Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Artificial Flowers for an Outdoor Cemetery

Artificial Flowers for an Outdoor Cemetery

Leaving flowers at a loved one's grave is a public display of your continued love for the deceased, but harsh rain, falling temperatures and shifting seasons damage delicate blossoms. Many artificial silk flower manufacturers produce flowers with a special chemical coating to protect them from the outdoor conditions of a cemetery. Before choosing a selection, check with the cemetery about particular rules regarding artificial flower arrangements. Does this Spark an idea?

Bouquets

    Bouquets made from artificial flowers are one option for adorning a grave site with a colorful arrangement. Some gravestones even come with granite vases or holders for flowers built right into the headstone. Simple silk flowers are an inexpensive option for cemetery bouquets, but latex-dipped silk flowers are a more durable outdoor option if you plan on keeping a single arrangement at the site for several months at a time. Classic choices like red roses depict a romantic connection with the deceased; carnations are more appropriate for family members or friends. Another option is a series of seasonal arrangements; choose sunny silk daisies for the spring and orange silk tiger lilies surrounded by autumn leaves for the fall. Most cemeteries do not allow glass vases due to the risk of tipping and breaking; check with your local cemetery for specific rules regarding bouquet holders.

Wreaths

    Wreaths are a traditional option for decorating a headstone. Some cemeteries or nonprofit organizations provide wreaths to veterans on holidays like Memorial Day, but a wreath can be suitable-year round. Artificial wreaths can be made from silk flowers or from plastic flowers and foliage. Plastic flowers tend to appear too waxy to be realistic, but the texture of plastic foliage is well-matched to the naturally waxy surface of many vines and ivy. Add color to an artificial wreath with additional silk or plastic flowers. If the deceased had a favorite flower, add a few silk versions around the wreath for a personal touch. Chrysanthemums blend well into most wreaths; sprigs of artificial berries like holly are a warm and subtle addition.

Potted Plants

    Many cemeteries ban real potted plants from inclusion at headstones because of their tendency to spill and leave soil along walkways or other grave sites; fake potted plants that do not use soil and feature weighted bottoms to prevent tipping are an alternative for decorating a grave with flowers. If you opt for a foliage plant like an artificial palm or eucalyptus, consider plastic plants, whose naturally shiny surface is well-matched by a plastic finish. For potted flower arrangements of carnations, marigolds or tulips, silk or latex-dipped silk are better choices in terms of their realistic color, shape and texture. To personalize the arrangement, wrap the pot in ribbon or decorate it with colorful beads displaying a loving memorial message to the deceased.

Mexican Adult Party Games

Playing Mexican games at your next adult party will add an exciting dimension to the event. Buy small prizes to give to the winners and announce the rewards before the games begin. Start your games when everyone has arrived and allow your guests to interact through competition. These games are excellent icebreakers for adults at any Mexican-themed event.

Cactus Ring Toss

    Set this game up at the bar area for carnival-style fun. You will need an inflatable or tissue paper cactus centerpiece and rings large enough to fit over the branches. Set up a table where partygoers will line up for drinks and set three rings on it. Place your cactus on top of another table or on the cooler at least 3 feet behind the drink table.

    Instruct players to toss all three rings and try to get them to stay on the cactus. Any player who is able to keep at least two rings on the cactus will get their choice of drink and a shot of tequila. Players who get only one ring on are given the cheapest beer in the cooler. Players who can't keep any rings on the cactus are sent to the back of the line to sober up.

Adult Pinata

    A pinata filled with adult-themed items instead of candy will provide a fun game for adults at a Mexican party. Buy or make a papier-mache pinata and have it filled and strung up out of reach before your guests arrive. Fill the pinata with small bottles of tequila, breath mints, condoms, cash and gift cards. Try to keep the contents of the pinata a secret so that your players are surprised.

    Lower the pinata to striking distance and blindfold your first contestant. Spin this person three times, then hand them a broom handle or baseball bat and face them toward the pinata. As each player swings at the pinata pull on the rope to lift and lower it. This will give everyone a laugh and lessen the power of the blows to make your game last longer.

Mexican Roller Coaster

    For this game, you will need to play outside where you have as much open space as possible. A game requires at least four players. One player is chosen as the lead end of the coaster and they will direct the speed and turns of the rest of the group. All other players will form a line behind the leader, alternating facing forward and backward. Players hold the wrist of the person in front of them with one hand and the wrist of the person behind them with the other.

    When everyone is ready, the leader must take off as fast as they can while pulling the coaster of people behind them. As "riders" fall off the coaster, it will get shorter until only a player or two are left behind the leader. Reset for a new game by making the first person who fell off the new lead coaster and the last game's leader will be the new end.

Family Car Stickers 3.5 inches tall Vinyl Auto Decal, Stroller Baby


Features
  • Weather proof
  • 100% outdoor rated for long lasting life
  • Easy to remove vinyl
  • Comes with easy installation instructions
  • Made in the U.S.

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    Product Description
    Product DescriptionFamily stickers are made from 100% outdoor-rated, easy-to-remove vinyl so they won't wear and tear and will last for many years. Every sticker comes with installation instructions. 4.75" tall.


    Tuesday, July 30, 2013

    NFL Dallas Cowboys Large Family Decal Set


    Features
    • Officially licensed NFL product
    • Outdoor rated
    • Repositionable
    • 25 individual characters
    • Great for car or home

    Special Offer: check this out!

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      Product Description
      Show off your team pride with our Dallas Cowboys family automotive decals. The set includes 25 individual family themed decals that each feature the team logo. The 11" x 11" decal set is made of outdoor rated, repositionable vinyl for durability and easy application.


      List of Activities for a Family Reunion

      List of Activities for a Family Reunion

      Family reunions give people who haven't seen each other in a long time the chance to get together, reminisce, play games and enjoy each other's company. For some families, reunions are an annual or bi-annual event, but for other families, a reunion may only take place once or twice before the passing away of family elders. If you're planning a family reunion, there are several fun activities that can make your event memorable.

      Talent Show

        A popular activity at a family reunion is to put on a talent show and select different performance categories such as dance, song and comedy. Choose the members of the family that will compete against each other and select a panel of judges (maybe older members who don't want to participate). The judges are free to comment however they want, the funnier and snappier the better. Have them score each performance on a scale between 1 and 10, and tally the results to determine a winner for each category.

      Outdoor Games

        Family reunions provide a great chance for activities that take place outdoors. You can organize a tug-of-war and divide the sides between old and young or male versus female, whatever sounds the most fun. You can also play the time-honored softball game that takes six hours to play because of all the trash-talking and slow-of-foot players involved. Sack races can also be a lot of fun, especially if you divide your family into competing teams in a relay. You can even play volleyball in the backyard even without a net if you have some rope to stretch between two trees or posts.

      Family History

        Sharing family ancestry can be a nice way for the younger members of your family to bond with the elders of your family. You can have the elders bring old pictures of their youth, or pictures that show them in the clothing style of their time, which is likely to be considered old-fashioned today. You can mount all the photos on easels and label them, or have family members guess the identity of the person featured in the picture. You can also create a giant scrapbook that acts as a kind of chronological history of your family, using pictures and old letters and whatever items family members have in their possession. You can start from the oldest family member all the way to the youngest, allowing your family to experience its own rich history.

      Food

        Many families love to boast about the cooking prowess of their households. Reunions give everyone the chance to back up their words. Choose representatives from each side of your family and have them cook their favorite dessert. Have the youngest members of the family act as judges to sample the desserts and choose their favorite. Make sure they don't know who prepared each dessert, though the dessert itself might give that secret away. You can also have the best cooks in your extended family write down their best recipes, bind them in a book and give it to each family member as a keepsake.

      Monday, July 29, 2013

      NFL Dallas Cowboys Small Family Decal Set


      Features
      • Officially licensed NFL product
      • Outdoor rated
      • Repositionable
      • 6 individual characters
      • Great for car or home

      Special Offer: check this out!

