Thanksgiving: Food and Fun with Family and Friends

Next week is Thanksgiving, one of my favorite times of the year. It begins a whole season of fun filled food, family and friends. But if you are like me you wonder two things:

1) What am I going to do with all my leftovers?
and
2) What can I do to keep everyone entertained?

This year try these fun filled table decorations that the whole family creates -- while you are creating the meal or make them the night before so you can have fun too Family Fun Thanksgiving Crafts turned Decoration. Each one comes complete with easy to follow directions to help you create a Thanksgiving Tree, Thanksgiving Designer Table Cloth, Cornucopia Place Settings and many more. Each one only take dollars to make and you, your friends, and family can make some lasting memories and have fun at home with these unique ideas.

It's the day after Thanksgiving, the shopping is done and you have no idea what to do with all these left-overs? Try these "Snore Snore Boring Thanksgiving Leftovers No More."
This gives you six new dishes from those Thanksgiving Leftovers that you can make in minutes. But be sure to check out these recipes before you leave -- one includes an easy crock pot recipe that helps you return home to dinner already made when you are tired of the the crazy Black Friday shopping.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

After the Storm

So, it's been about two weeks since the storm. In many areas of Houston and especially along the coast, Galveston, and Bolivar Islands we still see the devasting effects of Ike and some people are probably even wondering why they live so close to the ocean. We live here because we love it, because of opportunities, diversity, employment, and families. There are so many reasons why we all live in Houston, and so far I haven't seen anyone say, fine I am going to move. I think Texans must be hardy people, because I have never experienced anything like the way people here have pulled together to help each other and get life back to normal.

I saw a bumper sticker the other day, "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could." This is me. And even with all the damage, the difficulties for many getting restored, repaired and rebuilt there is much to love here. The people for one. One night everyone in my neighborhood just pulled out grills and starting cooking, and well, there is nothing better than Texas BBQ (and you are talking to a girl from Tennessee!). Or maybe the food just taste better with the company you keep.

It's hard to think of what we will all do next. Many of us have months of rebuilding and restoration to do. Some of us lost our homes. So today, I am posting places to go and things to do next month, so that we dont' forget some of the wonderful opportunities to live and learn here in Houston and enjoy life with our families even in the face of hardship. Please make use of the contact information provided to determine if the festival you wish to attend is still in progress.

Here at Houstonsahm.com our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families, and pray that those hit hard by the storm will be able to recover soon.

Around the world in 30 days, all from the greater Houston area . . .

The 42nd Original Greek Festival October 2-5 2008 (Thursday-Sunday)
Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral 3511 Yoakum Blvd. Houston, TX Authentic Greek food, fun, music shopping and exhibits. Features: Greek food made by parishioners, Balkava, Loukoumades (hot honey puffs), Greek wines, Gyro's and Souvlai (shishkabobs), jewelry, clothing, icons, paintings and a Greek grocery store. Admission is $5.00 for adults, children 12 and under are free and free admission Friday before 5 pm. For more information visit www.greekfestival.org

Turkish Fest Oct. 4, 2008
Location: Jones Plaza, Downtown Houston
Features: Turkish foods (gyro's, tapa's; Turkish wine and beer, Turkish Tea and Coffee (now that will keep you awake!), tour sites of Turkey with informative informational presentations, listen to music, watch the folk dancers, and even belly dancing! Sponsored by Turkish Cultural Foundation, Best Buy and Houston Arts Alliance. For more information visit: www.atahouston.org.

St. Andrews Celtic Festival
Oct. 5 2008 Location: St Andrews Episcopal Church 19th/Heights Boulevard
This festival begins with the "Kirking of the Celts" (which is a not to be missed event!) and then add musical performers, dance, crafts, food, drink, games and crafts. Great family fun for all! Admission is $5.00 per family, $3.00 per person, and children under 10 are admitted free. For more information visit www.saintandrewsepiscopal.org.

