March 2011 Archives

Written by Jaci Hasemeyer, founder of Walk Your Talk Walk, a charity walk for foster care efforts. After reading a recent story by Barbara McLean with The Press-Enterprise on the increase in abandoned pets during the spring season, Hasemeyer decided to write in.:

I am a pet lover and our family has seven chickens, one cat, one bird, one turtle, a lot of fish and four dogs. We have so many pets because we have so many kids: 10 living in our house, and 13 total, including three biological kids, two living away at college and one that graduated CBU and is on his own and about to get married next month.

Our kids range from 17 to 5. They come in all sizes, all colors, with different personalities and they came all needing a forever home, so we adopted them. Our animals have been really good for our children that came from abusive situations or neglect. Their is something about animals that just choose to love kids, with no questions asked. They do not care what their family line looks like, how much money their parents make, if they wear the right kind of clothes. They don't care if they are not the smartest, fastest, most athletic, have the right look or are the most popular.

They just love people, especially kids and kids love them, especially kids that have had a hard time finding someone to love them correctly. Some kids that have been abused have to be watched with animals and taught the right way to treat them. But once they understand what is the right way to treat people, children and animals, they have the kids heal but just loving them.

One of our daughters that came from an abusive background was so angry that it was not safe for her to be around animals at first. But through lots of work and therapy (some with the animals) she now loves and cares for our animals more then any of the other kids. We have a little dog that she loves so much that this dog now hers and follows our daughter everywhere she goes. In fact when we are gone and come home, both the dog and our daughter run to each other and actually hug. (She hugs the dog and the dog hugs her with her paws.)

Our two littlest boys love our chickens. They have held them and raised them from chicks. They love to get them out of their pen and hold them pet them and carry them around. The chickens like the kids and when they are out and the boys go to play in the front yard the chickens come running to them. One of our boys was born with severe facial deformities. He started school this years and some kids make fun of him. He did not know what they were talking about because he has been adopted into a family of loving caring parents and brothers and sisters and pets that never saw anything different in him. Pets are like that, I wish all people could also be.

I was recently at a meeting with CPS where they said, for whatever reason, (they do not know why) March is a time of the year when more kids end up in abusive or neglectful situations, and end up in the foster system. Many of these kids end up needing forever families also. In fact we are praying for 30 days right now for 30 of our Riverside foster children to find those families in this next year.Thank God we do not euthanize them if they do not go back home or get adopted. But what happens is almost as bad. At 18, they are released from the system. Emancipated.They are not prepared or able to make it on their own, so within a year and a half, 93 percent of the 26,000 foster youth that age out each year end up eith homeless, in prison or dead. Not very good odds if you ask me.

My kids are some of the lucky ones. They found a forever family and they will make it. Someday they will probably have kids and pets of their own. Maybe your readers could consider a foster child too, to bring into their home for their pets to love and help them heal. Our community has enough loving people to help the kids and the pets. It's good for all of us!

For more information on the Walk Your Talk Walk, visit www.walkyourtalkwalk.info.

The 19th annual Day of the Child is coming to Corona City Park at 930 E. 6th St on April 16. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including pony rides, a petting zoo, bouncers, food vendors, and more.

There will also be more than 80 organizations with resources and activities geared toward elementary-age children.

Entertainment will also be provided by school and community musical groups.

All activities are free. For more information visit www.coronanorcodayofthechild.org.

For the little ones learning new social behaviors for school:

Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside County is now offering the program "Set-4-School," which provides early intervention services free of charge to families with children ages 0 to 5 living in Riverside County.

The early intervention services, funded by First 5 Riverside's Mental Health Initiative, include assessment, guidance, intervention and treatment aimed at improving child behavior at home and school, and increasing confidence in managing challenging parenting concerns as they arise.

Those challenging behaviors include sharing, bedtime problems, toilet training, hurting others, cleaning up, mealtime problems, lying, being bullied and more.

For more information call the Department of Mental Health at 951-358-6895 or FSA at 951-686-1096.

Written by guest author Debbie Yokum:

Frank Augustus Miller Middle School is looking for golfers to participate in their first annual Miller Middle School Golf Tournament. The tournament includes a round of golf, the use of a golf cart, buffet dinner, beverages, silent auction, door prizes and awards.

Debbie Yocum
Guest Author

To make the day a little more fun and interesting, three former NFL football players have also agreed to attend the event. Come golf with the football pro's including Kermit Alexander (San Francisco 49er's, Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles), Leonard Russell (Patriots, St. Louis Rams and the San Diego Chargers) and Elfren Herrera (Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks).

The date of the event is Tuesday, April 12 with registration starting at 12:30 p.m. with the first contest starting at 1:30 p.m. Contests for prizes include closest to the pin, beat the pro, hole in one (with a flip camera as the prize), longest drive and a putting contest.

Single player costs to enter the tournament is $100, the cost for a foursome is $350. There are sponsorships still available for the individual holes at $100 for per hole or a discount of an additional $75 for one entry into the tournament. There is also a discount offered for a foursome if a sponsorship is offered.

Some of the sponsors already signed up for the event are Amrep Inc., Gless Ranch, and Robyn Blair with Tarbel Realty, Pedley Propone, Standard Pacific Homes, Center Electric and Altura Credit Union among others. As a bonus the golf coordinators for this event are offering a $100 cash gift prize for the Miller student that finds the most golfers (must have a minimum of 6 golfers to qualify).

