Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Family Weekend Bonding and Fun While Doing their Science Project

 It's Thanksgiving weekend already?  What, what just happened?  I felt like November just  flew by!

I finally got done decorating our  house for the holidays.  I  did it when my kids were in school so they were surprised  to come home  where decorations are up already.  They used to help me decorating the tree so I kind of felt bad that I did it without them.  I told them that  they can help  their Dad  in putting the lights outdoors this weekend.
 I am glad I got it done though because they have few projects that needs to be done before the Thanksgiving break so hubby and I were able to help them with it.
 Last Sunday, we  focused in finishing their Science project which was  collecting 20 different  leaves.  They were stressing out about it since most of the leaves have now fallen on the ground and they said that their teacher  don't want  crinkled leaves.  We told them that  we need to  work on what we have available, it is what it is.  If point get's take out from them for having  dried leaves, so be it.
 Luckily though, we  found  some that are still in good condition.  We  roamed around our  neighborhood trying to find leaves but it was a fun family bonding.
 This project would have been perfect  if  it was done before November but as I have said, it is what it is and we worked on the circumstances given.  Glad it still turned out well.
 I told them that if we can't gather the total number that they need that they can use my tropical plants that I brought indoors.  The only problem with it is they can only use a few  that doesn't grow regularly in the area.  But that was our  last option if we did not have enough.
 Finding the leaves was the easy part, identifying each of them was the  challenge.  Luckily, the teacher provided them an app that they can use to identify the leaves, even with the app though, we still found it  hard to  identify some of them.
 This Ginko tree is a favorite one that we always go to during summer time.  There's a great memory that we had with this tree when  our neighbor friend was still alive.  He was the one who introduced us  about it and explained  to us it's benefits.
 You don't normally see Ginko tree around  here but  there is one  by our neighborhood.
"Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as ginkgo or gingko, also known as the maidenhair tree, is the only living species in the division Ginkgophyta, all others being extinct. It is found in fossils dating back 270 million years. Native to China, the tree is widely cultivated, and was cultivated early in human history." source 
 Ginko leaves have a very beautiful shape.  It's shapes remind me of anahaw leaves.
 The wild berries and the  fruit of  Japanese barberries makes the almost-bare wooded  area  still look  bright and beautiful.
 I love this area   where we live because although we are in the heart of the city where business stuff  surround us, there is also a wooded area close to us.
 We used to take the kids here when they were younger and  discover a lot of stuff.  We didn't get to do it this summer due to  fear of ticks but now that  it is cold, I don't think tick are still around so we were able to  roam around.
 We have such great memories in  this area.
 It's a great feeling to  be able to do things with our children.  Activities as simple as gathering leaves can be so entertaining and make a great memory that would last a long time.

It is also a great  opportunity for us to talk to them about their future and other important  matters concerning about their studies, dreams and aspirations, and the importance of family as a whole.
 Open communication with children especially in this generation where technology is almost an everyday part of their lives is a  so important.  It is only with open communication that you can clearly  tell your children about things that matters and also a great avenue  for us parents to know what they are thinking and feeling.
 I am glad that our children are not afraid to tell us  things.
 I always love this quote from Frederick Douglass.  He said that   "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men" which is so true.  While we are  busy  trying to  do our jobs, we should always set aside time to talk to our  children.  They will remember this when  we are old and  value the importance of having the family around  you.
 It was an hour of fun and adventure.
Since it is almost  Thanksgiving, I would like to acknowledge the company that  sent us these hoodies that my children were wearing (Thank you!).  TeePublic has a great variety of products to choose from  which includes adult and kids apparel, home goods, cases and stickers.   So if you are looking for a unique gifts for love one these holidays, check them out.
 One of my daughter's dream is to visit New Zealand and see  wombats so I chose this hoodie for her, she loves it.  My son  also loves his hoodie since it has cars in it.
Anyway, here is the project that they have  made .  They were able to put it together  last Sunday and turned it  in one day ahead of it due date.
"Parenting now is a two-way relationship 
where you learn from each other. "
Juhi Chawla

Disclosure: The owner of this blog was NOT financially compensated to write this review.  I was provided with the complimentary product/s mentioned  for testing purposes and to help me  facilitate this review but  opinions are my own.

