Rhonda Gales, Author at Mother 2 Mother Blog

Tips When Choosing Camps For Kids

December 25, 2016 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Sending kids to camp can be a hard decision to make. There are pros and cons, but in truth, some parents don’t have a choice. For working or single parents, a camp can be the best option for summer. The good news is that camps can be a fantastic experience for your child. So, treat your child with respect and involve them in decisions. After all, they will be spending lots of time there. Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on choosing camps for kids.

Talk It Through With the Kids

Have an open conversation about camp with your child. Approach the subject by asking them how they feel about going to a camp. Don’t try to sway them either way, just listen to their answer. Be honest and explain that it will make beneficial for both of you. Both of you may be able to come to an agreement together. Keep the conversation open throughout the process. You will want to absorb the pros and cons if your child has any. Furthermore, you will need to weigh them so you can ensure your child is on board with the idea. If your child is opposed, another alternative may be better.

Choose the Right Camp

Choosing the right camp is essential to ensuring your child has a good time. If they have a good time, they’re more likely to want to go again next summer. Focus on your child’s hobby when coming to a decision. Sending a child that is more intellectual and sensitive child to a sports camp would be an obvious mistake! There are so many camps to choose from. As a result, finding one to suit your child should not be difficult. Various companies can help you get an idea of what’s available. Search our summer camp directory and others like it to see options for your next summer camp location. Again, keep your children involved in the decision process. Discuss the activities that are offered by the camp and be sure to get their opinion. Show them the website and any pictures available. Get them excited.

Pixabay Image

Generate Excitement

After you have selected a camp, go on a shopping trip. Talk to them often about the fun things they’ll be able to do. Buying things for the camp is another way to build excitement. Buy books and clothes specifically for camp. You can use them as an incentive to look forward to camp.

Finally, we hope our Tips for choosing a camp for kids will help in assisting you and your child with choosing a camp. If it’s their first time, they are bound to have reservations. Talking them through fears will help ensure that they have something to look forward to.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: camp ideas, child care

How to Honor the Memory of Family Pets

December 23, 2016 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Choosing a family pet, whatever it may be, is a wonderful experience for anyone. You just know that the companionship you can get from a dog or a cat is priceless. Many people treat their pets as part of the family, and I can understand why. They are there for you when you wake, and when you get home. It is like having an extension to your family. So when the worst happens, and you lose a pet through death or even your pets escaping, it can be devastating. I think all pet owners are faced with that one question, How to honor the memory of family pets?

This has brought me to the topic of discussion today. There are many ways we can honor the memory of family pets. I thought I would explore some of them today. I hope it offers you comfort in a sad time if you happen to be a pet owner or you are currently grieving the loss of your pet.

Burying a beloved pet

You never know when you are going to be faced with a loss of a pet. It may be due to illness and expected over time. However, it could be incredibly sudden. Whatever the situation, you may want to think about burying your pet. For example, you can bury them somewhere that reminds you of them. Some people choose to do this in their garden or even a pet cemetery. You could even consider a headstone with your pets name and date of birth. It’s a common way to honor the memory of your beloved pet.

Having a piece of jewelry made in their memory

Another way you can honor the memory of your pet is to consider having a piece of jewelry. Perhaps buying a necklace or a bracelet. Charm bracelets and necklaces are particularly popular. You could use the opportunity to add an existing item or you can have a piece of jewelry made. Having a diamond created from the ashes of your pet. Your diamond would be a consistent reminder of the memory of your beloved pet. For more information, check out companies like DNA 2 Diamonds.

Hold a memorial service

Many people consider their pets as part of the family. So, it should be no surprise that other members of your family will feel exactly the same way when a loss occurs. Seeking support from friends and family in laying them to rest is a wonderful way to say goodbye. Furthermore, you have everyone can share stories from your pet’s life and mourn the loss together. A memorial service can be a great reminder that you’re not going through this pain alone.

Create a scrapbook

Every parent makes some sort of keepsake for their child, either digitally or in a book format. So, why not consider something similar for your pet? Collect pictures and add them to a scrapbook. It’s always something you can look back on in the future.