If you do not enjoy golfing but you would like to participate in the event to help the students and have dinner with Kermit, Leonard and Elfren the cost of the buffet dinner is $30. Raffle tickets are being sold at a cost of $5 per ticket for thousands of dollars in prizes which include gift cards to the Cheesecake Factory, El Torito, Back Street Restaurant, Cactus Cantina and Sushi Station.

Other prizes include two car washes to the Mission Grove Car Wash, gift cards to Best Buy and Target. Also offered are two free passes to the San Diego Zoo, two free rounds of golf to General Old Golf Course, Moreno Valley Golf Course, and Hidden Valley Golf Course as well as two free weeks of tutoring to My Learning Studio. Other prizes include a truck liner, Angel Baseball Tickets and a signed football. You need not be present to win; if not present winners will be notified by April 23.

The event is being held at Indian Hills Country Club located at 5700 Club House Drive in Riverside. All proceeds go directly towards new technology for Frank Augustus Middle School. Proceeds from the event will help the Miller Middle School PTSA raise money for new notebooks for the students. Each notebook will allow the school to load the textbooks onto the textbooks so the students can access all their class assignments and do research from the notebooks. This event will benefit all 850 students at Miller and not just a select few.

If you are interested in spending a fun filled day of golf and an exciting evening enjoying dinner at Indian Hills Golf Course for a good cause then please contact Stacy Frazee (event coordinator) at jerrynstacy@sbcglobal.net or call Miller Middle School at 951-789-8181. We look forward to seeing you there!

Life Stream and the Interact Club are sponsoring a blood drive and marrow screening today, March 25, 2011 at King High School in the Orangecrest area of Riverside. The event goes from 8am- 2:30pm and will be held in the multi-purpose room.

Dianne Bright
Guest Author

Nicholas Melton is a fun loving fourteen year old boy who was born with an immune disease that makes it hard for him to fight off infections. Over the years, he has had multiple surgeries and procedures, but now he needs a bone marrow transplant.

Join his parents, Marlene and Dave, as they fight for their son's life. His three siblings are not a bone marrow match for the transplant, so he needs to find a match from someone else. Maybe it could be you or someone that you know! By joining the national bone marrow registry, you increase the chances for Nicholas, or someone else in need, to have a healthy life.

Please show your support TODAY by 1) donating blood and/or 2) by getting screened with a simple cheek swab to see if you are a bone marrow match for Nicholas or someone else in need.

For more information or to set up an appointment call:

Life Stream: (800) 879-4484
King High School: (951) 789-5690, Mrs. Mitchel at X62083
Location: King High School, 9301 Wood Rd., Riverside, 92508.
Date: Friday, March 25, 2011 from 8am-2:30pm

The blood drive and marrow screening at Kennedy Elementary held on February 1, 2011 was a huge success. More than 300 people came out to participate and to help in the efforts to save Nicholas Melton's life.

Life Stream and the Interact Club are sponsoring another blood drive and marrow screening Friday, March 25, 2011 at King High School. The event goes from 8am- 2:30pm and will be held in the multi-purpose room.

Dianne Bright
Guest Author

Nicholas was born with an immune disease that makes it hard for him to fight off infections. Over the years, he has had multiple surgeries and procedures, but now he needs a bone marrow transplant. He is a positive and loving fourteen-year-old kid who needs our community's help!

Join his parents, Marlene and Dave, as they fight for their son's life. His three siblings are not a bone marrow match for the transplant, so he needs to find a match from someone else. Maybe it could be you or someone that you know! By joining the national bone marrow registry, you increase the chances for Nicholas, or someone else in need, to have a healthy life.

Please show your support by 1) donating blood and/or 2) by getting screened with a simple cheek swab to see if you are a bone marrow match for Nicholas or someone else in need.

For more information or to set up an appointment call:

Life Stream: (800) 879-4484
King High School: (951) 789-5690, Mrs. Mitchel at X62083
Location: King High School, 9301 Wood Rd., Riverside, 92508.
Date: Friday, March 25, 2011 from 8am-2:30pm

It's that time of year again for some good old fashioned spring cleaning. Summer break feels like it's just around the corner and the kids will be home for warmer and longer days in no time. So, it's time to de-clutter now while you've got a bit of free time on your hands. Here are three simple tips to get started.

Dianne Bright
Guest Author

First, throw it in the trash! If no one else can use that thing, whatever it happens to be, just get rid of it. Recycle if possible, of course, but toss it and let it rot somewhere else, just no longer in your house. It feels so cathartic to toss those old unnecessary items into that brown or blue bin on the side-yard.

When my husband and I recently cleaned out our garage and laundry room, we threw away and recycled tons of items that we literally hadn't used in the last two years. Stuff from shoe boxes to paint containers disappeared and we now have more available space. In fact, our new red mini-van actually fits into the garage now! :)

Second, donate your junk! If you aren't using it anymore go ahead and bless it over to a friend or a co-worker. They might need that baby bouncer or those tropical seafood cookbooks you haven't used in the last decade. And if you have too much crap to dispense of individually, just call the AMVETS or the Salvation Army. Then you'll even get a tax write-off as well.

