Days are Long...

Happy December! Can you believe it?!?!? Where did 2011 go? The days are long but the years are short. Let's promise together to enjoy every last minute of the next 29 days...it will be tough sometimes...when we are in a hurry, when it looks like we won't have enough $ to buy the gifts we want to give, when our children are having meltdowns...but this is IT. No matter what holiday you celebrate this month, see it through the eyes of your children - the simple joys - from the sparkle of the lights, to the toe-tapping, fun to sing-along music to the pleasure of giving a gift you know someone will love.

Enjoy this video by the author of the Happiness Project, it's a great reminder that the The Years Are Short

When all else fails...

Some Days its tough...but when all else fails -

The Happiness Project: If I Can't Accomplish Anything Else Today, I Can Do These 10 Things.

Time Flies

Ahhh, time...Time is what we want most, but what we use worst - William Penn

I love Kathy Peel, the Family Manager & iSpecialist on iMom.com. She gives great tips on time management which I thought I would share today. Sunday is my day to look ahead to the week and plan...hopefully, it pays off and I have a little less chaos during the week. My favorite tip I try so hard to remember this time of year is # 8.
The 10 Most Important Things to Remember about Time Management iMOM

BusinessMom of the Week! Passion: Fitness

Meet Natalie Rachael, our Passion into Profit Business Mom of the Week!

Natalie has lived in Cobb County for the past 7 years with her loving and very supportive husband.  They have two sons, Collin is 5 and Alex is 2.  Before they had children, they spent countless hours hiking, cycling, movie watching and sleeping!!  Although their lives are crazy busy with the boys, they cannot imagine life without them and we are excited to share their passion for fitness with them!

Exercise and a healthy lifestyle was engrained in Natalie from hour one.  She was the product of Vegan parents who spent their free time running marathons and traveling the world. She ran her first race in Elementary school and from that point on…she was hooked.  To this day, she exercises for two things:  the food at the end and for the awards!

After the birth of her first son, she wanted to get back in shape..fast!  She attended a boot camp and was hooked!  She decided to become an instructor for the boot camp and then went on to become certified as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor.  In 2008, she met her best friend for whom we shared a passion for running, racing, teaching and inspiring others. They decided to make it official and start a business together, Fitness Attack.  Their mission is to combine their interests of working out together and to inspire others to join them!  They wanted to make their classes affordable, invigorating, inspiring and FUN!  To this day, they have been able to maintain goal and have grown the company beyond what they had expected.  It is very challenging running a business and a family, but together, they have been able to rely on each others strengths when it comes to “getting things done” for the company.

They offer boot camp sessions running throughout the year and take time off when the county schools are on break.  They also offer Personal Training, Fitness & Wellness Retreats and after school Kids classes.  Natalie loves to share her passion for exercise and through Fitness Attack, can help anyone achieve their fitness goals! Find their schedules on their website: www.fitatt.com and you can follow them on Facebook!

Fall Fashion 411

-Written by our BusinessMom of the week - Lori Stein

Fall fashion is here! What does that mean for you while you're still sweltering in the Georgia heat? Well, it means that there are sales all over the place on great summer styles. Even being the crazy fashionista that I am, I'm a huge fan of buying a season ahead for CERTAIN items. Here are some basic guidelines to follow:

ONLY BUY BASICS. When shopping the sales, buy some of the timeless basics that might be missing from your wardrobe. For instance, a great white trouser or summer wrap dress. This is the time that you may want to invest in those pieces that would not normally fit into your budget. These are the pieces that will stand the test of wardrobe time. Stay away from those trendy items that may look like a bargain now but will only serve to make you look and feel outdated next summer.

DON'T OVER BUY. I know that it's easy to get carried away with the bargain prices. But make sure to go shopping with a list of things that you need. Just like at the grocery store, a list will keep you focused and will prevent you from a bunch of impulse purchases which end up breaking your budget.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK. There are so many sales and bargain websites out there these days. Make sure that you have checked out prices online before hitting the stores. Know what that item is typically going for around town to avoid being sucked into a faux bargain. Plus, often the online price of an item is different than in the store. Sometimes the bigger bargain is in the store and sometimes it's online. Shop smart.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK. Did you find exactly what you are looking for only they don't have your size or the color that you want? Ask a sales associate if they can locate it and ship it to you. I find that very few people utilize sales associates for this service and it  really saves time. A lot of stores will ship to your home for free if they don't have the item in stock.

AVOID NON-SALE ITEMS. As great as that new sweater calling your name from across the store appears to be, rest assured that it will most likely be marked down once if not twice before the temperatures will allow you to wear it. Wait it out.

Happy shopping!

Lori Stein, in addition to being a wife and mother of 2 little girls, is a local style guru and Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot. She also blogs on her Facebook page with tips on style for a steal - Style by Lori.

Passion into Profit

Meet our BusinessMom of the Week, Lori Stein!

In this economy extra income can be critical. For Lori Stein, as for many women, passion for what you're doing is just as critical. Looking for an opportunity to both support her family in addition to being a stay-at-home mom to two little girls, she also knew that she needed something for herself – an outlet for her natural potential. 

To find inspiration, Lori looked to her upbringing and the memories her of Mom. An amazing woman with a vibrant personality, her mother always maintained a powerful sense of style. She taught Lori that having style is not about fashion, it's about confidence and about knowing who you are. That is what her mother had instilled in her and she wanted to share that with more women. 

An opportunity presented itself to Lori in the form of a great career with Stella & Dot jewelry as an Independent Stylist. It seemed like the perfect way to get her feet wet.

A quick look over the website convinced Lori that Stella & Dot seemed very different from the other direct selling groups she knew about. It quickly grew into much more than a hobby after she realized what demand there was in the marketplace. 

Becoming an Independent Stylist seemed like a great hobby at first. Having never had any experience in direct selling, much less hosting jewelry trunk shows in her own living room, she wasn't certain where to begin or where it would go. Over the susbsequent months, though, she found herself easily settling in - not just to her role with Stella and Dot, but into a larger role.

Her passion for styling women went much further than the great accessories she was marketing from Stella and Dot. She found herself answering questions about fashion, shopping deals and much more. She realized that so many women wanted style advice in other areas. In providing broad style advice, a tantalizing opportunity seemed to be offering itself to her.

Thus, her blog, Style By Lori was born. Lori believes that every woman can be stylish at any price point and she wants to help you see that too. She wants to get into your closet and help you determine your style and create an effortless wardrobe that says who you are, is easy to maintain and fun to wear. Above all, Lori wants every woman to keep one critical observation in mind:

You don't have to be uncomfortable to be stylish. 

