LancMoms.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Minding Manners
MOM OF THE MONTH

ISNT JUST FOR KIDS

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Barbara Hough Roda

Minding manners isnt just for kids

Etiquette. Manners. Decorum. Whatever you call it, we simply dont have enough of it in these anything-goes times punctuated by an ever-declining sense of appropriateness. I dont like it. And it doesnt make parenting one bit easier. Its bad enough that manners are endangered to the point of near extinction in our barely civil society. Worse yet, too few people care. Sad. Particularly when you consider that good manners are really nothing more than kindness mixed with common sense and consideration. Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others, the late author and etiquette expert Emily Post noted long ago. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use. How much energy does it really require to say thank you or to hold a door for someone? About as much as it takes to stand and sing or remain quiet and respectful for the national anthem; to look a person in the eye when addressing him; to chew with ones mouth closed; to turn off the cellphone in a meeting; or to pass food to others at the dinner table. Yet each of these, and many other ways we could further the cause of civility, seems increasingly beyond our grasp. Or maybe were simply not interested in getting a grip. Were too rushed, too scheduled, too self-involved. So who has time for good behavior? We must make the time. From the moment our children are old enough to toddle, were reminding them to say thank you and youre welcome. We want them to share their toys. Cough into the crooks of your arms, we tell them, and wipe your noses on tissues. Dont forget to wash your hands. We insist on proper conduct with friends. No bad words. No nasty comments that would make another tot cry. No lies. And, of course, no biting or hitting or hair pulling. Too often, however, we adults are better at dictating than we are at demonstrating. An Associated Press-Ipsos poll on public attitudes about rudeness found that 69 percent of Americans thought people were more rude than in the prior 20 or 30 years. And that was a poll conducted in 2005. Imagine where we are now. Poll respondents directed the blame at celebrities and public figures who behave rudely and serve as poor role models, TV shows that spotlight bad behavior, and busy people who dont take the time to be polite. But parents got slapped the hardest, with Americans saying that 69 percent of moms and dads deserve a great deal of blame for not teaching good manners to children. And part of educating is modeling. We adults dont listen to others today because we have our own opinions and deem everyone else wrong, even demented, if they dare to disagree. Were far too influenced by cable television news that is delivered as opinion-only, spit-filled screams by opposing political extremists. We tell our kids to play nicely with others, but diminishing numbers of grown-ups want to publicly exchange ideas and engage in thoughtful debate. Reality television hasnt helped, delivering episode after episode of rude, vulgar, selfish behavior demonstrated by people we elevate to celebrity status. When were behind the wheel, we too often dont yield to pedestrians and become instantly impatient and aggressive toward other drivers. Technology may do wonders for disseminating information and connecting us to people, but whats the point when it accelerates the distortion of our human face into something downright repulsive? We post hurtful images and make cruel and false assertions on the Internet, often under the cloak of anonymity. We rudely receive and send messages while we are in meetings and at family gatherings. We know our refusal to turn off smartphones can have deadly consequences when were driving, yet we do it anyway. Our obsession with hightech toys claims so much of our attention that we have nothing to give our kids even though theyre inches away with arms outstretched. Weve read about, and might know, adults who bully other peoples children so their own kids can get ahead. We undermine our childrens teachers. We are disrespectful in our dress and demeanor. Yes, TV, technology, bad celebrity behavior and disgraceful conduct by public officials can fuel this fire. But every individual is responsible for his or her own behavior. Its time to change course not just for our sakes, but also for those of our children. The hardest job kids face today, actor and dancer Fred Astaire noted, is learning good manners without seeing any. He died in 1987 but the words resonate even louder today. Its time to make our children proud, and their jobs easier. Barbara Hough Roda is mom to Faith and managing editor of the Sunday News. Contact her at broda@lnpnews,com or at 481-7335. Check out her blog at LancMoms.com

Bill and Caroline Rogers, of Manheim Township, sled down a hill off Newport Road in Lititz last month. Photo by Casey Kreider Cover photo: All bundled up on her way to Central Market early Saturday morning is a kool Khloe Klessinger, 6 months, while in her stroller pushed by her parents, Kyle and Kayla Klessinger, of Mount Joy. Photo by Justin David Graybill

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FEBRUARY 11, 2012 3

Jean Miller
By Maureen Leader Special Features Writer Jean Millers life is crazy. But because of her humor, neighbors, and an occasional perfect cup of coffee, she wouldnt change a thing. Miller is the mother of six children stepson Rick, 17; Christopher, 5; Annie, 4; Mackenzie, 3 and twin sons, John and Ray, 2, who Miller said were The best surprise of my life. Do the math and see that the youngest Millers arrived within three and a half years. With our five little preschoolers, we have our own playgroup, she said. Miller never aspired to have a large family. She and husband Curtis have been married for eight years. When they met, Miller was working in Human Resources at Willow Valley. Now she says, I still work in Human Resources. The Miller family are all great kids who love each other. Still, it is a very busy household. Very busy. There are days when I seriously want to bang my head against the wall, Miller said. But I know it wont do any good. I try to