We placed a plethora of items out on our curb, from wooden chairs to clothes and an old television. About fifteen minutes later, a guy drove by and shoved it all into his van. We were glad he could use it or sell it for his own good. Honestly, it made it easier for us not to have to haul it all back into the garage later that night.

Third, reorganize your stuff! Sometimes you just can't part with those beloved parcels. But you could store them differently to minimize the chaos. Try rearranging stressful zones with shelves for books, bins for closet items, and boxes for keepsakes that only come out once or twice a year.

I shoved a bunch of Christmas items into storage bins to free up some space in the laundry room. Since they're sealed, I know they will be snug and safe until next Christmas. Now I have more space for cleaning supplies and beach towels. A few of my shelves even sit empty, which is a first.

You'll experience three main benefits by going through this process to de-clutter your home. First, you'll instantly feel more peaceful. I couldn't believe how much better I felt about my whole house just knowing I'd gotten rid of so much clutter in one day. Second, you'll help someone else out by donating and you'll assist the environment by recycling. Third, you'll open up more space to display some of the stuff you really care about and need.

Keeping it real. Share your thoughts about de-cluttering here. We'd love to hear from you.

Written by guest author Rebecca McDaniel, author of "This Week's Menu:"

Approximately ten years ago, a phrase was coined by Foster W. Cline, MD and Jim Fay to describe the over attentive parent who micromanages every aspect of their child's life as a helicopter parent. These parents wish to see their child succeed so badly that they hover over them making sure to catch them before they fall and fix it before it breaks.

Rebecca McDaniel
Guest Author

Hence, the helicopter parent is born. In the school setting, these parents are referred to as lawnmower parents by administrators and teachers because they will literally mow over any obstacle that threatens the livelihood of their youngster whether it's an issue with discipline or grades.

Some parents are quiet helicopters and may even volunteer for positions such as PTA (Parent Teacher Association) to justify their continual presence at the school. Children of helicopter parents are put on a pedestal so high that these children often refer to themselves as either a prince or princess. Sure, it's adorable to see little girls in pink tutus waving a wand around but the obsession quickly inflates their little egos leading to a miniature ruler in "your" house.

60 Minutes had a report on helicopter parenting several years back linking these children to the baby boomer generation who grew up during the 80's. The trend during the 80s was to celebrate children in such a way that orphan adoption was on the rise. This idea of treating children as special commodities came off the heel of a nationalized report of children experiencing famine in Ethiopia in 1984-85.These events led to the valuing of their lives and a new concept of parenting was emerging. The children who have been dubbed the "echo-boomers" were born between 1982 and 1995 and are becoming the next dominant generation since the 60s. Their sense of entitlement stems from their upbringing of celebrating every milestone since their preschool graduation from La Petit Academy.

You may ask yourself what's wrong with making them feel special since your intentions are good. The ramifications will cripple these "echo-boomers." Neil Howe is a historian who has made a career out of studying generations. Howe has discovered through his research that this generation collectively regard themselves as special, because that's how they were raised. They are the most protected which doesn't allow much room for failure.

Simply put, helicopter parenting prevents children from making mistakes and learning from them. Moreover, the consequences of hovering effects others as well including but not limited to employers, educators and future relationships. Finally, the biggest and saddest ramification of all, is knowing you played a part in the conditioning of their mind frame. After all, you did stroke their ego from the time they were born.

Part of the cast and crew pose for "Happy Days the Musical" opening March 24 at San Jacinto High School.

The Fonz and friends are back at San Jacinto High School's "Happy Days the Musical" opening Thursday, March 24 with shows through Saturday, March 26.

Produced by Garry Marshall with composer Paul Williams, the entire cast of the TV sitcom will take the stage. A live rock and roll band will play and 25 San Jacinto High School students will perform in the family-friendly musical.

Shows take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $6 for the general public; $5 for students with an ASB card; $4 for seniors, children 11 and under and San Jacinto district teachers and staff.

As part of the childhood obesity prevention efforts at First 5 Riverside, the organization is offering free resources to families with young children.

"Obesity in children causes health problems that aren't typically seen until adulthood like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels," said Dr. Pamela Luna, a health administrator for First 5 Riverside, a Riverside County agency that supports early childhood development through educational outreach, partnerships and funding. "These health problems negatively impact children for years, including their success in school and beyond."

But by using simple prevention strategies, parents can help reverse the trend of childhood obesity, Luna said.

Here are some tips:

Nutritionists recommend toddlers eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Aim to include at least one with every meal, including snack time.

Keep portion sizes small. Toddlers don't require many calories, so it's important to serve age-appropriate servings. The general rule of thumb is one tablespoon of each food for each year of age.

Stick to a regular meal schedule. Toddlers as young as 1 year old should eat three meals and two snacks daily, three to four hours apart.

More tips, games and resources, or a free "Yummy for Your Tummy" recipe booklet by celebrity chef LaLa, visit www.eatmovegrow.org or call 800-266-3880.

The subject of math is a tough one for many kids. (And for parents too after about fourth grade. Today's math isn't your childhood math Moms and Dads!)

Because its a cumulative subject, kids have to have the basics down from the beginning - or they're in for a lot of confusion as things progress.