Katy Rice Harvest Festival Oct. 11-12
(Parade is Oct. 4) Downtown Katy Texas, about 40 miles west of Houston
Each year Katy, Texas celebrates it beginnings as a rice farming community that grew thanks to demand as well as the development of trains running through Old Town Katy. This festival includes a Rice cooking challenge, live entertainment, over 200 food and craft booths, a kiddie play area, carnival rides, a Miss Katy pageant and photography contest. Admission is $6.00 for adults children 12 and under are free. Note: Carnival rides are extra. For more information visit www.katychamber.com.

Texasia 2008 Oct. 11-12 11 am - 7 pm
Location Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St. and Smith St. Houston, Texas
The pond at City Hall becomes a showcase and replica of the Orient, with an "Emperor's Garden" and Cafe Society from Old Saigon. This festival also features dances, games of fortune, martial arts, and yummy food by Kim Son's. Beer by Tiger Beer. Admission is free. For more information visit www.texasia.net.

Festa Italiana Oct. 11-12 2008
Location: Houston Farm and Ranch Club, Houston, Texas
The Festa Italiana is great family fun with music and dancing, traditional Italian food and deserts (the "ice cream" is to yummy and the salads to die for!) that includes an Italian-American Idol contest, children's activities, and wine tasting. Admission is $6.00 for adults, children 12 and under are free. Parking is free. Come ready to dance, we danced till all hours of the night! For more information visit www.houstonitalianfestival.com .

DeutschesFest Oct. 12, 2008 11:30-4 pm
Location: Salem Lutheran Ministries, 22601 Lutheran Church Rd. Tomball Texas
This is a local festival with family fun, German cuisine and entertainment , silent auctions, music and dance. Great chance to celebrate your German heritage, and entrance is free. Child will enjoy the games. For more information visit salem4u.com.

Texas Renaissance Festival Oct. 11-Nov. 30 2008 Saturdays and Sundays and Thanksgiving Friday Plantersville, TX (near Houston and Lake Conroe)
Go back in time to the world of Lords and Ladies, jousting and feasting, strolling through the garden with your lady love, playing games with your children and including mazes, carriage rides, petting zoo, and bows and arrows. Food ranges from Scottish eggs to fish and chips, but old fashioned American festival fair is available also. Other food courts include wine and spirits, beer, desserts and treats. Performances from music to skills on a horse or with the bow and arrow will be exhibited, as well as music and court jesters. Admission varies: $11.00 -$16.00 adults, $5.00-6.00 children. If purchased on-line there is a processing fee. For more information and to purchase tickets on line visit www.texernfest.com.

Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival Oct. 10-12 2008Location: Downtown Conroe, Texas
Celebrate your Cajun, at this family fun filled festival near Lake Conroe. The kids area includes a petting zoo, pony rides, amusements and even their own stage to dance. Delicious Cajun specialties like Fried Catfish, shrimp gumbo, frog legs, alligator, boudin, sausage, rice and beans will be available as well as musical performances. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.conroecajuncatfishfestival.com. Tickets are $10.00 for adults or $6.00 on line, and children under 12 are free. If you take a weekend there there are some wonderful bed and breakfast, a Fairfield Inn, fishing, boating, antique shopping and nearby Sam Houston Park. 27th

Annual Galveston Island Oktoberfest Oct. 24-25 Friday: 7-11pm, Sat. 11am-7 pm Location 24th St. and Winnie
This free admission Oktoberfest features bands playing German music, authentic German food and beer, arts, crafts, gifts booths, auction and raffle, as well as children's activities. Be sure to visit some of the other great places on the island while you are hear this weekend. Take a walk along the beach or visit Moody Gardens, with dinner at Rainforest Cafe. For more information visit www.firstlutherangalveston.com.

The International Quilt Festival Oct. 30-Nov. 2 Location: George Brown Convention Center 1001 Avenida de Las America's, Houston Texas Thurs. -Sat. 10 am - 7 pm; Sun. 11 am- 5 pm.
Featuring quilts in history, sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution, country living classics, sponsored by Country Living Magazine, as well as shopping, classes, workshops, supplies and fashion. For more information visit: www.quilts.com

First Daycare/Preschool Experience: 7 Survival Tips for Parents

Today, I attended my daughter's "open house" as she will start preschool next week. I know that with the end of summer, I am not the only one who had children going to school or daycare for the first time, so here are some tips, hints and advice from a mom of 4, the oldest in college and a former daycare administrator and teachers.