Mom of the Month

keep perspective on how good I have it, even though I have constant demands on me. And Miller knows all too well how good she has it because having all of her children certainly was not easy. She had three pregnancy losses: an ectopic pregnancy, a daughter Hope, was stillborn and then Miller suffered a miscarriage. But, miraculously, within the next three and a half years, Miller gave birth to five healthy children. Miller admits that much of her life during the last few years has been just trying to keep my head above water. She says that her existence was more of a survival mode. But lately Miller is glad to report There has been more thriving than just surviving. In addition to her great husband, Miller credits her neighbors in Brownstown with helping her get to this point. In fact it was one of her neighbors, Sandy Hursh who nominated Miller to be Mom of the Month. She has a very stressful life with so many little ones, Hursh said, but rarely complains and chooses to see the humor

Jean Miller poses with her five children from left: Mackenzie, Christopher, twins John and Ray with Annie at the far right.

and blessing that this stage of life brings. Even though she is incredibly busy raising her kids, she always has time to reach out to others and be an encouragement to everyone

around her. My neighbors have been Gods provision for me, said Miller. Sometimes its by bringing her a cup of coffee at just the right time in the

afternoon or inviting some of her children over to play for a while. She walks regularly in the early mornings with her neighbor

- continued on page 9

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Spring 2012 sessons at Lancaster Countys Family Place Libraries

The Ephrata, Lancaster and Quarryville public libraries announce Family Place program rosters for spring. The special sessions for young children ages one to three and their families will run throughout March and April at all three Family Place libraries. [See schedule below] What is a Family Place Library? A Family Place Library is a center for early childhood information, parent education, emergent literacy, socialization and family support. Expanding the traditional role of childrens services, the Family Place builds on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parent involvement and supportive communities play a critical role in young childrens growth and development. Family Place library staff, trained in developmentally appropriate and family support practice, leverage the resources of the library to effectively serve young children and families. The Parent/Child Workshop is the core program at each Family Place Library. This fiveweek series brings together toddlers and their parents in an informal, interactive setting with professionals from local agencies such as childcare centers, hospitals, speech clinics, universities, public schools and health departments. It emphasizes and supports the role of parents as first teachers, facilitates early intervention, and teaches strategies that promote healthy child development. Workshops promote early literacy through modeling and offer referrals to information and community resources. Key Features of A Family Place Library Developmentally appropriate programming for children and their parents/ caregivers A specially designed space for young children and their parents/caregivers Collections of books, toys, audiovisuals and other materials for babies, toddlers, parents and family service professionals Access to electronic resources that emphasize emergent literacy, reading readiness and parent education Family Place workshop sessions feature art, blocks, books, puzzles, puppets and more! Since an integral part of the project is the collaboration between community agencies and the library, there will be resource people from the

community on hand to informally a n s w e r parenting questions and concerns. The three registered Family Place Libraries in Lancaster County received grant funds in 2011 from United Way of Lancaster Countys LEARN (Local Education and Resource Network a United Way Success by Six partnership).

Ask an Expert at
Megan Conklin Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist with HARTZ Physical Therapy Fitness, injury prevention and rehabilitation Dr. Maria Meliton M2 Dentistry for Children & Teens, LLC, Pediatric Dental Health

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Dr. Pia Fenimore Lancaster Pediatrics Pediatric Health

Question: My 8-month old wakes up about every 2 hours at night and the only way I can Question: What are your thoughts on giving a baby a pacifier? What age should it be get him to go back to sleep is to nurse him. Can he really be that hungry or is is just habit? taken from the child? He had been sleeping though the night until about a month and a half ago. Question: I would like to start saving money for my childs education. What are the My 4 year old son has recently become VERY clingy whenever I (mom) leaves him or benefits of using a 529 plan over just placing the money in a savings account or CD? goes anywhere. He has always preferred to be with me but now his behavior is extreme; Megan Conklin crying, hanging on my leg, chasing me. I have tried explaining when Ill return, offering Question: Hi, I had a baby several months ago and have had nagging pains in my neck special time for good behavior and anything else I can think of. There have been no major changes in his routine or in the household. It is making preschool, volunteering, church, etc. and lower back areas. Are there excercises that you recommend to help releive the pain and impossible. Is this a stage for some children? How long should I expect it to last? strengthen those areas to prevent further discomfort? Thank you, Chrissy

Dr. Pia Fenimore

Kirsten Freitag Murray Parenting Development Coordinator with Compass Mark, Inc. Social, relational and/ or behavioral issues