A Lake Elsinore husband and wife team say they have the solution for first grade math, and it's simple. Going back to the basic abacus manipulative, Stuart and Veronica Kornbluth created the Abacus Math Tutor program.

Here's how it came about. Stuart Kornbluth began teaching first grade about 17 years ago in Adalanto and he had no textbooks. So each night he went home and had to create the next day's materials for his class.

He used the abacus to plan for the math studies and soon found his students loved using it. He also noticed his students were helping their older siblings with their math homework. So he put together a program that can be used at home or in the classroom that, using the abacus, walks students (at their own pace) from single digit addition and subtraction and takes them to adding and subtracting to 100 million, including regrouping ("borrowing" and carrying").

I spoke with Stuart and found a teacher passionate about giving students an excellent mathematics foundation. Both Stuart and Veronica now teach in the Santa Ana Unified School District - still working with first graders.

"To make education work, you need a solid foundation," Stuart Kornbluth said. "This builds one heck of a solid foundation. This takes them to beginning third grade math so when they enter second grade, they're already ahead.

To learn more about the program visit www.abacusmathtutor.com.

The Highland Environmental Learning Center will hold a spring-themed Family Science Exploration event Saturday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m. Kids can learn about the spring gardening season by journeying to the learning center's rooftop gardens.

Learn what has kept the plants alive through the winter, get a worm's eye view of vegetables, and learn the different parts of a plant. Children will plant poppy seeds to take home, and patrons of all ages will enjoy the view from the rooftop gardens. This program is free and open to the public, children must be accompanied by an adult to attend.

For more information call 909-425-4700. The Highland Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center is located at 7863 Central Ave. in Highland.

I recently constructed an art piece for a local art show. It consists of nine 8x10 prints of various words written in the sand. The calligraphy flows with the curve of the earth with tremendous beauty. Each print is a Biblical word, except for the middle picture, which is a heart made out of beach rocks.

Dianne Bright
Guest Author

It looks pretty great, but the prints did not line up into perfect ninety degree angles as I'd hoped. And by the time the hot glue dried, it became almost impossible to rotate them even a tenth of one degree. So, I had to accept it the way it was.

After the show, I returned home and hung the canvas frame up on my kitchen wall. As I transfixed my gaze upon its imperfections, I tried to be at peace with what I'd made. I stared. I wrestled. I prayed. I wanted God to reveal something to me about the piece that He'd allowed me to construct for His glory.

And then it hit me. My life is like this oceanic artwork. Even though I want all of life's details to line up to linear perfection here on earth, they simply can NOT. And this really comes down to an issue of control. I want what I want and I want it now.

I want healing for past hurts TODAY! I want a perfect marriage TODAY! I want my kids' hearts to be shaped with wisdom and obedience TODAY! I desire success for my artistic dreams TODAY! I want patience and love and hope and peace TODAY!

And yet, God has something else. He longs for us to "Be still and know that (He) is God" (Psalm 46:10). The words that I wrote in the sand come to fruition when and only when they are centered around His heart: hope, love, kindness, peace, gentleness, patience, joy, and self control.

Similarly, our own pursuits and goals manifest harmony when anchored to His heart as well. Maybe your career oscillates between success and failure. Or perhaps you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel through a particular emotional issue.

It could be that your marriage is about to tank and you're terrified about the unknown. Maybe you face a problematic health issue or a devastating financial dilemma. Perhaps you've just lost your faith in God and in people. You want to believe, but you simply can not.

My response as a Christian is to sprint into God's heart. He wants us to launch in with everything we've got, bringing the good, the bad, and the ugly. And He will be there to catch us, with open arms of love. He will give us what we need and will also transform us along the way.

But IT DOESN'T MEAN that everything will line up perfectly as a result. God is not a genie in a bottle. He does not answer to our beck and call. He gives us His good gifts based on His omniscient time-line. And while we wait, He always hears, always loves, and patiently guides us along the journey.

So if your pictures don't line up to linear perfection, that's okay. None of ours do. But there's a Plan B scenario on the way. Or there's a lemon just waiting to be turned into lemonade. Just stay on the course and try to see the big picture. God is the Master Artist and He's got your life designed with a purpose.

Keeping it real! Share your thoughts here. We'd love to hear from you!

Happy babies make happy parents. Get great tips for soothing babies' cries and helping them sleep longer at The Happiest Baby on the Block classes, which are being offered free-of-charge at the Family Resource Center on 1525 W. Highland Ave. in San Bernardino.

The classes are sponsored by First 5 San Bernardino in partnership with Children's Network and County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health.

The Happiest Baby on the Block program was developed by Dr. Harvey Karp to teach parents simple, effective and fun techniques to sooth their infant children.

Parents who participate in the class receive a free take home kit that contains a copy of "The Happiest Baby on the Block" DVD (has both English and Spanish tracks" and "Super-Soothing" sleep sounds CD.

Upcoming classes will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 22 (English) and 29 (Spanish). To register for class or for more information contact the Children's Network at 909-383-9677.

I love books. In fact, my home resembles a used book store. Despite owning three large bookcases, there's still quite an overflow of books scattered on most flat surfaces throughout the house.

