Valentine's Day: A Day to Say I Love You

By Sharon Rose

     
     
      Valentine's Day is a day for love.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if the feeling and expressions of love that we demonstrate on Valentine's Day were felt every day of the year?!  Love is a strong, emotional outpouring and demonstration of affection and kindness; peaceful interaction in a relationship; caring, protecting and providing for in a family; and often an exciting, giddy, passionate and romantic feeling between a man and a woman.  All in all, LOVE is a beautiful thing!

      The first time I was in love my Dad gave me a plump little brown puppy for my 3rd birthday.  I can still remember that giddy, stomach- flipping- over feeling that I felt when I was given that puppy, who I named, Brownie.  I loved nothing better but to play with Brownie all day long.  He belonged to me and I loved him!  He followed me all over the house, licked me right in the face, and showed me so much love and attention.  Although he chewed many pairs of my shoes, I forgave him and my unconditional love continued.  Loving that puppy was such a good feeling!  As a result, for the rest of my life I have had a dog or some kind of pet in my home.  I once even had a rabbit, Snowball.  I believe I always wanted to keep that good feeling that I first felt at three years old.  The next time I was in love it was with a boy in my 5th grade class.  I remember him sending me the do you love me notes on which you were to check a yes or no box.  Remember those?!  By 6^th grade we had each moved on; had other friends and other interests.  However, one week before I married, and although it had been many years since we had seen one another, he came to visit me to declare that he still loved me from all those years ago.  He explained that he was not there to interrupt anything, but just to take his last opportunity to say, I love you.  He wished me the best in my marriage and was on his way.  

     
When I think of those emotional experiences of love, of the past, I feel good inside and smile.  Love should make you feel that way and never the reverse.  I have had an even greater feeling of love when I gave my own children a puppy one Christmas and heard their squeals and saw their beaming faces; as well as, when I said I do as a woman in love.  I have learned that giving love is the best feeling of all!  Is there anyone that you would like to take the opportunity to, at last, say, I love you, much like my 5^th grade friend?  Today is the day to do it.  It’s Valentine’s Day! 


Happy Valentine’s Day, parents! Love is in the air!  Poetry can be very romantic. Enjoy poems by Sharon Rose.

                                                                 When I Fall in Love

When I fall in love,

       How will I know what it feels like?

When I fall in love,

Will it hurt or will it feel right?

When I fall in love,

Will all my days be joyful?

When I fall in love,

Will romantic nights bring bliss?

When I fall in love,

Will he love me again and again?

When I fall in love,

Will it be forever ‘til the end?

When I fall in love,

Will I know it when it shows up?

When I fall in love,

Will I give and not just take love?

I Adore Thee

I adore thee in a way,

Brighter than a sunshiny day.

Rose petal dew reminds me of you,

Beauty like the sky of blue.

Lips so sweet, I find a treat,

With a kiss I always meet.

Your soft hand against my face,

Quickly starts my heart to race.

Breathing, fresh scent of your hair;

Tender, warm feelings hard to bear.

As I look into your eyes,

Passionate urges thus do rise.

I desire what my heart can see,

I adore thee!

Copyright, Valentine's Day: A Day to Say I Love You, article, Parents Want to Know 101, February 14, 2012, by Sharon Rose, all rights reserved.

Copyright, When I Fall in Love, poem, Author, Sharon Rose, March, 2000, all rights reserved. Cannot be published without permission of the author, under penalty of law.  Cannot be used in theatrical or any spoken word stage production without permission and credit to the author, under penalty of law.  Contact: srgjones@gmail.com.

Copyright, I Adore Thee, poem, Author, Sharon Rose, all rights reserved, March, 2000.  Cannot be published without permission of the author, under penalty of law.  Cannot be used in theatrical or any spoken word stage production without permission and credit to the author, under penalty of law.  Contact: srgjones@gmail.com.

   

     

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Sharon Rose


      Parents Want to Know 101, gives honor to a great American, and commemorates this 26th annual federal holiday of MLK, Jr. Day.  Happy birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!  His words still ring true to every parent, and every boy and girl who dreams of climbing the ladder of equal opportunity to great success and freedom in their lives.  At a time when so many in our country are without jobs, I am focusing on the historical event, March on Washington, which was held to provide a platform for jobs and freedom.  The I Have A Dream speech given by Dr. King on that day, Aug. 28, 1963, has become a signature speech, familiar to many.  This is a great day to re-visit that speech and share its' words and meaning, as a family.  He spoke of the door of opportunity he wanted to see open for all people, for all children.  Let's expose our children to the many doors of opportunity that are open today.  Let's seek out the information on opportunities and keep our parent involvement in their educational endeavours, high.  It is through education that we will acheive our greatest freedom. 