In fact, there's nothing more UN-stylish than looking like you don't belong in your own clothes. To see some of the great ways you can avoid looking "Un-stylish", while staying inside of your budget, look to her blog and Facebook page for style tips and great deals on must-have pieces.

For more information on Style By Lori visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/stylebylori or email her at stylebylori@hotmail.com

For more information about Stella & Dot, or to see their exciting fall lineup including the luxurious new handbag line, visit www.stelladot.com/loristein. If you are interested in hosting a trunk show or joining Lori's Stella & Dot team email her at sdloristein@hotmail.com

Coming Soon...

I am so excited to be rolling out a new advertiser feature in my newsletter and website on Monday! Since starting Cobb Tots & Kids, I have met some incredible, talented, creative moms who have taken their passion and turned it into a profit. We will be introducing you to moms who had a dream, a goal, a passion and took a leap…a step that’s so hard to take but so well worth it. Hopefully, they will inspire you to find your passion and jump - whether it’s for a profit or your own inner spirit. As a mom, we tend to “lose” ourselves in the day-to-day chaos but we all need a little something that makes us feel like the person we are, who we once were, who we can be…and hey, if we can make money doing it – even better! J

Stay Tuned for our first "Passion into Profit" BusinessMom of the Week on Monday!

Are you a mom who has turned their passion into a profit…want to share your story? Click HERE to see more about being our BusinessMom of the Week.

What's the Big Deal?

Are you a Groupon junkie or a deal site novice? Either way, please consider using the links I provide through Cobb Tots & Kids Facebook posts or on our website to make your purchases. By doing so, you will support the work I do at Cobb Tots & Kids. Using my affiliate links for the deal sites costs you nothing extra...actually sometimes it can save you more money!

I am very particular about the deals I post – I won’t bother you with the pole dancing classes (although those do look quite fun!) just the deals as a mom I am looking for myself to entertain, clothe or feed my family and maybe a deal on a date night or girls night out once in a while. No matter what kind of deal you are looking for, please use our links whenever possible.

If you don’t use deal sites – please just keep sharing the fun…tell your friends and share the newsletter!

Thank you to all my fans for your support

Half-Off Depot

Living Social: Atlanta Family Edition

Groupon Atlanta

FamilyFINDS

Plum District

Zulily: Get $5 off your $50 order using Coupon Code: GA2894

Pennies for Your Piggy Bank

Even if we weren't in these economic times, Moms are all about stretching the family budget. We know how to find that dollar when we need it - even if it is for those shoes you want need. I found this great post from iMom with creative ways to make save. This weekend, pledge to try at least one of the ideas. My favorite idea..."sell it". I'll be busy this weekend decluttering! I've got the perfect place for you to get rid of your stuff too - Junk Day at the Woodstock Market & Show! Sign up to sell your stuff - garage sale items, flea market items, furniture, overstock, surplus, anything worth selling - bring it! Sign up for a booth by September 15th. Cost is $15 and you can pay over the phone, in person or by mail. What's great about Junk Day is that you don't have to spend time hanging signs all over creation only to find out they flopped over or have strangers coming to your house - you get the benefit of their marketing, you are at a central location with lots of traffic! To get the full details on Junk Day...
CLICK HERE! Happy Saving :)

Link to iMOM article: Money: 5 Great Ways to Save iMOM

September Family Fun

Besides cooler weather, click HERE to find out why we are happy September is around the corner!

Back to School Contest!

Would you like to win a $50 gift card to Staples...to Gymboree...to the Gap? Enter to win FamilyFINDS Back to School Contest - there will be a drawing at 8am each day this week (August 29-September 2) for a different gift card each day! On Friday, 2 lucky people will win $500 Target Gift Cards - Oh, SNAP! Click HERE to enter! Good Luck...and let us know if you win!

Weekend Family Fun!

You don’t have to spend much money this weekend to have some family fun.

• Let their creative juices flow at Lakeshore Learning’s FREE craft on Saturday. Drop by their East Cobb location between 11am-3pm to make a Honeybee Hive.
• Barnes & Noble at Town Center Prado has their storytime at 11am on Saturday. Grab a Starbucks for yourself, sit back along with your kiddos and enjoy finding out what happens when Itsy Mitsy tries to run away!
• Get your work boots on and head to Lowe’s for their Build and Grow Kid Clinic on Saturday at 10am. Kids will have fun building and decorating their own school locker. Each participant receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit along with their project. Although not required, it is best to make reservations online!
• Princesses (age 3 +) will be jumping for joy if you take them to the Disney Store at Town Center Mall on Saturday for their “The Story Begins with You” craft event on Saturday. Two 30 minute sessions are offered - stop by at 10:30am or 1pm dressed up as a princess for their enchanting crafts. If your princess is anything like mine, she will love any excuse to be in costume!
• Beyond Cobb, Centennial Olympic Park has their Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day from 12pm-4pm on…Saturday! The event is full of interactive, entertaining and educational activities for children based on this month’s theme “Games & Gadgets”. Activities include educational programming, specialty workshops, touring shows, street performers, family-friendly performances, children’s crafts, life-size chess games, appearances by on-air personalities, local sports mascots, contests, prizes and more. Oh, and don’t forget bathing suits and a towel so you can splash in the Fountain of Rings!
• If you want to get away from the city, scoot north on I-75 to Red Top Mountain. Pack a picnic, hike around a bit, then stop by the Visitor Center at 3pm for a special program about “Snaaaaaakes”. Everyone will get to touch a few of Georgia’s non-venomous snakes…if you want! Program is free but you’ll have to $5 for parking.
• Our pick for family flicks this weekend is the Coca Cola Film Festival at the Fabulous Fox Theater. On Saturday, catch Mr. Popper’s Penguins at 2pm & on Sunday, Cars 2 is showing also at 2pm. Be on time so you and yours can sing-a-long with “Mighty Mo” and watch a classic cartoon before the movie! Tickets are $8 each at the box office or online but B98.5 has a “Buy One Get One FREE” ticket deal! To take advantage of it, click here!
• Do a good deed on Sunday, eat ice cream! The 7th Annual Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ is happening on the Roswell Square from 2pm-4pm. For $5 per person or $15 per family, you can eat all the ice cream you want and you will help raise money for The Drake House, a crisis center for women and children. There will be entertainment, children’s activities, contests, and loads of hand cranked ice cream!

Looking for more fun, follow us on Facebook to get daily tips, deals, and activity ideas for family fun.

