Last Days of National Paper Clover Campaign to benefit 4-H youth

4H is a very important part of many families. My sister-in-law was a member for a few years as a baton twirler. She loved the 4H Fair and festivals. It would be a shame to have such events canceled. If you were thinking of making a purchase this year at Tractor Supply try to get there by Monday. Here is the article from Penn State's website that i found in the Weekender.


With state and federal budget deficits causing funding uncertainty this year, many organizations face tough choices when it comes to cutting expenses. Among the programs facing potential shortfalls are Penn State Extension's 4-H youth development program.
In an effort to help, Tractor Supply Company (TSC) stores in Pennsylvania are joining 4-H to support local youth with the 4-H TSC Paper Clover Campaign, a national in-store fundraising effort to benefit state and local 4-H programming in each of the communities where a Tractor Supply Company store is located.
From now through Monday, April 25, shoppers at Tractor Supply Company stores will have the opportunity to support 4-H by purchasing paper clovers for just $1 at checkout. All funds raised will be donated to 4-H to support local camps, after-school programs and other 4-H youth development program activities locally, throughout Pennsylvania and nationally.
"4-H is fortunate to have generous contributors and dedicated volunteers in the staff of Tractor Supply Company," said Christy Bartley, Pennsylvania 4-H program leader. "Tractor Supply's Paper Clover Campaign makes support of local 4-H programming easy and affordable."
"We are excited to begin our fall Paper Clover Campaign with the tremendous support of Tractor Supply Company again this year," said Donald T. Floyd Jr., president and CEO of National 4-H Council.
"Tractor Supply continues to be an excellent partner in our efforts to drive local support of, and community involvement in, 4-H programs throughout the country," he said. "Their partnership in the Paper Clover Campaign will help provide funding to 4-H in more than 900 Tractor Supply Company communities across the nation, allowing youth to explore interests in everything from animal science to robotics."

To see the rest of article click here

POCONO SUMMIT #1251
2970 ROUTE 940 POCONO SUMMIT PA 18346
(570) 839-9460

BLAIRSTOWN #1275
128 SR 94 STE 9 BLAIRSTOWN NJ 07825
(908) 362-0082

NAZARETH #1302
4037 JANDY BLVD NAZARETH PA 18064
(610) 746-9562

LEHIGHTON #1313
486 BLAKESLEE BLVD DR W LEHIGHTON PA 18235
(570) 386-3584

WASHINGTON #792
398 S ROUTE 57 W 4 WASHINGTON NJ 07882
(908) 689-3202

WILKES BARRE #1282
2456 SANS SOUCI PKWY NANTICOKE PA 18706
(570) 735-5080

WEST HAZELTON #1403
216 SUSQUEHANNA BLVD WEST HAZELTON PA 18202
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SUSSEX #322
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FLANDERS #1155
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TUNKHANNOCK #1377
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Easter Eggs

The egg is widely used as a symbol of the start of new life, just as new life emerges from an egg when the chick hatches out.

The egg is seen by followers of Christianity as a symbol of resurrection: while being dormant it contains a new life sealed within it.


Check out some original egg pictures and get the directions on how to do them.

You can find these neat designs at Disney Family Fun

An Easter egg roll  is often done on flat ground, pushed along with a spoon; the Easter Egg Roll has become a much-loved annual event on the White House lawn.

Here are some more advanced designs!

Get the directions at marthastewart.com

Get these unique ideas from Womens Day

March of dimes Walks

                   

MARCH OF DIMES WALKS

Where: East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg

When: April 30

Where: Bruce E Henry Park, Williamsport

When: April 30

Where: Geisinger Medical Center: Henry Hood Center, Danville

When: May 1

Walking Together for Stronger, Healthier Babies!

Contact the NE PA division for more details at 610-814-7000

My FOXNEPA Giveaways

Two Contest at My FOXNEPA Just log in and enter!