Finally, I hope this helps you deal with the pain of losing a pet, and finding a way to honor the memory of your family pets.

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Pets Tagged With: family pets, pets

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #103

December 17, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 8 Comments

Welcome to Week 103 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. We are continuing our Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season theme this week. Christmas is around the corner. Christmas trees will go up next week. Moms will be looking for decorating ideas, recipes, shopping tips, tablescapes, craft ideas and more. It’s the most wonderful time of year, and we want you to celebrate with us.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re great for inspiration.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the festivities too.

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother ~•~ Kim U. at Pinterested Parent ~•~ Kim M. at Life in a House of Testosterone

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin before you leave.

Life In A House of Testosterone: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin, or Instagram before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!

Kim U. selected Egg Carton Flower Garland from Garden Matter

Rhonda selected Mitten Art with Buttons from Virginia Sweet Pea

Kim M. selected Merry and Bright Holiday Home Tour Part 2 from Wife In Progress

The Post with the Most Clicks

Peppermint Christmas Tree Toppers from A Thoughtful Place

and

Animal Prints from J Touch of Style

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season:

Snowman Pull Apart Rice Krispies Treats from Frugal Foodie Mama

and

Peppermint White Russian Cocktail Recipe Home Cooking Memories

and

Mug of Hot Chocolate Ornament from Growing Up Gable

and

5 Secrets to a Cozy Christmas Porch from Worthing Court Blog

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again … you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!

An InLinkz Link-up

Filed Under: Sunday's Best Linkup Tagged With: blog hop, linky party, social networking

How To Keep Your Home Tidy and Save You Time

December 13, 2016 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Having a hard time managing everything in your life? You’ve likely got a family to run, a job, pets to walk, cooking, and at this time of year rushing around gift shopping. After all, everyone wants to ensure Christmas lands with a bang. The list goes on and on. So, how do you balance everything? If finances allow, hire external experts to do the job for you. They can help bring balance into your life and make the that you need. Your home can benefit from their expertise and they can save you valuable time. Here are some great outsourcing options you should consider to make your life easier:

Hire A Window Cleaner

Cleaning the windows is a time consuming process. Furthermore, sometimes getting to the upper floor windows is almost impossible. You can hire a local cleaning service for a monthly fee. However, if you just want a one time cleaning, it is best to pay a one time payment. This way your windows will be fine for the season, especially the top ones. You can find window cleaners here.

Hire Someone To Cut The Lawn

It’s fairly easy to get a teenager or someone similar to cut the lawn. For those of us who are proud of our yards and gardens, having the lawn cut incorrectly is not acceptable. If you are particular, you should consider professional lawn care. This will allow you to enjoy a cared for lawn, and gives you one less thing to worry about.

Source

Use Professional Power Washing Services

A professional power washer can make your home, patio and drive area look new again. Power washing your home will remove dirt, mold, and mildew. It also helps to preserve your driveway, walkway, porch and patio. It’s especially effective if you have color in your drive and it can save you a good day’s worth of work. You’ll only need it done once or twice a year, depending on how dirty it gets. When they’re there you could also ask the operative to give your car a quick wash, the power of the jet wash can remove grime missed in a car wash.

Employ Professional Cleaners

Hiring home cleaners can be extremely beneficial. Cleaning the house is what takes the most time. Usually families tend to have a big clean before Christmas so the house is ready for the decorations and scores of visiting friends and family. If you have a hectic work schedule then this can be a great benefit to . Decide if you want to make it a weekly thing. If you don’t want the added expense you could consider doing it when you really need a break or more time.

Check around for the best prices, and work whatever service you need into your budget. Keeping your home tidy will free up time and give you a little energy for other things. It’s less expensive than you think.

Filed Under: Cleaning Tips, Life-Thoughts Tagged With: cleaning hacks, cleaning tips, house cleaning tips

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #102

December 10, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 8 Comments

Welcome to Week 102 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. We are continuing our Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season theme this week. Christmas is around the corner. Christmas trees will go up next week. Moms will be looking for decorating ideas, recipes, shopping tips, tablescapes, craft ideas and more. It’s the most wonderful time of year, and we want you to celebrate with us.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the festivities too.

