Feeling left out is not a good feeling.  Being part of a group can really help kids’ self esteem, so when they are not included it really hurts.  Adults often feel they need to provide the solution to the problem but Dudley’s Solo makes it clear that kids can come up with their own great ideas.

I love this book because it gives kids a different perspective on what someone else is going through.  It’s also nice to see that the Childre’ns Band kids care about eachother, instead of looking the other way when they see Dudley’s upset, they take the time and find out what the problem is. 

Every child has a voice, even if they’re deaf and mute.  Dudley’s Solo has made a big impression on all my kids but especially girl2004, she seems to feel the most ‘different’ in groups and I’ve noticed that girls are especially exlusive in their “friendships”.  I’ve read Dudley’s Solo at least 10 times a day for the last 2 weeks and there’s no sign of slowing down.  A great story book for all ages in a Christian setting.

Dudley’s Solo

written by Tiffany Alexander

illustrated by Jeremiah Carstarphen

Thanks to the http://familyreviewnetwork.com for the great review opportunity.

If you’re looking for a way to decorate a child’s nursery, playroom or any other kid space look no further.  Bright Star Kids has many cute options for your spaces.

I received a kit via the FRN and am thrilled with it.  I put up the circles in a passageway between the kitchen and family room.  It’s great because I can keep tabs on the kids while I’m cleaning, cooking, doing laundry without them really feeling watched.  This is especially important with the girls since they’re often up to something naughty!

We got the chalk circles - a very interactive, fun product for the kids… they’ve been a lifesaver for me on a couple of occasions when I want to talk on the phone I point to the chalk and tissue.  Girl2004 works on her spelling and girl2006 produces wonderful works of scribble but both have a great time!

I placed the chalk circles uncentered onto the colored circles, I like things a bit off. I’ve also tested peeling them off the wall and was able to without incident!  I can’t guarantee that for everyone though and our paint has been on for a year and is glossy for reference.

Bright Star Kids is in Australia so shipping can take 2 -3 weeks.  What I like about their site is you can change the price to dollars no problem.  The chalkboard products are great for the summer time when the kids start getting cabin fever.  Check out Bright Star Kids’ photo gallery for more ideas.

Bright Star Kids has made it into 3 categories… Home & Garden, Children AND toys!

The day we went to see Thomas Live on Stage, we stopped to eat the Gourmet Dumpling House.  At first the kids were surprised by the different look and taste but eventually they all LOVED the food.  Always nice to get them out of their rut… as you may be able to tell, boy2001 was not that thrilled at first but that soon wore off.  It’s rare that I go out with the kids alone so it was really different not to have daddy with us on this trip.  Sitting there I couldn’t help but imagine them as grown ups and how much more fun we’ve got to live together.

girl 2006 China Town

lunch at Chinatown Boston

China Town Boston

I have and love it, they don’t care about the lint and crud on the carpet, what’s on tv or if the subject is moving.  It’s reality.  The subject is Baby Bear (Build-a-Bear origin), wearing his Christmas sweater well past its’ time and his firefighter pants — hence the reflector strips.  He’s besides his favorite pillow which is Simply Shabby Chic (my favorite).

In other news…  I’m watching Tori & Dean, that guy’s a bit of a hothead isn’t he?  I’m not a regular viewer so I may have the wrong idea but he’s seriously stressing about furnishing the house.  I’m sure my husband would be thrilled if I’d procrastinate such tasks.

And since I”m thinking about furnishings…  I can’t stop thinking about all things Pottery Barn.  I LOVE the look of Pottery Barn, Ethan Allen, et al.  You know like real furniture.  We have a few pieces of real furniture but no cohesive plan and there’s none of that in my immediate future.

Speaking of getting things furnished and organized, be sure to check out  Panasonic’s Living in HD website for a chance to get some experience with a vast array of their products.

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not medically inclined…  I’m scared of blood, tears and pain in general.  When Mom Central asked for testers for the AHA Family & Friends CPR Anytime I jumped at the chance.  Although I was certified years ago when I was in the military, I never really felt comfortable or like I got enough instruction or practice… it was just a run through, 2 seconds with a blow up doll and out you go.  Don’t forget to pick up your card on the way out.

The American Heart Association is improving that situation by giving everyone more time and opportunity to practice life saving skills.  In fact, 20 minutes is all it takes to go through a DVD demonstration of hands only CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in addition to all the reactionary things like when to call 911 an how to take charge and recruit help if available.

All of this is wonderful but the truly innovative part of the kit is the Mini Anne.  Easy to inflate and incredibly good as a visual / touchable aide.  I can now say I’ve perfected the technique of covering the mouth and blowing and tilting perfectly.  While performing chest compressions, the clicking is a wonderful gage as to timing and going along with the DVD gives a good indication of how long you’ll have to keep it up.

I talked to the kids about CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.  I know not everyone agrees but I like to expose my kids to things on my terms in hopes that they will have a better understanding if they witness something.  Boy2001 has heard about CPR but wasn’t sure what it was, he practiced a bit with Mini Anne.  All of them were on the edge of their seats watching me follow along with the DVD — hopefully they won’t get too scared if they ever see this in real life!

Want more information about classes in your area or to get your own practice kit?  Visit AHA website some time soon.