Terry Evearitt, Certified College Planner, College Funding Advisors, Inc. College financial planning, aid, other college financing

Dr. Maria Meliton Terry Evearitt

Kirsten Freitag Murray

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FEBRUARY 11, 2012 5

Ask an Expert Communicating and Expressing LOVE to our kids

By Kirsten Freitag Murray It smells just like my grandmas house on a snowy morning. When I say this, I am certainly lost in the memory of waking at my Grandma Pearls house as the smell of homemade waffles and bacon wafted up the stairs and into my dreams. That olfactory sensation swiftly transports me back to the barn red farmhouse in northern Connecticut, and to all of the ways in which my Grandma communicated her love to me ways in which she touched me; spoke to me with tenderness and respect; listened to me; spent time teaching me to cook, bake and sew; told me stories and sang to me; hugged and rocked me; complimented me; believed in me; nurtured my interests and strengths; and almost always allowed me to try my hand at new things. She knew me, she loved me and she knew how to communicate her love for me. From the minute our children are born, we have opportunities to express our love to our little ones. Skin-to-skin contact is vital to an infants flourishing. Talking to our babies sets the stage for trust, as well as lays the foundation for their language development. Eye contact and tone of voice are both important factors in creating a loving connection with our children early on and these two aspects of communication remain important throughout our lifelong relationship with them. As we know, it is not simply what we say, but how we say it and what we do that counts. The opportunity to express love pops up in millions of ways, so we have many options for communicating that unconditional love as we form and build our parent/ child bonds. Youve most likely heard about love languages, and perhaps youve even read one of the books on the topic by Dr. Gary Chapman. This is both fun and informative to read and get under your belt, as it allows you to pinpoint not only your love language(s), but those of the people you love as well. So whether it is words, time, gifts, tasks, touch or some combination of those, it helps if we know what language we should be speaking! Knowing these specific things about what speaks love to you and those central in your life can transform your relationships. It is no small assignment to both know and love each of our children well, and to communicate that. Each child is unique ... his love language is particular to him, and our forms of communication with him change as he grows and develops. Here are some loving communication ideas that will serve your family well as your child matures. *Speak love. Say I love you multiple times a day and throw in a few hugs especially for your teens! Yelling and screaming are almost never necessary. It is an inappropriate way that adults express anger. Ditto for swearing and cussing. Always inappropriate our kids will copy what we do and say. *Build a pattern of time together with no distractions. Turn the screens off and be present. (One of my biggest pet peeves is observing a parent texting or talking on the phone when they are with their child.) Take a walk together when she gets off the bus or before or after dinner. Do errands together and chat about his day. He may even surprise you and ask about yours! Play a game or pursue a hobby together. Prepare dinner together, delegating age-appropriate tasks.

*Be available. If possible, be at home when she is leaving for and returning from school. Eat breakfast and dinner together whenever possible. Offer to drive to sporting and extra-curricular events. This is a great way to get to know his friends and also to hear what is happening in his world. Read the newspaper in the same room while she is doing her homework. Set boundaries on your work and socializing schedule, to allow for ample time for your family to be together. If your teen is home on a Friday night you should be too! Reward them with your time when they make good, but difficult, choices.

Kirsten Freitag Murray

The Third Degree: Implying that she caused the problem. Changing the Subject: No need to worry about that! Therapy Session: Even if you are a professional, dont ask, WHY? Judging: That wasnt very smart! Sarcasm: Small children dont understand sarcasm, and it is humiliating to older children. (Based on work by Dr. *Be a great listener. Michael H. Popkin and his active Listen with your full attention parenting research.) and body language, as well as your ears. Identify and name feelings. Rephrase what is shared, to be sure you are getting it right. Try to offer alternatives, as opposed to quick fixes. Ask before you give advice! Be encouraging. Check in to see how things are going with friends, school, etc. Know what makes him tick and what is going on his world. *Develop a language of feelings and ideas. Allow for the verbal expression of feelings and help him name feelings. Share your own feelings, without causing harm. Be a good model of expressing emotions appropriately and honestly. **Avoid saying and doing things that will cause your child to stop sharing with you. Commanding: Telling her what to do. Advice Giving: Solving the problem for him. Smoothing Over: Saying everything will be fine.

You get the idea!!!!! I had all the confidence that my Grandma Pearl loved me for exactly who I am she communicated love to me every chance she got. Our communication is ultimately an expression of love to our children. We need to build a strong relational base and follow healthy principles as we grow in our relationships with our kids. If you are having the conversations and expressing your care for one another, there are many roadblocks that simply wont throw you off course as you parent your child to independence as a loving, caring adult engaged with the world around him. Know your child, love your child and become an expert at communicating and expressing that love for your child. Kirsten Freitag Murray, Parenting Development Coordinator with Compass Mark, Inc., is a contributor to the LancMoms.com Ask an Expert feature.