      Related Products

        Product Description
        Show off your team pride with our Dallas Cowboys family automotive decals. The set includes 6 individual family themed decals that each feature the team logo. The 5" x 7" decal set is made of outdoor rated, repositionable vinyl for durability and easy application.


        New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter Replacement Cartridge


        Features
        • Replacement filter for New Wave's water filter system produces continuous supply of fresh, crisp, wonderful-tasting water from the tap
        • Removes major contaminants to below EPA minimum levels
        • Easily replaced filter produces approximately 1,500 gallons of water before it needs replacing, or enough to last one year for a family of four
        • Once water has been filtered, inert and desirable minerals like magnesium, potassium, chlorides, and fluoride are left behind
        • Includes 30-day money-back guarantee and limited one-year manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship

        Special Offer: check this out!

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          This replacement cartridge for the New Wave Enviro 10-stage Premium Water Filter System produces a continuous supply of fresh, crisp, wonderful-tasting water right from your tap, removing major contaminants to below EPA minimum levels. The easily replaced filter produces approximately 1,500 gallons of water before it needs replacing -- enough to last a family of four for around a year.

          The filter removes or greatly reduces chlorine, carcinogenic organic and chlorine compounds called trihalomethanes (THM), bad odors such as hydrogen sulfide, pesticides, herbicides, PCBs, toxic heavy metals like lead, cadmium, organic arsenic, asbestos, micro-organisms such as cryptosporidium and giardia, and dozens of other organic contaminants. Once your water has been filtered, inert and desirable minerals like magnesium, potassium, chlorides, and fluoride are left behind.

          Guarantee and Warranty
          New Wave Enviro products include a 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee, as well as a limited one-year manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

          About New Wave Enviro
          New Wave Enviro was established in 1994 with a focus on providing pure, on-demand water at a reasonable price. The company manufactures and distributes products, which produce quality, inexpensive purified water from your own tap. In addition to filtration systems, New Wave Enviro additionally manufacture a complete line of reusable stainless steel, Eastar resin, and corn resin water bottles, ranging in size from eight ounces to five gallons.


          Sunday, July 28, 2013

          Family Picture Outfit Ideas

          Family Picture Outfit Ideas

          You'll want the whole family to look its best for the family portrait, but when it comes time to choosing family picture outfits, you're torn. If you go with a matching look, you run the risk of looking odd, but if everyone wears what they want, you lose the cohesive factor so important in family portraits. A few picture ideas for families can help to guarantee that you will be proud of the final product.

          Watch What You Match

            Coordinating outfits for family pictures can be basic, but keep your setting in mind too.

            There's a certain charm in the family that dresses alike, at least for pictures. But we're not talking making everyone wear matching white shirts, high-rise khaki shorts and black socks. Think of an outfit that makes you feel comfortable -- something you might wear to a casual barbecue or day at the museum -- and then modify for your picture-taking needs. Avoid bold patterns for family portraits, stick with subdued colors, pastel or earth tones. Jeans are always a good option, and for shirts or blouses, the more you cover up the better -- stick with the long-sleeved look. It only adds to the uniformity. And always dress for full-length shots, which means socks and shoes that also match others in your family, at least in color.

            Best bets: For beach or outdoor garden shots, try long-sleeve shirts and jeans. If you go with white shirts and jeans, they may blend in with the white sand and blue sea for beach shots, whereas for garden shots they provide a nice contrast.

          Don't Rule Out Formal

            Think back to family portraits of your parents, or grandparents to gain ideas for family picture outfits. Men are generally wearing a suit, while women are dressed formally. That's not a bad idea to follow today, particularly for indoor portrait shots against a white, black or colored background. This approach might help placate mom and the girls, giving them a chance to get dressed up, while even the most unruly boys can look cultured and refined in a suit and tie. And if your little ones don't have suits, don't fret -- all the big discount chains carry sport coats and slacks.

            Best bets: Try black jackets and slacks and white shirts for the guys and any color dress for the ladies. You'll swear you've just stepped from the pages of a fashion magazine.

          Push the Boundaries

            If you are absolutely against wearing matching outfits, then at least coordinate styles. Don't have Dad wear a dress shirt while Junior has on a "No Fear" T-shirt; don't have Mom wear a formal gown while Sis has on a halter top and shorts. Coordinating colors is also critical -- if you're not all going to wear the same colors, at least wear colors from the same family. When selecting family photo outfits, avoid bold colors and patterns, particularly polka dots. They are instant eye-grabbers and will divert attention away from family members clad in more subtle attire, especially if your pictures are taken in portrait studios where the background may be plain.

          Some General Tips

            As you consider different portrait ideas, there are a few things everyone must remember. Dress appropriate to your ages. Granny might not look as good in a mini as the girls do, so see if there's some middle ground for everyone. Avoid trendy fashions; there's nothing like seeing yourself in a powder blue leisure suit from the Christmas of 1979 photo shoot, or Member's Only jacket from Christmas 1989, to make yourself feel old. Avoid showing too much skin; you want the focus to be on your faces, and too much bare skin tends to compete. And by all means keep in mind your own personal grooming needs prior to a photo shoot; most men's haircuts, for example, require at least a week to "take," so don't get a haircut the day before your shoot and then wonder why the hair on the left side of your head keeps standing up. Ladies, the same goes for you -- with an added admonition to not wear too much jewelry or makeup, both of which can lead to glare.

          Polar FT60 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Purple)


          Features
          • Women's wrist unit heart rate monitor tells you exactly how much, and how intensively, to train
          • Device creates a training program based on personal goals and sets new weekly training targets, while giving feedback on effect of your training
          • Smart Coaching System includes Fitness Test, OwnZone, OwnCal, Star Training Program, and Training Load
          • Comes with Polar FT60 training computer, WearLink+ transmitter, and Getting Started Guide
          • Includes limited two-year manufacturer's warranty

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            For serious female fitness enthusiasts who like to track their training progress in detail, the FT60 wrist unit heart rate monitor tells exactly how much, and how intensively, to train. The device creates a training program based on your personal goals and sets new weekly training targets, while giving feedback on the effect of your training. A convenient, web-based Polar Fitness test measures your aerobic fitness at rest and shows progress.



            The web-based Training Load feature shows your daily cumulative training load, and advises when rest days are needed, and when to train harder.

            What's in the box?
            Polar FT60 training computer Polar WearLink+ transmitter FT60 Getting Started Guide

            Smart Coaching Features
            Fitness Test: If youre looking to improve your fitness and want to keep up to date with how well youre doing, the smart Fitness Test tells you what you need to know in minutes. By regularly comparing test results, you can track progress and see how your fitness is improving. OwnZone: Knowing the right intensity to improve your fitness can be a challenge. OwnZone adjusts your heart rate training zone to match your bodys current physiological condition. By using OwnZone, you can be sure youre training at an intensity that improves your aerobic fitness. OwnCal: OwnCal is one of the most accurate calorie counters on the market. It calculates the number of calories expended during a training session based on your weight, height, age, gender, individual maximum heart rate (HRmax), and how hard youre training. Star Training Program: STAR Training Program shows you how hard and how much you need to train to reach long-term goals. Its designed to keep you motivated by using a personal guidance program, located right on your wrist. Training Load: The web-based Training Load helps you strike a balance between rest and training, showing your daily cumulative training load, and advising when rest days are needed and when its best to train harder in order to maintai performance improvement.