      His words were always powerful and visionary. You can listen to various speeches by Dr. King at online websites that have archived many of his speeches.

      MLK, Jr. Day is designated as a National Day of Service in which we all do our best to volunteer helpful hands in areas that need urgent assistance in our nation.  A fitting tribute to a man who helped so many. 


Adult Reading Selections:  I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World, Special 75th Anniversary Edition (Martin Luther King, Jr., born January 15, 1929), by Martin Luther King  ( January 30, 1992).

A Call to Conscience: The Landmark Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by Clayborne Carson, Kris Shepard and Andrew Young (January 1, 2002).


Children's Reading Selections:  My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up With the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by Christine King Farris and Chris Soentpiet (December 27, 2005).

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr. (Scholastic Bookshelf), by Jean Marzollo and J. Pinkney, January 1, 2006.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Picture Book Biographies), by David A. Adler and Robert Casilla (June, 1991).




Copyright, Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, January 16, 2012, all rights reserved.

Crockpot Chili Con Carne Recipe

By Sharon Rose

      Winter is here and time to take out the crockpot and prepare those delicious recipes for your family that please the palate and warm your insides. One of my favorites is Chili Con Carne.  My family can never get enough on a cold winter day when the windows have frosted over.  I prepare it with turkey, olive oil, and cook the dry red kidney beans.  I like the leanness of turkey and olive oil is known as a healthy fat. However, you can substitute these with ground beef, vegetable oil, and canned red kidney beans if that is more to your liking.  For those who need a time saving meal, the canned beans are the way to go.  You can serve this alone with crackers, or with spaghetti, rice, or your choice of sides.  Keep it warm in your crockpot until all have had their fill.

      Our recipe for Chili Con Carne is with ground turkey, olive oil, tomatoes, red beans, chili powder, peppers, and other seasonings.  I like it spicey!  For those who don't, leave out the jalapeno peppers to tone it down.  Bon Apetit!


Ingredients:


• Dry beans or 2 cans (15 ounces each) red kidney beans or small red beans, drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, quartered, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) tomatoes
• 1 can mild green chili peppers
• 2 teaspoons fresh, finely chopped jalapeno chili pepper, optional
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• dash cayenne pepper, or to taste
• dash ground cloves
• 1 small bay leaf

Preparation:

Prepare dry red kidney beans, unless using canned beans.  Rinse dry beans, cover with cold water, and let soak overnight.  Drain the dry beans, transfer to a large saucepan, and cover with fresh water.  Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, or until tender.  Drain.

In a large skillet, sautee the onion and peppers.  Brown the ground beef in oil.  Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, peppers, and seasonings.  Place all the ingredients in the crockpot, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, adding a little water if needed to keep from sticking.  Check and stir frequently.  Add the cooked or canned beans and heat through.  Serves 6.



Copyright, Crockpot Chili Con Carne Recipe, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, January 7, 2012, all rights reserved.

Exclusions apply.

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A New Life and Prenatal Care

By Sharon Rose

      Prenatal care during pregnancy is very important. It is essential to the well being of mother and baby.  It is always hoped that there will be no complications, however, according to the American Pregnancy Association, in the almost 6 million births that take place in the United States each year there are 4,058,000 live births and 1,995,840 pregnancy losses.  When we look at the overall facts, the importance of prenatal care is evident. 

The Overall Facts of Pregnancy Complications in the United States:

Every year –

875,000 women have one or more pregnancy complications

458,952 babies are born to mothers without adequate prenatal care

467,201 babies are born prematurely

307,030 babies are born with low birth weight

154,051 children are born with birth defects

27,864 infants die before their 1^st birthday

      There are several criteria by which pregnancy wellness is based.  Each one is important.  They work together as partners would to ensure a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery, and a healthy baby.  The criteria are medical care, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle.

