'm baack! Just spent 4 days in New York City and had a blast although it was freezing! Anything below 70 degrees is freezing to me. . .but with the weather in NYC averaging about 45 degrees I'm sure many would agree on my assessment. BRRR!

At least once a year (sometimes more) my family and I take a trip. I think traveling is the best social studies lesson you will ever receive because it not only gives you a chance to see how other people live but you develop (hopefully) a deeper understanding and respect for other cultures, races and religions. We are but one body that inhabits this planet with over 6.6 billion other people. How amazing is that?!

I think it is imperative that we expose our children to the world through travel. Children should leave their communities periodically so that they are made aware of the myriad of options that exists outside of their neighborhood. If they decide to open a store or become a doctor or lawyer in their own neighborhood- that's wonderful- but they should know they can pursue an education or occupation ANYWHERE in the world! There are seven continents, fifty states and hundred of countries and they are only limited by their lack of knowledge.

Even if you drive to the next city or state you should make a point to not only take your children on a trip (at least annually) but give them some background on the destination or show them where it's located on a map. I always try to combine fun and learning! Here are some places I recommend:

  1. Houston, TX (Space Center, Children's Museum, Kemah Boardwalk)
  2. San Diego, California (world famous San Diego zoo, Legoland, FREE beaches)
  3. Orlando, Florida (all things Disney, Universal Studios)
  4. Ocho Rios, Jamaica (Beaches Sesame Street resort)
  5. San Antonio, Texas (Sea World, Fiesta Texas, Riverwalk)
  6. Washington D.C. (White House, Jefferson & Lincoln Memorial, National Zoo, Museum of American History)
  7. Langhorne, PA (Sesame Place)
  8. Chicago, IL (Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, Wrigley Field)
  9. Myrtle Beach, SC (Broadway at Beach, MagiQuest, Ripley's Aqaurium)
  10. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho (Yellowstone)

Also, think outside of the box when it comes to arriving at your destination. How about a bus or train ride? Or a cruise? Just get out there and travel! Start planning and saving today! The more places you go, the more you'll learn and the more you'll know! Don't rely on second hand knowledge about the world- experience it yourself!

Comments Closed

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

I'll Be Back!


Pork Shoulder Ribs


(If you don’t eat pork, please disregard this post)


Looking for a quick mid-week meal? How about a barbecue?! It’s simple and within an hour dinner will be on the table. Start off with a family size (or smaller) pack of thawed pork shoulder ribs, sprinkle with BBQ seasoning (or kosher salt, ground pepper, garlic salt and chili powder), place in a baking pan (cover with aluminum foil), and in the oven at 350 degrees. The meat should cook for about 50 minutes. After about 40 minutes take the meat out of the oven and pour on a liberal amount of your favorite barbecue sauce. Place the meat back in the oven to cook for ten minutes.

While the meat is cooking open a can of baked beans and boil a few ears of corn. Sliced pickles, onions and ice tea complete the meal.

YUM!

Comments Closed

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Texas Statistics


I’m taking a government class (don’t ask) and we were given an article to comment on called Texas on the Brink. The article listed areas such as education, health care, housing, etc. and where Texas ranked in each category. To say our rankings were pathetic is an understatement. We are the worst state (according to this report) in terms of health care insurance for children and the elderly. We also spend more on housing prisoners than we do on educating our children.

At first I took offense to the report, because yall know Texans LOVE their state! Then I was outraged- as a tax paying citizen- that my state’s leaders are apparently a group of inept, incompetent fools who keep getting re-elected. I realize the lack of health care may have to do with unemployment in most households but I think that the main reason the ranking was so low is because of the individuals included in the study. It is no secret that Texas has a huge problem with illegal immigrants, whose children are born in this country and are legal citizens of the state but because a lot of their parents don't have health insurance the kids don't have insurance. This lack of coverage (not all by children of illegal immigrants) is putting a huge burden on our state subsidized (FREE) clinics and hospitals. This issue really needs to be a priority for Congress instead of getting funding for zoo projects!

The health issue aside my biggest concern is the education statistic. Are we seriously spending $7,142 per student in Texas and $20,232 per prisoner?! That is UNACCEPTABLE! It almost supports the conspiracy theorists notion that they are preparing a place in prison for anyone who can’t afford go to college. We need to provide more opportunities and college bound programs for children in the inner city, public schools. Speaking as a suburbanite who pays school taxes for the district where I live- I understand wanting the tax money to be used for students (i.e., your children) and programs in your area. But if we don’t start sharing the proverbial wealth, Texas will be on the brink of losing its ability to compete and provide economic opportunities for all of its citizens.

There is no reason that ALL schools in the state of Texas should not be equipped with the proper amount of teachers, textbooks and computers. Remember how outraged we all were about the property tax hike? So, we protested (well I didn't actually physically participate but I was yelling and screaming at the t.v. in protest) , picketed, and wrote letters to Austin. And they ACTUALLY lowered the taxes! Never underestimate the power to make changes (especially during an election season). We need to be just as outraged if not more that the state does not have a more comprehensive plan in place to ensure all children have access to the same quality education. We cannot afford to just be concerned about what’s going on in our own backyard- Texas is our backyard and if we don’t tackle this issue head on then we may as well make room for more prisons.

Read full article here: http://www.borderhealth.org/files/res_880.pdf

Comments Closed

Monday, March 24, 2008

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

One day my son and I were in the car and he started crying. I became alarmed because he usually only cries if he hurts himself. "What’s wrong?!" I asked while surveying the area for a spot to safely pull off the road and tend to his injuries. This little. . .he started LAUGHING. "I’m just playing," he said happily. I’m not particularly in the mood to play. "That’s not funny. Keep it up and you will be just like the little boy who cried wolf," He thought about it for a second and asked, "What does that mean?"