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Day Trippin: Learning can be fun

By Rochelle A. Shenk Special Features Writer For those who think learning and fun cannot go hand-inhand, a visit to The Lancaster Science Factory is definitely in-order. Lancaster Science Factorys interactive exhibits, work stations and mini-labs foster learning experiences and opportunities for visitors to experiment and create. Were a math and science lab for kids in grades three through eight. Our focus is on the physical sciences, and kids have an opportunity to learn firsthand about concepts that theyve learned about in textbooks at school. But its all done in a way that helps develop curiosity and stimulate thinking, explains executive director Bob Herbert. There are more than 50 interactive exhibits at the Lancaster Science Factory (LSF), which is housed in a former factory building at 451 New Holland Ave. It celebrated its fourth anniversary January 22. Each exhibit demonstrates a principle of math or science such as light and vision; electricity and magnetism; mechanics and

motion; structural engineering; acoustics; fluid dynamics; and puzzles and brain teasers. While our focus is kids, parents and grandparents have fun learning, too. Science is all around us in our daily lives, Herbert says. A Knex exhibit encourages children to build things, and as theyre building they learn basic structural engineering principles. Another building type exhibit is the caternary arch exhibit, where children learn how to build an arch like the St. Louis Gateway Arch. One of the fluid dynamics exhibits dam the creek focuses on learning about altering or stopping the flow of water. Another exhibit explores magnetism as kids use magnetism to create art. Herbert says that the open floor plan encourages visitors to move from exhibit-to-exhibit at their own pace. He suggests allowing two to two-and-a-half hours to explore LSF. In conjunction with other science centers, museums and university research centers nationwide, LSF will participate in NanoDays March 24 through April 1. Coordinated by NISE (Nanoscale Informal

Science Education) Network, activities will help children and adults explore the world of atoms, molecules, and nanoscale forces. The power of nanotechnology can be seen materials that are a composite of fabric and nano-size particles to increase the durability of fabric for example incorporating nano-whiskers into fabric used to make pants produces a lightweight water and stain repellent material. A special exhibit, From Here to There will open in September and run through January 2013. It will feature 11 different technologies that demonstrate how things get from here to there. Children can explore how canal locks transport boats, how a hovercraft operates, as well as how a magnetic train operates. LSF also hosts a weekly class for homeschoolers. The latest class session began the week of Feb. 6 and will run for 14 weeks. Additionally the second Saturday of the month, LSF hosts a program for Cub Scouts to earn an engineering activity pin. Cub Scouts may also earn a commemorative science patch. Other activities at LSF include

birthday parties and various summer camps that run June through mid-August, and a cold storage winter camp over the holidays. LSF is an official SciGirls affiliate; Scigirls is a PBS show with an interactive website; both are intended to get girls 8 to 12 years of age interested in science, technology, engineering and math. Herbert says that sometime later this year LSF will be implementing special programs for Girl Scouts and girls.

Lancaster Science Factory is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. It is open most holidays. Admission is $6.50 for children ages 3 to 15; $8 for adults; $7 for seniors (60+), and children two and under are admitted free of charge. Children must be accompanies by an adults 18 years or older.

For further information, please visit www. lancastersciencefactory.org. or call 509-6363.

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FEBRUARY 11, 2012 7

Celebrating Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

Above: Lancaster friends, Molly Miller, 19, and Lizzy Hannan, 18, dressed in pajama onesies, carry treats to their table at Carmen & Davids Creamery in downtown Lancaster Feb. 4 as part of International Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. Center: Alex Benson, 7, and her sister Katie, 5, from Lancaster, enjoy their ice cream Right: Two-year-old Caden Weire, left, takes a bite of his Coffee and Donuts Ice Cream Sundae (which he shared with his mother, Kristin, from Lancaster) as his brother Caleb, 4, enjoys a Oreo pretzel cone,. Photos by Justin David Graybill/Sunday News Read more about International Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day on page 8.

Hungry for a cupcake?

By Cynthia Hummel Special Features Writer Since the first infomercial appeared in 1950, pitchmen such as Ron Popiel have tried to lure television viewers with products ranging from the pocket fisherman to food dehydrators. Today, companies still capitalize on its connection to the decades-old technology by including As Seen on TV logos. One of newest products to pop up on the smaller screens is Big Top Cupcake bake ware. The set is basically a three-piece silicone baking mold with instruction book. Two pieces make the top and bottom of the cupcake. The third piece retains a space in what becomes the middle of the giant cupcake for fillings, such as whipped cream, icing and pudding. Directions say to wash the silicon pieces in warm water and dry completely before lightly coating with a non-stick spray. Place the top and bottom part on a baking sheet, then add batter made with boxed mixes to meet the fill line before snapping the cover on the bottom mold. Giant cupcakes bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes, however a Duncan Hines chocolate mix required more time. Place a cooling rack on top of each piece, one at a time, then flip and release the cakes from the molds. Cool for 20 minutes.