      Medical care is imperative during pregnancy.  A trained physician known as an OB/GYN  (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) is the best qualified health professional to determine how wellness is progressing with a pregnant woman and her unborn child.  The OB/GYN is a doctor who is responsible for healthcare precisely for women in general, prenatal care, and delivery of the baby of a pregnant woman.  The OB/GYN a pregnant woman chooses is knowledgeable of mother’s and baby’s condition at the time of delivery because he has been following the progress of the pregnancy, closely, with each office visit.   The pregnant woman is more comfortable at the crucial time of delivery of her baby with a doctor she has gotten to know and trust.  The OB/GYN is established at a hospital and has access to medical technology that enables him to identify complications, provide any needed care, and in some cases reverse adverse conditions that may lead to birth defects.  It is important for the pregnant woman to follow the schedule of office visits the doctor has planned.  Scheduled prenatal care should start as soon as the woman knows she is pregnant.  The schedule I followed with my three pregnancies is still used today and is as follows:

The first 6 months of pregnancy, office visits are once a month.

During the 7^th and 8^th month of pregnancy, office visits are every 2 weeks.              

During the 9^th and final month of pregnancy, office visits are once a week until delivery.



Pregnant woman is being given ultra sound test by a technician.  Image of unborn baby is seen on the screen. 

      Nutrition is vital for the wellness of mother and unborn baby.  The role of providing the pregnant woman with needed information on proper diet often falls to the OB/GYN. However, in some cases, if there are health problems involved in the pregnancy a professional dietician may be assigned to the pregnant woman.  One of the first nutritional needs the pregnant woman is directed to add to her diet by the OB/GYN is the prenatal vitamin.  Today, this is mostly made available over-the-counter instead of as a prescription.  Prenatal vitamins do not, however, take the place of fresh healthy foods that she will need throughout the pregnancy, such as, green leafy vegetables, grains, fresh fruit, milk, and protein (meats, eggs).  Your doctor should be able to provide you with information on the three balanced meals needed daily.  If not, asked to be referred to a dietician for a consult on what a pregnant woman should eat for a healthy daily diet.  An OB/GYN or dietician can also give the pregnant woman information on weight gain, foods to avoid, and Listeria.  Listeria is bacteria that is found in soil and water that pregnant woman should be aware of.  Animals can be carriers of Listeria and fruits and vegetables can become contaminated by this, also.  During the summer of 2011 there was an outbreak of Listeria contamination of the fruit, cantaloupe, in several states in the United States.  Many people were sickened by this.  Pregnant women are more susceptible to this than others and should ask their doctor for information on it to understand how to protect themselves and avoid any contamination.

      Exercise is helpful for the overall health of the pregnant woman.  It helps in keeping a healthy heart, in defense of stress, and in keeping weight gain under control.  Daily walking is one of the best exercises a pregnant woman can engage in.  In recent years, Kegel exercises, also called pelvic floor exercises, have become popular among pregnant women.  Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that support the uterus, bladder, bowels, and vaginal wall.  These exercises have been said to help ease a woman’s delivery.  I do caution any woman who is pregnant to discuss your exercise program with your doctor before starting it.

      Finally, a most important concern is lifestyle.  The pregnant woman’s lifestyle can affect her wellness, as well as that of her unborn child.  Research has shown that any use of alcohol and abuse of any drugs, whether the so called, “street drugs,” or prescription drugs can cause birth defects and complications that can put the life of the pregnant woman and unborn child in jeopardy.  There is no safe amount of these substances that a pregnant woman can take.  When you are pregnant it is a good idea to become a label reader to ensure you do not consume alcohol unknowingly, as some foods, that you are not aware of, may contain alcohol.  A pregnant woman must always remember whatever she takes in her baby takes in.  Although there may be periods of not feeling well, a pregnant woman should continue to work, keep in contact with family and friends, and have a healthy socialization regimen.

      All of these criteria are standard for the wellness of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.  Caring for and loving a baby starts with prenatal care. 

       

Research Sources: www.americanpregnancy.org/statistics.html

                               www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/prenatalcare.html

                              

Reading Sources:

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, by Mayo Clinic, May, 2011.

Everything You Need to Know About Prenatal Care and Having a Healthy Pregnancy, by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Baltimore, MD and S. Smith, October 31, 2008.

Learning Before Birth: Every Child Deserves Giftedness, by Brent Logan, December 3, 2003.

While You Are Expecting: Creating Your Own Classroom, by F. Rene Van de Carr and Marc Lehre, November 1, 1996.

