The Savymom Times on PNN

My Kids

This is Tori, she is my trouble maker. She loves to get into anything and everything. About a month ago she dumped 3 gallons of milk on my carpet, and I did not have a carpet cleaner. So I got up everything I could, but that wasn't enough, it took me about a week before I could get a carpet cleaner. A week goes by, and my house was unbareable to be in. It was the worst smell, I thought I'd never get it out. When I finally got the capet cleaner, it took about a month to get the smell out of the house. That was an awfull expirience.

Last week she decided to get into my cabnet and take out my flour. She dumped that all over my floor too. I have decided that cabnet locks are a must if you have a toddler like mine. There is nothing that will stop her, she likes to see and touch everything. No matter where we are or how she has to get it.

This is Matthew, my angel. Don't be fooled he is a rough and tough boy. He rides his dirt bike and loves to climb. Matthew will sit and watch almost any movie, but most of all he is my gaurdian over tori. He tells me when she is being bad and getting into something. He's not always an angel though, a few times I caught him getting into trouble with Tori. Usually he's a good big brother. With the baby, he tries to be too helpfull, like change James' diaper and not put another one back on. Yep, he sure does love to help.

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The Baby and the price of clothes

My baby is 4 months on October 11th. He has blonde hair and blue eyes, and his name is James. James is in 6 months clothes and buying clothes for a baby can get pricey. The doctor told me he is in the 95 percential of the average baby weight and hieght. He is growing so fast, so I have to buy alot of clothes.

My favorite places to buy clothes are; Walmart, Target, and Thrift stores for kids. Sometimes I can find some nice things at Craigslist of at local yard sales. I have so many newborn clothes I don't know what to do with them. As I am searching for 6-9 months clothes, I try to find good deals. Wal-mart has the Granimals brand that are nice and well priced. They also have the discount racks I often look through. This is a store I reccomend to other mothers looking for good priced, nice looking clothes. Target has nice clothes on discount sometimes too.

When the seasons are changing, many stores put really nice things on clearence. Old Navy is the best if you want to buy them and save them for the next year. I found some nice jackets and the end of winter at 90 percent off last year. I am very happy now that I perchased them then. You just have to average out how big you think your child will be the next year. They also do this with swim suits. When ever a season is over, that is the best time to buy, especialy if you have many children and a low budget. Unfortunatly, you do need storage space to be able to save these items.

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Kids

NationalGeographic.com Press Releases: Kids

Updated: 04 Dec 18:41

National Geographic Children's Books publishes "EVERY HUMAN HAS RIGHTS"

04 Dec 18:41

WASHINGTON (Dec. 1, 2008)Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, marks the 60th anniversary of the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Compiled after the horrors of World War II, the declaration's purpose was to state and protect the rights of all people. Every Human Has Rights: A Photographic Declaration for Kids is a collaboration among The Elders, National Geographic, and the ePals Global Community.

The 30 rights set down in 1948 are incredibly powerful. According to the U.N., every human just by virtue of being human is entitled to freedom, a fair government, a decent standard of living, work, play, education, freedom to come and go as we please and to associate with anyone we please, and the right to express ourselves freely. Every Human Has Rights: A Photographic Declaration for Kids (Nov. 25, 2008; $17.95) offers kids an accessibly written list of these rights, commentary much of it deeply emotional by other kids, and evocative photography illustrating each right.

The foreword by Mary Robinson, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, gives perspective on one of the most important documents of human history. At the end of this deceptively simple book, kids will know and feel that regardless of individual differences and circumstances, each person is valuable and worthy of respect.

The Elders, a network of elder statesmen that advocates for human rights around the world, brought the 60th anniversary to National Geographic's attention. In an effort to start with "kids themselves," the publisher worked closely with the ePals community, the largest online community of K-12 learners, to join the celebration. Each participating teacher shared the Universal Declaration, rewritten for accessibility. The students wrote short responses and sent them to the publisher for judging. The 16 contest winners are featured in the book. Inspired by The Elders, the students, and the declaration, National Geographic Children's Books' editorial team pulled together the photographs, captions, and labels. Readers are encouraged to go to www.EveryHumanHasRights.org to sign the declaration and speak up about human rights and "the values that unite us as one human family."

