Unique Jigsaw Puzzles
OK, so finally we have got everyone together. The next problem is how do we entertain everyone. There seems to be fewer and fewer games and activities that the whole family can enjoy. Video games are not really interactive and conducive to great conversations the way that playing board games are. Similarly, watching TV or even having a DVD movie night isn’t going to help you to start talking and really stay connected with your family. When you’re planning a family fun night, what you need is a focus for everyone’s attention, a centerpiece for the evening which allows and even promotes conversation. One answer is a Picture Jigsaw Puzzle.
Picture Puzzles have been bringing families together for hundreds of years and are still as fun and challenging as they always have been. What has changed is the availability of Personalized Jigsaw Puzzles – picture puzzles with your own family photo as the puzzle. What better way to stimulate family conversation and have fun at the same time! A photo puzzle of the family reunion last fall, or your daughter’s birthday party; maybe a family vacation picture or even a your parents dressed up in costume for last Halloween. These all make great suggestions for a personal photo picture puzzle. The fact that you can use your own photo really adds to the family fun aspect of this pastime.
Taking this a step further, why only have a single photo when you can select multiple photos to create a unique photo collage. Photo collage puzzles can highlight great memories you have had as a family such as last summer’s camping vacation, or that trip to New York. What a great way to get the family talking about this year’s holiday ideas and have fun at the same time. You can also use a custom made jigsaw puzzle to surprise the rest of the family with news of a special event, an exotic vacation or major purchase. What better way to surprise the kids with a Disney vacation than to organize an evening solving a picture puzzle with a Disney theme.
So next time you are looking for a way to get everyone talking; something that the family can all enjoy during a family night at home; something that will involve kids to grandparents, check out a Photo Picture Puzzle. After all, jigsaw puzzles that are all about your family are an ideal opportunity to get people talking and sharing. What a great way to bring the family together and have family fun at the same time.
I’ve had a long year but I’m trying to see it as one of learning.
The Law of Attraction
For as hopeful and exciting as I began 2010, with the idea, development and launch of this website, I was rather impatient. I believe I was supposed to learn patience; we have not found our surrogate family yet. Disappointed and heavy at heart, my dear friend led me to a simple concept. Well, the concept is a bit complex but the book level she sent me, was not (perfect for my still mommy-brain): The Idiot’s Guide to the Law of Attraction. I’ve been working on phrasing every thought, or intention or vibration, positively and without regard for the How. So every bit of cynical and every touch of bitter is corrected in my thoughts as well as what comes out of my mouth. It’s been a tough month for it (isn’t that ironic, the season of giving and love, of holiday and family, yet I can get a bit bitter and cynical. A work in progress), but I’m hopeful.
So:
I want surrogate grandparents for my daughter and a surrogate family for ourselves next year.
I will wait patiently while they prepare themselves.
I want the addition of love and acceptance and joy by our new surrogate grands next year.
I believe this will happen.
If you’d like, pick up this book, it’s small and inexpensive, and read it along with me. If there are more than a few comments that express interest in a discussion thread within the member-forum, I’ll set it up. Together, we can work on sending out a very clear and positive vibration for 2011.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Respect and Appreciation for each of you.
Christene
The opportunity to relate a story is truly cherished by grandparents and their grandchild alike. In today’s world, parents are constantly under time pressure. Grandparents often have the quality time to invest, and willingly do so because it warms their hearts to see their grandchildren prospering, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually.
The primary motivation for me to write The Monster on Top of the Bed was to have a way to pass on my most cherished values to my yet to be conceived grandchildren. As my hair turned from brown to gray, and finally to silver I began to realize that I was mortal. I wanted to make certain that any future grandchildren would understand three lessons: (1) Following the golden rule makes it easy to feel good about yourself and to make friends; (2) Friendship trumps fear; and (3) Believing in yourself makes even the most difficult tasks possible.
As an experienced author, I knew that I couldn’t just say those things in a book. “Boring!” would be the response. The messages had to emerge from the story. Children had to be able to discover them. I also knew that the story had to have a problem, a relatively way for a child to take action to resolve that problem, and be entertaining. Finally, I knew that I wanted to make as many children happy with the story as possible, not a simple task since what makes one child sad can make another child happy.