I'm happy to say this habit was passed to both my kids as well, so some of that overflow belongs to them.

I found some kindred souls last week during a visit to the Glen Avon Regional Library in Glen Avon at the Friends of the Library Two-for-One Tuesday Book Sale.

The sale takes place on the second Tuesday of every month - so mark your calendars for April 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Husband and wife team Larry and Julia Robinson have been organizing the bookstore (also open daily from within the library) since it began with the opening of the new library building 15 years ago. Other volunteers also sort, clean, display and run the register for the store.

"We pay for most of the programming here at the library," Larry Robinson said.

The library has a variety of children's programs (including a first run movie night), as well as poetry readings, UCR Gluck Fellows workshops and more.

The books for sale come from every genre - mysteries, biographies, romance, children's books and more - in both soft and hardcover. There is also a small collection of vintage books available for purchase.

"We get lovely donations," Robinson said.

For more information on the bookstore or library events call 951-685-8121 or
visit http://rivlib.info/glen-avon-library.

A new exhibit at the San Bernardino County Museum will explore a decade of social movements, from Lyndon Baines Johnson's "Great Society" programs to the creation of Earth Day.

Civil rights, women's rights, the Chicano movement and antiwar protests are among the social movements that will be explored in the exhibit "Turn Turn Turn: social movements 1965-75," on display at that museum March 26 through Nov. 6.

"We took our exhibit title from a song popularized in 1965 by the Byrds, "Turn Turn Turn," said Michele Nielsen, the museum's curator of history. "'To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose,' is a fitting description of the exhibit decade, just as it was centuries ago."

The exhibit will be divided into three sections. "Season in the Sun," in the museum's Fisk Gallery will focus on news photography from the San Bernardino Sun-Telegram between 1965 to 1975. The Crossroads in History gallery will host "Community Chronicles" with ephemera, images and artifacts on loan from members of the greater community. "Chicano Photography 1970-75," in the Schuiling Gallery, will feature imagery created by photo-journalist and activist Jesús Manuel Mena Garza.

"The concept of activism did not end in 1975," Nielsen said. "In fact, there are many active social movements in our area today. Throughout the run of the exhibit, join us for gatherings, activities and events, from afternoon dance parties to lectures, as we examine this part of our collective story."

For more information visit www.sbcountrymuseum.org.

Written by guest author Rebecca McDaniel, author of "This Week's Menu:"

My mother agreed to take on the task.

I scanned a picture of my apron design and sent it as an attachment to my mother via email. From that point on we sent letters back and forth discussing all of the apron details including the dimensions. She was very conscientious and wanted to do a sample piece on extra fabric she had first, before sewing the prototype.

Prior to this endeavor, I remember hearing a women say she couldn't find a bra at some infamous store to fit her size so I thought my aprons should be one size fits most. My husband thought otherwise. While my mother was busy working on her rough draft version using leftover fabric, my husband was working on his. He grabbed a bed-sheet from the linen closet, scissors and stapler from the office (yes, a stapler) and proceeded to make his designer apron in petite.

With a big smile on his face, he raised his Nightmare on Christmas apron and said "Try it on."

Ouch, was the first word to come to mind and the second I can't repeat when I saw what he did to our daughter's bed-sheet, which was a designer name. My husband hid the remaining evidence of his bed-sheet massacre in the garage, only to be found shortly after by a very disgruntled teenager.

More to come. For those of you who love Kung Pao, I've posted the recipe on my home-page website at www.rebeccamcdaniel.com. For more information on "This Week's Menu" visit www.pinkslippublications.com.

To read Part I of the series, visit http://blogs.inlandsocal.com/moms/2011/03/this-isnt-your-grandmas-apron.html.

Relay for Life of San Bernardino invites dog owners to participate in the first Bark for Life Event, an opportunity to raise cancer awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society with your four-legged friend by your side. The Bark for Life event will be held on Saturday, March 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Wildwood Dog Park, Waterman Ave. and 40th Street in San Bernardino.

Pre-registration is $10 for the first dog and $5 for each additional dog per owner. Registration the day of the event is $20 for the first dog and $5 for each additional dog per owner.

Funds raised from the Bark for Life event will benefit the American Cancer Society.
Registration will begin at 8am the day of the event. Opening ceremony will begin at 9:15am, followed by Bark for Life relay laps, activities, and awards.

All dogs must be on leash, properly vaccinated, and owners should come prepared to clean up after their pets.

Bark for Life pre-registration and additional event info is available by contacting the Paws for a Cause team at barkforlifeinfo@gmail.com. For more information about the San Bernardino Relay for Life contact event chairperson, Debbie Robbins, at 909-885-4626 or visit the event website at www.relayforlife.org/sanbernardinoca.

Written by guest author Rebecca McDaniel, author of "This Week's Menu:"

Once I was finished with writing "This Week's Menu," the daunting task of creating a cover was the last step in this process, or so I thought. Since being pink slipped out of my previous job as a teacher, my husband and I have been adamant about cutting corners every way possible. That's code for, "let's shoot the cover of the book ourselves." After a few mishaps, I found a photographer through a friend on Facebook.

