It's Time to Watch Our Words

I want to start off by saying that I know this election sucked.  Big time.  People weren't happy with their choices (some were), the choices were polarized (why don't we have a moderate party?), and we had someone win the popular vote and lose the electoral college (and that is always hard to swallow).

However, now is NOT the time to be slinging around predictions for the future.  And you know why? Because the little people are listening to you.  When I told my kids about the election results, I had one old enough to shrug it off and say "we have checks and balances, so even if the president tries to be extreme, congress can check him" and I had two in tears.  TEARS.

You guys, I work for a politician.  They have the rare opportunity to know that not every politician is a blood-sucking monster from the black lagoon- but they cried.  "My friend at hockey said his mom told him that Donald Trump is going to start World War 3."  "My friend at co-ops' dad told her that Donald Trump is going to kill black people." "My friend at church's mom said that Donald Trump is going to kick out her cousins and they're all going to have to move to Canada, too." (I was also given a list of what their friends told them would have happened had Clinton won ranging from World War 3 to not being allowed to homeschool anymore. Apparently we were destined for World War 3.)

Well, alright then.  I'd cry, too.  And I am not debating the validity of any of these points (and I'm not not debating it either.)  My point here is this:  the weight of our political system should NOT rest on the shoulders of our children.

I will explain.

Your kids, my kids, and the kids down the street should not have to shoulder the burden of what we've all just done.  They couldn't vote.  It's not their fault.  So they certainly should not be in tears thinking that we are headed for an imminent apocalypse.

Can you tell them you're unhappy?

Heck yes.

Can you tell them you're happy?

Please do.

But either way, please do it in a constructive way.  I don't think that anyone runs for the presidency with the express goal of ruining America. However, we can all think different things.  So if you're unhappy, try going with:

 "I'm not happy with the outcome, but we're going to find ways to make sure that our voices are heard. We really care about (issue) in our family, so we're going to make sure that we (give money/volunteer/write to our congressperson) so that issue doesn't get lost.  The best part about America is that we all get to be a part of the process."

And if you're just as happy as could be, try doing that constructively, too:

"You know, I am pleased with how this turned out, but it's important to remember that a lot of people feel differently than that, and our country works the best when we work together, so I am sure that's going to be a goal of our new president. If you have friends that are worried or upset, don't gloat and remind them they're still your friends." 

But it is not fair to make your kids think that fire is going to rain down on our heads.  That is a level of stress that elementary children should not have to deal with.  This fear is VERY real for some of them, and it's our job as parents to let them know they are safe, they are loved, and so are their friends who feel the same/differently about politics than they do.  And if you think they're not safe, it's our job as parents to let them know that we have options in our political system, and they don't include cowering in fear.  

Oh- and remember that kids don't read sarcasm the same way adults do.  If they hear you say "We're moving to Canada" they don't necessarily know that you are joking and will spend hours struggling in their little brains with the fact that their whole life is going to get uprooted when you were just expressing your displeasure at the results.  

It's time to watch our words and pick a constructive course of action, because our kids deserve to not be scared. 

Review: Homeschool Legacy

I teach the cooking side of home ec for my kids and another family, but I've never really used a curriculum for it, so I was excited to try Homeschool Legacy's once a week micro study for Cooking up History with the Founding Presidents.  This great series has some other fun options, which would be great to use during one of the upcoming school breaks- such as Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims or Christmas Comes to America.  Here's the one that we used:
So you might be wondering what a "micro study" is- and it's basically a short unit lesson on a particular topic.  It's fun when you have a little extra pocket of time- for example, if soccer just ended and you have an extra hour in your day- or when you want to fit in something special for a holiday or a special interest that your child has. Each week includes a recipe that goes along with one of four presidents.  
Week 1- Cherry Pie/George Washington Week 2- Apple Pan Dowdy/John Adams Week 3- Macaroni and Cheese/Thomas Jefferson Week 4- Thomas Jefferson's Vanilla Ice Cream/James Adams
The lessons are easy to follow, with facts about each president and easy-to-follow meal prep guides so that you ensure you have the materials that you need. 