I considering writing a book an opportunity to relate, not tell a story. I choose to relate the story in different ways, ways that make it particularly attractive for telling by grandparents. Hop on over to http://www.Monbed.com, and view the video of the book—it’s free. Watch for these elements:
• A story that is easy to almost memorize – you can look at the Italian ice-cream parlor artwork by Maneula Pentangelo and recall most of the story without reading. This is on purpose, because one of my goals is to motivate children to write their own story. That’s why we have an edition of the book that includes the major artwork only, without the words. I pictured myself, sitting down reading and re-reading the story with my grandchildren, and then challenging them to write their own version of the story. I pictured the child excitedly writing their version of the story, and then putting their name on the front cover of the book as co-author. Can you picture yourself doing this for your grandchildren?
• “Do unto others as you would want others to do unto you,” is the desired behavior that is modeled by the characters. The Golden Rule is never mentioned. Children don’t like to be taught, they love to discover. They get it. Want proof? Watch the story with your grandchildren, and then ask them something like, “What did Suzy do to make it easy for Karrit to be her friend?”
• Captivating artwork that appeals equally to both boys and girls. The artist and I spent two years tweaking everything from the colors used in the characters to the Kung-Fu ponytail that makes Karrit very appealing to boys, as well as girls.
• Discussion Questions – They’re built right into the book, at the end. This feature makes it easy to spend quality time discussing the key lessons of the book with children.
• A CD (or free .mp3 file download) of the book in different languages, so that children are exposed to different languages and cultures. Children will listen to the same page in different languages, many times. Grandparents enjoy having fun discussions with their grandchildren after asking a question like, “which reader did you like best?” or “what did you think of the story in Spanish? Was it as much fun as English?”
You don’t need high-technology to enjoy a book, but for grandparents who are tech-savvy there are many formats that children enjoy, such as being able to listen to the book on an iPod while shopping, or the ability to download a multi-media version that works on a computer. As you turn the pages, the book reads the story, and you can even ask your grandchildren to draw their own illustrations, take a digital picture of them and upload their pictures into the e-book. The book will read the story while their pictures are displayed. They can even e-mail the e-book to friends, family and classmates. That’s a story for another day, or perhaps you’d like to hear an interview with Glenn Hahn, on a radio show. It’s an interesting 25 minutes. Listen to Alan being interviewed by on The WIFI Tech Show.
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Alan Jordan is the author of The Monster on Top of the Bed, as well as six business books. Order from http://www.MonBed.com/order. If time is short, you can download an e-book version immediately, and receive the printed version later. It makes a great holiday gift. When you’re in the mood for some writing for people over the age of 16, , visit Alan’s new blog Celebrity Magic: Celebrities, Their Causes and the Magic they Weave at http://www.CelebrityMagic.ORG.
We have a toddler. So her outings are usually short and are best if age appropriate. The Museum of Science is great for indoor running around but not interactive enough for a two year old. For our two year old.
Recently we went to David Farmland in Massachusetts. Wow. This place impressed me and quite honestly, I can be a bit difficult to impress when I’ve spent that much money. For about $16/adult, under 2 is free, you get to feed a whole bunch of baby animals. I mean, a whole bunch: baby goats, piglets, even a steer (which I suppose isn’t a baby, but he did enjoy the grain). You get to ride on a hay ride, purchase not-too-expensive foods or bring in your own, they have swings and play areas for little ones… in the summer they have a little water/spray park.
This destination is a drive for us with a two year old: a bit over a good hour’s drive (we’re spoiled: we have great places, indoor, outdoor, fast, slow, structured, unstructured, all very nearby). So this was a day trip for us, the last of the warm(er) weather. A family trip. We saw lots of families there. Lots of mommies, lots of daddies, lots of kids. Lots of aunties, lots of uncles, lots of grandparents.
Ah, the grandparents. The multi-generational family. They looked so happy. The kids playing with the grands. The grands helping the kids to feed the baby goats. The grands consoling the kids when the goats turned away their eager tiny open-handed offerings, the goats’ bellies too full to eat another bite of grain. The grands’ laps being prime seats for the bumpy hay ride and the protector of kids when the big cows would saunter up to the hay for a quick nibble.