Regular size cupcake on the left. Giant cupcake on the right.

Cool completely, then place filling in the cavity on top of the bottom section. Place frosting around the top edges of the bottom part and add the top. Ice the top of the cake before decorating. The product box includes pictures of multiple ways of decorating the finished cupcake. Directions also give recipes for combinations of cakes and frostings to make creations such as Boston Cream Pie and Carrot Cake. The manufacturer claims the Giant cupcake is 25 times larger than a traditional cupcake. Cake mixes I used fell a little short of rising to fill the entire mold. The mold itself is 6.5 inches in diameter by 7 inches high. It is certainly large for a cupcake. To be safe, bakers may want to make two mixes and use the extra batter to make some regular cupcakes. On the plus side, results turned out to be a recognizable giant cupcake every time. The noveltyshaped cakes look more impressive than the amount of time it took to make them.

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Spend a night at the National Watch and Clock Museum

With the holidays well behind us, its time for some new family fun fun that includes sleeping too! Spend a night at the National Watch and Clock Museum on March 2. Find out what happens after the Museum locks its doors each night. Does the mouse run up the clock, does the grandfather clock begin to talk, or does time really fly? The Museum, located in Columbia, is truly the center of time and is home to close to 12,000 watches and clocks. Why not bring your family and explore time?! After a stroll through the Museums time tunnel, you will find yourself transported to the time of Stonehenge and water clocks. From there, you begin your journey through time where thousands of years later (or an hour and a half in museum time) your family will stand speechless before the Mars Clock wondering, Where did the time go? The Family Overnight is a unique opportunity for children ages 6 to 12 to spend the night at the Museum and enjoy decorating a clock to take home, munching on a snack, and exploring the many Museums exhibits. Cost is $20 for children and $12 for adults, with payment due prior to the sleepover. The adult chaperone must be at least 21 years old and one chaperone is required for every five children who participate. Admission includes: Scavenger hunt activity through the Museum Museum exploration Make-a-clock program for children Snack and light breakfast Souvenir patch for children Register for the Family Overnight by calling 717684-8261, ext. 237 or email education@nawcc.org to reserve a space and receive an information packet. Space is limited to 80 participants. The National Watch and Clock Museum is operated by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) association with close to 18,000 members, representing 52 countries. April through November the Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. December through March hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From Memorial Day through Labor Day the Museum is also open on Mondays. Discounts are available to seniors, students, AAA members, and groups of 10 or more. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to call ahead. For more program information, directions, or general Museum information, call 717-684-8261 or visit our website at www. museumoftime.org.

Start your day with ice cream? Why not?!

Once upon a time there were two children in upstate New York who needed a distraction from the long, dreary days of winter. Their mother invented a holiday that delighted children and grownups alike. On the first Saturday in February they all had ice cream for breakfast! The years passed and the children grew up, but the special day was soon a custom with family and friends. Over time the circle expanded and now Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is celebrated all over the world. Carmen & Davids Creamery celebrated its Second Annual International Ice Cream for Breakfast Day Saturday, Feb. 4. The only requirements to celebrate that day is to: 1. Eat ice cream 2. for breakfast 3. on the first Saturday in February. But Carmen & Davids created some special items for the event: 1. Maple Walnut Bacon Supreme A warm, organic, whole grain waffle, with Maple Walnut Ice Cream, covered with real Maple Syrup and topped with whipped cream, real bacon sprinkles and a cherry! 2/ Breakfast of Champions A Waffle Bowl filled with Grape Nuts Ice Cream, covered in bananas, strawberries and blueberries, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. 3. The Waffling Turtle A warm, organic, whole grain waffle, with premium Vanilla Ice Cream, coated with Hot Fudge and Caramel Sauce, topped with pecans, whipped cream and a cherry. 4. Coffee and Donuts Sundae A Cinnamon Sugar Donut with a scoop of Coffee Ice Cream, drizzled with caramel, and then topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Lots of customers added to the fun by arriving in pajamas. Prizes were awarded for Best Dressed Jammies, Most Fun Jammies Family, and Sassiest Slippers! Carmen & Davids Creamery, 25 N. Prince St., shared the joy of ice cream with a donation of 10 percent of the events sales to Milagro House of Lancaster. http://www.milagrohouse.org/ But, you dont have to wait until next year to celebrate. No matter your age or what day it is, you can indulge a favorite childhood fantasy and enjoy Ice Cream for Breakfast!