	Cirque Du Soleil presents Quidam Cirque du Soleil presents Quidam which features 52 world-class acrobats, musicians, singers and characters coming to the Mohegan Sun Arena June 15th through 19th. Enter to win a family four pack! Ends Sunday, April 24, 2011
	Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows DVD Giveaway Want to win a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1? Enter here to win! Ends Monday, April 25, 2011

LEGO Ninjago Spinjitzu Training Camp

Saturday, May 7 · 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Join us for our first ever Ninjago Spinjitzu Training Camp!
Learn new spinning techniques!
Battle with friends!

Get a FREE giveaway!

At Participating

Click Here for a Store Near You!

Subway Special 4/18-4/29

 

Buy one 6" sandwich, get another 6" sandwich of equal or lesser price for FREE from opening until 9AM, April 18 - April 29. Try that tasty breakfast sandwich your taste buds have been begging for, or grab a sub for lunch to go. Restrictions apply. No coupon required. For more info check out: http://www.subwayfreshbuzz.com/menu/breakfast/

New "the Parent Show with Angela Santomero" on PBS

     PBS Parents launches THE PARENT SHOW WITH ANGELA SANTOMERO at Mom 2.0, a national blogger’s conference in New Orleans.  Hosted by Ms. Santomero, the Co-Creator and Executive Producer of the top-rated PBS KIDS series SUPER WHY and one of the key visionaries behind the long-running, award-winning Blue’s Clues, THE PARENT SHOW is just that: a show for parents.
Offered online only, the show can be viewed and shared whenever a parent needs advice, ideas or a laugh. New episodes will air weekly, and in between, parents can chat with Angela through her blog on PBSPARENTS.org, and on Twitter @AngelaSanto.
      THE PARENT SHOW’s mantra is that there is no way to be a perfect parent, but there are a million ways to be a good one. Through the series and blog, PBS Parents is striving for a fun, judgment-free community where parents share tips, advice and a sense of humor. THE PARENT SHOW is available on PBSPARENTS.org, one of the leading online destinations for parents and educators with over half a million visitors each month.
     Each week, THE PARENT SHOW will explore a topic that parents are dealing with today – such as school readiness, media habits or healthy eating – through a video interview, a follow-up video message, and a blog post.  Angela will interview noted experts with a wide range of backgrounds, from astrophysicists to chefs to puppeteers, who will share their unique and fresh ideas and tips for parents.  She will also go behind the scenes with content creators, producers, and personalities from PBS programs.  Each interview will be followed up with an additional video, in which Angela will delve more deeply into the weekly issue at hand.  Angela will also share her own personal experiences through a weekly blog post. On PBSPARENTS.org, moms and dads will be encouraged to join the conversation, suggest topics for future webisodes, ask questions, post comments, and interact with each other. (* from PBS website)

The Real Women of Philadelphia with Paula Deen

   

Thid would be a Dream come true! Paula Deen has the best recipes and it is a lot of fun watching her show. My husband worships her recipes! Did anyone see her "Butter Video" on Food Network's website. Check it out, you know her obsession with butter, it's funny!

The Casting Competition

Paula Deen and Philadelphia Cream Cheese are looking for their next big cooking stars, and this season of Real Women of Philadelphia is going to be bigger and better than ever!
Here’s how it works…
Beginning April 4th, registered members of the Real Women of Philadelphia will submit their original recipe videos featuring Philadelphia Cream Cheese AND Philadelphia Cooking Creme. During the 8-week competition, 16 Finalists will be selected and flown to Savannah, Georgia to join Paula, folks from Kraft and other surprise guests to compete in a Cook Off and exciting Live Event where 4 Grand Prize Winners will be chosen!
Here are just a few things our four lucky winners have in store for them:

• Contribute to a Cookbook
• Star in their very own Cooking Videos
• Make Publicity Appearances
• A chance to become a Guest Contributor to national food magazines
• And become $25,000 richer!