That first day back to work is difficult. But what may be even harder is that first day and the weeks after, dropping your child or infant off at daycare. All your worries and fears appear long before you pull into the driveway and as you hand your baby over to their caregiver or hug and kiss your preschooler or kindergartner. Every horror story about daycare you have ever heard is remembered on the drive to work, and before you even finish starting your computer you are on the phone to the daycare provider, whether it be an individual or center, asking for information about your son or daughter. Here are tips from someone who has been a preschool/daycare teacher and director of 6 years, an at home daycare provider and someone who has already dropped two children off to school and daycare (20 and 13 now) as well as in the fall preparing my younger children for their first preschool experience.

1. Be Calm: Babies and children can pick up on the stress you are experiencing. Many moms and dads are upset, worried, fearful and stressed about dropping their children off for the first time and during the first few weeks. There is a perfectly natural reason for this, but it is best to learn to control you emotions so that your child does not feel them also. This is your child and and naturally you feel that no one can really take as good care of her as you can -- and maybe you are right. But your sighs, tears, high pitched voice or any other signs of stress actually cause the child to act upset, worried and fearful.

Children are great imitators and they learn from us how to react to situations. If you get upset, tense and cry as your child, especially an infant will detect those feelings from you. Try to cut down on your stress, especially in the morning. Make sure to leave plenty of time for your drive. Prepare your items to take with you the night before. If you are religious, pray for a minute before walking in the daycare or removing your child from the car seat. Cut back a little on the caffeine in the morning, as it is a stimulant. Take deep breathes. Use a calming and happy voice when taking your child to daycare, talk about a happy day. To the very young especially mom's voice and face are great indicators of situations and your you look and sound are what your child will respond to. Try to stay long enough to make sure your child is settled and needs addresses as well as a moment with your caregiver, but do not stay too long as that makes the separation that much harder on the children, and you.

2. Make drop off time a happy time: Be sure to get in lots of snuggles, kisses, and happy voices. Talk to your child, even your infant and reinforce that Ms. . . is going to take very good care of you while mommy goes to work (not bye bye -- that should be fun stuff to do with her). When mommy comes home she will play with you and snuggle some more. I love you very much. Go out to the car, cry if you need to then repair your makeup and go to work.

3. Call for Information: If you feel the need to call and check on your child, go ahead. But remember that it can be hard on the staff if you do it several times a day. If a teacher takes time to talk to you, that takes time away from the babies or other children. Try to call at generally accepted nap times like 1030 am or 200 pm when babies are most likely to be sleeping or between 1-3 for toddlers and preschoolers. Also, make sure your daycare is providing you with a daily report, who what when where and why of what child does during the day, for example when they were asleep, ate, how much and diaper changes as well as any activities they enjoyed.

4. Watch your teacher or caregiver with the children: See how the teacher or caregiver reacts when you drop your child off. Are they warm and welcoming? Do you feel or see them comforting babies that are upset? Are they taking the extra time needed for infants? How many people are in the room? Be sure to allow for the fact that in some cases drop off time with 4 parents and 4 children can be pretty hectic.

5. Make pick up time a happy time, but not too happy: Don't over compensate for being gone. Be happy to see your child, talk lovingly to her or him; snuggle and yes, spend that extra time reading a book or playing toys or tummy time in the floor when you get home. It's OK to cook dinner 30 minutes later so that you and your child can have that extra time together. Encourage Dad to spend another 30 minutes when he gets home playing with her so you can do the cooking without feeling distracted.

6. Evaluate your expectations: Are your expectations too high? Remember if you are in a daycare center setting your child will be one of a few getting attention. You can not expect that your child will receive the majority or all of the attention that they received with you one on one. They can still receive quality care even if they have to wait a few extra minutes to get a bottle. After all, how often do you drop everything to address their needs? Do you jump out of the shower, or do they have to wait a minute till you get dried off? However, there is a difference between not being cared for and not being the center of the care. If your expectations are very high, I recommend a nanny or child care provider for your home. However, many caregivers are excellent at balancing the needs of the children as well as they providing each child with individual attention and affection. Find the caregiver that can do both and you have a treasure.