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p.m. to 6 p.m. her Full moon time. And she can often be seen on one of her Sanity Drives with her children. Ill put them all in their car seats and well just drive around counting cows. Its one of the benefits of living in Lancaster County. She also said that her family Kicks me out on Wednesday nights so I can have one of my wild dates at Weis Markets. One day Miller was shopping and she met an elderly woman who happened to also have five children also born close together. She held Millers hand and looked into her eyes and started to speak. Miller was sure the woman was going to tell her how precious the little ones are, how to treasure each and every day, it goes by so fast. Instead, the woman surprised Miller by saying, You wont miss these days. Theyre hard!

FEBRUARY 11, 2012 9

Mom
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Revolutionize family night with new technology

(ARA) The concept of reserving one night periodically for a family night is one that goes back generations, whether playing different card games, watching a movie, board games or games that only require creativity, like charades. (See another take on bringing back Family Night on Page 10) While those activities are still household staples, family night now can involve technology as much as it does creativity. While some may scoff at the idea of technology as a useful tool in family night, a recent study by Trinity University concluded that technology can actually enhance family togetherness by promoting teamwork and learning through a shared game experience. The survey of more than 30,000 players of an online game found that many families children, parents and grandparents are brought closer together by playing the game, and children learn reading, math, goal-setting and teamwork. Technology takes family game night to new heights with the newest wave of video games that dont take place merely sitting on the couch with a controller in hand. New advances in motion-based technology, like PlayStation Move for PlayStation 3, offer an experience that gets people moving together and interacting with one another in both collaborative and competitive ways. Here are three new games and a selection of networked services to make that family holiday gathering one that people wont want to leave: * Everybody Dance With a party mode that allows up to 20 players to compete in head-to-head dance competitions, dancers can try out one of the 40 dance tracks with their original music videos. Using the PlayStation Eye camera, performances can be captured, played back and links can then be sent to players Facebook and Twitter accounts. Using the camera to create a profile for every user, the winloss records are tracked, keeping the competition going every time they come over for a visit. * Carnival Island While the nostalgia of carnival games like ring toss and mini bowling may be lost on the kids, introduce them to childhood favorite games with Carnival Island. This familyfriendly game offers 35 classic carnival games and attractions to play with the PlayStation Move motion controller, so players can actually feel like theyre tossing a ring around a soda bottle - not just pushing the buttons on a controller. * EyePet & Friends For the younger children in the family, EyePet & Friends is a fun and accessible game for families and friends to play together. For the first time, two players will be able to play simultaneously with two EyePets, using two controllers in one augmented reality. Players can connect to the all new online community portal to review friends EyePet profiles, take part in events and competitions, and view and share content - all in a child-friendly environment. * PlayStation Network Game consoles now provide even more services than ever

Rachel. Its the perfect way for Miller to start her busy days. But whatever little acts of kindness her neighbors perform, Miller says, My load is lightened. Often neighbor children will come over and Miller loves that. Whats one or two more? Miller treasures her neighbors and loves to host brunches or game nights for them. I love my neighborhood, Miller said. Its not Mayberry and were not perfect, but its close! Another way Miller copes is by humor and writing about her life on her blog thecoffeecottage. blogspot.com. In her blog she says she keeps it real. She said, I never want to play the comparison game. Thats not healthy for any woman. Miller calls the hours of 4

The Miller family has 18 chickens on their property. The kids love to gather the eggs. Miller also said that the family used to have some ducks. But they were bullying the chickens and they turned into dinner one night. Miller said, You shouldnt bully!

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Miller tries to feed her family healthy meals and she tries to keep their food natural. She even bakes her own bread. However, there are those times, as many moms know, A Happy Meal is a happy meal, indeed! Miller also says ChikFil-A is amazing.

Miller once applied for a job at the White Miller loves coffee and that is a daily treat for House as assistant to Laura Bushs Social her. She makes her own special coffee concentrate Secretary. recipe that she adds to milk for a refreshing pick me up: Mix together 2 cups boiling water, add Miller also entered the contest to try to win the cup instant coffee, 1 cup of sugar, a teaspoon of co-host position next to Regis after Kathy Lee vanilla. left. Im still waiting for my call back, she said. Millers blog: thecoffeecottage.blogspot. Miller enjoys watching Downton Abbey, a com, says friend and neighbor, Sandy Hursh is British television show, on PBS. hilarious at times but also an encouragement to those of us raising kids. Miller grew up in Lancaster and lived in Shillington for a while before returning.

before that will surely amp up any family night. PlayStation Network is the online entertainment hub for all PlayStation platforms and is the premier destinations for games, TV and movies, sports and music. No need to leave the house to rent a family film anymore. PlayStation Network delivers instant access to streaming content, including

movies from Netflix, and more Having a great night with the entire family doesnt mean being tethered to the table with board games, and introducing video games and networked services doesnt mean everyone has to be stuck on the couch. With the right technology, family game night can become something that everyone looks forward to.