Friday, October 26, 2018

West Virginia Warriors Team - Summer Volleyball Elite

During the summer, the volleyball coach from my daughter's school formed a  team to participate in the Pittsburgh Volleyball Elite teams.  This is the first time that the  school have done it so the girls were a bit nervous but it was a great opportunity for them to experience and participate to.  They actually did  really well, they lost some games but it was to be expected since those teams have been playing there every summer.  
They called their team West Virginia Warriors.  They were a bit intimidated going into the first game since they did not  know what to expect but after  they broke through their  nervousness, they were fine.  They were the only team from West Virginia.  I guess the coach knew someone from the Pittsburgh Volleyball Elite  so he asked if we could participate. 
It was a great summer practice for them, it became the continuation of their  season from the 7th grade.  It was also a great transition for their team to their 8th grade's volleyball season which just ended this month.
On their last game, an alumnus from Madonna High School who knows one of our coaches sponsored the team for an after-the-game picnic at Edgeworth Club in Sewickley, PA.  It was a beautiful country club with  great amenities such as tennis court and swimming pool.  
These photos were taken after they swam and had dinner.
It was nice of the  doctor who sponsored this event.  Everyone had fun  including us, parents who attended it.



A post shared by Chubskulit Rose (@chubskulitrose) on
This year's volleyball season has just ended. They had lost games and also won some but hopefully they all learned skills so they would be able top play in High School. My daughter plan to continue playing if she meets the requirement. She love this sport, it's the only one that she plays.


Thursday, October 18, 2018

How to Really be There for Your Children


Nothing will be more important to you than your children. Unfortunately, a poor state of mind can impact your ability to care for your son or daughter and provide him or her with a happy, healthy childhood. It is your job as a parent to become a role model for your child because they will look to you when making decisions and learning right from wrong. To ensure you give your son or daughter the best start in life, read the below advice on how to truly be there for your children.

Nurture Every Part of Yourself
Every parent has a responsibility to nurture every part of themselves, such as their mental, physical and emotional health. If you fail to care for your body or take action to stop a problem in its tracks, your choices will impact your child. For instance, it is common for some people to turn to drugs to deal with crippling emotions, but you can turn your life around for the sake of your child by embarking on a Suboxone treatment program or similar.

Busy parents tend to push themselves harder when running a hectic home while juggling a demanding career and caring for their family. Unfortunately, too many tasks in your schedule can cause a parent to feel burnt out both physically and mentally. If you want to be filled with passion and energy when caring for your children, you must care for your body by enjoying some much-needed rest. It’s time to grab an early night, enjoy a nap while the children are at school, or find a babysitter to take a break from your hectic household.

Talk to a Doctor and Your Partner if You’re Struggling
Children notice a lot more than you think. If you are unhappy, you can trust they will be unhappy too. For that reason alone, you must talk to someone if you are struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression. The act of talking alone can often be therapeutic, and you will be able to discuss your feelings in a non-judgmental, supportive environment when you can confide in a doctor. As a result, a doctor could direct you to a therapist or could prescribe anti-depressants, which can help you to feel healthier and happier, so you’ll be 100% present in your child’s life.

Additionally, no child will be happy to live in a divided household. If you are constantly arguing with your partner, you can trust it will impact your kids’ happiness. The tension and frustration in your relationship could stem from a lack of intimacy. Therefore, it might be helpful to attempt to reconnect with your partner by enjoying a date night every once in a while. Book a babysitter and do something fun together, such as enjoying dinner and a movie, drinks at a sleek bar, or an exciting day at a theme park. Regular dates could add a spark back into your relationship so that you can provide your children with a loving, secure home.

Monday, September 3, 2018

How Sports Can Impact Your Child's Life


Some children want to start playing sports at a fairly young age. They either get interested when watching a sporting event on the television or from tossing a ball around with dad. Playing sports at any age has a huge impact that can change their trajectory in life. Today we are looking at all the types of sports available, how you can support them, and the lessons they learn.

The Variety of Options
If your child just wants to expel a lot of energy, you may be wondering what the best sport is to put your child in. Here are a few examples:
  • Softball/baseball – these games are similar with a few slight differences. Softball is slower pitching, bigger ball, and smaller diamond. This is not a full contact sport but accidents can still happen!
  • Football – a full-contact sport, even at a young age. Getting hurt gets more serious as the children age and become stronger and bigger. While popular among young boys, girls are often welcomed with open arms.
  • Soccer – not an intentional full-contact sport. You don’t tackle anyone like you would in football but since feet are the primary use, it is very likely one will get hurt while playing.
  • Bowling – may not seem like a sport but it very much is. No contact and a great skill builder.
Get Them the Gear They Need
Supporting them isn’t just signing them up and letting them have at it. You got to make sure they have everything they need. That may be custom softball socks, helmet, shin guards, or wrist guards. Ask your league coach for advice on what your child needs and brands they may recommend. Getting a coach recommendation will help you navigate the crazy world of sporting goods. Don’t forget the water bottles, extra snacks for practices and games, and ride arrangements for those days when you can’t take them.