            Overall Features
            Body Measurement
            Automatic age-based target zone Average and maximum heart rate of training Heart rate as BPM or percentage of max HR-based target zones with visual and audible alarm HRmax (age-based or user-set) Manual target zone as BPM or percentage of max Data transfer
            Compatible with Intel-based Mac, PC, and polarpersonaltrainer.com G1 GPS sensor
            Training and total distance Current, average, and maximum speed and pace Web-based functions
            Training analysis Training diary Training load Training programs Recording
            Totals 100 training files with summaries Weekly history S1 Footpod
            Training and total distance


            Saturday, July 27, 2013

            Field Day Games for Young Kids

            Field Day Games for Young Kids

            Before playing field day games, make sure your children know their boundaries in the area. Tell them where they are allowed to go, and what lines not to cross. Field day games can be a fun way for children to get to know each other, or learn how to work as a team. There are many field day games that young kids enjoy, such as relay races or hide and seek

            Bees and Bears

              Move one child away from the group and have her cover her eyes. This child is called the bear. Hide an unopened jar of honey somewhere in the area. Allow the other children, the bees, to see where you hide it. The bear will look for the honey; the bees make soft buzzing noises, getting louder as the bear gets closer to the honey.

            Treasure Hunt

              Divide the children into two teams. At the starting point, give each team a card with a picture of where the next clue is located. Provide different clues for both teams, except for the last clue. The team that reaches the location first wins. If you have a large number of children, divide them into three or more teams.

            Balloon Relay

              Divide the children into teams. Line the children up from the starting point to the finish line. Each team gets a balloon. The first child passes the balloon to the next child by hitting it into the air with their hands. The last child should be standing on the finish line. The children are allowed to move around to get the balloon, but can only hit it one time each.

            Crazy Clothes Relay

              In this relay race, the children line up in teams across several posts. Blow your whistle. The first child puts on a few clothing items, such as an over-size t-shirt, a clown nose and a wig. The child runs to the post, takes off their crazy clothes and the child waiting at the post puts them on and runs to the next child waiting. The team that has all of the children get the clothes on and the last child crosses the finish line wins.

            Poison Tag

              This game begins with one child being "It". The other children cross their arms over their chest while running from this child. When this child tags the other children, they are to place one hand on the exact spot where they were tagged, and with the remaining free hand, they tag other children. Eventually, the children are laughing because everyone is running around with their hands in weird places. The last person tagged becomes "It" in the next round.

            How to Draw a Family Tree When There Is a Divorce

            How to Draw a Family Tree When There Is a Divorce

            Historically, family trees have been used more as tools to track lineage than to track relationships by marriage. Therefore, many family trees, particularly older ones, may not have any special indicators that two parents of a child were divorced or were even officially married in the first place. Newer family trees may have these indicators, though, and family-tree-making software titles often have built-in tools for indicating marriage and divorce details.

            Instructions

              1

              Create symbols for the married couple. Women are traditionally represented with circles or ovals and men are traditionally represented with squares, rectangles or triangles. Draw these symbols next to each other and write the corresponding name, birth date and, if applicable, death date under each symbol.

              2

              Draw a horizontal line between the two symbols. This connecting line can mean that the two are married, but not necessarily; an identical line is also used when any two unmarried people have one or more children together. If a vertical line is extended downward from the middle of this connecting line, it indicates that these two people did have children together, but does not tell you if they were married or not. If a horizontal line connects two people and no vertical line extends downward from the middle of the line, it does mean that they were married.

              3

              Draw two slash marks on the horizontal line connecting the two members of the divorced couple. If there is a vertical line extending downward from this line, indicating shared children, one slash mark should appear on each side of the vertical line.

              4

              Indicate spouses from remarriage by extending another line horizontally from the remarried person and symbolize the new spouse with the appropriate shape and identifying information. For example, if Bob and Mary Smith were married and then divorced, they would be connected by a horizontal line with two slashes. If Mary then remarried John Jones, you would draw a horizontal line from the open side of Mary's symbol and connect it to John's symbol with a solid line.

            A Survival Gear List Includes an Accurate Tire Pressure Gauge, Emergency Escape Tools, and Emergency Car Kits with Escape Hammer, Seat Belt Cutter, and Rescue Tools. Keep the Family Safe with This Multitool Disaster Kit and Hand-held Survival Pack


            Features
            • Tire Pressure Gauge; 150 psi, 4 Modes: PSI, BAR, KPA; KG/CM Accuracy +/- 1 PSI
            • Escape Hammer to Break Windows in Cars and Trucks; Seat Belt Cutter for Fast Escapes
            • Blue Backlight on Readout, LED Flashlight, Red LED Light to See Tire Valve in the Dark
            • Light-Duty Multitools for Hard-to-Reach & Small Places - Screwdrivers, Scissors, and Pliers
            • Packaged in Colorful Box (Great for Gifts!) Powered by 5 Long-Lasting Flat LR44 Batteries (Included)

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              Product Description

              Rest assured knowing your loved ones have the survival gear and rescue tools they need in an emergency situations

              - Auto Accidents, Drunk Drivers
              - Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Earthquakes
              - Flooded Creeks & Crossings
              - EMPs, Terrorism, etc.

              An Ounce of Prevention... Tires are the only thing between your car and the road. The tire pressure gauge on this LifeTool is CRITICAL to preventing accidents, saving fuel, preventing wear and tear on your tires, and stabilizing your vehicle in all kinds of conditions giving you optimum performance and control. Extremely easy to read blue backlight. Red LED light locate tire valve in the dark.

              Awesome Gift... Fathers day, birthday, holiday...Dads LOVE gadgets. Parents - Gift to your kids!

              Emergency Car Kit tools... How grateful can we feel to find this rescue tool in our emergency car kit or better still in our glove box? An escape hammer tool, seat belt cutter tool, bright flashlight, scissors, small pliers for small places, and screwdrivers all in a stainless steel case - guaranteed to never rust!

              BONUS - Check back of Box for Free TravelMate App for Android by DTC LifeTools (iPhone/iPad Version Coming Soon)

              - Travel Videos - Exciting Destinations & "How to" Maintain Your Car
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              DTC Guarantee...If for any reason this product is not what you hoped for, simply return it for a refund. Guaranteed to function at 100% for up to 5 years or DTC LifeTools will replace it.

              Do it Now... Click the button at the top of this page... Don't put this off!


              Friday, July 26, 2013

              Ocean Play Center 100" X 77" X 31"


              Features
              • Two pools in one: small pool and larger wading pool
              • Includes water slide and inflatable palm tree
              • Includes control valve to adjust water flow, drain plugs in both pools
              • Repair Patch included
              • Hours of fun for the whole family

              Special Offer: check this out!

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                Product Description
                Ocean Play Center 100" X 77" X 31"


                Ohio State Buckeyes Small Family Car Decal Sheet


                Features
                • Includes 6 decals
                • Features the team logo and colors
                • Repositionable vinyl
                • Durable
                • Easy application

                Special Offer: check this out!

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                  Product Description
                  Show off your team pride with these officially licensed Minnesota Vikings family automotive decals. The set includes 6 individual family themed decals featuring the team logo and colors. The 5 inches by 7 inches decal set is made of outdoor rated, repositionable vinyl for durability and easy application.


                  Family Field Day Games for Kindergarten Kids

                  Family Field Day Games for Kindergarten Kids

                  Family field day is a day for celebrating and rewarding children for all their hard work during the school year. Kindergarten students have just as much reason to celebrate as do older students, and what better way than with exciting games and activities like tug of war, a three-legged race and a sack race? Many of the activities involve pairing a child with an adult, so be sure to have plenty of volunteers on hand for the children whose parents or other family members could not attend the field day event.

                  Three-Legged Race

                    In the three-legged race, a kindergartner and her parent, or an adult volunteer, will form a team. Using rope and bandannas or fabric strips, the child and the parent tie their two closest legs together to create a team with three legs. Teams race each other to the finish line, trying not to fall down in the process. If a team falls down, they have to return to the starting line and try again. The first team to cross the finish line is the winner.

                  Tug of War

                    In tug of war, a length of rope is pulled from both sides by pairs of kindergarten students and a parent. Two equidistant lines are spray painted or marked with chalk on the grass, and the center of the rope is placed in the middle of the lines. The rope will have knots tied on each end to ensure a good grip, and a flag or bandanna is tied in the exact middle of the rope for reference purposes. Each team tries to pull the middle of the rope onto their side of the line. The team that succeeds first is the winner.