Chuck E. Cheese’s Gets Kids “Egg-cited” for Easter with Printable Egg Holders

Chuck E. Cheese’s, everyone’s favorite family entertainment leader, is introducing fun-filled ways to help parents and children hop into the spirit of Easter. Whether it’s dipping eggs in dye, painting on fun designs or gluing on whiskers and ears to make their own Chuck E. egg, kids everywhere will be thrilled to make Chuck E. a part of their Easter celebrations. After the egg decorating is complete, parents can use printable Chuck E. & Friends Egg Holders (PDF) and help their kids create an “eggs-traordinary” display for family and guests to enjoy during the spring holiday. Creating the egg holders is quick, easy and, like all Chuck E. Cheese’s activities, is something the whole family can enjoy together.

Don't Forget!
Everyday on-line Coupon.
Planning a last minute trip to Chuck E. Cheese's? Download our everyday coupon instantly to stretch your dollar further.

Earth Day April 22,2011

EARTH Day
I am the Earth
And the Earth is me.
Each blade of grass,
Each honey tree,
Each bit of mud,
And stick and stone
Is blood and muscle,
Skin and bone.

And just as I
Need every bit
Of me to make
My body fit,
So Earth needs
Grass and stone and tree
And things that grow here
Naturally.

That's why we
Celebrate this day.
That's why across
The world we say:
As long as life,
As dear, as free,
I am the Earth
And the Earth is me.

Jane Yolen

Earth Day Copyright © 1995 by Jane Yolen.

Some Earth Day events in your areas. Take the time to try one out and lets us know at mommyshortcut.com how it went. We would love to hear your feedback on "Mommy's Corner"

Times Tribune article on Earth Day Events

Lights

Bring awareness to conservation of resources through Lights Out 8:30 - 9:30pm April 22, 2011 along Main St. Participating businesses will turn out lights for one hour offering drinking and dining by candlelight. People will go out onto Main St. with lit candles and socialize, play music, see performers, bring drums for drum circle. Event is from 8 - 10pm. *This is an official Global Day of Conversation 2011 event....

April 22, 2011 - 8:00am - 10:00pm | East Stroudsburg PA, United States

Regional Earth Day Science Fair

  A Regional Science Fair for Grades K-8 at Centenary College in Hackettstown, NJ Students from Great Meadows, Hackettstown, Long Valley/Washington Twp, and Mount Olive school districts my register at www.earthdaysciencefair.com

April 30, 2011 - 8:00am - 4:00pm | Hackettstown NJ, United States

Earth Day 2011 - Reading, PA

Date: Sunday, May 1 Time: 10:00a to 9:00p Location: Riverfront Park, Reading, PA Price: FREE Age Suitability: All Ages The Reading Area Earth Day Coalition will be hosting the Earth Day event in Reading, PA this year on Sunday, May 1, 2011. This is a not-for-profit event encompassing educational workshops and demonstrations, vendor displays, children's activities, a wellness area, food, live entertainment and...

Earth Day in Times Square

Earth Day in Times Square  April 22 (11 am - 5 pm) A public celebration in Times Square featuring an interactive exhibit area highlighting green businesses, non-profits, and our sponsors.  One exciting feature will be the CO2 E drive, a "runway show" of green vehicles. Location : Times Square

April 22, 2011 - 11:00am - 5:00pm | New York City NY, United States

  

Nyack's Earth Day Celebration and Bee Green Fair

NEW YORK, NY-- 2 March 2011 -– Preparations for Nyack's Earth Day celebrations are underway. The event will be Saturday, April 30, with a rain date of May 1. At 10.30 a.m., The Parade of All Beings marches from Main Street to Memorial Park, where the Bee Green Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

April 30, 2011 - 10:30am - 5:00pm | Nyack NY, United States

  

Earth Day Benefit for Riverkeeper

Join us for a beautiful celebration for the Earth to raise funds and raise awareness surrounding, coal mining and other environmental issues that affect our food and water supplies. This invitation event will be held at Robert and Mary Kennedy's home in Mt. Kisco, NY and will include a private viewing of, 'The Last Mountain', a documentary movie based on Robert Kennedy's book 'Crimes Against...

