In Times of Deepest Need- How To Be There For Your Friends and Family

The days that follow the death of a loved one all seem to run together. People come and go, plans have to be made for the funeral/memorial service. Final arrangements and documents have to be submitted. Gifts that have been given may go unnoticed for weeks. Not because the gifts are not appreciated or wanted, but because their days just blur into each other and before they realize it weeks have passed.
What is something you can do that will stand out? Can you give a gift that will make an impact now and years down the road? Sure you can. Memorial trees are growing in popularity as a sympathy gift. I suggest that you send a card with your sympathies stating your intention to plant a tree in the honor of their loved one. However, I am not talking about a large out door tree. I found this great little gift from www.planetgiftbaskets.com that is a ginkgo biloba tree. It is a hardy disease free tree, easy to grow. When you purchase this tree, send it to yourself. Plant the tree and tend to it for its first year. After all the last thing on some ones mind when they have lost a loved one is to water a plant. Most plants and flowers that one receives following a tragedy will not be cared for. Once again not because of ingratitude, but they honestly have other things plaguing their minds.
When should you gift this mini tree? On the one year anniversary of the passing of their loved one. The one year anniversary is another one of the hardest times after their loss. Remembering, replaying, reliving the events of that day the year before, but without the huge support this time. What better time to show up with a gift that is one year old, lovingly tended, as a memorial of their loved one. Not only will they appreciate the thoughtful gift, but it will become a treasured item as it serves as a living memorial. They can remember their loved one as they tend to and care for the tree. It serves another purpose too. It shows them that their loved one was not forgotten by others. Your gift will be remembered and cherished for years to come.

Are you Juggling Too Much? How to Find The Time You Need

If you are like most parents these days, you probably are feeling a bit overwhelmed at your daily and weekly schedules. How did we come so far from our grandparents lives? Did you ever hear your Grandma talking about soccer practice, gymnastics then piano lessons all in one day?

Around my town, parents go to every practice for every sport or event. I actually loved it when my oldest was little because I'd tote the boys (younger) with me and have my social hour with my friends on the soccer field while watching our daughters play soccer and our little kids play around our feet. We'd bring snacks to share with everyone and chairs and blankets. It was like a picnic two nights a week.

Then something happened. My second child grew up enough to have his own sporting events. And before I knew it, I was packing everyone around five nights a week to different ball fields and practices. We were exhausted and grumpy and couldn't take one more night of "crockpot". I thought it would never end.

The next few years got worse. Now all three of my kids had events and sometimes they overlapped. I now had to be "one of those" parents who dropped off my kid and ran to the next thing. I was missing out on my social hour with grown ups and I needed that time. I was tired and my kids were too busy and now I felt guilty for not staying around the fields. It was a destructive cycle.

So, I ask...when did this generation of ours decide we have to do it all and by ourselves? I'd think it was just this way in my town, but I've heard countless stories of other moms and dads being run ragged.

More to come....

Peanut Butter Playdough You Can Eat!

Everyone is always looking for an edible playdough for kids that put everything in their mouth. This one is great if you are not allergic to peanuts. You do need to make sure you that you store this in a very airtight container...

Peanut Butter Play Dough

One 18-oz. jar creamy peanut butter
6 T. honey
3/4 c. non-fat dry milk

Mix together to the consistency you desire. You can add more dry milk as necessary.

Store in an airtight container.

Warning: Do not use if you are allergic to nuts.