                  Sack Race

                    Burlap sacks are commonly used for sack races.
                    Burlap sacks are commonly used for sack races.

                    A sack race consists of a person wearing a large sack and hopping from the starting line to the finish line. Wearing the sack refers to the person having both feet inside the sack and the sack pulled up to the waist. There are several variations to the sack race, which can be tailored to a kindergarten field day event. A parent and child team can both fit in the sack together and hop as a team, a parent and child can form a team and hop side by side in individual sacks toward the finish line or the sack race can be completed as a relay. In either case, the team to cross the finish line first is declared the winner.

                  How to Grow a Greenhouse Vegetable Garden

                  The advantage of a greenhouse vegetable garden is that you don't have to rely on the natural season of your area to grow a beautiful harvest. With a greenhouse you control the water, timing, humidity and the temperature. The only limitation with a greenhouse is the amount of space you have, however with a few sets of shelves, suddenly the garden can multiply beyond the dimensions of the ground the greenhouse sits on and provide ample space for all the vegetables you wish to grow. Does this Spark an idea?

                  Instructions

                    1

                    Make a list to plan which vegetables you want to grow or feel you can grow in your greenhouse. Keep the size of your family and the foods they will consume in mind when choosing your vegetables. A bounty of beans won't be worth the effort and space if no one in the family will eat them.

                    2

                    Arrange the plants in your greenhouse with consideration of how tall different plants will get. Tomato plants will need to sit on the floor while lettuce and spinach can be grown on a higher shelf. Unlike the limitless sky, greenhouses have ceilings and should be considered when arranging the plants.

                    3

                    Care for your plants regularly. Consistent watering will keep your plants producing nicely. Don't over water, but also, don't allow your plants to dry out either. In a greenhouse, your plants depend on you and you alone since no rain water will reach them.

                    4

                    Check for disease, fungus and destructive insects on a regular basis. A simple walk through the greenhouse daily can prevent the spread of mass infections and infestations. Any plants that start to show signs of infection may need to be separated from the greenhouse and possibly destroyed.

                    5

                    Harvest your vegetables when they are ready. Some plants, such as beans, tomatoes, peppers and spinach can be continually picked throughout the season while others, like onions and carrots are picked once and then finished. Without the concern of frost, the greenhouse will allow those constant producers a longer season.

                  Fitbit One Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker, Black


                  Features
                  • Tracks steps, distance, calories burned and stairs climbed
                  • Monitor how long and how well you sleep
                  • Wakes you (and not your partner) with a silent alarm
                  • Syncs automatically to your computer or select smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth 4.0
                  • Set goals, view progress and earn badges

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                    Fitness means being active, sleeping well, and eating smarter - and Fitbit One helps you do all three. During the day, it tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, and stairs climbed. Come nightfall, it measures your sleep cycle to help you see how to sleep better, and it can even wake you in the morning without waking your partner. Your stats upload wirelessly via computer, or select mobile devices (like the iPhone 4S). Powered by your stats, you can set goals, and track progress with charts and graphs. Stay motivated by earning badges or connecting with friends for support or friendly competitions. Log food, work-outs and more. Bring greater fitness into your life - seamlessly, socially, 24 hours a day.

                    Fitbit One Wireless Activity + Sleep Tracker
                    Fitbit One Wireless Activity + Sleep Tracker Product Shot

                    Debuting in black or burgundy, Fitbit One is suitably discreet.

                    At a Glance:Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and stairs climbedMonitor how long and how well you sleepWakes you (and not your partner) with a silent alarm Syncs automatically to your computer or select mobile devices via Bluetooth 4.0/Bluetooth SmartSet goals, view progress with charts and graphs, and earn badgesShare and compete with friends throughout the dayFree iPhone and Android AppsSmall and discreet - wear in pocket, on belt or braLog food, weight and more on Fitbit's website or appsSweat-, rain-, and splash proofRechargeable battery
                    A lot of power, a little device
                    A lot of power, a little device

                    Monitor your day with the Fitbit One - this tracker aims to empower and encourage you by delivering real-time feedback that helps you be more active. Why not take the stairs instead of the elevator? Or go for a quick walk after lunch? Those steps will add up fast. One tracks steps taken, stairs climbed, distance travelled, calories burned, hours slept and quality of sleep. Powered by Fitbit's leading-edge accelerometer and altimeter, the One accurately captures all-day activity that old-school pedometers can't handle. It bases calculations like calories burned on your personal profile - reflecting your stats.


                    Syncs your stats for you
                    Syncs your stats for you

                    Fitbit One automatically syncs your data to PCs, Macs, iPhone 4S, and the 3rd generation iPad. All you need to do is sign up for your free account on Fitbit.com and register your device (which you can also do via select Bluetooth 4.0/Bluetooth Smart smartphones). After that, your stats will sync automatically, giving you real-time access to all that outstanding data on your Fitbit dashboard.


                    Share and compete with friends
                    Share and compete with friends

                    Challenge and compete with friends and family on Fitbit.com. In addition to rooting for one another, you can compare stats and see how your progress stacks up.


                    Log activities, means and more
                    Log activities, meals & more

                    Log your food, water, workouts, weight, and more using Fitbit's online tools. If you're on the move, use the mobile app to do the same. Our expansive database covers food and activities, which makes logging your info quick and easy. Create a Food Plan to eat smarter. Log an infinite number of activities, from walking the dog to swimming laps. Before you know it, you'll have a complete picture of your progress.


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                    NFL Chicago Bears Large Family Decal Set


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                      Product Description
                      Show off your team pride with our Chicago Bears family automotive decals. The set includes 25 individual family themed decals that each feature the team logo. The 11" x 11" decal set is made of outdoor rated, repositionable vinyl for durability and easy application.


                      African American Family Reunion Ideas

                      African American Family Reunion Ideas

                      For African American families, reunions are huge celebrations meant to reconnect family ties. For most African Americans families, the family reunion is more than a backyard cookout or get-together. This is an event that must be planned far ahead of the actual date. This occasion calls for preparations that include detailed activities and a scheduled agenda for an event that can last an entire weekend.

                      The Invitation

                        Unlike the informal gatherings of summertime cookouts, reunions involve planning from start to finish. For this event, the host can use stationary and postcards with a reunion theme to make the announcement. You can also create your own handmade invitation that personalizes the announcement, adding a special touch for the family reunion. The invitation must include an RSVP so that you can plan for activities, food and accommodations.

                      Choosing the Location

                        African American family reunions have traditionally been held in parks or outdoor pavilions; however, today's family reunions can be held in convention centers, halls and theme parks. You can even have a family reunion on a cruise ship. Some families may consider going on a safari, taking the family back to their African roots. For these styles of family reunions, the celebration will last longer than a weekend. Remember to accommodate both adults and children when putting together an African American family reunion.

                      The Activities

                        When your family reunion is not on a cruise ship or at a theme park, you will need some activities to keep everyone entertained. You can entertain the crowd with a style show or a talent show. Get the relatives involved, showing off African fashions for both adults and children. Kids who love showing off their talents to adults can sing, dance or play an instrument. You could also set up tables for card games; bingo, Scrabble, Jenga, Connect Four, dominoes or checkers are all games that allow families to connect and play together. Hand out prizes for the game winners.

                      Gifts and Sunday Brunch

                        A family reunion is not complete without door prizes and giveaways. Consider giving away family cookbooks with recipes handed down from generations, or distribute photo albums of family history. You can also create a huge family tree using pictures of those who attend the reunion. Since the reunion is usually a three-day event, you can wind up the festivities with a Sunday gospel brunch. African American reunions are about family, faith, love and heritage, and a reunion is not complete without some kind of Sunday worship, even if its just brunch with gospel music playing in the background.

