What They Need to Hear

My friend’s daughter, 16, had two amazing opportunities for her junior summer. The first was a sure thing; she had the acceptance letter in hand. The second was something of a long shot.

About a week before the long-awaited envelope was due to arrive, my friend took up MomSpeak.

Are Your Teens Drinking?

Parents of teens face an enormous concern today- underage drinking. Above is an article from the October 2011 issue of Today's Woman that we thought would really bring some light to this issue many parents are dealing with.  Take a look at it, and weigh in below in our poll.

I allow my teen to drink...

Have a Fun Weekend!

We have some fun things lined up for your weekend… enjoy!

Pop Up Friday in NuLu - Friday, July 27, 7-9pm along East Market Street in Louisville; FREE, live, outdoor music, along with East Market retailers offering specials, discounts, & refreshments

Passport Adventure- Saturday, July 28, 12-4pm at Just Creations, 2722 Frankfort Ave.; this FREE event will let your kids “travel” the world and receive a prize for completing all the activities and getting their “passports” stamped; ages 5-12

Storytime- Saturday, July 28, 2-4pm at Half Price Books at Springhurst/Freys Hill; at this FREE story time, the kids will enjoy stories, games, activities, & snacks

37th Annual Kentucky Music Weekend- Friday, July 27- Sunday, July 29 at Iroquois Amphitheater; FREE;

Main stage concerts Friday and Saturday evenings, 7:00 - 11:00 PM, daytime close-up concerts and workshops, Arts & Crafts at Iroquois, Corn Island Storytelling Stage, and more Saturday and Sunday!

Photo Source: NuLu

Wildlife Takes the Gold!

Olympic fever has taken hold of the world. We’re all cheering for our favorite athletes. While human Olympians have amazing physical abilities, for wild animals strength, speed, agility, and endurance mean more than just medals, they are a matter of survival. Here are some animal Olympians with gold medal-worthy abilities.

High-Jump Stars – The champion of the animal world may be the spittle bug. This insect is only as long as a pencil eraser, but...

Louisville Zoo Giveaway

At the Louisville Zoo, you can watch the elephants do aerobics, feed the lorikeets, watch the seal and sea lion show, or take a trip back in time to where dinosaurs roamed the earth. 

That’s right… the Louisville Zoo has an AMAZING exhibit with life-like dinosaurs that move and roar.  There’s also a place for those budding paleontologists to search for dinosaurs bones. 

If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience Dinosaurs!, you’ll need to hurry because after August 19, they will “become extinct.”  So, don’t miss out!

Tickets to Dinosaurs! are:
$5 per person
$4 Louisville Zoo Members
$3 Groups of 15 or more
 
We’re giving away a family 4-pack of tickets to the Louisville Zoo, along with 4 Dinosaurs! passes to one lucky winner.  Enter below for your chance. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Representing Your Country

Is there excitement in the air at your house with the impending arrival of the 2012 Olympics?  It is at our house. 

I simply love the Summer Olympics.  I love the running, and the jumping, and the swimming, and, of course, the rowing.

It is so exciting to see those athletes representing their countries in their chosen sports.  They’ve put in the training, and now it’s time to make it happen.  However, my absolutely favorite part is the awards ceremony.  Can you imagine what that must feel like to have the whole world hear your country’s anthem played, and it’s all because you earned it?  What an amazing accomplishment!

What competitions will your family be watching during the 2012 Olympics? Are there any future Olympians in your family?

Photo Source: Daily News

Are Your Kids Fighting Each Other?

I grew up in the middle of five brothers, and we were all masters at making each other furious. We had hated nicknames for each other; we knew how to be sneaky with irritating touches or under-the-breath insults.

For a few years we even made the word "honey" into some sort of slur, said in just the right tone -- it was hard for our parents to stop us from saying such a "nice" word. My mom's advice was usually, "Just ignore him and he will stop doing that."

Well, I have to say that the brother just slightly younger than me was a master at never giving up at being irritating. He would poke at me and say things until I would finally give in and retaliate.

As I have raised my three children, the rivalry doesn't seem as direct between the three of them maybe because we have more entertainment. However, they certainly throw each other "under the bus" when resisting chores, "Why doesn't he have to do that? Why am I the only one?" or when trying to define their individuality, "I'm sorry that I am not a perfect child, like ______!!"
 