April 23, 2011 - 3:00pm - 6:00pm | Mount Kisco NY, United States

Earth Day Rally

Earth Day Rally April 21 from 11 am to 2 pm outside DEP regional offices Public Square Wilkes-Barre. Call on Governor Tom Corbett and DEP to protect our environment! Stand in solidarity with the people of Japan.  No more Nukes! We can meet our energy needs without destroying our environment! Hosted by the Luzerne County Green Party Sponsored by the Earth Day Coalition The Green Party of Pennsylvania Citizens...

April 21, 2011 - 11:00am - 2:00pm | Dalton PA, United States

Haddon Township's "Go Green Event"

The Township of Haddon invites all residents to “get their green on” at the Third Annual GREEN EVENT being held on Saturday April 30, 2011 in the Westmont Theatre parking lot. The Green Event will take place rain or shine between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. Last year, hundreds of residents came out and learned how to make substantive changes in their lives to make Haddon Township a more sustainable community....

April 30, 2011 - 10:00am - 2:00pm | Collingswood NJ, United States

 

The Science of Being Green: From the 18th Century to the Future

Date: Thursday, April 21, 2011 Time: Noon Location: Independence Mall, Philadelphia, PA

April 21, 2011 - 12:00pm - 5:00pm | Philadelphia PA, United States

Spring Tree Planting

Date: April 16, 2011 Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Location: 6211 Chew Avenue, Philadelphia, PA As part of the PHS Treevitalize program, TTF will be planting street and yard trees in the Germantown/East Mt. Airy neighborhood. You do not have to be physically capable of planting trees to be involved. Contact Lesley Saliga at lesley@ttfwatershed.org to sign up.  

April 16, 2011 - 9:00am - 1:00pm | Philadelphia PA, United States

5K Run for Clean Air - Philadelphia's LARGEST Earth Day Celebration

Date: Saturday, April 16 Time: 9:00am Location: West River/Martin Luther King Drive near Art Museum, Philadelphia, PA

April 16, 2011 - 9:00am - 7:00pm | Philadelphia PA, United States

 

 

 The LORAX Project

by  Dr. Seuss

In 2008, Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House, publishers of The Lorax, "The Lorax Project" to engage individuals of all ages to do their part to conserve the places and species that are critical to the future of our planet. Check out the link above and have some fun with your child discovering the important messages Dr. Seuss portrays from his classic story.

And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.  ~William Shakespeare

CHECK OUT THESE EARTH DAY LINKS!

Kellogg & Earth Day


Triscuit & Earth Day

Endangered Species Giveaway 

Building An Eco Easter Basket 

Wild Kratts Earth Day Episodes And Giveaway

Radio Shack: Win a Nissan Leaf

Spring Portraits

Spring is Here! If you have not already finished the children's portraits, here, are some advertisements from the companies near you.  I have been looking over, trying to decide where we will go this year for our Easter Portraits. We have  not scheduled, yet, but I will let you know how it turns out!

Sears Portrait Coupons
 



Glamour Shots




JC Pennys Portraits

Picture People

   

Circle Drive In 4/15-17

Drive-in Movies: March - October

MOVIE ADMISSION

one ticket, one price, for two movies:

$7.00 per person for Ages 12 and up

Ages 5-11: $3 (ages 4 and under: free).

     Here is another family-fun lineup at the Circle Drive In! Have fun!

DOUBLE FEATURE

SCHEDULE
Friday — Saturday — Sunday
APRIL 15th • APRIL 16th • APRIL 17th

           

Rio ANIMATED ( PG ) SHOWTIME: 8:00 PM (96 Mins) ~ Featuring the Voices of~ Jesse Eisenberg   •  Anne Hathaway  Jamie Foxx Leslie Mann

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 Situation Comedy   ( PG ) SHOWTIME: 9:40 PM (99 Mins) ~ featuring ~ Zachary Gordon •   DevonBostick      Peyton List •  Lane MacNeil