End of Summer Blues

Since the end of July, I have been feeling a little sad...anxious...a bit panicked maybe...well...just blue. I haven't been able put my feelings in to words or really explain my emotions. Maybe it's because the first day of school was looming in the future which means my youngest will be headed off to Kindergarten.  Maybe it's something else. Not sure really but recently, I came across Kristi Vinson's "End of Summer Blues" post on the Kennesaw Patch. She put into words what I have been feeling - everythings "great" on the outside but a little "off" on the inside.  I am sad that summer is over because it's the end of a sweet chapter - not just the end of the summer on the calendar but the end of those simple weekday mornings spent with my daughter at preschool storytimes and "the jumpy place". I am trying to remember a saying I saw once to "get me through" it: "Don't be sad it's over, be happy it happened" but despite looking forward to the next stage my heart aches a little. I am sharing Ms. Vinson's article with permission here, in case maybe...you're a blue mommy too.

It’s a fine summer day in Kennesaw. The hot Georgia sun is blistering the air, and I am safely tucked away in the comfort of my air-conditioned office. Why do I feel such anxiety and sadness?
I am sure the Eastern Bluebird perched right outside my window is singing just for me as I anxiously peck away at my keyboard, and yet somehow the bluebird of happiness escapes me. I am sad.
I’ve cleaned the house, washed and folded the laundry and completed all my chores. I am tired, but in a good way. My tasks are all accomplished, and yet somehow I have a feeling of being unsettled, anxious and sad.
Having been to the grocery store, the fridge and pantry are well-stocked, the carrots are peeled and the strawberries are perfectly sliced. There is a fresh loaf of bread on the shelf in the pantry. I don’t know hunger, and yet somehow I am still feeling sorry for myself.
This summer, like so many others, has been filled with busy days and summer catch-up chores, combined with leisurely activity. Nothing out of the ordinary, nothing spectacular, just a fun Georgia summer spent in the safety and familiar surroundings of our own backyard. Nothing there to be sad about.
Our family did not venture out on a summer vacation this year. Instead, we saved the gas and applied the money toward household expenses. We created our own memories with some of the many exciting summer activities our area has to offer. No complaints there. 
We were not bored with our staycation. I especially enjoyed not having to pack and unpack, load and unload, plan, execute and worry about whether the weather would disrupt our travel plans and routine. It was quite a refreshing change to our sometimes otherwise hectic summer regiment. Nothing sad about that. And yet, why do I feel this way?
The connection feels lost, and the needle is fluctuating on my sad-o-meter. I must examine the way I feel under a microscope and peel back the layers of the onion to expose my inner feelings. To do this will require shedding a few tears. Uh oh, here goes. Break out the box of Kleenex tissues (or closest generic substitute).  
I will escape to the television for awhile. Perhaps my brain will go numb, and my heart will reveal the reason for this sadness I feel. Oh no, I’ve gotten sucked into a chick flick Lifetime Movie. Two hours and a box of tissue later…that was a tear-jerker. I should have changed the channel while I had the chance.
According to the 26 commercials I watched during the movie, I would be much happier if I established a routine of anti-depressant medication. Maybe then I wouldn’t be sad. I could, however, suffer the possible side effects of headaches, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, increased salivation, nasal congestion, blurred vision, abdominal pain, dry mouth, weight gain, indigestion and dizziness.
Now I’m sad and confused. Is it physically possible to suffer both dry mouth and increased salivation? Or did the announcer say salvation? Perhaps I got my channels mixed up. The announcer spoke so quickly. Maybe I missed something? Either way, my strategy worked somewhat. Getting lost in a here come the tears movie took the edge off my sadness.      
Back at my keyboard, a thought occurs to me. I am depending on something or someone to fill the anxious void I feel. No one can do that for me. It must come from within. For me, overcoming an overwhelming feeling of sadness takes action. This kind of action doesn’t come from a medication bottle, a cupboard stocked full of goodies or retail therapy (although I could try).
This kind of feeling is conquered by getting out and rubbing elbows with your neighbors for a backyard barbeque. This kind of sadness is overcome by watching your kids and their friends run through the sprinklers and seeing the expression on their faces when you hand them a frozen Bomb-Pop.
This kind of sadness comes on the heels of the end of another Georgia summer, right before the insanity of back-to-school sales and resetting the alarm clock for the bus. This too shall pass. Part of the sadness I feel of another Georgia summer coming to a close will be lessened by knowing August has arrived and the beautiful colors of another Georgia autumn are just around the corner.
Ahhhh, I am not so sad anymore.  

Last Days of Summer!

The count down to the first day of school has begun but there is still time for summer fun!! Here are a few field trip ideas to squeeze in before summer vacation is over. Be sure to stay connected with Cobb Tots & Kids on facebook for daily activity ideas for your kids of all ages – and a few fun things for you too!

Zoo Atlanta – This month they are offering an early bird special to beat the heat. Arrive by 10:30 am and get $5 off admission when you mention “Beat the Heat”. The deal is good daily through August 28^th. The zoo opens at 9:30am and with the discount adult admission is $15.99, children 3-11 are 10.99, kids 2 and under FREE!

If you have a little person interested in “things that go”, consider heading to the Southeastern Railway Museum located in Duluth this weekend! August 6th & 7th from 10am-5pm they are having their “Trains, Trucks, & Tractors” Event! Exhibits of tractors and trucks with a mixture of current and antique equipment, hayrides, food, a craft corner for kids and The Jr. Model RR Club will do a demonstration. Admission is $8 for adults, $5.00 for kids 2-12 and children 2 and under FREE. To find out more about visiting the museum, click here!

Learn how milk gets from the farm to your fridge! Cagles Family Farm in Canton offers “Ag-venture Tours” Tuesday through Friday starting at 10am. Tours are $7 for everyone ages 3+. Make reservations online or call 770-345-5591. Mayfield Dairy in Braselton also offers tours weekdays (except Wednesdays) from 10am-4pm. Get the inside “scoop” on Mayfield milk, ice cream, and their famous yellow jugs! You can even try to “milk” a life-size replica Jersey Cow. Call 1-888-298-0396 for more information or visit them online.