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother ~•~ Kim U. at Pinterested Parent ~•~ Kim M. at Life in a House of Testosterone

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin before you leave.

Life In A House of Testosterone: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin, or Instagram before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Kim U. selected Christmas Tree Braid from Oh My Creative

Rhonda selected Lambrusco Sangria from The Kitchen

Kim M. selected Crab Imperial from A Dish of Daily Life

The Post with the Most Clicks

In Defense of the Potato from Heathy Helper Blog

and

Animal Prints from J Touch of Style

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season:

Handwritten Family Recipe Tea Towel from Garden Matters

and

Glass Jar Snow Globes from Refresh Living

and

Christmas Mantel from Clean and Scentsible

and

Ugly Sweater Gift Tags from Oh My Creative

and

Vinyl Record Tree Skirt from Rain on a Tin Roof

An InLinkz Link-up

Filed Under: Sunday's Best Linkup Tagged With: blog hop, linky party, social networking

Kindergarten Christmas Craft: Christmas Lights

December 10, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 4 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on Kindergarten Christmas Craft ideas. This finger print Christmas lights artwork is sure to be a hit. The project is easy, fun and messy, which your child will love, with a bright and colorful end. It’s the perfect way to capture memories of those precious little fingers. Tis the season and Fa La La La! So, lets get those little ones in the holiday spirit.

Kindergarten Christmas Crafts

Here’s what you will need:

Washable paints of various colors (I purchased mine from Michaels).
black marker to make the dots on the lights and wire
wet paper towels or a towel for cleaning messy fingers
White cardstock

Be sure to have plenty of wet paper towels or an old wet cloth on hand. You will want to wipe the child’s fingers before dipping them in the next shade of paint. Lets get this project started:

– Dust off those adorable little fingers.
– Next, have the children dip their index finger(s) into the paint.
– Press their index finger onto the white paper.
– Repeat Step 3 until you have a string of lights as shown.
– Be sure to allow the paint to dry thoroughly before you proceed.
– Make dots on each of the lights with the black marker. (Place several places of paper under your sheet before you use the black marker to avoid bleeding on your table or work area.) Unfortunately, I learned this lesson the hard way.
– Use a pencil and lightly draw a curved line to connect the dots. Also, write the child’s name on the paper. Allow them to trace it with a crayon.
– If you have older children allow them to trace the curved lines with the black marker. Otherwise, you can complete the project or help the smaller children with this step.

We hope you enjoy this colorful kindergarten Christmas craft. You may also like our Kindergarten Christmas Tree Card.

Filed Under: Winter Tagged With: children's activities, Christmas, Christmas activities

Kid’s Christmas Craft: Christmas Tree

December 9, 2016 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on a kid’s Christmas crafts. It’s easy and would be perfect for little hands. It makes a beautiful Christmas card for parents or grandparents. Furthermore, it is also a great project for first or second grade students.

Kid’s Christmas craft:

Cardstock or construction paper (I purchased a pack of construction paper from Dollar Tree)
green washable paint (I purchased the paint from Michaels)
brown washable paint
glitter (optional)
gold or silver star

Step 1 – Fold your stock card in half. Use any color that will make your days jolly and bright. Just make sure that you Christmas tree will show well on whatever color you choose.

Step 2 – Next place a few dots of brown paint on a paper plate. Add green paint to your plate as well. Instead of making a circle, you will need to form a straight line on the plate. You will be dipping the toothbrush in the green paint, so you will need the line long enough so you can cover the toothbrush bristles.

Step 3 – For your information, I found it easier to draw the tree truck on the cardstock in pencil. It’s easier for the kids to try to paint inside established lines rather than trying to paint the tree truck freehand. You can sharpen the outline of the tree truck with a small brush once the kids finish painting it.

Step 4 – Allow the tree trunk to dry completely before you proceed. It should take approximately 10 – 15 minutes.

