Friday, February 24, 2012

York Symphony Orchestra Family Concert



Next Saturday, March 3rd, at 10:00am the York Symphony Orchestra is presenting a family concert entitled The Composer is Dead, with text by Lemony Snicket. The show features a murder mystery about Bach, Mozart and Beethoven and will feature not only the YSO but DreamWrights and the Greater York Dance Company. After the performance kids will be able to take advantage of the "Instrument Petting Zoo" and get an up-close and personal look at some of the instruments they just saw on stage. Tickets are $8 for the show and petting zoo, keep this fun family activity in mind for next weekend, it's a great way to introduce kids to classical music!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

WeeUsables Consignment Event

A good friend passed this along to me and I thought I would pass it along to everyone because it sounds like a GREAT event! The WeeUsables Consignment Event is a big deal; if you have baby items, children's clothing, toys and more toys, and they are all cluttering up your basement take a look at this event because it might be for you. Since this is the first one in York County the registration is free. They have a list you can download for pricing ideas and you get to keep 70% of the profit from your first event, 75% if this is your second time doing it (some friends have participated in the Lancaster sale before). Remember this is a HUGE sale so you will have more eyes on your items than at any yard sale, so the chances to selling a lot of your items are good. Also keep in mind if you are a new mom, grandparent, aunt or uncle or friend, this is a wonderful opportunity to get quality used items for your house, church or social group!

Please check out all of the information before you decided to participate, http://www.weeusablesevent.com/ , but if you have items that are sitting around taking up space this could be your early spring cleaning event.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Great Parenting Tips

There has been a minor uprising in my house in the past week, and the kink in my armor is showing. My once smiley, happy, bouncing, five year-old has become a preteen stomping and growling machine with a mouth and attitude to match, and Momma isn't happy. In response to this shift I decided to search online for anything and everything that I could find to help guide me in the right direction, without yelling or fighting, or pandering to her bad temper. I'm still searching for my parenting nirvana but while reading articles and excerpts I came across this and thought I would share. Enjoy!

10 Parenting Tips for Good Parenting from http://ultimateparenting.com

Tip #1 – If you love your kids—put yourself first!

Far too many children are living with a mom who is unhappy, frazzled and stressed out. Children flourish when they are raised in a home with happy, balanced parents. The best way to give more to your children is by giving more to yourself: by doing this, you can become a valuable role model for them of a happy, healthy adult.

Giving more to you also means you'll be able to give more to your family. “But I don’t have time!,” I hear many moms whine. We all have 24 hours in a day, and we all need to make wise choices that put the main priorities in our life first. If we are repeatedly burning the midnight oil, we may be on the brink of burnout—not a pleasant event for you or your family.

Tip #2 – If you are married—put your marriage before your kids!

Most of us have heard of Generation X and Generation Y. But did you realize that Generation S—Generation Spoiled—is on the rise? Many children today are raised with an unhealthy sense of entitlement because their family has made them the center of the universe. And with divorce statistics still hovering at 50%, children are far too often coping with unhappy, failing marriages.

A key to good parenting is to have a happy marriage in which your children can thrive—a partnership which they can use as a model for their future relationships. Take a stand and put some time into your marriage—for your family’s sake!

Tip #3 – Cherish your children.

No matter what your situation—no matter how often your children drive you crazy—know there are thousands of women in this world who would gladly trade places with you in a heartbeat. There are women who would give anything to have a child period. Strive to remember how truly fortunate you are.

Hug your children at least three times a day. Tell them often how grateful you are to have the opportunity to be their parent and to become a better woman—and mother—for it!

Tip #4 – Teach your kids to fish (rather than fish for them).

Many moms (and dads) do everything for their kids. This only robs their children of the opportunity to learn self-reliance—a vital key to their self-esteem. One of the best things you can do is to help your kids learn how to do for themselves.

Some parents think I am from another planet when I even suggest that kids can learn to do chores with a smile on their face. But then they are happily amazed when they see it is possible. Keeping house (washing dishes, doing laundry, housecleaning, etc.) can teach them basic life skills everyone needs to know. And chores give children the opportunity to contribute to the household in a positive way. Watch your kids flourish when you guide them to contribute in meaningful ways to you and your family!

Tip #5 – Focus on what you like (instead of what you don’t like).

If children aren't being appreciated and aren't getting attention for what they do well—and when they behave well—you better believe they will learn to get attention for not behaving well!