I think some rivalry is normal, but my main goals as a parent to prevent sibling rivalry were:

• Have my kids not call each other names that will stay with them in regards to how they look or act (ugly, fat, etc.)
• Encourage them to do things together or foster talking to each other especially during dinner hours
• A little kidding is fine, but over-teasing is stopped.
• Being aware of how an older child might quietly bully a younger sibling.

What do you do to prevent sibling rivalry?


Contributed by Anita Oldham, Editor, Today’s Family and Today’s Woman magazines.

Have a Great Weekend!

We have some great events that have made our radar for this weekend... enjoy!

Shine On Louisville Music Fest- Friday, July 20, at the Kentucky Center for the Arts; doors open at 6pm and music at 7pm; this FREE celebration of mental health and wellness is brought to you by Seven Counties Services, Inc, the Mayer’s Healthy Hometown Movement, and others.; be prepared to enjoy performaces by:

The River City Drum Corp.
La’Nita Rocknette Dancers
Winnie and the Mojo – Blues/Rock Band
Appalatin - Latin Fusion Band
YPAS (Youth Performing Arts School) Loren Been, Senior Flutist
and current member of the Louisville Youth Orchestra
VOICES of Kentuckiana, Inner VOICES, Community Choir
Daniel Hardin and Jeff Thomas of The Sweet Nothings

St. Agnes Carnival-  Friday, July 20 and Saturday July 21; the largest church picnic in Louisville; FREE concerts beginning at 5pm on both nights

Family Artifact Fun Afternoon- Sunday, July 22, at Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing; 1-3pm; FREE family program focusing on archeology; reserve space for your family by calling 502.935.6809

Kindergarten Countdown Fair- Monday, July 23 at Louisville Slugger Field from 5:30pm-7:30pm; at this FREE event, your soon-to-be Kindergartener and you can meet representatives from local schools and community organizations, receive FREE stuff, and see the Louisville Bats play afterwards; your child is encouraged to wear a Kindergarten Countdown shirt which can be found at any Louisville Free Public Library

Photo Source: Kentuckians for the Commonwealth

Changing Lives Through Adoption

Today we’re getting a look into why Mrs. Kentucky United States 2012, Kathy Polston-Dalton, chose adoption, and why it’s something you should consider, too.

What made you choose adoption as your platform for Mrs. Kentucky?
Well, I have four children. I live my platform everyday of my life. [I chose adoption so] I could be a voice to all the children. Be the voice to encourage them that their time will come soon. It’s also an honor to be able to inspire women on an issue that’s dear to my heart.

Gaylord Opryland’s Summer Fun with Shrek & Friends Giveaway

Win a prize package to Gaylord Opryland’s Summer Fun with Shrek & Friends!  Imagine how much fun you and your family could have with the characters from DreamWorks Animation films like Shrek, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda.

This spectacular prize package includes includes:

• a two-night stay at Gaylord Opryland for a family of four (one room)
• a DreamWorks Welcome Amenity
• ShrekFeast interactive character meal one morning
• Splash ‘N’ Screen Movie
• DreamWorks Parade
• DreamWorks Character Meet and Greets
• Scavenger Hunt
• as well as taxes, resort fees and daily self-parking for one vehicle.

This prize package is valid Saturdays and Sundays, now through September 2, 2012, based on availability.

One lucky winner will win this prize package.  Enter below for your chance. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best Family Pets!

Six months after my husband and I married, we adopted two male cats from the same litter whom we named Gonzo and Shanks. Fourteen years and three kids later, they are low men on the totem pole, relegated to the basement where they can watch the birds, sleep on the couch, and leave their special “packages” on the already dingy basement carpet (rather than on our beds).

Even though our cats were around long before our children, they have been a good fit for my family because...

Memories on the Jersey Shore

Growing up close to Sandy Hook, gateway to most beaches dotting the Jersey Shore, my young boys enjoyed excursions there to fill up their summer vacation. I stocked beach bags with sandwiches, drinks, and plenty of sunscreen, and put my little helpers to work toting towels and toys to our spot du jour under the sun for a few glorious hours.

Images and words cannot completely capture the blend of sounds created by the pounding waves and seagulls screaming above, and children squealing in the spray of the surf. The intoxicating smell of salt air and suntan lotion, and the feel of sun-toasted sand between our toes (the latter of which inevitably followed us home on towels, flip flops, and swimsuits), created lasting memories that haven’t washed away with the surf we all enjoyed.