 Now my little kitchen crew consists of two young elementary students, one middle elementary student, and a fifth grade and a sixth grader.  That's a pretty big span of kids to keep interested in what you're doing.  And if you don't keep them interested:

They make faces like this ;) Now, we'd made macaroni and cheese already, and the other foods really qualify for baking class (which their mom, the pastry chef, teaches) but once I went through the lessons, I really got a feel for the format and could even look up other presidents to use so that we continue to get a little presidential history with our weekly cooking lessons! My kids especially loved that there were so many sweet options, and repeating macaroni and cheese is never going to be an issue in our house!  

My kids like both cooking and history, so this was a hit in my house! I would have liked to see a few more interesting recipes (although nothing too left field) rather than family favorites, but did enjoy the options provided.  Also, I enjoyed using this as an online resource so that links were easy to follow.  There are many suggestions for how you could link from the cooking micro study to other studies, which would be a fun way to keep your child learning after you've slurped up your last bite of ice cream.  

Review: C Lucas Photography

We've done family pictures dozens of times, and we have a pretty good variety of lifestyle, portrait, artistic, and candid pictures to pull from in that category- and while she does do family pictures, that's not really what Chelsea of C Lucas Photography focuses on.  She initially contacted me about doing a boudoir session (But you guys have seen me, right? Clothes.), and said she also does couples photography.  We've never actually done couples pictures.  We didn't do engagement photos, and we had our babies quickly after getting married, so it wasn't really ever just "us".  I wasn't sure what to expect, but I actually enjoyed the whole experience and had a fun morning in Occoquan with my hubby.

 Chelsea put us very much at ease and encouraged us to just have fun with each other.  Luckily for her we enjoy joking around with each other, so that wasn't hard :) Chelsea also does great editing, so she was able to clean up a few things once I selected the pictures I wanted- for example, in the picture below there was a wire above Austin's head, which she took out to make the picture focus on us.

 Now the mark of a great photographer, in my opinion, is that they make you feel totally physically uncomfortable while they're taking your pictures- and I know that sounds odd, but that's how you know that they are actually paying attention to how you look in the camera.  For example, if they're telling you to move your chin up slightly and to the left, pop your booty out, and turn your right leg 90 degrees, you might feel like you're going to topple over, but they made sure you don't have any weird lumps or second chins in your picture.  I really appreciate that, and I've learned that the more someone takes the time to pose me out of my tendency to tuck my face in, the happier I am with the end result.

Chelsea is easy to work with and a local Prince William County Photographer.  You can contact her for boudoir, engagement, maternity, and custom portraiture using her website, or Facebook page.  Her packages start at $150 (boudoir, including makeup- images separately!) and $300 (includes a set number of digital images). She does offer family minis for the holidays, too- so if you haven't figured out your Christmas Card pictures yet (I know, I know, it's October, but you need time to edit and print!) give her a call! Her rates for additional digital images are extremely affordable, as well.  If you're looking for some special pictures with (or for) your sweetheart, I think you'll love working with C Lucas Photography.

2017 Future Delegate Program

Commonwealth of Virginia

Office of Delegate Richard L. Anderson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 26, 2016

Del. Rich Anderson to Host 2017 Future Delegate Program

~Program in fifth year and takes place at the Virginia State Capitol in January & February~

~PWC program orientation for students & families is November 12^th~

WOODBRIDGE – The office of Virginia State Delegate Richard L. Anderson (R-51) has announced that the Prince William County legislator will again host his popular and competitive annual “51^st House District Future Delegate Program” at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond during the months of January and February 2017.

The program is open to public, private, and home-schooled students from grades 7 through 12. The 51^st House District stretches from Occoquan Town westward through Lake Ridge, the county portions of Manassas, and into Brentsville and Nokesville. 

All students are welcome to participate, regardless of party affiliation or views. The Future Delegate Program focuses solely on the legislative process and exposes students and families to legislative life in Richmond. The goal is for students to return home after a full day in Richmond with a greater appreciation for the public policy process. Anderson’s goal is to motivate students to pursue public service as their chosen profession as an adult.