                      "Fear Factor" Kids Games


                      "Fear Factor" is a reality television show where contestants test their physical and mental skills in gross and terrifying challenges. When planning a "Fear Factor" theme party for your child, be sure to plan several different game challenges for the party guests to test their abilities. All you need is your imagination, a few supplies and kids fascinated with disgust to get started. Play these games at an outdoor party, as they can get messy.

                      Fly Challenge

                        Place five raisins on each of several paper plates and cover the "flies" on each plate with whipped cream. Have all the kids stand around a table and place one plate in front of each child. Explain to the party guests they are about to eat "flies" and the first one to eat them all wins the game. When you say, "Go," the kids must eat through the whipped cream, eat the flies and open his mouth to show you he ate them all. The first child to complete this challenge wins the game.

                      Endurance Test

                        Have the kids practice standing on one leg for about 2 minutes. Tell them to get in a ready position and when you say, "Go," they must stand on one leg for as long as possible. The person who accomplishes this the longest without touching his hands or other foot to the ground at any time --- wins the game.

                      Bug and Spider Race

                        Purchase several packages of plastic bugs and spiders. Cook 6 lbs. of linguine pasta and add food coloring to give the noodles an unusual, creepy color. Fill two large bowls with the pasta and place several of the bugs and spiders into them. Divide the players into two teams and have them line up. The first two players from each team must put on a shower cap and goggles. When you say, "Race," the two players have 1 minute to use only their mouths to try to find the creepy crawlers. They must pull the bugs out, using only their teeth and place them on the table beside the bowl. The player who finds the most bugs earns a point for his team. The team with the most points at the end of the game --- wins.

                      Find the Master Key

                        Purchase a padlock and place it around a chair or tree. Hide the master key as well as several other keys around the party area. To make the game messy, squirt piles of ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard in the yard. Hide some of the keys in the piles of condiments. When you say, "Find a key," the children must run around searching for keys. When they find a key, they must bring it to the padlock and try it, to see if it's the master key. The player who finds the master key and opens the padlock wins a small prize.

                      Thursday, July 25, 2013

                      Spring Kids Games

                      Spring Kids Games

                      Leap into the spring with exciting games for kids. Whether you are planning a birthday party or looking for games to enjoy with your children, use your imagination to pique children's interests by creating spring games they can play indoors and outdoors. A few supplies and some rowdy children are all you need to get started.

                      Toss the Frogs

                        Take a plastic swimming pool and use a permanent green marker to draw lily pads on the bottom of the pool. Fill the pool with water. Have the kids each decorate a stone to resemble a frog using wiggly eyes and markers. Tell the children to write their name on the stones. Mark a standing line about 10 feet from the swimming pool and have the children line up at the line. Each kid tosses his frog stone from the line into the pool trying to land his stone on a lily pad. Award a prize to each child who lands his stone on a lily pad.

                      Caterpillar and Bug Tag

                        Select one kid to be the caterpillar and all the other children are the bugs. When you say, "Go," the caterpillar chases the bugs and tries to tag each one of them. Once the caterpillar tags a bug, she must attach herself to the caterpillar to try to catch all the other bugs. End the game after 10 minutes or when all the bugs are attached to the caterpillar.

                      Pin the Bee on the Flower

                        Draw a sunflower on a large poster board and draw a dotted line to show where the bee belongs on the sunflower. Print or draw several bees and write each child's name on a bee. Put double-sided tape on the back of each bee. Blindfold each child and spin him four times. Tell him to try to pin the bumblebee as close as he can to the correct spot on the sunflower. The child who pins the bee closest to the correct spot wins the game.

                      Easter Egg Toss

                        Use markers to draw an Easter basket on a large piece of poster board. Tape the poster to cardboard. Cut a large hole below the handle of the basket so the opening is through the inside of the basket. Put the board on two wood stakes and hammer into the ground. Mark a standing line 5 feet to 20 feet from the basket, depending on the age of the children. Give each child 10 plastic eggs to try to toss through the Easter egg basket. Award small prizes, such as Easter-themed candy and toys to all children who get at least one egg in the basket.

                      InStep Quick N EZ Double Bicycle Trailer


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                        The entire trailer packs down to a remarkably compact size, allowing for easy transport. Take your kids along on the next bike ride while keeping them safe, dry, and comfortable in the InStep Quick N EZ trailer. An outstanding value for family-minded recreational cyclists, it boasts a simple design that folds down for easy storage and transportation. 16-inch pneumatic tires with molded rims provide performance and style in spades, and the two-in-one canopy has a bug screen and weather shield to keep your precious cargo protected.

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                        Old-Fashioned Kids Games

                        Old-Fashioned Kids Games

                        There are a lot of reasons to encourage your child to play more old-fashioned style games. For one, they're usually cheaper, as at the time of their creation the children that made them didn't have expensive mass-produced toys. But even aside from that, psychologist Elena Bodrova says that the loss of the use of imagination in our children's play time has affected their cognitive skills.

                        Tag

                          This is the most obvious game to go on the list, and it is first because kids still play it today. What makes this game so good is how simple and basic the rules are. One player is "it" and must catch another player. That player is then "it," and the game continues. Variations include freeze tag, and it has been incorporated into variants of other games such as hide and seek.

                        Skipping Songs

                          Girls often sing skipping songs by themselves or with friends.
                          Girls often sing skipping songs by themselves or with friends.

                          Skipping songs are songs that children (usually girls) sing while skipping rope. Some of them were simply songs that did not involve participation, but some songs had rules. One example is a song in which the months of the year are called out, and players much jump out of the skipping line when their birth month is called. Another is the Cinderella song:

                          "Cinderella dressed in yella,

                          Went upstairs to see her fella,

                          Made a mistake and kissed a snake,

                          How many doctors did it take?"

                          The players then count for as long as they manage to skip.

                        Hopscotch

                          This game has different rules depending on the variations being played. One common style of play is drawing a 10-square hopscotch board. Then throw a token, such as a rock, onto the board. Skip across, and then skip back, this time grabbing the rock. Scoring differs almost as much as style of play, but common rules are to add up the numbers of the squares the rock lands on or to simply call the player a winner if his token lands on the number 10.

                        Capture the Flag

                          This game is now commonly found in airsoft and paintball arenas as well as video games. The rules are fairly simple. There are two teams, and each team has its own flag (which might not be an actual flag). The goal is to get the other team's flag and return it to your team's base. There are additional rules depending on how complex a game the players are willing to play. These extra rules might include the ability to capture players or simply tag them out of the game.

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2013

                        Free Games for Kids Age 5 & Older

                        Free Games for Kids Age 5 & Older

                        Games allow children to learn, interact, express their creativity and grow. Finding free games to stimulate your child's learning is not a difficult task. There are activities on the Internet, in books and in the community that will entertain and educate your child free of charge. Be sure to keep your child's safety, interests and needs in mind when finding free games for him to play.

                        Online Learning Games

                          Online games can stimulate children's learning and creativity. Selecting official websites with learning games for kids will give them safe and structured online play. The PBS Kids website features games divided by topics that include science, music, problem solving, healthy eating and the environment. Nickelodeon's website has over 200 puzzle games that feature characters from the television station's programs. Disney's website has several skill games themed around the company's movies and television programs like "Toy Story" and "Phineas and Ferb." Browse these and other websites to see which online learning activities would be best for your child.

                        Online Safety

                          Thoroughly check out every games website you let your child visit. Make sure that your anti-virus software does not detect any threats to your computer from the websites. Also make sure that other people cannot contact or chat with your child as she plays learning games online. Predators pose a real threat to children on the Internet, so your vigilance in selecting online games will protect your child from exposure and harm.

                        Books on Game Ideas

                          Numerous books have been written on games for kids. One book, "Great Big Book of Children's Games: Over 450 Indoor & Outdoor Games for Kids" by Debra Wise, has ideas and instructions for several different kinds of kids' games. These games include card games, word games, party games, sidewalk games and more. This book caters to different age levels, number of players and occasions. Jane Drake and Ann Love's "The Kids Summer Games Book" features more than 150 different games and activity ideas for entertaining children in the summertime. "365 Smart Afterschool Activities" by Ellison Gray features games as well as crafts, movement and dance, writing, hobbies and nature. Visit your library to find these and other books on games for children.