We decided to go 50's style retro to match the premise of bringing families back into the kitchen for healthy dinners. It was probably a day or two later when the thought of creating my own apron came to mind. I searched the web for vintage style fabric, and came across an adorable calico cherry print, and pink cupcake pattern. Like a teenager doodling, I sketched out my design with my daughter's colored pencils, and later called my mother.

She has always been supportive of my endeavors, but she had no idea what was to come next. I knew with her background of sewing she could easily whip something up because during the 70's, she made the majority of costumes for the Riverside Children's Theatre group. My mother agreed to take on the task.

I'll return shortly with the rest of the story!

For more information on "This Week's Menu" visit www.pinkslippublications.com.

Anyone see this report?

http://news.yahoo.com/video/miamicbs4-15750840/teacher-criticized-for-how-she-sent-a-note-home-24445195

A Miami, Florida elementary school teacher stapled a disciplinary note to her 7-year-old student's shirt, reportedly because progress reports weren't being received at home. But Mom says she's been getting the reports and the stapling was done to humiliate her son, probably because she was frustrated with is behavior.

What do you think? I think I'd be waiting on the principal's doorstep and working my way right up to the superintendent (if necessary) if my 7-year-old came home with a note stapled to his shirt. But maybe others feel it's not such a big deal...

As Americans, most of us long to be gloriously happy. To achieve that goal, we each respond to an innate drive within to win the most stuff, to be number one at everything, and to acquire the most goods. Whether it's Happy Meal toys for the kids or bigger ones for the parents, we long to own more junk. And we want it to be the best and biggest and the most popular of all.

Dianne Bright
Guest Author

We often submit to a common misconception that if we could simply access or achieve "such and such," then joyful harmony would follow. For example, if that side of the wall that drives me nuts just gets repainted, then I'll love my house so much more. Or if my kids would simply clean up more of their own messes, I'd be a happier mom and wife. Perhaps if you get that raise at work, then you'll feel more valued.

Many of us feel like we'd be truly happy if we just had unlimited financial resources. Then we could buy the whole planet, but would we really be more satisfied? Some people feel like they'd have better self esteem if they just had a brand new wardrobe. A new car. A new spouse. A new house. A new job. A new dog. And a new pair of sunglasses to see the world through rosy pink lenses.

Similarly, we apply the "if this, then that" type of reasoning to close relationships: marriages, friendships, and extended family associations. We assume that if our spouse would just do this or that, then the marriage would be fabulous. If that friend would just listen better, we'd be so much closer. Maybe you blame your parents' busy schedules for their limited social involvement. If only they would spend more time with your kids, then all would be right with the world.

And it's not that some of these things aren't grounded in truth. Because some are just obviously true. I'd feel happier if lots of stuff went the way I wanted it to. But this idea that we can't be happy without obtaining these ends can tie us up into ridiculous knots. So we must stop to examine some of their claims along the way. If we really owned the most stuff, were the best at everything we did, and won everything we could possibly win, would we really end up so overwhelmingly blissful?

I think the answer is obvious: that we would not possess supernatural happiness. And yet, we play this game like we can't be happy inside of our own set of circumstances. We get lost in the ineffectual mantras of "If I were just prettier or smarter or richer or more successful like so-and-so..." which weigh us down and actually create discontentment.

Written by guest author Debbie Yokum:

Someone that I considered a friend told me recently that I did not know what it was like to be a parent to a teenager. When I reminded her that I have a 19 year old stepson and a 17 year old stepdaughter she replied that they did not count because I was only their stepmom, not their mom.

Debbie Yocum
Guest Author

She is not the first person to tell me that I do not qualify as parent just because I am a stepmom. I have no doubt that many times there is favoritism on the part of many blended families which can give stepparents a bad name. I have lived in a blended family that includes two step-children and four biological children for the last 16 years and I have helped raise all of the children that have spent time under our roof. Both of my stepchildren have turned out to be wonderful people and I am proud of who they are and what they believe in.

Statistics show that 50 percent of all first marriages end in divorce. The number goes up for second marriages to 60 percent and then moves up to 73 percent for third marriages. Chances are the numbers will keep climbing as society changes over time. I am sure that many people agree that being a stepmom is not an easy role to take on but to be honest it is a role that we agree to take on when we get married to someone with children.

Marriage is a big commitment but it becomes an even bigger one when you consider that you are committing yourself to help raise a child from a previous relationship. Not only are you committing to happily ever after with the man you agree to marry but you should be thinking that you are agreeing to happily ever after with his children too.

When my husband and I got married, I was happy to be a part of not just his life but the life of his two small children too. We had our ups and downs and there were times when I felt lost along the way. I held my stepdaughter's hand when she needed it and helped her and her brother get dressed for Easter and Halloween and every other Holiday. Their dad and I took them snow skiing and boating, attended their band recitals at school, listened to them talk about their first crush and helped them when they needed or asked for help. Together with their mom (and later their stepdad) brought them up together.

Every relationship is different but here are some thoughts to keep your family intact:

1. Make your relationship with your partner a priority. My husband and I made time for each other because marriages can be fragile. We knew that for this relationship to work we had to work at it.

2. Make time for the kids individually which might mean going to the store and getting a favorite cereal for a particular child. Drop off lunch at school as a surprise or take them on a walk with you or to a movie of their choice, whatever it takes to make that child feel special.