7. Listen to your intuition: there is nothing like it in the world especially when it comes to our children. If after a couple of weeks or even a few days you don't see improvement, then maybe this is not the right child care arrangement for you. If it is not, you need to find other arrangements both for your child's well being, your job security and your piece of mind to make changes. However, remember, Monday mornings are hard, your child has spent the whole weekend with you and now they are going away. Also remember that at certain ages children will experience separation anxiety, be sure to make your judgments based on your child's development and progress in daycare.

First and foremost, make sure that your child's needs are met. Ensure that they are receiving quality care and affection as well as individual attention at points throughout the day. If all those needs are being meet and you practice these or similar tips and techniques your daycare experience will be that much more peaceful and you will leave feeling better about your decision to work. If at some point that is not the case, and circumstances do not improve then the only choice you have is to look for other arrangements more to your expectations and desires. But try these first and see if your cares, concerns, fears and anxiety can become comfort, care and happiness for the new and exciting experiences your child will be able to have. Enjoy the best of both worlds and enjoy the wonderful opportunities to be with your child.

Summertime Blues

Well, it is Back to School time, and like many parents normally I look forward to the older children gone all day to give me some peace and quiet, though we parents have to work twice as hard when they get back on their homework and other things, and this year my youngests will be going away to pre school, so the Summertime Blues are kicking in. I look back over the summer and remember all those great plans that we had when school was over and wonder how we managed to miss so many of them!



But even though the end of summer is approaching there are still things we can do as a family. In the Houston area we are so lucky to have many weekend get aways available to us. And, now that prime travel season is over, my parents can even come visit. With these things in mind I decided to explore weekend get aways, especially at the area's natural settings and lakes.



Here are my picks. . . what are yours?



Horseshoe Bay, Texas: Located near Austin and Lake LBJ it offers bed and breakfasts, hotels and resorts for week long or weekend get aways. It offers a wide range of water activities including boating, fishing, golf courses, nature trails and a view of the hillside country of Texas.



Lake Sommerville: This is a state park south of Houston, near Brenham Texas. Activities include camping, picnicking, boating, fishing; hiking and biking, volleyball, horseshoes, basketball, backpacking, and equestrian use (visitors must bring their own horses). More than 20 miles of trail are open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians affording visitors the opportunity to exercise and enjoy the beauty of the parks. Water lovers can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and skiing on Lake Somerville.



Lake Travis, near the Volente Water park. You can rent boats etc. You can also stay upstairs in the apartments at the Marina. Several interesting and entertaining festivals are coming up in the area including the Austin City Limits Music Fest.

An easy day trip that my husband and I snuck away to, and took the kids was to Shiner, Texas were we took a tour of the Spoetzl Brewery, home to our beloved Shiner Beers. You take a mini tour of the facilities, do some shopping in the store and have some free tastings. They are small, but delicious and you can be there and back in one day! Note, they don't do tours on Saturdays, so you simply do the last one of the day on Friday and begin your weekend early.

Along the same lines, Conroe now is also home to a great little brewing company, Southern Star,which has been featured in Houston, Dallas, and Austin news and is growing in distributorship. Check their website for information on tours, with the heat of summer they only have a few, but I foresee many more as things cool off this fall, and their beers heat up in popularity!

So, even though the end of summer is approaching there are still great opportunities out there to get away, even during the school season. With the pleasant weather just around the corner and the thousands of things to do here, "ain't it Great?!"

What are some of your favorites?

Boredom Busters from the Kitchen and Library

I am sure that now that it is halfway through the summer, the refrain of "I'm Bored" is becoming more frequent. . . and if you are like most families there is only so many things you can do to stay entertained that doesn't cost a bundle. And when the pool is closed and rainy days or afternoons arrive what can you do to keep everyone entertained?