                        Organized Activities

                          Libraries, recreation centers and schools often offer free after-school programs. They also may offer facilitated play times. Children enrolled in these programs have access to board games, physical education games and other types of structured play. These programs let children interact with their peers while having fun and participating in learning activities. Check to see if there are any programs available in your area.

                        How to Plan a Family Reunion

                        How to Plan a Family Reunion

                        Organize a memorable family reunion to renew lost contacts, introduce new ones and celebrate your heritage. Does this Spark an idea?

                        Instructions

                          1

                          Make a list of family members, including spouses, partners and children. Get contact information for all the people on your list.

                          2

                          Choose a date when most people can attend. Summer months are often ideal, since children are out of school.

                          3

                          Decide how long you want the reunion to last and where to have it. Hold it near most family members if you're clustered in one area. Pick a central location, if you're scattered.

                          4

                          Develop a budget and decide how much each family will need to contribute. Avoid making costs prohibitively high.

                          5

                          Visit reunion sites--such as hotels, inns and country clubs--and reserve one early.

                          6

                          Determine the menu--perhaps one that celebrates your family's heritage. Find a caterer or restaurant that can supply food for the event.

                          7

                          Appoint a family historian to take photographs or videos during the event.

                          8

                          Plan social activities for the reunion--icebreaker games, sports, contests and talent shows. Include activities that will appeal to all ages. Buy prizes for your games or for distinctions such as oldest family member or longest distance traveled to attend.

                          9

                          Send an initial mailing to gauge interest and preferences and to ask for help with planning. Send invitations later, with relevant information, directions and a map. Ask for a check from each family for its part of the reunion expenses.

                        Monday, July 22, 2013

                        Outdoor Gym Class Games

                        Outdoor Gym Class Games

                        For many elementary school children, time in gym class can become a dreaded experience with all of the physical exertion and frustration that comes with certain lessons. As a gym teacher, give students a break once in a while and let them get some exercise while having a bit of fun by playing some outdoor gym games.

                        Mother Hen

                          Begin this game from the website, Work Notes, by picking one player to become the "Mother Hen." Have all of the other players stand on one side of the play area, while Mother Hen stands in the middle. At a random moment, Mother Hen calls out "Come to Mother" to the other players, or chicks. The students all have to race past Mother Hen to make it to the other side of the play field while Mother Hen quickly tries to tag as many players as she can. Any players tagged by Mother Hen must leave the game. Mother Hen continues to call for her chicks until only one player remains. He takes over as the new Mother Hen and the game continues just as before.

                        Get into the Hoop

                          Before the game, set up several hula hoops of various colors around the outdoor area, as suggested by the website, Preschool Rainbow . Assemble the hoops into a circle and have the students gather around the outside of the circle. Tell the students to start walking around the hula hoops. At a random moment, give the students an instruction, such as "Put your left hands in the red hoops" or "Get into groups of four in the yellow hoops." Any students who do not follow the instructions or don't do them quickly enough, get eliminated. Make the game harder by giving the students only a few seconds to fulfill commands.

                        Leap over the Creek

                          In the play area, lay down two jump ropes parallel to each other with only half a foot separating them, as indicated by the website, Kid Activities. Line the students up single file on one side of these ropes. Say "Go," and the first player in line jumps over the gap between the ropes to make it to the other side. Have the rest of the players in line do the same. Anyone who falls into the "creek" is eliminated. After each round, widen the gap by about six inches. The last player remaining in the game wins. To make the game harder, make pairs hold hands while they jump or set up several "creeks" for the students to jump over.

                        Indoor Games for Church Kids

                        Indoor Games for Church Kids

                        Church games for children and adolescents provide great opportunities for adults to positively influence the lives of young people. Activities designed for church youth groups can build knowledge, foster a sense of community and teach lessons about teamwork and communication. Indoor games are ideal for medium-sized groups of youth ages seven to 18. These activities are low-maintenance and easy to clean up.

                        Trivia Race

                          Games can make Bible study fun and interactive.
                          Games can make Bible study fun and interactive.

                          Give one Bible (or other religious text) to each youth. Seat the kids in chairs or pews. An adult leader calls out the name and number of a passage, psalm or scripture (for example, the leader would say, "John 3:14.") The kids find the passage in their text as quickly as possible. The first youth to stand up and begin reciting the correct passage wins one point. Play several rounds. The winner with the most points is awarded a prize (toy, game, treat, etc.).

                        Trivia Toss

                          Combine knowledge games with athletic challenges to motivate children.
                          Combine knowledge games with athletic challenges to motivate children.

                          Create a list of 20 to 30 trivia questions and answers prior to playing; use a combination of religious and general knowledge questions. Divide the group into two teams. Set up a net or basket at one end of the room. Use tape to mark a line (the free throw line) 10 feet away from the basket. The leader reads a trivia question to the first team. The team provides an answer within 30 seconds. If they are correct, they receive one point and can send one team member to the free throw line. The team member has one chance to throw a ball into the basket for an extra point. If the team is incorrect, the other team has a chance to steal by answering correctly. The team with the most points after all questions have been read wins a prize.

                        Balloon Bounce

                          Balloons can be used in a game to teach the value of teamwork and communication.
                          Balloons can be used in a game to teach the value of teamwork and communication.

                          Inflate 30 balloons. On each of the four walls, place a poster board; two should be marked Team 1 and two should be marked Team 2 . Divide the group into two teams; decide who is Team 1 and who is Team 2 . Each team member is given a chair; team members place their chairs anywhere in the room. When the game begins, every youth stands on his or her chair. The kids cannot leave their chairs until the end of the game. The team leader begins the game by releasing all of the balloons into the playing area. Each team must try to get as many balloons as possible to hit either of their poster board goals without ever leaving their chairs. At the end of three minutes, count up the score and let the teams move their chairs. Begin another round once everyone has decided. At the end of the game, lead a discussion about teamwork and strategy.

                        This Is Your Church

                          Ask adult church members to submit sheets with little-known facts about their lives on them. Collect the sheets prior to the game. Divide the youth group into teams of four. Read the first team one of the facts. The team has 30 seconds to name the church member described in the fact. If they are correct, they receive one point. If they are incorrect, another team can try to steal their point. Continue until the facts have all been read. The winning team receives a prize. This is a great game to get kids to think about the people they see every week.

                        Family Reunion Logo Ideas

                        Family Reunion Logo Ideas

                        A family reunion is a big deal. Creating a family reunion logo is an ideal way to symbolize and commemorate the big event and have attendees associate in a speical way with the family name and the occasion. After you decide on a logo, use it on stationery, invitations, customizable party accessories and T-shirts for the event.

                        Family Shield or Crest

                          Conduct a little research about your family's surname and see if you can find the associated crest or shield. These family emblems have symbolism in their colors and images. For example, the color red may symbolize a warrior, and a crown may represent royalty, according to the website, Fluer de Lis. After finding your family shield or crest, you can place the family name above it for the logo. If you cannot find a family shield or crest, use the image of the flag from the country where your family originated.

                        Monogram

                          For a simple logo, consider creating one that just consists of the first letter in the family name, then choose a font you think works best for your family letter. This logo can also include the family name under the monogram in a smaller size, using the same complementary font.

                        Catch Phrase or Slogan

                          If your family is known for a certain phrase or word, consider using it in your logo. For example, if the family catch phrase is "the one and only," you could make a logo where the words "one" and "only" share the letter O. You could place the word "one" horizontally, and the letters N, L and Y vertically under the O in "one." Add the family name under the words.

                        Play on Words

                          Take advantage of associations your family name may have. For example, if your last name is King, you could create a logo where the word "king" is the base of a crown. Alternatively, the logo could just simply be a crown perched on top of the letter K.