My Cobb kids and I love Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville on any old ordinary day but on August 6th they are having their “Night at the Museum 3” event when the museum will come to life from 6pm-10pm. Meet characters from science fiction and science fact throughout the night, get your thrills on “roller coaster” rides in the planetarium, and more! Purchase tickets in advance by calling 770-606-5700 ext. 431. Cost for the event is $10 for members and for non-members $20. If your children are like mine and are not fans of costumed characters (yet) then go on a “regular” day to enjoy the exhibits of dinosaur fossils, gorgeous glowing gems, and old-fashioned cars & planes in the Science of Motion Gallery. You will have fun too in the hands-on science area, “My Big Backyard”, and everyone can dig for their own fossils and gems which you actually get to keep! There is a café onsite or pack your lunches and eat it outside in the pavilion. They are open seven days a week (except major holidays) from 10 AM - 5 PM. Non-member admission is $12 for adults, Children (3 - 17) & students with ID are $8 and Active Military with ID are FREE! Planetarium shows are an additional $3 if you are interested! FYI: this weekend (August 6th & 7th) is “Museums on Us” – a special program for Bank of America customers. Get FREE admission on Saturday and Sunday at Tellus by showing your ID and Bank of America Bank Card. For more information about this program and other participating museums, click here!

At Yellow River Game Ranch in Lilburn, you will meet “people friendly” wildlife as you stroll along a 1-mile trail. Over 600 birds and animals are waiting to be fed, admired and petted by you! The animals favorite treats are available along the way. During August, watch Whitetail Deer munch at "The Salad Bar" in the Barnyard daily from 4:00 to 4:30 pm. Yellow River Game Ranch is open 7 days a week from 10am-6pm (last ticket sold at 5pm) until Labor Day. Ages 12+ are $8, ages 2-11 are $7 and one child under 2 is admitted free with each adult admission.

Reasons We Are Happy July is Here!

1. Chick-fil-A Dwarf House in Woodstock has "Back Stage Tours" during July! Sign up for a special behind the scenes tour: grill area, kitchen area, back of the house prepping areas and our dishroom. Make sure you wear flat, closed toed shoes during the tour! Monday/Wed 2:30-4:30 & Tuesday/Thursday 9:30-11:30. Tours last about 30 minutes, are FREE but please register online since space is limited. (9728 Highway 92, Woodstock)  More info and to register, click here! PS- if you don't already know (it's been hard to miss) that July 8th is Cow Appreciation Day...click here and you'll find out what you have to do to get free food!

2. It's National Ice Cream Month! In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation that July would be "National Ice Cream Month" and the third Sunday of the month (July 17th) as "National Ice Cream Day". He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation's population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities." - that means GO EAT SOME ICE CREAM! Try making your own with this fun "Ice-Cream-in-a-Bag" recipe!

3. Flying Colors Butterfly Festival at Chattahoochee Nature Center on the weekend of July 16th! Fun-filled weekend all about butterflies. Activities for all-ages including a butterfly/caterpillar costume parade, butterfly releases, crafts, face painting, vendor, exhibitors and more!

4. Blueberry season! Take the kids blueberry picking so they can see where blueberries really come from! Berry Patch Farms in Woodstock is open for picking but call for picking conditions. They never use pesticides so you can pop a few in your mouth while you pick. You can also join them on Facebook to get farm updates, click here! Find other "pick-your-own" farms, click here!

5. The Wiggles "Big Birthday" Concert is in town July 12th at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Shows are at 2:30 & 6:30. Tickets range from $15.50-$75.50. Wiggles Fans will also enjoy Georgia Aquarium's "The Wiggles & Friends Day" on July 8th from 10am-4pm. Guests will have an opportunity to take their photo with Henry the Octopus, and the day will include activity sheets, crafts and giveaways (including concert tickets!)! Learn more about this event, click here!

Leave No Child Inside

Do you or your kids suffer from "Nature Deficit Disorder"?
Author Richard Louv coined the phrase in his book “Last Child in the Woods” to describe what happens to young people who become disconnected from their natural world. We (along with our children) are spending way too much time indoors and therefore inactive! According to American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry,  kids watch an average of three to four hours of television a day! If I told you, you could have an extra 34 hours in your week - would you want to know how? The average adult female watches 34 hours of TV in a week! I know...I don't want to give up "Grey's Anatomy" either and it's SO easy just to flip that box on for the kids to get some "free" uninterrupted time to yourself! But Richard Louv links this inbalance to some of the most disturbing childhood trends, such as the rises in obesity, attention disorders, and depression.

I personally see a big difference in my kids when I have been a little lazy and let them watch more TV than I know is "good" for them. They get more agitated and hyper! Exactly what I don't need. Outside in our yard, except for a sand table and the recent addition of a trampoline, we have no playground equipment...at first glance it looks quite boring. But my kids will spend hours outside. I put them in their "mud clothes" and leave them be. It is amazing how they can entertain themselves with some sticks & dirt! We have a "designated" area that has become known as their "science lab" where they can dig, mix mud and smash rocks. When they have spent a few hours outside, they are definitely calmer, more creative and less whiny! We all know what a nice walk outside does for the soul!

I recently received my "Kingfisher Newsletter" from the Chattahoochee Nature Center and on the cover was a great article titled "Leave No Child Inside":     
         "Go Out & Play...the mantra of mothers for years. If you had one of these mothers, you      had more opportunities to get outside and run, ride and play. Backyards became jungles and open fields had endless possibilities. These days the mantra has fallen to the wayside.  Children now spend much of their non-school hours working on homework, engaged in structured activities or in front of a computer or video game system.  Children rarely have unstructured free time to play outside. Some parents are reluctant to let their children play unsupervised in neighborhoods, parks or even in their own backyard..."
Read more of the "Kingfisher" article and get tips on how to get Back to Nature...click here!

Enjoy a podcast with Richard Louv from one of my favorite mom blogs & podcasts: Vickie & Jen: What Really Matters

This week, vow to reduce the amount of TV you (and your kids) watch and tell your kids to "Go Out & Play!"

Free Fun Friday!

Your Guide to a Cheap Weekend!

SAT: Outdoor Movie at Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw: Bring a picnic, blanket or low backed chair to watch this week's movie: "Despicable Me” Food available for purchase, inflatables, games, giveaways! Festivities begin at 6pm., movie begin at dark, weather permitting; More info? click here!

SAT: Crafts at Lakeshore Learning: This week’s craft – create an “Under the Sea” puppet show from 11-3; 4287 Roswell Road Marietta. More info? click here!

SAT: Storytime at Barnes & Noble: Town Center Prado at 11am & “Summer Reading Kick-off Party” Barnes & Noble Town Center Prado at 3pm; Kids in grades 1 through 6 are invited to an afternoon of activities and refreshments, and to learn how to earn a free book! Both events are FREE

SAT: "How-to" Workshops: Kids 5-12 years old can make a "Valet Organizer" at Home Depot from 9am-12 - Perfect gift for Father's Day! 1st Saturday each Month. More info? click here!