3. Do not talk about their other parent, mom or dad, in a negative way. The kids have enough on their plate than to listen to your version of where their parents went wrong. Many of us have made this mistake but it puts the kids directly in the middle and they do no need to be there.

4. Find a place to vent but make sure that it is not to someone that you socialize with or that knows your family. My suggestion is to find an online website that specializes in being a stepparent. You will find other people going through the same issues with you along with people that are trained in giving advice and direction. Remember that there are a lot of angry people out there and your goal is to try to move away from anything negative. You can always pray when all else fails.

5. Try and coordinate with all the parents involved. The kids will learn how to manipulate the situation if you are not communicating. If a professional has to mediate the initial meetings between all parties involved then that might be the only way to get to where you need to be.

6. There will be times when you might feel lost in your own home, times when you will be reminded that there was another family that existed before your family existed. That does not mean that the family environment that exists now is not valued by the children. They need to talk about their past just like every other child. You may need to find an activity or hobby that you can focus on when you feel like your stepchildren need time with their father/mother at home. It might be good for you to take a short break to give yourself alone time or time to spend with a friend as well.

I feel blessed to have my stepchildren in my life. They do not need another mom since the mom they have loves them very much and is always there for them but hopefully I qualify as a parent who will always be there for them too. I guess you could say that I am a parent in reserve to the parents that already claim that role and my stepchildren are a bonus to my life and to the life of their half brothers and sister.

As moms, we learn to go with the flow, pretty much on a daily basis. Survival mode isn't always our preference, but it is a learned discipline that we must perfect. Today was no exception. The morning routine seemed fairly uneventful... toast and fruit for breakfast, lunches packed, backpacks thrown out the front door. And into the van we raced!

Dianne Bright
Guest Author

Then, my squeamish middle daughter saw a slug on the ground which made her gag inside the van, which turned into full-fledged vomiting. So, I ran into the laundry room through the garage to grab the Oxi-clean and five small towels. After cleaning the van as fast as I could, we darted into the chilly morning to drop off my son. At least one Bright would make it to school today.

The drive home was relatively peaceful and the morning seemed typical: cleaning, emailing, writing, laundry, and preparing snacks. But at around eleven in the morning, my littlest ran downstairs crying really hard. I knew something horrific had happened. After calming her down a bit, I discovered she had fallen down with a pencil in her mouth. Blood was oozing from her nose and her mouth, so my response was pretty remarkable, given that my nervous heart was racing like a cheetah.

Off to Kaiser we zoomed. At this point, I was convinced that my middle daughter did not actually have the flu, so thankfully it was safe again for her to ride in the van. But my littlest could not stop crying and her state of shock was freaking me out. We got to her pediatrician in a flash, thanks to my super-mommy driving and my wizardry performance for a same hour appointment.

Thankfully, the injury did not cause any permanent damage and no stitches were required. A McDonald's Happy Meal (she got the new Barbie) and some anesthetic mouth-wash transformed her sad face into a renewed princess smile. And we continued on with the day. She might even rally for her ballet class later this evening. And she is certainly enjoying the soft food regimen: melted caramel, ice cream, and lots of fun kid-drinks.

Just remember that as moms, we are called to something greater: the ability to live amongst controlled chaos at all times! Keep it up ladies! You are doing an awesome job! Share one of your crazy stories here. We'd love to hear from you. :)

Feeling crafty? Craft retailer Michaels will have new classes and free in-store events for children and adults throughout the month to celebrate National Craft Month. The following workshops are offered at all Michaels. Visit www.michaels.com to find a location.

Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m.-noon: The Knack Free family event, "Make-It-Take-It Yarn Doll. Learn to make a simple yarn doll. Age 3 and older.
Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m.-noon: The Knack family event, "Clay Pot & Saucer Make-It Take-It. Turn a clay pot into a giant decorative cupcake. Age 3 and older.
Saturday, March 26, 10 a.m.-noon: Free scrapbook page "Make-It Take It" and free shadow box demo. Make the most of your memories with a stylish scrapbook shadow box. Adults only.
Sunday, March 27, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.: The Knack family event, "Make-It Take-It Bottle Caps." Design your own bottle cap creations. Ages 3 and older.

Kids. They grow out of clothes so fast sometimes, the tags don't even come off.

So for the parents out there who have baby and children's clothing that's barely been used and want to sell, and for those who need clothes but hate to spend a bundle on items that'll oh-so-briefly touch the skin of your growing child - Savvy Chic Kids has your back.

The group's spring consignment event will take place March 20 and 21 at 10811 Indiana Ave. in Riverside, with 200 participating consignors selling more than 25,000 items for children ages 0-14.

Savvy Chic Kids began in 2008 when three Inland area moms created the twice-yearly consignment event in order to keep their children well-outfitted each season without shopping at high-end department stores. Each year the sales have grown.

"Our event has become a much anticipated community event with hundreds of shoppers returning sale after sale," said Lisa Walcker, one of the Savvy Chic Kids founders. "We also have many participants who travel from surrounding areas such as San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angles and San Diego counties."

Savvy Chic Kids accepts cash, ATM, Visa and MasterCard. On the Savvychickids.com website you can purchase admission to the VIP preview sale Friday, March 18 from noon to 5 p.m. for $7 (noon to 2 p.m.) or $5 (2-5 p.m.) if you want to get first peek.