Other Reading Sources:

A New Life and Prenatal Care, article, by Sharon Rose, http://www.parentswanttoknow101.blogspot.com/, December 30, 2011.

www.childbirthconnection.org





Copyright, A New Life and Prenatal Care, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 30, 2011, all rights reserved.

Holiday Season Shopping Safety Tips

Being loaded down with too many packages leaves you vulnerable to crime during the holiday season. 

By Sharon Rose      

      There are less than two shopping days left until Christmas.  For some, who still have shopping left to do, the mad rush is on.  Then, there are others, like myself, who are really looking forward to taking advantage of the after Christmas sales. This is the season of shopping!  However, not meaning to promote fear or paranoia, it is also the season of higher petty crimes.  Unfortunately, Christmas shoppers are prime candidates to be victimized.  You can avoid being a victim by planning ahead.  So, in the last few days before Christmas, whether out shopping or just out and about, here are some tips that will help to keep you safe.




Keep a close eye on your children.  Don't risk leaving them alone.

 

1.   Get an early start.  Traffic will tend to be quite dense.  Most stores will open as early as 6:00 A. M. to 8:00 A. M.  Leaving out early will help you get a relaxed start with more time to shop.  Drive safe; don’t rush on the road. 

2.   Shop during the day, whenever possible.  If you find that you cannot avoid shopping at night, be sure to take a buddy with you. 

3.   Park in a well lit area and as close to the store as possible.  If a parking valet service is offered, this is a great time to take advantage of it.  An example of valet parking service for shoppers is at Riverchase Galleria, a mall in Hoover, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham.

4.    If your children are shopping with you, keep them in view at all times.  Don’t use toy stores, toy departments, toy aisles, or game arcades as a babysitter.  The reality is, predators may be looking for unattended children to prey upon.  Don’t take the risk. 

5.   Provide teen children, who are more independent, with a cell phone so that you can keep in contact with them while you are shopping in different areas of a store or mall.  Check in, intermittently, to make sure they are safe.  Arrange in advance to meet them back at a designated place at an agreed upon time. 

6.   Ladies, take a purse that has a long strap and can be put over your head and across your body.  This leaves your hands free to better carry packages and keeps your purse safe.  Guys, it is suggested you find another place to carry your wallet instead of your back pocket. Discourage pick-pockets and purse snatchers.  They do exist and this kind of crime is on the rise during the holiday season.

7.   Avoid wearing expensive and excessive jewelry.  This makes you vulnerable and attractive to thieves as a target.    

8.   Be wary of strangers who approach you and ask for donations or for any other reason.  To avoid guilt feelings give at the office, church, or community charities early in the season.  It is the season of giving and caring, but choose to do it in a safe environment.  Taking out your wallet and flashing cash can make you vulnerable to crime.    

9.   Be cautious when using your cell phone.  Cell phones are being snatched from users ears as they walk aimlessly along.  Be observant of your surroundings while using your cell phone.  During this season when thievery is taking place in some of the most unusual ways, cell phones are best used in a safe environment. 

10. Don’t load yourself down with packages; it makes it difficult for you to carry them.  You are more likely to drop things or put them down.  If you take a seat to rest, place your packages in your view.  When packages leave your hands they are vulnerable to thievery.  You are also more likely to leave something behind.

Be cautious when using your cell phone while out shopping.
  Cell phones are prize targets for thieves.  Keep your eyes on your packages.

11. Before you leave the store or mall to return to your car check to see if you have all of your belongings.  Take your car keys out before going outside.  Have them ready to open your car door, quickly.  Put packages in your car and lock your door.  Forgo placing and arranging packages in your trunk, which makes you vulnerable, unless absolutely necessary.

12.  Cash Alerts: Avoid ATMs for cash and make transactions inside the bank during the Holiday Season.  If you must use the ATM, make sure you are in a well lit and safe area, observe those around you, and/or conduct the transaction at a drive-up machine which allows you to stay in your car.  Be cautious of counterfeit bills, usually distributed in forms of 20 dollar bills or 100 dollar bills. They are hard to detect, so examine cash carefully when receiving cash from transactions. 

         Again, planning and being aware of safety is not paranoia, just plain common sense, especially during the holiday season.  Let us remember, to keep our season festive and filled with peace and goodwill, we should all practice safety.