SAT: “Family Robotics”: Enjoy a Robotics demonstration for the whole family at East Cobb Library from 11am-1pm. Presented by "Circuit Runner Robotics" from Wheeler High School - More info? click here!

SAT: Riverside Sounds FREE Outdoor Concert at Riverside Park in Roswell. Listen to the sounds of the "Milkshake Quartet" from 7-9 p.m. Concert Series runs on the first Saturday of every month (May-Oct); 575 Riverside Road. More Info? click here!

SAT: Family Day at The Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art - an afternoon of fun for the whole family. FREE admission. 1-4pm. Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, 30 Atlanta Street SE, Marietta. More Info? click here!

SAT-SUN: “Museum’s on Us!”  by Bank of America: Customers receive free admission into High Museum, Tellus Science Museum, & Atlanta History Center this weekend. Show your bank card & ID for 1 free admission (per card) More info? click here!

"Beyond Cobb" Free (or cheap) Fun:

SAT: Good Neighbor Day Open House and Airshow: Pack a picnic lunch and head to the airport to watch military and warbird plane displays, along with flying greats such as Pat Epps and Greg Koontz. Kids activities throughout the afternoon. Noon-5 p.m. DeKalb Peachtree Airport,

2000 Airport Rd., Atlanta; 770-936-5440. Free admission; parking, $5. More info? Click here!

SAT: The Sky Tonight at Fernbank Science Center & Planet Quest: An astronomer leads the tour through the constellations, planets and events of the evening sky at 11 a.m. Then enjoy "Planet Quest"- a children’s movie showing in the planetarium at 1:30! 156 Heaton Park Dr., Atlanta; 678-874-7102. Adults, $4; students, $3, More info? click here!

Not so free but sometimes you gotta shell out some dough to have some fun!

SAT: Intro to Geocaching at Chattahoochee Nature Center:  Participants 8 years + will learn how to use a GPS unit, how to hunt for geocaches and even how to start your own. Workshop concludes with a hunt for some of the most popular geocaches at CNC.  Please bring a geocaching ready GPS unit. Pre-Registration Required, call 770-992-2055 ext 237 or by EMAIL; $12 Non-Members/ $8 Members; Learn more: click here!

SAT: Night Hike at Chattahoochee Nature Center - Witness the magic of fireflies flickering in the summer moonlight while you join a naturalist on a journey outdoors to see what happens at night. Your hike includes a visit with a nocturnal animal and marshmallow roasting around the campfire! Ages 5 – adult, $10 Non-Members/$5 Members. To register: call 770-992-2055 ext 237 or by EMAIL Learn more: click here!

SAT: Build & Blast Workshop at Tellus Science Museum: Kids 8+ can build and launch your own rocket with expert assistance at Tellus Science Museum! Call 770-606-5700 ext. 417 to purchase tickets. Reserved tickets are required $10 for members, $25 for non-members. All children must be accompanied by a paid parent or adult guardian for the workshop, 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, GA; More info: click here!

Sun: Kid Canvas at Canvas by U!  Kids 5-12 can paint a “Daisy” from 2:30-4:30, drop-off or stick around, $25; wear old clothes! 3000 Johnson Ferry Rd. Marietta, Register online:  click here!

SUN: Teddy Bear Picnic at Chattahoochee Nature Center: Bring your favorite stuffed animal for games and a Teddy Bear Parade. Don’t forget the picnic and blanket! 1 p.m.;9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. Adults, $8; children, $5. Must pre-register: 770-992-2055 ext 237 or email by EMAIL; Learn more: click here!

No Disturbing the Peace!

Are your kids driving you nuts yet? ‘Mom, he took my toy’, ‘Mom, she’s copying me’, ‘Mom, he’s touching me’! ‘WAHHHHH, she punched me!’ ‘Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom!’  Does this sound like your house? Does it feel like every 5 minutes someone is coming to complain to you about what brother/sister did? Since summer is here and kids are spending more time together, I thought that dealing with sibling squabbles would be a timely subject for us all!

I recently attended a parenting workshop by Lori Rader-Jacobs, a certified John Rosemond parenting coach in Marietta. As a fan already of John Rosemond, I knew she was the person to ask for advice on dealing with sibling fights…a major source of stress for any parent of more than 1 child!  Lori offered up this advice for us all:

Do not involve yourselves in the rivalry.  There is a normal amount of arguing that should be expected but if their conflicts are causing frequent disruptions of the family’s peace it should be addressed.  Resist becoming the referee.  It’s the children involved who should be held completely and equally responsible for the conflict and the resolution of it. 

Rosemond states that holding both children responsible for the bickering is the key…this is to avoid the back and forth that continues once one of the children comes to you in their attempt to get you on their side

Lori then explained my favorite way to deal with sibling fights, John Rosemond’s “No Disturbing the Family Peace” tactic. I also found this explained in “New Parent Power” book by Rosemond:

Start with writing down 5 privileges your children enjoy (playing outside, regular bedtime, having a friend over, computer time, etc). Make a chart with 10 boxes (2 rows of 5) numbered from 10 down to 1. The first 5 boxes (top row) are left blank and in the 2nd row list one privilege in each box. Explain to the kids that their arguing is “disturbing the family peace”. The chart will help them solve their own problems and that anytime their bickering disturbs you (noise level wise or when one of them comes to you to complain) you will cross off a box starting with box # 10. They will both be held responsible, you are no longer be determining who was at fault. The chart begins on Monday for one week. The first 5 are “freebies” as Lori calls them so that the children are given the opportunity to fix their own problem with no penalty. Remember you are not forbidding them from disagreeing with each other just the “noisy arguing” and running to you every 5 minutes. The last 5 boxes contain the privileges that BOTH children will loose for the rest of the week REGARDLESS of who did what. Now, the fun begins! Each time the kids “disturb the peace” you mark the chart. Don’t engage in any discussion, just cross off the box. Explain in a casual tone, that b/c they were unable to solve their problem on their own they will loose a box and suggest they figure out a way to handle their differences quietly so they don’t loose another one. You continue to use the same chart each day for one week, picking up each day where the previous day left off (so if they lost box #10 & 9 on Monday, you’d cross of #8 if they disturb the peace on Tuesday).

Lori explained that it might take a couple of weeks for them to figure things out but there should be more peace restored.  Over time you should reduce the number of freebies as they grow in their conflict resolution skills.  Since we know bad habits are hard to break, Lori suggests keeping the chart a few months to see a permanent change!