                        Family Hobby or Business

                          When your family is well-known for or is proud of a particular hobby or a family business, try to incorporate that aspect into a family reunion logo. For example, a family full of musicians or music store owners could have a logo where the family name is printed to resemble the body of a guitar, where the last letter in the name extends to form the neck and pegs.

                        Sunday, July 21, 2013

                        Church Activities for Senior Citizens Family & Friends Day

                        Church Activities for Senior Citizens Family & Friends Day

                        Senior church members may enjoy inviting their family and friends to church for a day of food and fun. Seniors can use these activities to promote senior ministries and encourage other seniors to join. The activities may also encourage family members to join the senior members during worship services. On Senior Family and Friends Day, the seniors are the hosts and family and friends are honored guests.

                        Dinner on the Ground

                          Seniors can prepare food for family and friends. This may include a dinner the seniors actually cook at the church, like a barbecue or hamburger grilling. It could also mean a covered dish dinner with food brought from home. If the seniors have been active in creating a cookbook of favorite dishes, they could sell copies of the cookbooks to help raise funds for trips and other activities.

                          Seniors can also plan activities for the dinner. These might include singing, table games or a talent fair. Bounce houses can be rented for the children, and other games can be organized, including a water balloon toss or relay races.

                        Senior Craft Showcase

                          Seniors can stage a craft fair to showcase their talents on Family and Friends Day. They can use the craft fair to publicize activities and classes taught by senior members at the church. They can also provide a schedule of senior activities to entice other seniors to join them for fun and fellowship.

                        Senior Recognition

                          Seniors can invite family and friends to join them for church. The minister can recognize the senior members of the church by age and thank them for their support and service over the year. Next, the minister can ask the seniors who brought family and friends to church. A small prize might be awarded to the senior member who brings the most family and friends, who has the most generations of family members present or who has family members who've traveled the farthest to get to the service. The minister can also thank family and friends for joining the worship service on this special day.

                        Making the Trek

                          The seniors at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, Tennessee, take hiking trips every Monday and Wednesday. Seniors in other parts of the country could invite family and friends to join a similar hike in their area. Seasonal hikes to look at flowers, autumn leaves or other colorful events could entice active seniors and family members to enjoy the beauty of nature together.

                        Hymn Sing

                          Seniors can invite family members and friends to join them for an old-fashioned hymn sing. A senior choir might lead the singing with songs familiar to the group. The selections might include a combination of old church favorites, praise and worship tunes and other church music.

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                          Fun Volleyball Games for Kids

                          Kids need to keep active to be healthy, and one of the best ways to do that is to play team games. Volleyball is a popular game for children to play, as it can be played indoors, outdoors or even at the beach. There are many types of fun volleyball games that can be tailored to fit the ages and number of kids who are playing.

                          Blanket Volleyball

                            In this volleyball game, each group of four kids holds the corner of a blanket. Instead of hitting the ball over the net with the hands, the team must catch the ball with the blanket, then flip the blanket up into the air, launching the ball back over the net. Teams can be composed of four kids on each side with one blanket, or eight kids on each side in two groups, each with a blanket.

                          Balloon or Beach Ball Volleyball

                            This game is played with the same rules as traditional volleyball. The only difference is that a balloon or blown-up beach ball is used instead of a hard volleyball. The lighter ball will have a much greater hang time, making it easier for younger children to set up to hit the ball.

                          Under the Net

                            All the kids stand on one side of the net and are given a number. If there are eight kids, for example, then each child has a number between one and eight. An adult stands on the other side of the net and starts off by hitting the ball to the group of children. The first child (kid 1) must hit the ball back over the net. If he does so successfully, he runs under the net to the other side. Then, he serves the ball to kid 2. If he does not hit the ball over the net, he is out. As each child hits the ball, he must call out his number so that the next kid numerically in line will know it's his turn to hit the ball.

                          Keep Away

                            This is a good game for practicing setting. Form a circle with the kids, and let one kid be in the middle. Then, send the ball over the kid in the middle to another child on the other side of the circle by setting it. The goal is to keep the ball away from the kid in the middle of the circle. If she catches it, she gets to join the circle and the person who set the ball has to be in the middle.

                          Saturday, July 20, 2013

                          Garmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS with 8MP Digital Camera (US Topographic Maps)


                          Features
                          • 3-Inch sunlight-readable, touchscreen display with multi-touch capability
                          • Dual-band GPS/GLONASS satellite positioning
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                            From the moment you cradle the 650t in your hand, youre ready to enter into a bold new world of Garmin GPS mapping and positioning. With high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS satellite tracking (more satellites mean faster fixes, even in challenging environments), preloaded TOPO U.S. 100K maps, worldwide basemap with shaded relief and a faster processor, you dont just look at maps, you interact with them. Zoom in, pan out and rotate using multi-touch. The touchscreen even is compatible with many gloves. The reflective display technology boosts touchscreen brightness so much that maps and displays are as vivid in full bright sunlight as they are in shade. And, mark memories with an 8 megapixel autofocus camera with digital zoom and automatic flash/torch, plus customizable buttons for 1-touch image capture and waypoint marking.



                            Quality Photos

                            Now you dont have to take an additional camera with you to take quality photos. Oregon 650t's built in 8 megapixel autofocus digital camera takes photos worthy of sharing. And each photo is geotagged with the location of where it was taken, allowing you to navigate back to that exact spot in the future. Then share the photos from your Oregon 650t via USB with all your friends through Garmin Adventures, the online adventure sharing community. For more storage, insert a microSD card; you can even view pictures from other devices on microSD with Oregon's picture viewer.

                            Double Your Power

                            Oregon 650t features our state-of-the-art dual battery system. Youll have the option of using the internally rechargeable NiMH pack (included) or traditional AA batteries NiMH pack charges when the device is connected to external power.

                            Touch and Go

                            Oregon 650t was purposely engineered for the outdoors. It features the most brilliant, sunlight readable touchscreen weve ever put on a Garmin handheld, strengthened for impact resistance but with multi-touch and dual orientation views that still accommodate gloved operation. Bumps, dust, dirt, humidity and water are no match for this mapping-oriented navigator.



                            Explore the Terrain

                            Oregon 650t comes with built-in U.S. topographic data for the entire U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, and a worldwide basemap with shaded relief all the tools for serious climbing or hiking. Map detail includes national, state and local parks and forests, along with terrain contours, elevation information, trails, rivers, lakes and points of interest.

                            Get Your Bearings

                            Oregon 650t has a built-in 3-axis electronic compass with accelerometer tilt compensation, which shows where you're heading even when youre standing still, and not holding it level. Its barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude, and you even can use it to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions. And with its high-sensitivity, WAAS- and GLONASS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix


                            SABRE RED Police Strength Pepper Spray - Family, Home & Property Defense Fogger with Wall Mount Bracket & 25 Foot Range


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                              Outdoor Play Activities for Preschool

                              Outdoor Play Activities for Preschool

                              The outdoors offers many opportunities for teaching children in a natural setting. Realizing that a young child's work is play can help teachers think about how to make outdoor play a learning experience that offers children multiple benefits. They receive fresh air, enjoy physical exercise and learn important developmental skills, such as fine and gross motor skills and social skills, in a fun environment.

                              Gross Motor Obstacle Course

                                Gross motor skills involve the large muscles in the body, and they are important for movements such as walking, running, hopping or skipping. The outdoors is a natural environment to support the development of the large muscles of the body. To set up an obstacle course, collect several hula hoops and spread them out on the ground. Tell children they are going to practice building strong muscles and good listening skills. Give the children directions to do things inside, outside or around the hoops. For example, "I want you to hop on one foot around the red hula hoop and then run to the purple hula hoop." It is important to give directions that fit the developmental skill level of each child or group of children.