On November 12, from 2-3:30pm, Anderson will host an orientation for prospective student participants in the chambers at the McCoart Government Center at 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge, VA. At that time, he and his staff will brief students and families on the program, answer questions, and accept applications for the program. 

Since 2013 Anderson's dedication to inspiring future leaders has led him to host over 200 students at the Capitol under his Future Delegate Program. The delegate stated that "seeing the excitement and interest that students have about a future in public service makes this program one I am happy to continue offering.”

The intent is that only one student will participate each day, so that they experience quality time with their elected representative and are able to focus fully on the legislative process.

Anderson further stated that “I look forward to welcoming our next group of students to Richmond in January and February. I am excited for the next generation of leadership in our Commonwealth to engage in Virginia’s legislative process first-hand. I hope that this program will inspire them to seriously consider a career in public service.”

The program is managed by Anderson's 51st Outreach Coordinator, Mrs. Kristina Schnack Kotlus, who can be reached at kristina.delegateanderson@gmail.com

Day of the Dead and Free Tacos in Manassas!

Don’t let the name fool you—Day of the Dead is not a morbid holiday, explains Miguel Pires, owner of Zandra’s Taqueria in Old Town Manassas. Rather, the holiday is a festive celebration honoring loved ones that are no longer with us. Family and friends come together for feasts, dancing and to make offerings to the deceased, such as sugar skulls and service in the form of cleaning and decorating grave sites. Pires says that it is in this celebratory spirit that he invites the community to gather at his taqueria and bar for a Day of the Dead charity event.

From 5 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 2, Zandra’s will be collecting food and raising money for SERVE, a program of Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), the largest private, nonprofit human service organization in Northern Virginia. NVFS addresses the challenges of systemic poverty on the community.

Each patron who donates nonperishable food items that evening will receive a voucher for a free taco, and the restaurant will also donate $1 from every margarita sale to SERVE. Additionally, the musical guest, Purpose, is donating its performance proceeds to SERVE.  

“The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that focuses on gatherings of family and friends who have died. We thought that a charity event that brings people together to help local families get back on their feet honors that tradition, and creates a strong sense of community,” said Pires.  “We are excited to team up with Friends of SERVE and Purpose to support the important work of SERVE.”  

Zandra’s Taqueria is located at 9114 Center Street in Manassas. For directions and menu items, visit www.zandrastacos.com or call 571-359-6767.

Review: CrossTimber

CrossTimber makes customized products with the name of your choice.  I sent one of their Personalized Framed Plaque with Name Meaning and Bible Verse to my friend Heidi.  She works in a local church and the walls in her office have room :) I wanted to send it as a surprise, but somehow the shipping information came through with my name on the address label going to her work address, which I decided would confuse the heck out of the church secretary, so I let her know that a package was coming for me to her work.  It was still a surprise- just a little before the box arrived!

Heidi means "Honored, blessed, one who exalts God" and the verse it gave her was Psalm 104- "Bless the Lord, O my soul.  O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honor and majesty. " I thought that definition was perfect for her.  When her package arrived, she sent me the following (she knew I was doing a review):

"Initial thoughts: Beautiful story/testimony about the business.  Nice quality.  Love the words/scriptures! I just find the graphics/layout/fonts somewhat dated."

Now, being fair, Heidi is a graphics person, so she's something of an expert on making things pretty, but I actually had similar feelings when I looked through the website trying to select a background for her. The background choices are pleasant, but a little dated.  They do have lots of options to select from, though, and I especially appreciated that they had a Boy Scout section- I think these could be great for an Eagle Scout.  They also offer music boxes, coffee mugs, name cards, scripture gifts, book marks, names of God gifts, and multi-name plaques. I like the background for this one for someone having a baby, and I think that it would be a great gift- I know that when I was in the baby stage of my life I was obsessed with my children's names while I chose them and I really loved personalized items for them.

I really liked what the owner, John, says about the significance of a custom name gift-
"Your Name communicates so much more than simply a tag or label of what to call you. Your name becomes the representation of who you are; who you are to your family, to your boss, to your friends, to your children, to the businessman in the office or the waitress at your table. Your name establishes the beginning of a reputation, and the whole of that reputation is recalled by the thought or speaking of your name."