Our first home’s backyard high on a hill in Highlands, NJ was footsteps away from the popular sightseeing spot, the historic Twin Lights lighthouse. The two lighted towers allowed mariners to find their way at night approaching the harbor. My boys just knew it as a great place to climb huge, real cannons and play pirates!
 

Fast-forward thirty years… the baby toes now testing waves belong to our grandchildren steadied by the hands of our sons, who had grown to master the surf with their surfboards. I know it won’t be long ‘til those grandchildren will be on their own surfboards…lending new meaning to the slogan, “Baby on Board?” Thank you, Jersey Shore summers!

Contributed by Kathy Bolger, Senior Graphic Designer, Today’s Woman magazine

Have a Great Weekend!

We’ve got the BEST lineup EVER for your weekend, and it even includes some FREE food!  Enjoy!

Cow Appreciation Day- Friday, July 13; show up at any Chick-fil-A restaurant dressed like a cow and get a FREE meal (check out this post with pictures of my little herd of cows last year!)

Free Starbucks Refresher Drink- Friday, July 13, noon-3pm; get a FREE Tall Starbucks Refreshers beverage at participating stores; limit 1 per person

FREE Family Fun Workshop- Saturday, July 14 at Carnegie Center for Art & History in New Albany, IN; 10am-noon;  FREE; bring 2 wire coat hangers for each child so that they can make a hanging glass sculpture; pre-registration is required, so call 812.944.7336 to register your child

Homearama Time!

Today we’re getting the inside scoop of what’s going to be happening at Homearama 2012 from Tara Brinkmoeller, Director of Public Affairs and Communications for the Home Builders Association of Louisville.

How did the Home Builders Association of Louisville choose Rock Springs and Shake Run as its locations for this year’s Homearama?
The developers applied to have Homearama last year. We have a committee that selects which neighborhoods are going to be chosen. These are two great neighborhoods. They off a lot of amenities people want today; there’s a lot of green space, beautifully designed homes, and they’re in high growth areas of our community.

Christmas at the Galt House Giveaway

We are talking about a Christmas in July Sale for KaLightoscope Christmas, the annual Christmas at the Galt House Hotel event. Now through July 31, 2012, they are offering a FREE child’s ticket per purchase of an adult KaLightoscope Christmas ticket for $9.99 (child ages 12 and under).

The actual KaLightoscope Christmas event takes place at the Galt House Hotel, November 17, 2012, through January 2, 2013.

KaLightoscope Christmas ticket includes:

• KaLightoscope, the featured attraction, with new luminaries will delight you.
• All New- The Peppermint Express Kiddie Train Ride through Candy Cane Forest, with Mr. Sugar Pine the Talking Tree.
• Christmas Village with Snow Fairy Castle and the Snow Fairy Princess, plus children's activity areas.
• Visit Santa before entering KaLightoscope
• Mistletoe Marketplace - holiday shopping at its best!
• Life-size Gingerbread House and Gingerbread House Contest
• The Learning Center - see how the KaLightoscope luminaries are made
• Holiday Decor through the Galt House Hotel

Click here to purchase your tickets now, or go ahead and try to win a family 4-pack of tickets (two adult & two kids), as two lucky winners will each receive a family 4-pack of tickets to KaLightoscope Christmas at the Galt House Hotel. Enter below for your chance. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Packing for Camp

I was never good at packing and knowing what to take on trips. I always took too much and was often unable to decide what to take. A stint as a Girl Scout leader changed all of that when my girls were little. One year as we prepared to go to camp, we learned about packing. Later on, I customized the packing.

Here’s how we learned to pack.

Become Today’s Girl!

Today’s Family magazine is holding an essay contest for the Today’s Girl award! If you know a girl who loves American Girl, is involved in her community, and likes to write, this is the perfect contest for her. It gives her the chance to win tickets to an amazing event and also to tell us about her favorite American Girl.

The best thing about this contest is the fantastic prize. Each age group winner will receive two tickets to the American Girl Fashion Show Tea! The Today’s Girl award winners will also be featured in Today’s Family magazine.

Awards and prizes will be given to three girls in three different age groups (ages 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12) for answering the essay question, “Which American Girl Do You Have The Most In Common With And Why?”

The personal essays should be 300 words or less and must be written by the girl in her own voice. They will be judged on content, originality, and the girl’s level of community involvement. The deadline for the contest is August 31^st, 2012; so, enter today for a chance to win!