So, I go about the business of TRYING to explain the story of the little boy who cried wolf, to my 4 year old son who has never heard the story. At the end of my translation without missing a beat The Genius asked, "So if I keep pretending to cry, a wolf is going to come?" Deep sigh. "Let’s go to the library," was my reply.

The version of this infamous fable that we checked out is retold by B. G. Hennessy and fabulously illustrated by Boris Kulikov (I love how the boy has dirty feet- makes sense because he’s outside with no shoes on). The best part of this version is the ending. I can recall in the original the wolf eats the boy (or his sheep- okay, I guess I can’t recall) but in this version the sheep pull the wool (pun intended) over the eyes of the hungry wolves and the shepherd boy.

If you’re in your local library any time soon be sure to check this one out! A timeless lesson for kids about telling half truths (LIES) or pretending to be hurt.

Comments Closed

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Happy Easter


Took a photo collage of some things around the house. . .a bouquet of flowers on the table, the "Easter basket" I use as decoration (it's for EVERYONE in the house- no individual baskets here), and a picture of The Genius when he was about 13 months old with the Easter Bunny.

Comments Closed


Saturday, March 22, 2008

Pass the Tissue

I'm sitting here wondering when my son is going to wipe his nose. Now if I can see that it's running, he can certainly FEEL it?! Okay, he's getting up and he's getting a. . .car. Okay, now he's going to. . .his room. Okay, he came back. . . surely after passing by the box of tissue for the second time he will see it and realize the wet liquid pooling around his top lip can be wiped off using one of these soft, soothing. . .okay, enough already excuse me while I yell- um, I mean gently remind him to wipe his nose! Geez!

After my son started daycare (it's been almost a year and a half) he developed what I call a chronic runny nose. It started as allergies-clear runny nose and watery eyes-but soon his nostrils were always filled with thick yellow and/or green (EW!) mucous. A doctor's visit revealed that he had become the recipient of the germs and viruses shared in abundance by children in daycare.

The doctor prescribed antibiotics and after taking the appropriate doses his nose would stay dry for about a week. Then the vicious cycle would start all over again. The reason: allergies are not contagious but sinus infections and head colds are contagious and many parents take their children to daycare unaware that they pose a potential threat to their playmates. We've been conditioned to believe the only time a child is contagious is if a fever is present. But if a child has an infection and they wipe their nose throughout the day (even with tissue) and then play with toys that other children come in contact with or if they touch other children with their hands they are unknowingly passing germs.

The only way we would be able to prevent my son from being infected is to either take him out of daycare or take him to daycare in a bubble suit. Since those aren't really viable options we have learned to live with it and pray that once he starts public school his immune system will be stronger. In the meantime we stock up on tissue (note to self- buy stock in Kleenex), keep Children's Claritin on hand, and a nasal aspirator. Another way to control (not cure) a chronic runny nose is with salt water (saline) drops in the nose for maximum drainage.

Don't know if your child is contagious? Here are some signs:
1. Fever
2. Thick yellowish green or gray nasal discharge with or without a fever
3. Excessive coughing and/or sneezing
4. Tiredness (when they are usually very active)

Also, remember to have children wash their hands several times a day and every time they wipe their nose. For more information log on to http://www.aap.org/

Comments Closed

Friday, March 21, 2008

Lessons Learned


It's Good Friday! Thank you to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the multitude of blessings I receive daily!

I count my son among those blessings and you can thank him for these priceless gems. These are words straight from his 4 year old mouth, to my ears, to this page, for your eyes. Words to live by:

1. If you count from 20 backwards real slow the hiccups will go away.
2. If you always forget stuff that means you’re getting old.
3. If you are 37 years old you should not be asking a 4 year old how to do stuff.
4. Don’t say yes to something unless you’re "askolutely" sure about it.
5. If you put worms in a bucket and then cover them up with dirt and leave them on the porch- they will crawl out of the dirt and the bucket.
6. Somebody is only "bad" if they are not your friend.
7. Sometimes when you don’t want to talk to people (or even look at them) you might be shy.
8. If you hurt yourself and somebody kisses it, it will feel better.
9. Never say can’t- always try.
10. When your tummy hurts that means you have to go poop.

Tip- The Genius was sick last night (still recovering). He had a 101.9 fever. I find a teaspoon of Children's Motrin and a Popsicle is the best cure for his fever. His temperature was down to 99 in about twenty minutes.

Comments Closed

Thursday, March 20, 2008

A New Day



Soon the honeychildmedia site will be a thing of the past. . . .I’m canceling my web page at the end of the Spring season. I’m still (more than ever) interested in developing a publication for African American parents in the Houston area but I think I’m going about it the wrong way. So, until I can get my "stuff" together I’ve started this new platform to stay in touch and offer my tidbits more frequently.


I am a HUGE fan of blogs. I think it is a great a forum for allowing people to share their experiences and as you read these stories (from the sublime to the ridiculous) you begin to realize and appreciate that we all share a common bond. We all want to live a life of substance. We all want to be loved. And those of us with children want them to grow up to be productive, well-adjusted adults. I have another blog that I author but there is NO WAY I’m sharing that with anyone I know! If you happen to come across it, shhh, keep it to yourself. I don’t need the world knowing the depths of my insanity!

Anyway, welcome aboard, sit back, relax and come along with me on this journey as I share some anecdotes, information, rants, raves and musings on my life as a woman and a parent
Comments Closed