Here are a few ideas:

1. Get in the kitchen: Bake cookies, yes it is a tried and true "recipe" for success. Getting everyone in the kitchen makes a mess, but one which everyone can enjoy from start to finish. You can also try these smoothie recipes, or these 10 Cool and Fun Summertime Snacks.
2. Create Your Own Mini Ocean: Fill a clear plastic liter bottle 3/4 full with water. Add blue food coloring then add cooking oil. Leave about 1 inch at the top of the bottle. Show preschool children how the oil and water do not mix. Tilting the bottle back and forth causes a wave effect.
   After the experiment mix colors to show....
   blue and yellow make green
   blue and red make purple
3. Run Away Pepper: A great science demonstration. Sprinkle pepper over the top of a cup of water. Put a dab of soap on your finger and touch the center of the pepper. Show children how the soap repels the pepper to the side of the glass.
4. Your Local Library: Houston and the surrounding area libraries are full of summertime fun! You have reading programs (for which you can get free tickets to the Circus and other great prizes); Teen programs including a "CD swap" where teens can trade others for those CD's they are missing; Cultural Programs (check the listings at your library for information on cultural events) and mini workshops on computer skills and many other things. Many, like Katherine Tyra also offer free movies!

So in the week coming up, try a few new ideas at home or get out and visit your local library to find out what great activities they have to offer you and your family and avoid one more week of "I'm Bored."

What's in Houston, this 4th of July?

CHEVY'S FREEDOM OVER TEXAS WITH FIREWORKS PRESENTED BY SHELL FEATURES COUNTRY MUSIC SENSATIONS SARA EVANS, MIRANDA LAMBERT & JO DEE MESSINA

Free Day at the Houston Zoo
www.houstonzoo.org
6200 Golf Course DrHouston, TX 77030(713) 533-6500


Big Backyard Barbecue
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
Heritage Square (central courtyard)
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. at Grand Pkwy.
5–10p.m.
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch announces the return of the July 4th Big Backyard Barbecue presented by Hoar Construction. The Independence Day event kicks off at 5:00 p.m. and includes live entertainment from Outlaw Lynn & Who's Drivin¿, colorful clowns, great food, a fabulous fireworks display and much more. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit www.lacenterra.com or call (281) 395-5533.

Celebrate the 4th at the VFW
Katy Heritage Park
11a.m. Contact 832-452-4099 for more information.

Spring Texas area Events

Willie Nelson's Family Picnic
Country music icon and friends celebrate this 36th annual event at Sam Houston Race Park on Saturday, July 5, 2008.

Fourth of July at Miller Outdoor Theatre
The Houston Symphony performs the "1812 Overture" accompanied by a 16-cannon salute. Activities start at 8pm; fireworks follow.

Star Fleet Entertainment Yachts
Website 280 Grove Rd, Kemah, TX Cruise around Clear Lake while enjoying a great BBQ dinner, open bar and amazing view of the Clear Lake fireworks.

Minute Maid Park
501 Crawford St, Houston, TX Astros take on the Dodgers on July 3 with the first pitch at 1:05pm. Free visors for the first 10,000 fans, plus $1 hot dogs. ZiegenBock Music Series features a postgame concert with Max Stalling.

East Beach
1923 Boddecker Dr, Galveston, TX Celebrate the holiday at Galveston's party beach for bikini contests, live bands and booze.

Sam Houston Race Park
7575 North Sam Houston Pkwy, Houston, TX Come by for live racing action and live music in the evening, plus a huge fireworks display following the final race (9:30pm). Also: face painting, kids games, concession stands.

Rock the Dock
Live music next to the bay at the Kemah Boardwalk every Thursday evening through August, featuring great Texas sounds including R&B, pop, rock and blues.

Fourth Of July Festivities In The Woodlands Town Center Include Houston Symphony Performance, Parade And 11th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival


Sources:
http://houston.citysearch.com/roundup/39567
http://www.houstontx.gov/specialevents/cfot/index.html
http://houston.about.com/od/artsentertainment/tp/fouthofjuly.htm

Toys R Us Event this Weekend

Is your child a fan of Thomas the Train? If so, check out the Houston area Toys R Us locations to find out if they are hosting the special Thomas the Train free event on June 28th, 11 am to 1 pm. During this special event, you can get a free pack of Thomas the Train Trading Cards, Story Time, Coloring and More! Sounds like a great boredom buster to me and not too early in the morning.

For more information visit TOYS R US**IN STORE FREEBIE or call the store location nearest you!

Have a great weekend!