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LancDad

Phil and Philadelphia

My son hates Punxsutawney Phil and possibly Philadelphia. Phils prediction this month of six more weeks of winter in 2012 only reinforced the burning loathing Michael has fostered for two years. Thanks to Facebook I was able to find my description of what set Michael off on Feb. 2, 2010 as he noshed a nutritious breakfast near the kitchen radio: Irritated by the prospect of 6 more weeks of winter, Michael disputed claims that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow in Dumbadelphia where the worthless woodchuck apparently lives (I think hes confused because KYW radio in Phila. reported the news this morning). Michael possibly skirted sedition as a later Facebook post detailed how his wrath drove him to challenge the well-established hierarchical authority among Pennsylvania groundhogs: Furthermore, Mike, 6, dismissed claims by Pennsylvania Gus, Pa. Lottery spokesgroundhog, that Phil is in fact the MOST famous groundhog in Pa. At the risk of provoking SOPA police, I admit to copyright infringement by posting on Facebook a photo of Gus, Mikes favorite furry marmot whom usurped Phil as The Most Famous Groundhog in Pennsylvania. I cant disagree with Michael, obviously a stubborn Irishman (no idea where that comes from), and his disgust over the Western Pa. rural rodent. But I wasnt comfortable with his negative link between Phil and Philadelphia, a.k.a. Dumbadelphia. Michael and his sister Maggie are somewhat familiar with Philadelphia since we have season basketball tickets for home games at Temple University. Theyve also watched the classic Bill Murray movie Groundhogs Day a

Holding down the fort

The (K) Clues are for Kids

Created by Timothy E. Parker July 4, 2011

movie I swore Id watch only once before I had children and I would hope they realize Phil is not Philadelphian. But, on a family trip on Martin Luther King Day to visit my wife who was on business trip at Philadelphia Ritz Carlton Hotel Mike once again articulated the phrase Dumbadelphia. On this occasion, Mikes reference was not connected to groundhogs or the prospect of a longer winter, though it felt like 20 degrees when we boarded a double decker tour bus. Our tour guide, a former parochial high school teacher, gave a masterful presentation of Philadelphia history that truly mesmerized the kids for more than an hour. When we arrived back at the Ritz Carlton, Maggie had discovered the mini-bar and exclaimed that a Snickers costs $9. What do you expect in Dumbadelphia, Mike responded. I looked out the window at Philadelphias spectacular skyline vistas and reversed Michaels question: What dont I expect in Dumbadelphia? There are great deals available for winter trips to Center City Philadelphia my wife and I go often to celebrate our birthdays and anniversary. If you go, with or without children, I highly recommend the Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours heated, 90-minute, double decker bus tour that hits 21 historic sites. Its $60 for two adults and two children.

ACROSS 1. Mosquito or mole, e.g. 5. (K) Layer in a coop 8. (K) Achy 12. Declare bluntly 13. (K) George of the Jungles sidekick 14. (K) Streamer on a kite 15. Change the wallpaper 16. (K) Large 17. (K) Its smaller than a molecule 18. (K) It may be red, yellow or green (2 words) 21. (K) Chow down 22. (K) The night before a holiday 23. Enhance with decorations 26. (K) Like frozen winter roads 27. Hot tub locale 30. (K) Soapy water produces them

31. Write hastily (with down) 32. Type of tide 33. (K) Brick holder 34. (K) Cooks utensil 35. (K) Sing ones own praises 36. Prepare to drag race 37. (K) Defeated everyone 38. Small-time farmer (2 words) 44. (K) Uttered 45. (K) Tell a falsehood 46. Deposit of ore 47. Good fruit with an unattractive name 48. (K) Some players in tag 49. (K) Seriously recommend 50. (K) Sport played while riding horses 51. (K) Thing on a tennis court

52. (K) Plant beginning DOWN 1. (K) Actors role 2. (K) lived happily ___ after 3. (K) Beverage with a burger, often 4. Some special deals 5. (K) Sisters clothes? 6. Sweeping story 7. Allow to deteriorate 8. (K) Place for a play 9. (K) It may be taken with a Bible 10. Prison uprising 11. (K) Popular tree type 19. (K) It blows cool air 20. (K) Poison ___ (itchy plant) 23. (K) Fire remains

24. (K) Group of two singers 25. (K) Uneven 26. It carries a small charge 27. (K) Ocean 28. Faux ___ (blunder) 29. Well-chosen 31. Track object thats thrown 32. Dumbfound 34. ___ capita 35. (K) Word shouted to scare people 36. Hams device 37. Take forcibly 38. Powdery starch 39. (K) Where kids can sled 40. Use as a reference 41. (K) You can sweat through it 42. (K) Sharp side of a knife 43. Bassoon bit 44. Break bread

Can you find the answer to this riddle within the solved puzzle?

Line formed at the barbershop?