Good Luck & let us know if you try this chart and how it goes.

Click here to learn more about Lori Rader-Jacobs and find her workshops. "Like" her on facebook. She is also a blogger on Parenting Issues in the "Local Voices" section of The East Cobb Patch & Smyrna-Vinings Patch 
Thanks Lori for your advice and help with today's topic!

"Free Fun" Friday - Guide to a Cheap Weekend!

Big Fun this weekend for NO (or a little) money!
Opening This Weekend!

SAT: Six Flags White Water : open 10-7pm, 250 Cobb Pkwy N., Marietta; Season Pass Special Online: 2 park (Six Flags & White Water) season passes for $99!

SAT: “Spray ‘n Play” @ Riverside Park: Stay cool in the sprayground area this summer! Open 10-7pm, closed Tuesdays; Daily fee $1 per person; adults free if not getting wet. Summer Passes available. 575 Riverside Road, 770-594-6158

Free Stuff:
FRI: "Cheap Date" Night - Glover Park Evening Concert Series: Go Retro with the sounds of the 70's & 80's  by "The Neon's".   Bring a blanket and enjoy a free concert. Tonight's listen to Historic Marietta Square ; 8pm; FREE, (770) 794-5601. Pick up a "Grab-N-Go Concert Cooler" this afternoon from Harry's Farmer's Market full of delicious tapas!

SAT&SUN: Atlanta History Center – Facebook Fan FREE Admission Weekend – visit Atlanta History Center's Facebook Page and print coupon for 2 free adult admissions under the “About Us” tab. Read our “Beyond Cobb” page to find our tips on bringing kids to AHC. On Sunday, they are having a special event for Memorial Day!
SAT: Barnes & Nobles Storytime at 11am; Town Center Prado

SAT: Lowe’s Build & Grow Workshop – bring the kids to any area Lowe’s to build a Bi-Plane from 10-12 ; best to pre-register but can walk-in:

SAT: Craft at Lakeshore Learning Store from 11-3, Drop-in to make a kid-safe “Look at Me Mirror!”, 4287 Roswell Road, 30062;

SAT: Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day at Centennial Olympic Park. This month’s Family Fun Day theme is “Flights and Kites”. May 28. Noon-4 p.m. 265 Park Ave. West, Atlanta. 404-543-7407. Free

SAT: Summer Outdoor Movie Series at Riverside Park in Roswell: Festivities begin at 7:00 (movies begin at dark). Bring a picnic along with your lawn chairs and blankets, enjoy great music, play on the playgrounds, and then settle in for "Despicable Me". Food and drinks may also be purchased at the concession stand. 575 Riverside Road, Roswell

SAT: Another Date Night Opp - Glover Park Symphony Saturday: Bring a blanket and enjoy a free concert. Tonight listen the sounds of the Cobb Symphony Orchestra Jazz Band. Historic Marietta Square ; 8pm; FREE, (770) 794-5601.

SUN: Molly’s Star Whirler Craft at the American Girl Store at Northpoint Mall: You favorite little girl can say “Hurray for the USA!” just like Molly did in her day. Drop-in craft session for girls 8 and up to make a patriotic star whirler. American Girl Store, Northpoint Mall, 1202 North Point Circle, Alpharetta

Cheap Fun!FRI-SUN: Movies at The Picture Show, 4400 Roswell Rd., Marietta; several G-PG movies showing this weekend, seats are $1.75! www.movies.com

SAT: End of School Play Day at Chattahoochee Nature Center ; Have fun with hula hoops, Frisbees, parachutes and sidewalk chalk. Make your own bubbles and much more from 1-4 p.m., 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. FREE with admission :$8/adults; $5; children 3-12, under 2, free.

Memorial Day Celebrations:

SAT-MON: Memorial Day Celebrations at Stone Mountain Park:Stone Mountain park honors our troops and their families, in a three-day celebration of American spirit at Atlanta's largest Memorial Day Weekend celebration. All active and retired military personnel will receive one FREE Adventure Pass with valid ID and will save up to $10 off per person for immediate family members along with other special offers. Laser Show with Fireworks Saturday, Sunday & Monday Night! Check online for more info about their Memorial Day Celebrations !

SUN & MON: Free Memorial Day Events at Kennesaw Mountain Park Free events Sunday and Monday include artillery demonstrations - cannon firings at 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm at the Visitor Center Field. Veteran's uniform display through Monday, 9 to 4, in the visitor center

SUN: Veterans Remembrance Day at The Atlanta History Center : 12-5 pm, visitors interact with both veterans and living history interpreters who represent the various branches of the United States Armed Forces. Listen to stories about battles and military strategies; displays of authentic dress, equipment, and vehicles, authentic WWII jeeps and other wartime memorabilia. Vintage Vocals will perform favorite tunes from WWI on (the group has performed overseas with the USO). ** FB Fan FREE admission weekend (see above)

SUN: “We Will Never Forget”: Patriotic concert to celebrate to our veterans and first responders. Program followed by ice cream social. Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church Sanctuary, 4385 Lower Roswell Road. 6:00 PM Nursery is available for this event, but registration is required. Please contact Debbie Ruth - (770) 971-2588.

SUN: Salute the US Armed Forces with the Cobb Wind Symphony at Kell High School Performing Arts Center, 4770 Lee Waters Road. FREE; 3PM

MON: "Roswell Remembers" Memorial Day Event: Roswell hosts the largest Memorial Day Event in Georgia on the grounds of City Hall. 617 Atlanta St.,Roswell, 10-4pm Check online for program schedule, directions and parking info

Make Time for Fun this Summer!

I am SO ready for summer. I am over the homework, the volunteering, the fundraising...I need the break. I am ready to throw away papers, sift through all the "art”, clear the school year clutter! I am looking forward to lazy summer days, swimming at the pool, just hanging out...but wait, I still need a PLAN! Here are few ideas on how to survive summer while having fun.

Talk to your family about what they would like to do and create a summer “bucket-list”.  The activities don’t have to be grandiose. It could as simple as taking a hike at Kennesaw Mountain or roasting marshmallows one night. Each summer one of my “goals” is to make a stepping stone with my children's hand prints and my kids have been talking about “camping” in the backyard.  If you need some inspiration to get the brainstorming going, check out About.com’s 100 Summer Fun Ideas for Kids and Parents.