Mom who withheld son's meds gets 8-10 years

     I read this story and really would like to hear what you think.  I think, bottom line, you don't know what you would do unless you were in this situation. We all love our children, with everything we are, so how much suffering can you stand to watch them go through? I would hope, you would be strong and guide your child through the pain, giving them every opportunity to survive. But, I have never been in a situation where I would have to watch my child deteriate in front of my eyes. To top it off, this child could not even communicate and more then likely had no idea what was happening. What if your child could communicate and they begged you to stop the treatments. What would you do then? It's hard to believe this mother was not given a strong support system. It is extremely trying at times just to maintain a decent living for an autistic child, I couldn't imagine adding cancer on top of that. Somehow, it seems the proper counseling or support was not provided to help this family through this time. Someone, not as emotionally tied to the situation, should have been administering the medications and comforting the mother. After all, this mother, nor most mothers, would be in the right state of mind for any decision, let alone a life or death one. I think the mother made the wrong, decision, of course, the child had been administrered most of the treatments. I wish she could have carried it through to the end.  I just think she should have had more support. I certainly don't think she deserves 10 years in jail. Really, I don't see the good in that. Rehabilitation would never be possible, in my eyes. I would never be able to lose the thoughts of what I could have done to save my child's life. Hopefully, you, nor I, will never have to be in these shoes, but if we were, a solid support team including friends, family, and professional counseling should be there with you in the fight. I feel for the mother, tremendously. I'm sure the pain, now, is unspeakable for her, realizing she made the wrong decision. Here is a little of the article, from yahoo, and a link to the rest.

A woman who withheld potentially life-saving medications from her autistic, cancer-stricken son was sentenced Friday to eight to 10 years in prison by a judge who said her actions "really do chill one's soul."
Kristen LaBrie was convicted of attempted murder Tuesday for withholding at least five months of at-home chemotherapy treatments for her son, Jeremy Fraser. The boy died at age 9 in 2009.
LaBrie, 38, wept and apologized before Judge Richard Welch handed down her punishment in Lawrence Superior Court.
"I am remorseful for my actions and I wish I could have done things differently," LaBrie told the judge in a courtroom packed with sobbing family members and friends of both LaBrie and the boy's father, Eric Fraser.
"If I could do it differently, I would, because I certainly miss my son, and I think about him every day and I wish he could be with me and my family," she said.
Jeremy Fraser was severely autistic, nonverbal and developmentally delayed. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma shortly after he turned 7 in 2006.
His oncologist testified that she told LaBrie that her son's cancer had a cure rate of about 85 percent to 90 percent under an intensive, two-year treatment plan that included doses of chemotherapy to be given during hospital stays and clinic visits as well as at-home medications LaBrie was supposed to administer at home.
LaBrie testified that she largely followed doctor's orders during the first four phases of his treatment. But she acknowledged that she stopped giving him the at-home medications during the final phase of treatment because she could not bear to see how much pain and suffering the side effects of the medication caused him. (yahoo, By DENISE LAVOIE, AP Legal Affairs Writer Denise Lavoie, Ap Legal Affairs Writer– Fri Apr 15, 1:11 pm ET)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110415/ap_on_he_me/us_medication_denied_death

Buying a Bunny for Easter

 

     Hello Easter is coming and Moms are looking for creative and fun gifts for the Easter Basket. One traditional gift tends to be the new responsibility of a family pet. Many parents can not resist the temptation of buying "Peter Cottontail", as a gift, and watching their child's face light up with excitement on Easter Morning. This is a huge responsibility for the little one, though, and parents quite often find out, after the fact, that maybe it was not the smartest purchase. I read a "Dear Abby" article in Friday's Times Tribune, listing some considerations before making that "Wascally Wabbit" purchase for Easter morning.  

1. Are you willing to make a 7-10 year commitment? That is the average lifespan of a rabbit.

2.What will happen if your child gets bored of the rabbit after 6 months?

3. Is there a place in the house for a rabbit cage?

4. Do you understand the costs of getting the rabbit neutered and providing vet care?

5. Do you realize most rabbits do not like to be held? Will your child accept that?

6. Do you know how fragile rabbits are? Their spine or legs can be damaged if the rabbit is dropped. Children under seven should not be handling rabbits unsupervised.