We had a blast, my husband, daughter and I. Our last late Summer/early Fall outing. But we both looked on silently, wistfully, wishing and hoping for more one day. For our daughter. For us.
This site has been up for less than year. We have quite a few members now. Don’t mind me if I peek at your profiles and posts, eagerly looking for matches, seeking connection with those who are also looking for more one day. And please remember to post your Announcement in your State, so you can be found, so you can find others, so we can find each other.
Thanks for dropping by, happy Fall everyone! There’s still time to spend this holiday season with a new family. Post and then search, then PM (private message) a new family today!
Grandpa’s Storytelling Stories: Storytelling Tips for Grandparents.
Grandparenting creates a special and unique bond with your grandchildren, whether these children are your own family or now part of your “adopted family.” Storytelling can play a part of this bonding process while you will be easily passing on family values. Storytelling can also improve the reading and math skills of children.
Although reading books is an important thing we adults do with children, there is a great power in learning “storytelling,” too. By this, I mean putting down the storybooks and telling, from your own mind and heart, stories to children.
This real storytelling allows you to look your grandchild in the eye, use a full range of gestures and allow the child to become a co-creator of the storytelling experience.
Here are three steps to getting started.
1. Remember Stories You Loved Or Find Some New Stories
No, not everyone has memories of hearing stories as a child. But- if you think deeply about it- you might be able to recall stories you were told. The Internet is a huge resource for storytelling. A website such as Aesopfables.com will offer many short stories. Taking a browse through that site might also trigger memories of stories you were told. If you’d like a free story to start you off, please click on the little mouse on the front page of my www.daddyteller.com
2. Break the Story Into Parts and Pieces.
The roadblock I hear the most is, “I can’t memorize anything!” Rather than memorize the story, break it into pieces. Then, when you retell the story, see the pieces in your head and describe those scenes one by one. A storyteller creates images in the mind of their listener.
3. Use your body to tell the story.
Don’t be shy! Look the child in the eye while you are telling your stories. Use gestures to indicate the ups, downs and over-there’s of the tale. Speak like a quiet, little mouse or a loud, huge elephant. Play with the story you are telling. It’s fun and it encourages the child to go deeper into their own imagination- creating new thoughts, ideas and possibilities for learning.
There is wonder and excitement waiting in good storytelling. Minds are set free, new brain links develop and ideas are created with good storytelling.
And- your grandkids might get something out of it, too.
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Sean Buvala is a full-time national storyteller and has been so for 25 years. He is the author of the book, “DaddyTeller: How to be a Hero to Your Kid,” where he teaches fathers and grandfathers how to influence their children with book-down storytelling. Moms and grandmothers are welcome to come learn, too. You can visit his site for free stories and videos at http://www.daddyteller.com .
…I wanted to blurt out.
I was doing fine all month long, but it got to me this week.
I belong to an old fitness club. ‘Old’ meaning that most of the members have been members for 15+ years, raised their kids at this club, started at the club taking aerobics classes and now show up for the social aspects. With a pounding headache and a sore neck, I decided to forgo my workout for a soak in the whirlpool, which is next to the lap pool. At 10 til the hour, the pool area began filling up with water aerobic class students. At this ‘old’ club, that meant older ladies, chatting away while they adjusted their large brimmed sun hats, sunglasses and water shoes.
The instructor bounced into the pool area, laughing that it took her another 5 minutes to get her students’ attention to begin the class.
I began to tear up and quietly left the pool area. I made it through the locker room and into a shower, as the tears began to flow.
My mother would have been 70 years old this year. She would have taken that water aerobics class. She’d be old and wrinkly but wearing fabulous hats and colorful swimsuits. You know, the kinds with the little flair skirts.
She’d take her water aerobics class with ‘the girls’, then shower and dress and head over to see her grandchildren for lunch. She’d adore them. They’d adore her. I’d live in a house of love and laughter.
Wait, I have to put the brakes on.
That’s not my life right now. We don’t have grandparents for my daughter anymore. Or rather, Yet. We don’t have grandparents for my daughter… yet.
Today I wanted to blurt out:
“Today is the anniversary of my mother’s death. I need a hug. I need to be taken care of. I need my daughter to know that kind of grandparenting love. Somebody. Love us.”