Figure out what’s in the budget. It’s fun to dream but this is the real world so maybe the 14-day Disney cruise your preschooler suggested is out of the question. There are so many free and cheap things to do around town. Roswell has a really fun “spray-ground” at Riverside Park which only costs a $1 per person (opens May 28^th!) This is a really fun way to stay cool! Consider purchasing family memberships to your favorite places…they may seem pricey at first but usually if you tally up the cost of your family going at least 2x in a year, it saves money. It will also encourage you to go more often and you will be less hurried to explore since you know you don’t have to squeeze in all the fun in one visit!  The Cobb Libraries have a TON of free programs for kids all ages this summer - programs about Legos & robotics, family friendly movies, storytimes, book clubs for tween’s and teens, puppet shows and crafts! Cobb Tots & Kids will be including our “top picks” from the library calendar on our Facebook page and our website calendar but be sure to visit their Kid's Calendar to see ALL the programs.Click here to see more ideas for free summer fun. Hopefully, your “must-do” list will involve lots of “free” stuff…because it’s just like at Christmas or birthdays, what you do your kids want to play with…the new toys or the box it came in? Your kids will most likely remember the day you spent hiking together or the picnic you set up in the backyard over the trips to Six Flags.

Next, print blank calendar pages – fill in dates you already have on the calendar – camps, trips, all the things you have already said “yes” to! Each week, maybe Sunday night, fill in the “empty” days with one or 2 activities from your summer “bucket list” (a special craft, visiting the zoo, going for a hike or to a particular park you’ve wanted to check out) Be sure to balance them out with “down” days – days you just do stuff at home or for the fun stuff you find out about last minute or impromptu playdates! “Scheduling” summer fun might sound like going overboard but merging your summer “must-do” list and your calendar is really important – a list is great but if you don’t schedule the time to do the items, then it’s pointless!

Now that you have all your fun planned, how about the stuff you still “gotta do” – CHORES and your “to-do’s”? The laundry & going to the grocery store still need to get done. Chances are your “mommy work” schedule will be disrupted with the kids underfoot! If you are like me, you tried to get as much of that housework done while the kids were at school…at least the floors would stay clean for a few hours!  Since it totally stresses me out to take BOTH kids to the grocery store, over the summer I have hired a teen in my neighborhood to come down one morning a week for a couple hours so that I can get to (at least) the grocery store sans kids. So think about how you can work those chores into your summer schedule – maybe instead of having one day that you do all the laundry like you did while your kids were in school, now you throw in a load each day before breakfast.  My kids may not help me with the grocery shopping but I’m happy to give them a broom! J Get the kids involved! Check out this list of Age Appropriate Chores from Kathy Peel's Website.

You certainly don’t want to rigid in your planning, you will need some flexibility – it is summer after all but remember you gotta make time to have fun! So sit down with your family and make a plan! Be sure to stay connected with us – we will be keeping you informed of all kinds of summer fun!

A Giggle-A-Day

I am enjoying my last day in Chicago so I am sharing the wise words of Lou Tice on this marvelous Monday to inspire you! Lou Tice writes for the Winner's Circle Network at www.thepacificinstitute.com
"Laughter" by Lou Tice - March 2011

How well developed is your sense of humor? Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite subjects, about the importance of laughter and its place in our lives.

President John Kennedy once said, "There are three things that are real - God, human folly, and laughter. The first two are beyond comprehension. So we must do what we can with the third."

Today, we know that humor is a vital sign of life that affects us both physiologically and psychologically. Genuine laughter signals emotional flexibility and is a common reaction to the unexpected, the unpredictable. Some folks claim that one good belly-laugh - that full-out, no-holds-barred, tears streaming down your face laugh - can give you up to 90 days of protection against illness. If that's true, imagine what a giggle-a-day could do.

Humor and creativity have much in common and, for many people, laughter has given them a new lease on life. As Norman Cousins pointed out, it "interrupts the panic cycle of an illness," and people who use humor to help them cope can more easily let go of anger, fear, anxiety, hostility, and a host of other negative feelings that hinder healing. Reader's Digest didn't name its column "Laughter is the Best Medicine" for no reason.

Laughter is the other side of darkness - a light in the personal wilderness of pain and confusion. Although we are born with the ability to smile and laugh, a sense of humor must be cultivated, but it's well worth your time.

The ability to make others laugh is an invaluable quality, but the ability to make ourselves laugh is even more precious - so develop a ticklish funny-bone, and you'll be growing in more ways than you might think!

Lou Tice
The Pacific Institute

Weekend Guide

Whatever you do...have fun, be in the moment and give a few extra hugs this weekend!

FREE Stuff:
Sat: Outdoor Movie at Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw: Bring a picnic, blanket or low backed chair to watch this week's movie: "How to Train Your Dragon" (PG) Food available for purchase, inflatables, games, giveaways! Festivities begin at 6pm., movie begin at dark, weather permitting; Kennesaw Parks & Recreation

Sat: Crafts at Lakeshore Learning: This week’s craft - ”It's a Jungle” Collage from 11-3; 4287 Roswell Road, Marietta Lakeshore Learning

Sat: FREE Storytime at Barnes & Noble Town Center Prado at 11am

Sat: “Super Duper Mini Chefs” at Town Center Mall, give your kids a chance to play with their food, discover the fun side of food through a menu of exciting hands-on activities from 1-3. Click here for more info!

CHEAP:

Fri-Sunday:  Marietta Greek Festival : $3 admission plus any food you purchase – which IS the point of going to the Greek Festival! Music, Dancing, Marketplace, OPA!  Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church , - Leave Rover at home: only animals assiting the disabled are permitted. 3431 Trickum Road. Marietta, 

Sat: Marietta Square Farmer's Market : It’s free to roam around but bring your wallet because it will be hard to resist all that farm fresh produce like the strawberries from Harry Stacy Farms ! Opens by 9am until noon but if you are interested in getting the best “picks” get there early! 

Fri-Sat: Kid Movies at the Picture Show @ Merchant’s Exchange: Since there is a slight chance of rain over the weekend you might want a back-up plan! Gnomeo & Juliet 3D & Diary of a wimpy kid are playing this weekend. Tickets are 1.75 - 3D movies are an extra 2 bucks but that is still CHEAP! http://www.movies.com/

Sat-Sun: Through the Ages: A Living History at the Southern Museum Journey back in time to relive some exciting moments throughout history;  2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. Adults, $5; children ages 4-12, $3; 3 and younger, free. The Southern Museum 

Beyond Cobb:

Sat: Atlanta Baby and Child Expo in the Egyptian Ballroom at the Fox Theatre 11 a.m.-3 p.m. New moms and moms-to-be can meet professionals in the baby industry (like pediatricians, OB/GYNs and doulas), discover design ideas for the nursery, shop for clothing and gear and win door prizes like strollers and nursery furniture, Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets include a swag bag; http://www.atlantababyandchildexpo.com/

Sat-Sun: Did you know that High Museum has special tours just for families?  Guided tours leave from the Greene Family Learning Gallery at 2 p.m every Saturday & Sunday. They also offer family audio tours, self-guided tours with special brochures & Discovery backpacks - this do-it-yourself gallery adventure takes 30 to 45 minutes and can be borrowed for free with admission! The backpack is filled with art projects, puzzles, books, games, and easy to follow instructions that take you on a journey through the High Museum.

