Baby of the Day- Jalen Boxx

What a handsome fella!


Guidelines for voting for runner-up:
It’s time to vote for a runner-up for Today’s Family magazine’s 2012 Beautiful Baby Contest!  So, we’ve gathered the Top 20 babies, as chosen by the number of votes they received from the contest, and will be featuring each one as a “Baby of the Day.”

It’s your job to decide who will receive the title of Today’s Family magazine’s 2012 Beautiful Baby Runner-up.  From April 30- May 4, you may “vote” by leaving a comment under the post for the Baby of the Day you want to win.  Each person may leave one comment on a Baby of the Day post each day, and the baby with the most comments on his or her post will be our runner-up.

Today’s Family magazine’s 2012 Beautiful Baby Contest is sponsored by

Protect Our Most Vulnerable

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Family & Children’s Place is offering a series of activities in observance of it. To start it all off, on Thursday, April 5, at Louisville Slugger Field, you can join in on a rally at 10am to take a stand against abuse, violence, and neglect.

If you feel inclined to get your voice heard about child abuse...

Behind the Scenes

Today, we have an inside look into the production of Lyle the Crocodile, from Corey Harrison, Production Manager at Stage One Family Theatre.

How many people and hours were involved in producing Lyle the Crocodile? When the show is finished and the final curtain is down...

Lyle the Crocodile Giveaway

In an adaptation of the picture book classic, the onstage performance of this sweet reptile will be bring smiles to the whole family.  As part of Stage One Family Theatre and showing in the Bomhard Theater at the Kentucky Center, the performances of Lyle the Crocodile available for ticket purchase are Saturday, April 14 and Saturday, May 12, 2012, at 11am and 2pm. Go here to purchase tickets online.

…Or you could just win a family 4-pack of tickets for the 11am performance on April 14, 2012!  Enter below for your chance to win!

Start Thinking Derby

It’s almost that time of year where we wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in the whole world- Kentucky Derby Festival time! The city of Louisville will be filled with fun activities for the whole family.  From the opening ceremony where the sky is filled with sparkling fireworks to the Run for the Roses, Louisville is the place to be.

We want to know what your family looks forward to the most during the Kentucky Derby Festival.

What do your children enjoy the most… Thunder Over Louisville, the Pegasus Parade, the Balloon Glow?

Tell us what events your family will be attending.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

So Many Ways to Send Love

LOVE (Letter) (Email) (Facebook Post) (Tweet) (Skype) BLOG to Molly Anne,

We had been awaiting your arrival for forever, and, finally, after a stressful day of tornado weather in our area and stressful labor in New Jersey for your Mommy (and Daddy), you were born! Mommy and Daddy held you first, and within minutes of announcing your birth to your New Jersey family in the waiting room, your image was sent around the world to loving friends and relatives, and to us, your Kentucky Grandparents. 

Have a Great Weekend!

If you’re a Southern Indiana family, then today’s school day will be your children’s last one for a whole week; so, jump up and down, and let the fun begin!  However, the rest of you will have to wait until April for Spring Break celebrations, but there’s always fun to be had on the weekend no matter what time of year.  So, here’s what’s happening this weekend around town:

Slumber Party 101

Does the thought of 10 kids sleeping over at your house all on the same night freak you out? Do you picture getting zero sleep because you have to deal with said kids all night long? Do you picture food and drink and toys and junk exploding all over your house? Yeah, I did, too. Then I figured out some ways to make it a great experience for the kids AND for me.

Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic Giveaway

Everyone’s got basketball on their mind right now.  So, why not go ahead and start thinking ahead to the Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic!?  The rosters are filled with amazing basketball stars who are sure to entertain us all!

The event takes place on Friday, April 6, 2012, at 7pm at Freedom Hall.  You can purchase tickets online here or by calling 1.800.745.300 or calling the Freedom Hall box office at 502.367.5144.

Of course, it’s always better if you can just win tickets!

Assistance for Families

The economy of the past three years has put many families in financial jeopardy, and for some, this experience has led them to require assistance in a way they never would have dreamed they would need.