7. Can you provide 3 hours of exercise a day in an escape proof area outside it's cage?

8. Do the adults want the pet as well, a rabbit should be a family pet?

If you have any further questions about rabbits and their care you can visit www.rabbitnetwork.org or call (781)431-1211   (The Times-Tribune 4/15 "Dear Abby")

     Many rabbits are abandoned each year in the wild or in shelters. Parents do not consider the long term responsibility of  rabbit care. Yes, it is an adorable gift, that a child will love, but don't forget that rabbits are living creatures that will need that love day after day, not just Easter morning. 

Aqua Sand Review

aqua sand Review





     We picked up some Aqua Sand from Walmart, yesterday. The kids have seen the commercial a million times and ask for it everytime. We bought the Polar Playground for $19.00 and the Seahorse Stable for $12.77.  I let my 9 year old and 4 year old open the Polar Playground. The instructions were easy to read and I had the kit put together in 5 minutes. After I filled the display with water and gave a quick explanation to the kids I let them start creating. The sand itself is quite amazing! Submerged in water it takes a hard claylike consistency, but when removed from the water it goes immediately back to a dry sand form. I am always looking for a new creative activity for the kids. This puts a new spin on expressing your creativity. Although cleanup is a definate chore, the amount of time the kids spent on the activity outweighs the work. Like any artistic activity it takes patience and practice to make some cool decorations in the tank. My older children were deeply involved in seeing who could make the better castle. The sand colors do tend to mix, but you can get replacement sand around $7.00 at any department store. "Seahorse Stable" play set will be up for a free giveaway on April 23, please visit the "Giveaways" Tab at mommyshortcut.com,  from 4/17-4/22 and enter to win. Good Luck and tell your friends! Here is a picture of the Giveaway!



2011 Ticket Price for Theme Parks (cont)

Don't miss all the great rides, shows and attractions at Six Flags Great Adventure including 12 thrilling roller coasters, such as El Toro, Kingda Ka, Nitro and The Dark Knight Coaster. Fly through Bizarro's freeze vision, blast past bursts of fire breath, and race by bizarre illusions for a multi-sensory ride experience that will launch you into a new dimension of thrill. Our littlest guests will enjoy awesome children's areas including Looney Tunes Seaport and Bugs Bunny National Park.

While you're here, check out Six Flags Wild Safari, the largest drive-thru safari outside of Africa. Following your one-of-a-kind journey with more than 1,200 exotic animals from the farthest reaches of the globe, visit the Wild Safari Exploration Station for a hands-on safari adventure.

Coming in 2011, DC Comics' Super Hero GREEN LANTERN will focus the might of his Power Ring at Six Flags Great Adventure with the launch of an exciting new thrill ride. Towering 15 stories high with over three quarters of a mile of twisting green steel, this new stand-up coaster will take riders on a journey of epic proportions.

As if that's not enough, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is right next door. Grab three of your friends and spin down the largest funnel you've ever seen on our newest attraction Tornado! This 60-foot diameter ride cycles 5,000 gallons of water per minute — which is sure to get you good and wet!

2011 DAILY TICKETS

ONLINE OFFER — $36.99

Buy your Six Flags tickets here and print them at home. Even better, you'll save $23 on the price of each admission. Tickets are valid throughout the 2011 season.

TICKET PRICES AT THE PARK

• General Admission $59.99
• Junior Under 54" $34.99
• 2 & Under FREE
• Safari Upgrade w/purchase of theme park ticket $11.99

SEASON PASSES

$89.99 each when you buy
four or more
$99.99 Individual Pass

A Season Pass gives you unlimited visits all season, plus free tickets for friends on select days and a Value Book with $300 in discounts on food, games and souvenirs. Buy four or more passes and get one Season Parking Pass FREE when you purchase and process your ID's by April 24 –
a $45 value!

Parking

• One-Day Parking
  $17.00 tax included
• One-Day Preferred Parking
  $25.00 tax included
  

The Flash Pass

Starting at $45.00