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 325 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

<center>
EVERY HUMAN HAS RIGHTS:
A PHOTOGRAPHIC DECLATION FOR KIDS
National Geographic Children's Books
Foreword by Mary Robinson,
Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
ISBN-10: 1426305117 * ISBN-13: 978-1426305115
Publication date: Nov. 25, 2008
$17.95 hardcover
</center>

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS DECEMBER 2008 / JANUARY 2009

04 Dec 18:41

SIX SMART TOYS This season's must-have toys use the latest technology including eco-friendly green technology to power their way to the top of the list. National Geographic Kids looks at the innovative science behind six of the hottest toys, from a toy car that uses solar energy to a diving face mask with built-in underwater camera to a life-size animatronic puppy that reacts to voice commands. Page 32.

FAMILY PROJECT: BUILD A SNOW SCULPTURE National Geographic Kids offers tips from an expert at the United States National Snow Sculpting Competition to help you build the ultimate snow carvings this winter. Some initial pointers: Begin with a picture; carve from the top down; take your time; patch up mistakes; and bundle up! Page 44.

AMAZING ANIMAL HEROES Some experts say an animal would not care enough to save another creature's life, but National Geographic Kids has found six reports of amazing animal heroism that seem to tell a different story. Check out the heart-warming story of a dog that saved a baby kangaroo in Australia; a cat that saved its owners from deadly carbon-monoxide poisoning in Indiana; a faithful golden retriever that rescued its choking owner in Maryland; a Labrador retriever that saved his best friend from drowning in Nebraska; a parrot that frightened away would-be-thieves in Massachusetts; and a rabbit that alerted its sleeping owners to a house fire in Australia. Page 20.

PERFECT PROWLER National Geographic Kids reveals five secrets of the cougar's hunting success. Capable of leaping the length of a school bus in a single bound and bringing down animals four times their size, cougars are considered nature's greatest hunters by some Native Americans. Packed with powerful muscles that help them reach speeds of 55 miles per hour, the big cats, also called mountain lions and pumas, use more than just sharp vision and superhearing to hunt. Page 34.

"THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX" In the new movie "The Tale of Despereaux," a tiny mouse named Despereaux finds himself cast out of the mouse world and into a society of evil rats seeking to kidnap a princess and only the noble Despereaux can save her. National Geographic Kids takes a look back into medieval Europe to see if the movie is true to life, or if it's just a fairy tale. Page 38.

THE TRUTH BEHIND "BOLT" Bolt the dog thinks he's a superhero. But he's really just a TV star who doesn't realize his "superpowers" are special effects. When he's accidentally shipped from Hollywood, Calif., to New York City, he's convinced he's supposed to rescue his human costar. Would animals really behave like this, or is it just part of Bolt's fantasy? National Geographic Kids goes behind the scenes of this new movie to find out. Page 28.

National Geographic Kids, a multitopic, photo-driven magazine for 6- to 14-year-olds, empowers its readers by making it fun to learn about the world. Its numerous industry awards include Periodical of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from the Association of Educational Publishers. Published 10 times a year, National Geographic Kids has a circulation of 1.3 million and is available by subscription for $19.95 a year and on newsstands for $4.99 a copy. Its Web site is at kids.nationalgeographic.com.

GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK HIGHLIGHTS SPECTACULAR DIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS

04 Dec 18:41

WASHINGTON (Nov. 14, 2008)--National Geographic invites budding explorers on a seven-day "tour" of the marvelous cultures and natural wonders of the Americas during Geography Awareness Week 2008, Nov. 16-22. Geography Awareness Week is part of Geography Action!, an annual conservation and awareness program for schools and students in grades K through 12, designed to educate and excite youngsters about the world's natural, cultural and historic treasures. This year's spotlight on the Americas is National Geographic's third leg of a five-year journey focusing its geographic lens on five world regions.

At the Geography Action! Web site (nationalgeographic.com/geographyaction), teachers can find an assortment of resources, including hands-on activities; downloadable lesson plans and maps; a free, downloadable Americas map kit with tips for creating a jumbo-sized map of the Western Hemisphere; and links to additional resources on the Americas.