For families whose children attend JCPS, help is as close as the Family Resource Center (FRC) at your child’s school. The goal of these centers is to remove barriers to learning that JCPS students face. They can, among other things, provide referrals for health services and locate affordable child care.
Parents who have lost their jobs may be worried about the cost of health coverage for their families. They may look into KCHIP, the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program, which is for children younger than 19 years of age whose family meets income requirements.

Metro government is another avenue for those needing financial help. The Temporary and Extended Emergency Financial Assistance program is for those who have lost a job or experienced a loss of support due to separation or domestic violence. Metro Louisville residents needing assistance can also visit a local Neighborhood Place, which is a partnership of various agencies offering a one-stop approach to helping residents in need.

There is also the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) which can assist families. The Family Support office of the Department for Community Based Services can be contacted at (502) 595-4238.

Contributed by Carrie Vittitoe, parent-writer for Today’s Family magazine.
Photo source: Linking Families & Communities

You Know You’re a Tightwad If…

I scoff at most tips for saving money. “Use coupons when things go on sale.” Hmph. Who doesn’t do that?!

I wasn’t born during the Great Depression. I just act like it. Here are some real tightwad tips:

*Cut the toothpaste or hand cream tube open to get out the last bit.
*Fuse the old soap scrap onto the new bar.

A Break from the Madness

If you happen to get tired of watching college basketball {honestly, is that even possible!?} and the endless “checking of the bracket,” there are a few fun things happening on both sides of the river.

How’d They Do That?

We have a behind-the-scenes look into the production of Lyle the Crocodile courtesy of Corey Harrison, Production Manager of Stage One Family Theatre.

How many people and hours were involved in producing Lyle the Crocodile?
When the show is finished and the final curtain is down, we will have had over 32+ people working an accumulative 5800+ hours; this includes pre-production meetings, construction, rehearsals, programming, marketing, performances, etc..
 
How has the community helped make this production possible?

French Lick Resort Giveaway

Oh, wouldn’t it be grand to get away for the weekend?  You bet! The French Lick Resort is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway for your family, and we’re giving away a two-night stay for a family of four to French Lick Springs Hotel with….wait for it… 2 KidsFest activities passes for the kids ages 6-12, too!

Picture it now…
-the kids eating breakfast for free with their parents at the Grand Colonnade restaurant.
-the kids playing golf for free with their parents at the 9-hole Valley Links golf course.
-the kids having fun at the KidsCook KidsFest activity (pictured above).
-mom enjoying a little “me-time” at the spa!

And so much more!

Enter below for your chance to win this awesome prize!  There are several ways to gain entries.  Check it out!

Get Your Sparkle On!

Did you sparkle today?

For those of you who read my article in Today’s Family, you know exactly what I am asking when I ask if you sparked today!

Tornados Won’t Keep Us Down

Yesterday, my husband and I made a trip to Borden, IN, to what used to be the home of our dear friends.  Although their home still stands, albeit in an uninhabitable form, their barn and animals were swept away like a house of cards in a breeze. 

When we began to drive down their road, I felt myself feeling an intense anxiety and overwhelming sadness at what was before our eyes.  I had seen it on the news time and again, but it is so different when you are actually there.  I wasn’t sure what to say, what to do, or how to help.  However, once we saw our friends, those feelings of anxiety quickly went away, and there were hugs and smiles all around. 

When it came down to it, I don’t think they cared whether we carried branches, handed out food, or did anything other than just talk.

They just cared that we came.


How have you been a part of the tornado recovery effort?  Please share with us how it has affected you.

Making a Difference with Dr. Seuss

“It's not about what it is, it's about what it can become.”
― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

As a community, we endured devastation at its worst last Friday.  However, we can turn this tragedy into something so much more, something greater than the destruction it brought, something profound that will change lives.

A Perfect St. Patty’s Day Snack

The notices have already been sent home to students: “Party in class on Thursday for St. Patrick’s Day. Please bring green snacks.”  We have a dye-free snack idea from weelicious that still celebrates the day’s green spirit, but gives it a delicious, healthy spin – no sugar coma side effects.