Copyright, Holiday Season Shopping Safety Tips, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 23, 2011, all rights reserved.




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The UGG Bailey Button boot is made from shearling. Shearling's great natural properties is that it regulates your temperature, making the Bailey Button wearable all year round!The UGG Bailey Button boot is made from shearling. Shearling's great natural properties is that it regulates your temperature, making the Bailey Button wearable all year round!

Family Tradition at Holiday Time

By Sharon Rose

     

      Starting a family tradition at holiday time can be fun and result in lasting memories for years to come.  An inheritance is usually thought of as something monetary, but family traditions can be handed down from one generation to another, word of mouth, through our children.  We can create an invaluable inheritance for our children through tradition.

      When my three children were quite young I started a Christmas tradition with them by creating a hand made Christmas decoration.  Sounds simple and it was; very easy to make, even for the children.  What resulted was a beautiful hand-made decorative piece displayed in our home each Christmas for  many years after.  It kept its vibrant look a long time.  I love using my hands; I am a big arts and crafts fan.  When school children are out for Christmas break, it is a great time to do a family arts and crafts project.  I started our project by gathering pine cones and cutting branches of pine in our back yard with my children.  In between throwing pine cones in our bags I answered all the, “What’s this?” nature questions from my little ones. 



Ouch! Pine cones are prickly and can hurt.  Children should wear gloves to gather them.

      Once back inside I stripped them of their warm winter clothes and gloves; the gloves a must have for handling the prickly pine cones, and started some Christmas music. Then we sat at our round work table and got busy.  I had placed our other supplies in the middle of the table, to include the one that brought the most excitement and squeals of joy; colorful glitter.  All children love glitter, though it can get messy; therein the fun, for kids and kids at heart.  We proceeded to decorate our pine cones, curl and make bows from colorful Christmas-wrap ribbon, and arrange it all in my favorite straw basket.  I purchased the large, natural-colored basket from a nomadic couple selling straw goods on the side of a road in Darmstadt, a small town in Germany.  Even as it sat in the leaves and dirt among many other straw items, I could see its beauty.  Now, I again surrounded it with nature as our pine cones claimed it for their home.  Over the years, during the Christmas season, our beautiful decorative piece, consisting of pine cones; ribbon; pine branches; and the large, prized basket sat at our door or the fireplace.  It announced our family tradition to all who entered.  For our family the tradition of taking it out to warm and decorate our home each Christmas season, brought smiles and a feeling of pride and stability in what we accomplished together, and at what had not changed.

How to Make Christmas Basket Decorative Arrangement



Use tempera paint that will be absorbed into item you are painting.  A child's water paints will not work for this project. 



Supplies: pine cones, small pine branches, washable glue, scissors, various colored ribbon, various colored glitter, various colors of tempera paint, artist paint brushes, popsicle sticks, straw basket, newspaper to protect furniture and floor.

Procedure:  Gather pine cones and cut fresh pine branches outdoors in advance.  Cover work table and under table with newspaper. (Instruct children to handle prickly pine cones, gingerly.)  Place each pine cone on a work piece of paper when working with it.  Paint pine cones various colors.  Spread washable glue on some areas of the pine cones with popsicle sticks.  Sprinkle glitter on pine cones, using various colors for each.  Catch extra glitter with work sheet of paper to make use of as much of the scattered glitter as possible. Continue to sprinkle glitter until a large area of pine cone is covered.  Place pine cones in a designated area to dry. Take different length Christmas-wrap ribbon and tie into bows. Curl ribbon by placing the sharp part of one half of scissors against ribbon, starting at point nearest your finger, and scrapping across, to the end of ribbon.  Children should use blunt end scissors and be assisted with this part of project according to what is age appropriate.  Arrange pine cones, pine branches, and prepared ribbon in basket.  Display in a choice area of your home.  This is a family project and tradition that can be passed on to each generation.     

Learning Skills:  Use this project to teach children colors, memory (encourage children to remember which color pine cones are the ones they decorated); handling of scissors; numbers (count pine cones); creativity; and working with a group.

Ages:  3 years and up.  Some 2 year olds can help, with assistance. (My youngest child was 3 years old when we did this project.)    

Make additions and/or variations to this project to make this tradition your own.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!   




Copyright, Family Tradition at Holiday Time, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 19, 2011, all rights reserved.