This is a great opportunity for young girls in the area to get recognized for their talents and for being involved in our community. Tell the young girls in your life that it’s time to take center stage as a Today’s Girl!

Click here to fill out an entry form today. 
 
Contributed by Tricia Hussung

Time to Vote for Our Kid Models!

All of the entries were received for our Kid Model Search, and we’ve narrowed the field down to 8 finalists, 4 girls and 4 boys.  Now it’s your turn to vote for whom you would like to see on the cover of our Back to School issue. 

You may cast your vote for one girl and one boy.  The girl and boy with the most votes will be our cover models!  Now don’t forget to tell all of your friends.  Voting runs July 9- July 13 at midnight.  Click here to view the pictures of our finalists and to cast your votes.

Happy voting!

Have a Great Weekend!

We’ve got some fun events lined up for your weekend… enjoy!

First Friday Trolley Hop- Friday, July 6 from 5-11 p.m;  take the family for a fun ride in a trolley while they sight-see Louisville in a whole new way!

New Albany Farmers Market- Saturday, July 7, 8am-1pm; 202 East Market Street, New Albany, IN. You can come out and support local farmers, artists, and merchants or just come to enjoy the sights and smells!

Twilight Cinema- Saturday, July 7 at the RiverStage in Jeffersonville, IN; watch Spy Kids 4 on the jumbo screen at dark; FREE

Riverside’s Annual Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social- Sunday, July 8 at Farnsley-Moremen Landing; Family fun on the banks of the Ohio River with music from 1-5pm and an ice cream eating contest at 3pm! This event is FREE; however, some activities require the purchase of a ticket.

 Photo Source: AP via BBC News

She’s Going to be a Bridesmaid…Now What?

If you have children with lots of friends, then there's a good chance that they will be asked, at some point, to stand beside one of their dear friends on their big {wedding!} day. Although it is truly a privilege to be included, one may worry about what kind of financial obligation it may entail. Luckily for us, we have Amy Holley of HolleyWrap, Louisville's Premier Gifting Service, with some great insight into that very topic.

A bridesmaid just asked me if it's expected that she purchase, in addition to the official wedding gift, gifts for the bachelorette party and all 5 wedding showers.

Homearama Giveaway

It’s almost Homearama time!  This year it will be held at Rock Springs and Shakes Run, July 14-29. Homearama has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for some inspiration for remodeling or redecorating your current home or you’re ready to build a new home.

Admission is $10 per person per visit, or you may purchase a DUAL-SITE pass for $15, which allows you to visit the other site any time during the Homearama event.

Show Hours:
Weekdays: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sundays: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Ticket gate closes an hour and a half prior to listed closing times.

We are so excited to be able to give 20 lucky winners each a pair of tickets to Homearama!  Enter below for your chance. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Perfectly Imperfect!

By the time one’s child reaches the age of two, his or her behavior is all the evidence a parent needs to prove that the child is far, far from perfect, even if at birth the child seemed perfect by all physical accounts.
The unfortunate truth is that as parents, we often think our child is a reflection of us and on us, of who we are or are not, of what we are doing or not doing. We carry the weight of so much unnecessary responsibility which can make parenting extremely stressful and guilt-inducing, especially in the grocery store when one’s child is shrieking like a banshee.
When I had my first child, I believed that as her mom I was the artist shaping the clay of her personality and behavior. It was by my own hands that she would become a smart, kind, wonderfully charming person. Now that I have the experience of time and mothering three children, I understand that a baby is already a work of art at birth, with an already set personality and temperament. As a mom, I am a curator, caring for the art, interpreting it, and helping it find it’s best showcase. I find that the works of art that are my children actually shape me in a far more powerful way than I ever expected.
Coming to this realization certainly took the weight of the world off my shoulders and allowed me to accept my children for who they are. (Of course, this doesn’t mean I like them for who they are all the time.). I try to be gentle with myself, acknowledging that I do the best I can, but there is a limit to what I can do. Some things are simply beyond a parent’s control.

Contributed by Carrie Vittitoe, parent-writer for Today’s Family magazine.

Don't forget to read her full article, Perfectly Imperfect Baby, in our June/July issue of Today's Family, and please weigh in with your own parenting experiences... we love to hear them!

The Cost of College

Don't panic- but here is how much it will cost...

We will have two kids in college next year at Purdue University.
For each of them, this next school year could cost:

• $9,900 for in state tuition ($28, 702 for out-of-state)
• $10,000+ for room and board
• $ 1000+ for books