Watch a video from last year's sale by clicking here.

Kappa Delta, Zeta Zeta chapter at Cal State San Bernardino

Kappa Delta Sorority at Cal State San Bernardino will host "Shamrock 2011" on Sunday, March 13, with registration beginning at 6 a.m. and the event starting at 8:30 a.m.

The Shamrock is usually a rally-type event, but for the first time, the Kappa Delta Sorority decided to do a 5K run/walk around the CSUSB campus. Registration costs $30 or $25 for Cal State alumni, Kappa Delta alumnae or seniors. Teams of 5 (max) pay $100. On race day, registration will go up $10 in each category and $150 for teams. Participants get a "Shamrock 2011" t-shirt.

Participants can park for free in Lot D and will meet in front of the John M. Pfau Library. To register for the event in advance, visit https://orgsync.com/1253/events/show/200741.

"We're hoping it'll be successful and we'll carry it on," said Shelby Swank, vice president public relations, Kappa Delta, Zeta Zeta Chapter. "Last year we made $8."

Funds raised benefit child abuse prevention and treatment nonprofit Childhelp in Beaumont and Prevent Child Abuse America, the sorority's national philanthropy.

"I am so excited to be part of such an amazing and fulfilling event," Swank said. "I am hoping that people share my passion and motivation as they choose to participate in the event."

Written by guest author Carole Meyer-Rieth:

After years of our son (5) rejecting our requests that he try new foods, I came up with a new idea this past week that is working well beyond my expecations (at least, so far)! Here are our family's new guidelines:

Carole Meyer-Rieth
Guest Author

1) No separate meals being cooked for the kids (it felt easier to make things I knew our son would eat, and he'd at least get a decent meal and not starve, right?). On the other hand, there is always something on the menu that the kids already like to eat. It's not about forcing the new foods - the attitude is more fun than that (see #3 below!). I consistently tell them that I am going to put a little bit of everything on their plate, and if they don't want to eat it, they can just leave it there, but that it is important to be kind and not make rude comments to the chef like "that stinks!" I also explained that we are teaching them to try new things so that when they are older and are invited to friends' homes that they will be able to try food there without being rude (and therefore be invited back!). My husband and I needed to be on the same page for this new approach so that we could be a unified team (he also cooks).

2) Everyone gets nice formal dinner plates and place settings - no "kid" dishes at the table. I wanted to set the physical stage for us having a family dinner rather than two separate kinds of meals. Both kids like to serve themselves out of bowls, and my son even asked if he could serve himself more salad!

3) The clincher: "Try Something New" charts for both kids (even though my daughter is much better about trying new things). Easy to make - a title and 50 blank squares. For every new item that they try (drinks and sweets don't count), they get a star. This has really appealed to the competitive side of my son - when my daughter gets a star for trying something new, he is suddenly willing to try it too!

So far my son has tried roast chicken (goodbye, Dinobites!), Romaine lettuce (dipped in Ranch dressing, which he had also never tried), cucumber (seeded and cut in sticks, dipped in Ranch), and pumpkin butter. He didn't like the cucumber, but what is important to me is that he tries things, not that he has to like it all. He is always surprised when he tries something new and likes it, and whether he likes it or not, he is gaining a sense of pride/confidence for at least trying it.

Even my daughter, who is generally more willing to try new things, has been earning her stars - quinoa, barbecue chicken quesadilla with lettuce, broccoli.... It's been pretty awesome so far watching their tastes expand this week, I'm seeing them both try (and often eat) more fruit and vegetables, and cooking dinner is less stressful because I'm not watching another group of pots and pans! That's sure worth a trip to Legoland to me (PLUS you can get a free kid's ticket in the Lego magazine you pick it up at their store in Ontario Mills!)!

The FDA announced earlier this week that its Center for Drug Evaluation and Research will be going after nearly 500 unapproved prescription cough, cold and allergies drugs that shouldn't be on the market.

Some of the brands being investigated are Cardec, Lodrane, Organidin and Pedia-Hist. The products may include excessive amounts of active ingredients or extended-release formulas that don't function properly, according to the release.

The full list of affected prescription products is available on the agency's website at www.fda.gov/dowloads/drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances.

According to the release, "These drug products are marketed without approved applications, and many are inappropriately labeled for use in infants and young children."

It was said that many of the time-release formulas failed FDA testing, releasing active ingredients too quickly or two slowly. And some of the products indicated they were for children under age 2, even though in 2008 the FDA warned that this age group should not have over-the-counter cough and cold products at all.

This is the FDA's 17th action in its Unapproved Drugs Initiative, which launched in 2006.

Happy birthday to the incorrigible Dr. Seuss today;
Students across the Inland region celebrated the day in many a way.

Some schools invited guests to tell Seuss tales to young readers;
And green eggs and ham are on many school lunch menus for the young eaters.

I hear the Cat in the Hat will be arriving via helicopter at a Menifee school today;
I do believe, in good tradition, Dr. Seuss will once again inspire the kids to play.

So thank you, Seuss, for the Cat, the Grinch, red fish, blue fish, and Mulberry Street.
We'll celebrate year after year your imaginative characters and stories that can't be beat.

:)