Sat: Pirate & Princess Day with Radio Disney at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Family Fun beginning at noon until 2: Recycled Crafts, Storytime with resident storyteller Rob Cleveland, Radio Disney giveaways, contests, music and more. Enjoy the rest of the museum including the children’s area "Nature Quest"! Event is free with admission.  767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, Adults, $17.50; children 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free,

Sat: Eric Litwin's Tall Tales at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens  in the Children's Garden Amphitheater,  10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Eric Litwin's tall tales and songs are so tall it takes a hot air balloon to get to the very top of them and a parachute to get back down.; Included with Garden admission. No registration is required.

Sat: Imagine It! Enjoy the new exhibit: From Here to Timbuktu: A Journey Through West Africa. In addition to their regular programs throughout the day, catch a special string ensemble performance by young musicians from Morningside and Springdale Park Elementary schools at 11am.

Sat: Stone Mountain’s Laser Show returned this month – bigger and better! The Lasershow is FREE with your $10.00 vehicle entrance to Stone Mountain Park, price does not include any other attractions. You may bring your own blankets, food and lawn chairs. Show begins at 9:30pm

Sun: ASO Family Concert: “Lemony Snicket’s The Composer is Dead” Shows at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Persnickety Lemony Snicket introduces children to the instruments of the orchestra in this family concert geared toward kids. Similar to Peter and the Wolf, kids will laugh and actually be able to sit through this entertaining show! Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, Tickets, $15-$20 online:  DEAL ALERT: use promo code (SNICKET) for 20% off tickets!

Need a “Date Night” babysitter?

Saturday: Kid’s Night Out at Play Activity Center:  care available from 6pm-11:30, ages 4 and up, $25 for 1^st child, $15 for each sibling, Under 4’s care available too! Pizza dinner included. 

Arts & Nature

Events at the Chattahoochee Nature Center  -            

Sat: Family Canoe Day: 12:30-2pm, Learn the basics of canoeing including boat basics and paddling techniques and have a friendly battle with squirt guns. Ages 5 –Adult, $10 for members, $15 for non-members includes 2 people, book a 3^rd seat in canoe for ½ off. All equipment provided. Pre-registration required on-line or by phone at 770-992-2055 ext. 237.

Sat-Sun: Family Backyard Campout : Bring your tent, they provide the spot, Sleep under the stars, take a night hike, play games in the meadow, visit nocturnal animals and roast marshmallows on the campfire. 5 p.m. Saturday to -10 a.m. Sunday,  770-992-2055 ext. 237 to pre-register. $45/family.            

Sat: Camp Kingfisher Open House  from 1-4 ; Attend the open house to learn more about Camp Kingfisher & then enjoy the nature center for FREE; Camp Tours at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30

Sun: Kid Canvas at Canvas by U!  Kids paint class for ages 5-12; Kids will paint “Swirls Gone Wild” this weekend from 2:30-4:30; Cost: $25. Drop off your child or parents can stay!

3000 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta; Register online.

Summer "Brain Drain"

Summer break is 13 days away...that's right, 13 days! Do you have a plan? I am always in a panic by now but the summer flies by and before I know it there are things I wanted to do with the kids I never got to! I have to admit, this year I am calmer about the summer break...or maybe it just hasn't sunk it yet!
Camps, swimming at the pool, and playdates keep the kids entertained but what about keeping that brain sharp?
Mom blogger and former teacher at www.StudentsFirstResources.blogspot.com  has great suggestions in her post "How to Keep Their Brains from Melting in the Hot Summer Sun". Here are a few suggestions from her blog as well as a few more I came across! 

• Visit museums! She mentions one of Cobb Tots & Kids favorite places: Tellus Science Museum. This is about a 30-45 min easy drive north on I-75 in Cartersville. This place is truly a hidden "gem" - check it out this summer.
• Visit the Library! Cobb Tots & Kids got a sneak peek at their summer programs and all we can say is WOW, it's going to be one fun summer. But even when there isn't anything special going on, it's just a "cool" place to hang out. Most children's areas have puzzles or blocks and let your kids "roam" the stacks to make their selections.
• Get creative! Student's First Resources offers up ideas on reusing fast food paper bags and milk cartons. There are tons of kid craft websites now or you can check out “Let’s Get Crafty” on our website for ideas. At my own house, I have a tote with typical craft supplies and I throw in toilet paper tubes, empty yogurt containers, milk cartons, yarn, etc. I let my kids have at it (I keep the paint and glitter out of reach for supervised projects!!) Not only do they come up with some very interesting creations, it keeps them busy on their own!
• Talk to your kids! Use those everyday activities to talk and teach. Cook with your kids, talk about different foods in the grocery store, help them count the money in their piggy banks, discuss interesting or funny things that happen in TV shows or movies they watch, talk about the plants and flowers in your yard or at the local park.  Play rhyming games, make up funny poems about your day. Going on a trip? Let your kids help you research the area...online or check out travel books, use google earth or a map website.
• Keep Writing! Encourage kids of all ages to keep a  “journal” or “summer diary” throughout the summer. Even preschoolers can draw pictures of what they did with one or two words about the picture. Or you can write a simple sentence for them and then have them trace the letters. Write a funny poem about what your family did that day or over the weekend. Write "snail-mail" letters to classmates  - who doesn't love to get mail?
•  In doing research for this post I came across Sylvan Learning Centers website. Under "Parent Resources" found free worksheets for each grade level and a downloadable free Math Activity Booklet. I can still get away with playing "school" with my 5 and 6 yr old so I sneak in those worksheets! Sylvan is having a summer "Just a Page-a-Day" Contest so be sure check that out on their website. Student's First Resources does warn not to overdo it with the worksheets...you don't want your child to get burned out on paper/pencil activities - good point! Go easy on them.

So this summer...keep it fun but keep them smart!

**Please visit www.studentsfirstresources.blogspot.com for more great ideas on teaching kids, homework helpers, & resources! (check out her March 17th post about paper bag puppet story starters...LOVE IT)