The more you notice what you like about what they're doing, the more you will inspire your child to repeat their good behaviors and achievements.

Tip #6 – Give respect and respect it in return.

Don’t do anything to your child that you wouldn’t want your child to do to you. The list of things you don’t want to be doing includes yelling, hitting, spitting, making fun of people and putting others down. There are far better ways for you to handle conflict, stress and common misbehaviors. Commit to learning these “Ultimate Parenting” tools that are based on mutual respect.

Tip #7 – A family that plays together stays together!

Have fun—play with your kids! Laughing, tickling, and playing together is the foundation of a happy home. Having fun can go a long way in providing your family with much needed quality time and in preventing much of the needless conflict and behaviors that drive you crazy. Children who experience a regular dose of quality time with their parents do not need to act out to get their attention.

Tip #8 – Pick your fights wisely and fight honorably.

Kids need to feel in control of certain areas of their life. They also need boundaries. Create family rules but ensure that there is flexibility too. For instance a family rule might be that the common areas of the home need to be clean before bed, but the tidiness of the children’s room are left up to them (as you can always shut their bedroom door if the lack of order really bugs you). Fights are based upon two people with opposing views—sometimes a third way can be found that works for both you and your child. Look to find this alternate way. If there is no third way agreeable to both you and your child ensure you present your request in a firm but gentle manner. Remember to stay focused on the issue rather than trying to be right!

Tip #9 – Say what you are going to do and stick to it.

Most parents unknowingly teach their kids to not listen to them. If you consistently repeat yourself and then don’t follow through on what you've said, you are teaching your kids to ignore you (and especially to ignore you the first time you say you're going to do something). If you are not going to do what you say your are going to do—you are basically teaching your children that your word is muck and can’t be trusted. By following through on your word consistently you will begin to pave the road that leads to your children hearing you the first time.

Tip #10 – Find Your G-Spot!

In my book When You're About to Go Off The Deep End, Don't Take Your Kids With You , I talk about the importance of finding what I call your God-Spot. Whatever higher power you believe in, having faith that things will all work out in the end goes a long way to getting you through those “deep end” moments.

Face it. You are going to mess up some days! There will also be days when you just want to cry. So hang on to your faith. When the unexpected happens, it may be all you have to help you make it through.


Monday, February 6, 2012

Happiest Baby On The Block!

If you know a new mother, father, grandparent or someone that is expecting a bundle of joy in the near future, pass this great opportunity along, please. Certified Happy Baby Educator, and personal friend, Carolyn Kraft will be teaching a class based on the teachings of Dr. Harvey Karp's best selling book "The Happiest Baby on The Block". Learn how to calm even the fussiest of babies in minutes with just a few simple steps.

The class will be held at Growing Up Green, Wednesday February 22nd from 6-8pm. The cost is $20 per couple with a $10 materials fee (materials include a copy of the DVD "Happiest Baby on The Block" and a "Super Soothing Sleep Sounds" CD). For more information visit Growing Up Green at: http://growingupgreenyork.com/ and click on events.

Make sure you check out other classes and workshops held at the store, from knitting to yoga, you might find something fun for everyone!


Wednesday, February 1, 2012

William Goodridge

Can you identify this important figure in York County history?

This man, William Goodridge, played a monumental role in creating one of York County's finest moments, being a part of the Underground Railroad. Mr. Goodridge was born a slave in Maryland and was brought to York by his master to learn the art of tanning. He was promised freedom by age 21 but was unexpectedly freed at the age of 16. He then traveled to Marietta in Lancaster County to train as a barber, returning to York in the early 1820's to open his own barber shop in what is now known as Continental Square. Said to be a wise businessman, Mr. Goodridge was able to bridge the color barrier and become an influential member of York's business class, eventually owning over 20 commercial and residential properties in town.

What he did next made him one of the most prominent figures of his time, interested?

To learn more about William Goodridge visit: http://www.paquestforfreedom.com/william-goodridge and consider a visit to The William Goodridge Freedom House and Underground Railroad Museum located on 123 E. Philadelphia St. in York.

UPDATE: So it seems as though the House and Museum are undergoing a face-lift and are not ready for the public, just yet. To learn more Visit the York County Heritage Trust Museum and visit http://www.goodridgefreedomhouse.com/html/goodridge_family.html for further updates.