Be There!
Aside from everything, be there and be their personal cheerleader. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first day of tryouts, the first football scrimmage, their first game as goalie, or the last bowling match, being there is the best thing you can do for your child and their self-esteem. It also allows you to get excited for your child and see that they are safe and learning great stuff.

They Learn More in Sports Than on the iPad
The lessons that a child learns by playing in a youth league are almost innumerable. Their social skills improve because they form bonds with their teammates and feel more confident stepping out into the world knowing they are a part of something other than the family unit. They learn how to work together and most importantly, good sportsmanship. Good sportsmanship can be difficult when winning becomes the center of everything, but children enjoy supporting and cheering their teammates on and rely on their understanding that those same people will support them in return. When they see their family in the stands cheering them on, they learn that they do matter and are important to others that they love and adore.

There are also physical health lessons that come into play in youth sports. They learn more about what their body can and cannot do. They feel strong as they grow and build muscle. They learn more about healthy nutrition in order to stay in the best shape for their chosen sport.
Team youth sports is a wonderful activity for all children to engage in, no matter their skill level. We advise you do check with your child’s doctor to be sure they are physically ready for their new hobby. We suggest you get a new calendar so that you can manage all the practices, games, and slumber parties with new friends.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Eventful Summer of 2018 for our Children

This summer is full of fun for the kiddos, they got to experience a lot of things.  This was a school break where non-stop activities just keep pouring for my kids.   Not only  that they got to experience fun stuff, they also did some volunteering jobs and be part of some  important event that  has a big impact in their lives.  We also did a lot of "first-time" activities so this is really a jam-packed summer.
One of the boys from my daughter's class  loves playing pool tricks.  In just six months, he already broke  the  Guiness World Record for a Jump Pot of a Billiard Ball.  My daughter witnessed his successful  attempt and was happy  for the support that she gave her friend.  
For the first time, they  experienced the  adrenaline rush in White Water Rafting that we did in Hartford Tennessee.  It was a lot of fun!

This  was also their first experience in Horse Backriding.  We did it on our second day in Pigeon Forge.
Our  Tenessee trip was a blast.  We got to do a lot of things.
Kentucky was also fun.  We went to the Newport Aquarium.
Our trip to Moundsville was not really for leisure but we made it fun and educational.  
Another year of Amish exploration for us.  We can't let a year pass by without visit the Amish Place in Ohio, this time we went on a different one, we went to a bigger one which is the  Walnut Creek .  Amish   place  really brings us  a relaxing feeling that we don't  get driving around here in the city.  There is something out there that's so calm and enjoyable.
For a  couple of hours, we drove through North Carolina after our white water rafting  fun in Hartford Tennessee.  It was really nice seeing two states in one day.
We live near Pittsburgh and we have been there so many times but we have never been to their state park in the middle of the city.  In fact we didn't know about Point State Park until this year so it was nice  seeing it for the first time.  

North Star Tiki is  between Pittsburgh and  the city where we live but we have never been there before.  My daughter's  class held their  end-of-the-year party there so we all got to go and see the place.  We had a lot of fun there as well.

We have been to so many places in Ohio but not in Cincinnati so we were glad that the place we stayed at in Kentucky was near Cincinnati.
We got to see their International Friendship Park and get to enjoy the  thriving arts scene all around the city and we got to bond with the Dias Family.
Before leaving Pigeon Forge, we  dropped by at Gatlinburg a little bit and enjoy the scenery and shopped a little bit.

We participated at the campus clean up project that was spearheaded by one of my son's classmates.
We volunteered to help at the church's fund raising event where donated items were sold at the annual rummage sale that was held at the school gymnasium.
For the first time, we  were part of the 4th of July parade, we joined the Pro Life group.
This is the  second time  my daughter volunteered for the Vacation Bible school.  She usually helps with the arts and crafts.
This was the first year where the volleyball coach from my kids school formed a team and participated to the summer program of the Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball.  Their last fun activity was going to a fair with their friends.
They have been back to school for a week now so I feel like the summer break went flew by so quickly.  Now they are back to their regular routine for school, violin lessons, and juijitsu.  My daughter's  volleyball season have started already so they will be very busy with school related  functions again.

Youth Leadership Graduation

Each year, Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a Youth Leadership for sophomore students different schools in Weirton and nearby counties...

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