By: Angi McElfresh, RN, BHSA – Owner of www.AskaNurseNow.info
Every individual longs to have a social connection with another individual. This article examines the aging population in the U.S. and the social isolation they face. In 2009, it projected that the number of elderly, aged 65 and over is to be around 516 million here in the U.S. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). The Commonwealth Fund Commission, reports that one-third of the elderly live alone (Gusmano & Rodwin, 2006). Elderly individuals who live alone are invisible to their communities. They can be homebound and not seen out in their communities, therefore, the degree of barriers older individuals face are commonly unknown.
This population is at higher risk of social isolation due to a variety of reasons. Isolation can be from decreased mobility (inability to drive or tolerate walking for long periods), hearing impairments, health problems, death of a spouse or lack of connecting to resources that allows them to participate in socializing activities. Social isolation plays a large role in the decline of an elderly person’s health. Studies show, that social isolation negatively influences the elderly, by putting them at higher risk for developing depression and performing their activities of daily living (George PhD, Bosworth PhD, Steffens MD, Flint PhD, & Hays R.N, 2001). Activities of daily living is defined as: the ability to care for one’s own self, such as dressing, preparing food and caring for their home.
Doctor offices commonly treat and see the elderly population on a regular basis, but fail to recognize this problem & address it. This can be due to a lack of knowledge of resources that can address the isolation or that the elderly individual fails to report this to their physician. Social isolation can lead to feelings of purposelessness & a loss of identity in all ages, but especially in older adults (Smith, 2010). Connecting these individuals to others is vital, but the number of resources is small. It is important for older individuals to feel they make a contribution, either by participating in an event, relating stories and experiences or socially interacting with others. Programs and organizations that promote social interaction among seniors is an integral aspect of successful aging, which promotes life satisfaction and improved quality of life (Stevens-Ratchford, 2008). Many studies show that older adults who remain socially connected, report a greater life satisfaction and enjoy an overall higher quality of life then those who lack social connections (Stevens-Ratchford, 2008).
A website that promotes the formation of inter-generational relationships between the older populations to younger families, who lack this, is www.surrogategrandparenting.com. This free resource matches older adults to younger families who lack grandparent-like roles in their lives. Please visit www.surrogategrandparenting.com for more information.
(In addition, another free resource is www.AskaNurseNow.info will connect an elderly individual to resources located in their community that will promote their health and address barriers they face, by experienced Registered Nurses.)
…because this Mother’s Day was “great”: I have a wonderful daughter and a wonderful husband… but it was also sad for me, I felt unconnected to my own mother… I miss her. I needed some mothering myself this Mother’s Day.
So I’ve been posting at the local recreation centers and the local grocery stores… next up is the Garden Club. I’m staying positive and hopeful, the weather is warm here in the Northeast and the nice weather is always good for getting out and meeting people! I’m waiting patiently (or is that patiently impatient?) for our surrogate grandparent(s). We know you’re out there!
Let me know what you’re doing while (im)patiently waiting for your family to arrive?
We’ve got three states represented now: Massachusetts, Oregon and South Carolina! Welcome newest members!
Remember, if you don’t find your match on the site yet, promote locally with flyers. Feel free to download, print and post in your community. They’re available here. Reply to the post How Else Should We Get The Word Out? and let me know if there are local online groups you’d like me to approach, I’m happy to help us find our new families!
Thank you members!
We live in a great neighborhood. Still, I’ve been inclined to lock the side door more often, though admittedly, not consistently. I put the toddler down to nap and ran around the house doing all my picking up and putting away. Today included beginning to train the dog to use only one corner of the yard for her ‘business’. I had the treats, I had the will to stand near the fenced off corner giving positive commands, “Tinkle!” and “Poop!” while she sat on her rear, looking up at me, expecting treats.
Okay, so I gave up. And headed back inside.
You see where this is going, right? I locked myself out of the house. Luckily my neighbor was home and she gave me a lift… through our bathroom window.
Luckily, the kid hadn’t awoken from her nap yet. And the dog tinkled and pooped all around the other half of the yard. And so I continued where I left off: picking up and putting away.
What did you do today?