"Our compelling maps, activities, lesson plans and educational resources on the Americas will help students and teachers learn about these extraordinarily diverse continents," said Terry Garcia, National Geographic executive vice president of Mission Programs. "Web resources give students and teachers the necessary tools to understand the varied cultures and history of the Americas, the importance of their local regions, and the larger issues of relationships among people, places and environments."

Geography Action! is a program of National Geographic Education & Children's Programs, which provides grants, training, hands-on activities and support for educators and organizations.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS -- NOVEMBER 2008

04 Dec 18:41

DRESSED FOR THE WEATHER You probably dress differently in winter and summer. Some animals do, too. The Arctic fox, snowshoe hare, collared lemming, ptarmigan and ermine are dark in color during summer, but put on coats of white for the winter season. This color change in fur and feathers is for camouflage and helps these Arctic animals survive in their snowy environment. National Geographic Kids describes the biological process behind the color change as well as other winter adaptations that help the animals stay warm, search for food and escape from predators. Page 34.

BLIND AMBITION National Geographic Kids meets a young man who refuses to let his blindness slow him down. With a good sense of humor and his guide dog leading the way, he "can accomplish just about anything," including running the sound board for school plays, playing paintball and even playing golf. "Trying something you've never done before definitely can be scary. But that's true whether you're blind or sighted. My thinking is, you can't say no until you try. There's always a way to do whatever it is that you want to do," he says. Page 40.

THE GREEN LIST Preserving the planet helps all living things, and making a difference can be easy. National Geographic Kids suggests six small actions you can take to make a big difference: Use fewer napkins to cut down on waste; save 4.5 gallons of water a day by avoiding just one flush; don't let leftovers go to waste eat them; leave your shoes at the door to avoid tracking unwanted fertilizers, lead and toxic cleaners into your home; close the bathroom door when taking a bath to keep bath water warmer longer; and travel by train this holiday season to reduce carbon emissions. Page 14.

WORLD'S WACKIEST HOUSES National Geographic Kids checks out five extreme homes around the world. In Mexico City, Mexico, a family home is shaped like a shark; the sky's the limit in Benoit, Miss., where a retired Boeing 727 was converted into a home; in Arni, Switzerland, an architect has built more than 70 eco-friendly earth houses designed to save energy; in Olympia, Wash., a two-level tree house spreads out across seven trees; and in Henderson, Nev., a lucky contest winner won a real house that was built exactly like the Simpsons' cartoon home. Page 20.

AMAZING ANIMALS National Geographic Kids meets a team of therapy animals, including a savannah cat, a traveling camel, a singing horse and a talking parrot, giving comfort and care to hospital patients and nursing home residents in Sonoma, Calif. Page 18.

National Geographic Kids, a multitopic, photo-driven magazine for 6- to 14-year-olds, empowers its readers by making it fun to learn about the world. It has received numerous industry awards, including the Periodical of the Year award in 2005 and 2006 from the Association of Educational Publishers. Published 10 times a year, National Geographic Kids has a circulation of 1.3 million and is available by subscription for $19.95 a year and on newsstands for $4.99 a copy. Its Web site is at kids.nationalgeographic.com.

STUDENTS FROM MAINE ISLANDS TO GO ON ASSIGNMENT WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TO DOCUMENT LOCAL COMMUNITIES

04 Dec 18:41

WASHINGTON (Oct. 14, 2008)A group of Maine students will have the unique opportunity this month to document their communities of Vinalhaven and North Haven Islands under the direction of National Geographic contributing photographers Amy Toensing and Matt Moyer during a National Geographic Photo Camp. From Monday, Oct. 20, to Wednesday, Oct. 22, the high schoolers will photograph, edit and design a portrait of their experiences on the islands. The Photo Camp is presented in partnership with the Island Institute, an organization that supports the islands' communities and helps preserve the region's biodiversity.

During the three-day workshop, the young photographers will explore the natural environment of the two geographically close island communities. Toensing and Moyer will brief the students on photographic vision, equipment and technique and guide them through the process of creating a story through photography and writing, working with cameras and laptop computers provided by National Geographic. The students will create a multimedia show, using the images, which will convey the students' perception of the experience.