If you're thinking about a name gift from CrossTimber for Christmas- you should note that while their shipping and handling is normally very quick turnaround, November and December are their busiest months, so it's a good idea to hop on it now!

Through Dec 4th, CrossTimber is sponsoring a Name Gift Giveaway.  

Grand Prize: The winner may choose between a: Personalized Mug OR a Name Plaque or 8x10 Plaque! --> Plus 9 more prizes: $10 Gift Certificates

Giveaway ends on Dec 4th, at this url: www.Meaning.Name/giveaway.html or you can use the rafflecopter below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Disney on Ice Presents Follow Your Heart

We were fortunate to be able to attend opening night of Disney on Ice presents Follow Your Heart at EagleBank Arena (formerly the Patriot Center) on the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University.  I think I've told you guys before that EagleBank/Patriot is my favorite venue- the parking is free, the lot is easy in/easy out, and the campus is pedestrian friendly.  It's much nicer than going into DC!

If you've never been to a Disney on Ice Show, here's a little of what to expect:

If you haven't been yet, tickets are available for the following shows:

Oct 20, 2016	07:00PM
Oct 21, 2016	10:30AM , 07:30PM
Oct 22, 2016	10:30AM , 02:30PM , 06:30PM
Oct 23, 2016	12:30PM , 04:30PM

Want to know what to expect? That's why I took this crew:

Now two of these cuties are Disney on Ice veterans, but one of them hadn't been before (at least not at an age where she remembered or even stayed awake for it!) so I got some great varied opinions.

The show starts off with "Inside Out" characters trying to cheer Riley on through a difficult practice.  My daughter played hockey for a season, so obviously this was very meaningful to her as a "girl hockey player" who could commiserate with the struggle ;) The emotions each think a different type of memory will help inspire her.  Anger picks the Beast from Beauty and the Beast hulking out, for example.  Right before intermission, we see Riley's big game, and all of your favorite princesses come out, including Tiana, who I don't think I've seen in an ice show before!

The girls REALLY liked the arial work that the skaters do.  I (as someone who used to figure skate) was a little like "Seriously? Spinning around 3 times in the air before landing on a 1/4 inch blade isn't enough for you people?? Seriously?" but the girls loved it.  Both Ariel and Rapunzel get up, up, up off the ice and fly around- and it is pretty darn impressive!

Now that might have been the girls' favorite, but mine was DORY! Ever since my brain surgery I forget things sometimes, which makes me really sad, but to try and take the edge off feeling dumb, I started saying "I Dory-ed it" so she's kind of my spirit animal. I'm trying to remember EVERYONE you'll see- Inside Out, Beauty and the Beast, Finding Dory, Toy Story, Princesses, Snow White, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, there's a bit of Fantasia,

After intermission, it's Frozen time!!

Of course everyone loves Anna and Elsa, and OLAF! The mom behind me was singing so loud and so off key- but she was so happy, so it's all good! The girls loved the giant ice castle set that expands and makes the whole ice seem like part of Elsa's magical kingdom.

Then there's a big finale where all the characters come out and skate together, which the girls loved because it's like Disney Overload and you get to see all of your favorites at once!

If you're going to go, here are some things you should know:
1) There are some pyrotechnics in the show.  I didn't notice any of the very small children around me freaking out because of them, and my 8-9 year old girls loved them.
2) There are some moments of darkness during the show, but they are very brief, and again, I didn't notice any of the small children around me freaking out.
3) There is a definite "best side" to this show.  Usually I feel like Disney on Ice Shows don't have best seats, but this show, because it uses a lot of background on a screen, has a very specific side that is best.  Now, that doesn't mean you won't enjoy the show (we were on a non-best side and still loved it!) but if you're going to buy tickets, my suggestion would be to get them for sections 108/109 or VIP 108/109.  That's going to give you a clear view of both the skating and the screen display.  However, again, we were in section 101 and still had a great view of the skating!

We hope that you get a chance to enjoy Disney on Ice presents Follow Your Heart! I know we did!

Disclaimer: I was provided with tickets to this show free of charge, however all opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.