Avocado Herb Dip (Makes ½ Cup)
1 Avocado, peeled and pitted
2 Tbsp Mayonnaise or Vegannaise
2 Tbsp Plain Yogurt
2 Tbsp Herbs (I used cilantro, dill and garlic chives and a pinch of marjoram, but you could use tarragon, basil, parsley, or anything you enjoy)
1 1/2 Tsp Lemon Juice

1. Place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
2. Serve.

Recipe courtesy of Louisville’s own Catherine McCord of weelicious.

Giveaway: Louisville Kids Fair

Grab the kids, and get ready for some fun at the Louisville Kids Fair.  Taking place March 17-18, 2012, at the Kentucky International Convention Center, this event will be sure to get the whole family having fun.  There will be inflatables, a petting zoo, a character meet and greet, and more! Check them out here online or here on facebook.

Admission:
Adults $8
Children (3-12) $5
Children (under 3) FREE
*Click here to print a web discount coupon.*

Of course, you know winning tickets would be even sweeter.  Two lucky winners will each receive one family 4-pack of tickets to the Louisville Kids Fair.
Enter to win below:

Tornado Relief Efforts

We know you’re wondering how you can help the victims of this past weekend’s tornado outbreak.  On Friday, many of our friends and family members had their lives forever changed, and it will take our community, as a whole, to help them rebuild what was lost.  Whether you can give the gift of your time or money to aid in the relief effort, it makes no difference, as both are greatly coveted and needed right now in those affected areas.  Listed below are some options if your heart is leading you to give.  Just give them a call to find out how you can help.

Salvation Army - 2300 Green Valley Road  New Albany, IN 47150.  (812) 944-1018
Bethel Baptist Church - 15107 U.S. 31  Memphis, IN 47143   (812) 294-1632
Sojourn Community Church - 2023 Ekin Avenue, New Albany, IN 47150  (502) 635-7053
The National Guard is set up at the Rest Stop at Henryville Exit from I-65 and is accepting donations.
Metro United Way- click here to sign up to help in their recovery efforts
Northside Christian Church- New Albany, IN; Through the church’s website, you can sign up to train with the Samaritan’s Purse for volunteering effectively and compassionately in those affected areas or contribute financially where 100% of your donation will help those affected by the tornados.

SAHM, WAHM, WOHM… So Many Letters!

Whether a mom works for pay outside the home (WOHM), works without pay inside the home (SAHM), or finds an occupational solution that allows her to work for pay from her home (WAHM), there are advantages and disadvantages to each.

When Tragedy Hits: What Do We Tell Our Kids

Whenever a tragedy happens such as the tornados that hit our community on Friday, do you feel at a loss of what to tell our children? My first instinct was always to protect and hide such things from them when they were young and didn’t need to know about it. It is scary. A storm comes in and can take away everything – including people you love in a few minutes.

On the other hand, it is a good time to teach your children about faith. Also, there will be many ways to teach them about giving of either things or time. We will find out many ways we can help in the coming weeks. We will try to post things that families can do together. If you have some ideas, please also post them as comments.

And, read this – a coach who was in Henryville High School in Henryville, IN, when the tornado hit tells about his thoughts about his family during this terrible time.

Anita Oldham
Editor of Today's Family magazine

Photo Source: Wave3

Weekend Fun

Here’s what’s happening this weekend:

Discover the Dinosaurs- March 2-4, at the Kentucky Exposition Center: Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-7pm
Adults : $14.00(12yrs & older)
Children:$9.00 (2-11yrs)
Seniors:$9.00 (65+)
Children under 2 free
*Admission includes entrance to the Dinosaur Exhibit, Dino Dig, Dino Den, DIno Theater, Dino Coloring Station and Scavenger Hunt.
Other attractions require separate tickets.

Gift-Giving Made Easy

 

While having coffee with a girlfriend last week, I saw a beautiful, unique 'save the date' wedding announcement on her kitchen counter.  It was extremely creative and tasteful! Geez - what do you get someone with such exquisite taste?  I'm sure the couple has a gift registry somewhere fabulous ... so, when you have the time to explore the vast selection of uniquely Louisville gift items, and come on, save the dates are sent out months in advance, I think one should do so.  Hometown couple or not, a gift from Louisville Stoneware, Flame Run, Glassworks or Dover House Antiques is always a good choice.