                              Fine Motor Window Washing

                                Fine motor skills are those skills related to moving small muscle groups, such as the hand and arm. These skills are used to eat, dress and write. Designing a window washing activity is a creative way to help develop fine motor skills, as well as help young children learn about what makes windows dirty and how they can help to make them clean. The activity uses shaving cream, sponges and lots of small muscles in the hands, wrists and arms to clean dirty school windows. Talk to the children about how windows get dirty then describe how they are going to help clean the windows by using shaving cream and lots of their muscles moving in circles, up and down, and side to side.

                              Social Skills Car Wash

                                There are three levels of social skill development for preschool children: associative, associative cooperative and cooperative. Planning a group activity to wash all of the riding toys at the preschool is a way to integrate all levels of social skill development. The activity requires a bit of organization to collect buckets for water, sponges and towels. Talk with the children about how they are to work together and share the cleaning equipment and vehicles. The children practice politeness by asking such questions as, "Can I help you wash this car?" and "Can I use the sponge for a minute?"

                              Circulatory System Games for Kids

                              Circulatory System Games for Kids

                              The circulatory system is the most important system in the human body; it encompasses the heart, blood and vessels. The blood traveling from the heart takes oxygen to other organs in the body, and on the way back it takes waste products for your body to eliminate. This system is very complex and one way to help kids understand these topics is through the use of games.

                              Act it Out

                                You need a large empty space for this game; an outdoor basketball court would be ideal. Draw a large outline of the human body using chalk. Details are not important, but designate a place for a head, arms, legs and chest. Children will choose organ roles from a hat: heart, lungs, arms, legs, brain and others. The rest of the students will be blood. Place all students in their spots. Give the students that are acting as organ parts labels with the words "oxygen," "carbon dioxide" and "waste." The students acting as blood will travel from one organ to another, taking the trip that blood makes through the body. For example, the "blood" students traveling from the heart to the lungs will be given "oxygen" labels, and when that blood travels back to the heart they should exchange an "oxygen" label for a "carbon dioxide" label. This interactive game will help students understand the function of blood in the body.

                              Beat Activity

                                Ask children to list three of their favorite activities or games; give them examples like basketball, jump rope, watching TV, reading, running and playing tag. Ask the students to pair up and share their lists. The pairs will each complete their three activities and monitor the heart rate during each activity. They should document how many beats per minute they had after each activity. Come back together as a class and discuss the relationship between activity and heart rate.

                              Circulatory System Jeopardy

                                Break up your class into two groups; kids should line up one after another. Set up a Jeopardy topic center using the blackboard. Include different trivia questions about the circulatory system, covering heart functions, blood, organ roles and other topics you've covered in class. Two students will get a bell and as you ask the first question, the first student who rings a bell gets to answer. Whichever team answers the most questions wins.

                              Play Doctor

                                Explain to children that more than 170 years ago, a man named Laennec created the first stethoscope. Have the students use paper towel roll tubes as their own stethoscopes. They will each get a chance to play doctor and listen to someone's heart. One partner should place the tube over the other partner's heart and listen. He should count the number of beats for 30 seconds, and double that number to get a beat per minute number. Then, the doctor should ask his partner to jump rope for one minute, after which he'll check the beats per minute one more time. Have the partners switch.

                              Friday, July 19, 2013

                              How to Control Whiteflies on Outdoor Plants

                              Whiteflies are minute insects with piercing and sucking mouth parts that suck plant juices. They hide in huge numbers on the undersides of leaves, flying out in great clouds when disturbed. They're common on citrus, greenhouse and foliage plants. Does this Spark an idea?

                              Instructions

                                1

                                Look at the undersides of leaves on plants suspected of having a whitefly infestation. Plants will appear weak, and black sooty mold fungus may be evident on stems and leaves. Whiteflies also swarm above plants in huge masses on sunny days.

                                2

                                Wash all parts of infested plants, including the undersides of the leaves, with a strong jet of fresh water.

                                3

                                Hang sticky traps near infested plants. Sticky traps are yellow in color to attract the insect, and coated with a sticky substance to trap and catch them when they land to investigate. You can make your own sticky traps with Tanglefoot pest barrier spread on yellow paper. Hang the homemade traps near infested plants using bent paper clips.

                                4

                                Vacuum adult whiteflies from leaves on plants with mild infestations. This method also works well for indoor plants infested with whitefly.

                                5

                                Release parasitic wasps (Encarsia formosa) to control whiteflies in a greenhouse.

                                6

                                Spray insecticidal soap when whiteflies are resting - early morning or late afternoon is best.

                                7

                                Spray with pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is an organic pesticide made from chrysanthemums. There are also chemical controls for whiteflies.

                              Thursday, July 18, 2013

                              The 7 Habits of Happy Kids Activities

                              The 7 Habits of Happy Kids Activities

                              Stephen Covey's popular "7 Habits" series includes "The 7 Habits of Happy Kids," a book for children 4 to 8. When reviewing the principles outlined in the book, a variety of activities can be incorporated with the material to reinforce the concepts. A parent's guide and other supplemental content is available from the publisher, but parents and teachers can easily create their own activities. Each of the seven habits encourages children to lead happier, more fulfilling lives by following a few straightforward principles. Encourage discussion by engaging children with activities related to the book.

                              Be Proactive

                                The first habit encourages children to be proactive, taking the lead and making the best of any situation. Ask children to think of think of a specific frustration they have with a friend or family member. Create a worksheet for the child to write down all the emotions over which he or she has control when frustrated. Younger children can draw faces to illustrate choices they can make regarding their feelings. For example, they can draw happy, sad, brave, scared, excited or bored faces.

                              Begin with the End in Mind

                                Teach your child or student that goal-setting is important. You can use a variety of activities to reinforce this lesson. Build a birdhouse or design a space rocket, outlining the specific steps to successfully reach a clear objective. Give your child a deeper perspective by discussing a larger family goal and exploring how this project fits into his or her plan. Designing a birdhouse can be a great step in becoming more eco-friendly or gaining a deeper appreciation of nature. If your child is interested in space exploration or other career paths, discuss the goals they have for the future and the impact they can have others.

                              Put First Things First

                                Ask children to create a list of priorities. For younger children, suggestions might include simple objects like a favorite toy or more abstract concepts such as joy and love. Print pictures and put the items in order from most to least important. Allow older children to classify basic objects as a "need" or a "want." Explain the difference between food and water (needs) or treats and toys (wants). Older children can focus on subject areas, narrowing their list to more specific topics like important foods.

                              Think Win-Win

                                To illustrate win-win thinking, give your kids a choice of foods and ask them to help you prepare the family meal on which they decide. If they participate in the process, they can choose the foods they want to eat and how they'd like to cook them. At the same time, mom or dad stay involved in the decision -- a win-win for everyone. Other activities that illustrate this concept could include gathering up toys a child may no longer want and donating them to charity. Explain how donating items frees up space for new things, while also benefiting others. Children can create crafts from recycled materials, pick up trash at a neighborhood park or participate in other projects that improve the world we live in by reducing waste. This is a win-win for the community, companies and our whole country.

                              Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood

                                Empathy is best learned when practiced with friends and family members. For an activity reinforcing this principle, have a group of young friends or classmates each gather a favorite item. After each child has an opportunity to describe his favorite game or toy, ask older children to repeat what they learned about each object and why it is special. Allow the children to take turns sharing the items with others and then see if anyone can remember the rightful owner of each object.

                              Synergize

                                Two people can have a greater impact than one person working alone. Numerous activities can be utilized to demonstrate this concept. Encourage children to work together to achieve a common goal. After a game of tag or a team-oriented outdoor activity, ask children to describe how they all worked together as a group. Team-building activities can include simple tasks like raking a pile of leaves or building a snow fort.

                              Sharpen the Saw

                                The "sharpen the saw" habit encourages children to build their mind, soul and body so that they can give life their all. For this habit, kids can use a journal to document personal progress and achievements. There are all kinds of self-improvement goals toward which students can strive. A health journal can include goals to exercise several times a week or a eat foods from each of the different food groups. Students can also participate in a summer or weekly reading program and set a goal to read a minimum number of minutes each day.