PUZZLE ANSWERS

2011 Universal Uclick www.amuniversal.com/ups

Riddle answer:

1-D) Part

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Helping Family Night make a comeback

By Marci Watterson Special Features Writer So many of us are feeling the family ties being strained, we are multitasking to the point where appointments need to be made with our own family members. However, more and more parents are looking to bring back the ties that bind, no matter how much our children resist in the beginning. Children may be doing the chores which happen to be part of being a family, and then they make a dash for the door to see friends. This is understandable, but being able to laugh and enjoy your familys company is something parents and children will cherish and look back on later in life. Getting started is the tough part; grab a chance to call a family meeting when everyone is in the room eating or before heading off to their different activities. Be firm about the time and that no one is allowed to skip the meeting! All present and accounted for! Nice job, now break the news about everyone putting aside one night to be together. You may

want to say, No Exceptions! and have an alternate night as backup. Go ahead a throw in the statement, This designated night will be for family fun and a movie. Many children are earning an allowance, let them know the $5 bin of movies and games, which are located in the local stores are a great place to visit. You can take things a step further and offer tokens that can be earned through dad or mom.

Tokens: Cardstock or construction paper are an easy solution for making tokens, just cut into small rectangles and write the purchasing power on it. Examples: 1 token, (the amount shown can be used towards a snack and given for noticeably trying in many areas, including school work) 1 movie selection token, (special token given for attitude) 1 game selection token, (special token given for good

sportsmanship) Free snack, (extra chore completed and approved by parent) Chore passed on, (use of bad language; watch out, this goes for all family members) Setting up a snack bar: Try stacking plastic containers on a table to create different levels, and covering them with a tablecloth, this will provide small areas for a candy bar, popcorn bag, or soda to rest. Dont forget to keep the food or drink to an individual size, this makes selecting the items much easier. A small card or sticky note next to each item will provide the amount in tokens which will be needed. Fun tip: You can buy favorite snacks in family packs and have the children make and divide into single serving sizes for the snack table, or let them indulge in a rare sugar rush.

Though the economy is on the mend, many families forced to make sacrifices during the downturn will continue to look for ways to maintain more control of their finances in the event another period of economic struggle surfaces down the road. Its safe to assume no family wants to find itself in the position millions of families did during the downturn, dealing with unemployment, a nonexistent job market and the specter of foreclosure on the family home. While theres no telling what the economic future holds, there are steps families can take to gain greater control of their finances and put themselves in a better position to handle whatever the economy throws at them down the road. * Start saving receipts. Nowadays, more and more people use debit cards for daily purchases, including smaller purchases like cups of coffee.

Simple saving tips

While this is more convenient, it also makes it easier to lose track of spending. Families should start saving receipts for all purchases, not just big-ticket items. At the end of the month, examine the receipts to see how much frivolous spending is going on. A close examination of receipts can help reign in spending on items that arent generally large, but can add up over time. * Make a grocery shopping list. Another tradition of yesteryear that has seemingly fallen by the wayside, the grocery list can help families save substantial amounts of money over time. Men and women who grocery shop without a list are more likely to spend more money than they had intended, buying extra food they dont need and making impulse buys as well. If you have a list of what you need when you

go to the store, youll not only save money but youre likely to spend far less time at the store as a result. * Re-examine your commute. Men and women might prefer driving themselves to work. Driving to work alone is more convenient, but its almost never more cost-effective. Consider public transportation where its available. Public transportation can remove the stress from traffic jams, as men and women can bury their noses in books or watch a movie on their iPads rather than stare at the vehicle in front of them. If no public transportation is available, propose a carpool to co-workers. Both of these alternatives can save individuals money on gas (the cost of which is once again on the rise) while adding years to their vehicles life expectancy, helping them get more out of their vehicle dollars.

Boundaries: Games and movies should be selected accordingly for each age group. If you have small children a matinee may give mom and dad some well-deserved down time. Older children must have chores completed before playing games and bedtime attire on, along with pillows/blankets for their own comfort during the movie time. Competition is always fun, but maybe you can have a bowl handy with numbered pieces of paper for a possible draw or dispute during a game, the highest number wins. Be prepared to run a double feature if the age and movie range has too much of a gap and in this case, the youngest goes first.

Game and Movie: Movies and games can be picked out ahead of time and displayed until Family Night, or maybe you have a not so agreeable family, choose the game or movie and place it/them in a small or large brown paper bag with a big question mark on it. When the But whatever you do, have family night arrives, surprise! fun and enjoy the family time together!

Getting the family involved: Extra paper lunch bags can be decorated for popcorn; a curtain or tablecloth can be draped over the top and down the side of a TV giving a theater appearance; have someone run the snack bar; dim the lights and have someone be an usher with a flashlight and dont forget the children can make a sign which proclaims the theaters name, such as, Mom and Pops Cinematography Center, ok, ok maybe thats a little much?!

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