Participants, their families and community members are invited to a presentation of the students' work on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 4 p.m. at Waterman's Community Center, 12 Main Street, North Haven, and at 7 p.m. at Vinalhaven High School, 22 Arcola Lane, Vinalhaven.

Following the Photo Camp, four students will be selected to be youth ambassadors for Pop!Tech, an acclaimed ideas summit held each fall in Camden, Maine, exploring the new ideas, technologies and forces of change shaping our future. During the conference, Oct. 23-25, the student ambassadors will have the opportunity to learn from and participate in sessions with eminent thought leaders and change agents. The student also will present their multimedia show from Photo Camp and photograph the Pop!Tech presenters and conference fellows. Their images from the conference will displayed during the Pop!Tech closing gala on Oct. 25.

"We hope that Photo Camp 2008 will provide students with a unique lens on the world and help expand their awareness of the environment and their impact on it," said Terry Garcia, National Geographic's executive vice president, Mission Programs. "We are honored to participate in this endeavor."

The theme of the Photo Camp is environment and conservation, and the aim is to draw attention to youth perspectives on their generation's connection to the natural world.

EVOLT SLR cameras for the Photo Camp have been provided by Olympus Imaging America Inc. Memory cards have been donated to the Photo Camp program by PNY Technologies.

In addition to Toensing's work for National Geographic magazine, she has covered editorial assignments for various national and international publications and private corporations since 2000. Her photographic stories intimately render the lives of ordinary people, and her images have received honors in International Pictures of the Year competitions. In 2003 Toensing was named Photographic Alumni Fellow at The Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, where she worked on a portrait of Muslim teenage girls living in Western culture.

Moyer's photographic work in Egypt, New York City and Iraq focuses on the people behind the news story, and he was named a Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellow for the 2007-2008 academic year at the University of Michigan.

National Geographic Missions Programs is sponsoring other Photo Camps this year in Taos, N.M.; Rajasthan, India; Chesapeake Bay; Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, S.D.; Costa Rica; Appalachian Trail; New York City; Santa Monica, Calif., and Miami, in partnership with VisionWorkshops of Annapolis, Md. Visit nationalgeographic.com/photocamp for more information.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 325 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

The Island Institute is a membership-based nonprofit that serves as a voice for the balanced future of the islands and waters of the Gulf of Maine, particularly the 15 year-round island and working-waterfront communities along the Maine coast. More information is available at islandinstitute.org.

Pop!Tech is a renowned ideas summit and social innovation network dedicated to accelerating the positive impact of world-changing people and ideas. The organization is known for its visionary Pop!Tech conferences, engaging media productions and the innovative social change programs that it fosters worldwide. "Pop!Tech 2008: Scarcity and Abundance" will be held Oct. 23-25, 2008, in Camden, Maine, and will be simulcast live on www.poptech.org.

NPR Topics: Health & Science

The latest health and science news. Updates on medicine, healthy living, nutrition, drugs, diet, and advances in science and technology. Subscribe to the Health & Science podcast.

Updated: 04 Dec 18:33

Health Coverage For Volunteers Often Limited

04 Dec 16:59

An increasing number of young adults are choosing to volunteer. Most organizations provide health insurance to the volunteers, who effectively live at the poverty level, but the benefits are not usually as complete as employer-provided insurance.

Finding Health Insurance Can Be Tricky For Grads

04 Dec 06:50

Many young adults transition out of college into jobs that have limited benefits. Negotiating how to find health insurance that will meet their needs can be difficult.

Flu On Campus: Avoiding Misery For $20

04 Dec 05:29

Every year, about 1 in 4 college students gets the flu. A $20 flu shot can be a cheap insurance policy against aching joints and muscles, high fever, missed classes. But even that isn't enough to motivate some students to get vaccinated, so one health expert is trying an economic argument.

UnitedHealth Insures Against Becoming Uninsured

03 Dec 22:52

United Healthcare is allowing clients to pay a premium to guarantee their right to buy health insurance in the future. The new product, which is called "continuity," is aimed at policyholders who might lose coverage if they leave their jobs.

Clinic To Disclose Doctors' Industry Ties

03 Dec 21:49

The Cleveland Clinic is making it easier for the public to find out if its doctors get money from pharmaceutical companies and medical device makers. The move could help patients evaluate whether the doctors are acting in their best interests.