Step 5 – Once the trunk has dried, dip the toothbrush into the green paint. Help the children move the toothbrush up the paper to make strokes for the tree branches. Dip the brush back into the green paint and move the toothbrush down the opposite side of the card to make a branch.

Step 6 – Repeat Step 5 until the tree is complete. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Step 7 – Once the tree is dry, add a star to the top. (This step is optional).

Step 8 – Add glitter to the branches (This step is also optional).

We hope our kid’s Christmas craft will be a fun family activity. Last older children can write a message inside the Christmas card wishing mommy and daddy or their grandparents a Merry Christmas. Let the smaller children write a message or their name as well. Most importantly, they will be sure to put a smile on the recipient’s face.

Filed Under: Crafts, Holidays, Winter Tagged With: activities for kids, Christmas crafts, kid's Christmas crafts

Choosing The Perfect Pet For Your Family

December 9, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

So, your family is ready for a pet. There are hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs…the list goes on. How are you supposed to decide what the perfect pet is for your family? Stop worrying, this guide can make choosing the perfect pet easier.

Consider The Age Of Your Children

The first thing you’ll want to consider is the age of your children. This is important for a number of reasons. Can your kids help take care of the pet? This will help make the children responsible and give them the pet is ‘theirs’ too feel. Also, some pets are great with older kids, but not so much with younger kids. Make sure you know what’s best for your kids before you decide.

Take A Look At How Much Space You Have

The amount of space you have will play a big part in the kind of pet you decide to get. If you want a nice big family dog like a Labrador, you’re going to need lots of space. It needs to be able to run around and play with space to spare. If you have limited space, choosing a smaller pet is best. It isn’t fair on the pet if you don’t take this into account.

Look At Your Finances Carefully

You must make sure you can afford the essentials for your new pet. This includes food, treatment from places like https://www.petcarerx.com/frontline-plus-for-dogs/10884, toys, and other important things. You should never get a pet if money is limited. Committing to your pet means ensuring you can spare the money it takes to keep them healthy and happy.

Research Pet Breeding

Researching different breeds of different animals will give you a good idea of what type of lifestyle they are suitable for. If your family is active, a pet that likes to stay active is best. Lazy pets won’t be the best choice for an active family, and a lazy family certainly shouldn’t pick an energetic pet. You should also take a look at their temperament. Considering things like this ensures that you’re the perfect match.

Going To View Different Pets

When you have a good idea of the type of pet you want, you can go to view different pets. Although you can’t tell much when they’re young, if they show a slight interest in you, this is a good sign!

Buying From A Reputable Source

Last, you must make sure you’re buying your pet from a reputable breeder or source. Some pets are poorly bred and looked after before they are sold. As a result, this could lead to problems for the owner later on. Be smart about where you buy your pet. Make sure they are healthy and happy.

When you consider our tips, choosing the perfect pet for your family will be less difficult. It’s all too easy to choose a pet just because they look cute. Always make sure they suit your family, home, and lifestyle before making the final decision. Thanks for reading and come back soon!

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Pets Tagged With: family pets, pets

Gift Ideas For Babies This Christmas

December 8, 2016 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on gift ideas for babies. Trying to figure out what gift to buy a baby can leave you feeling stumped. Especially, when it comes to buying a Christmas gift. So, we have put together a list of possible gift ideas that will help make your shopping trip easier.

Here are a few gift ideas for babies and be sure to check out our Christmas morning tips:

Sentimental Gift

Also, an item that can be kept and treasured is a nice option. It might not be able to be used in the here and now, but it’s a lovely item that they will appreciate when they grow up. Sites like this have lots of things to buy for a baby so you could browse for inspiration. It could be a special photo album, a piece of art or some kind of trinket.

A Gift Certificate

Last, you can’t go wrong with a gift certificate as an idea gift for babies at Christmas. The parents could use the gift certificate for sales after Christmas. A gift certificate can also be used toward a larger purchase that the parents were planning on buying. Alternatively, you could purchase a gift certificate for sites such as Amazon. This gives them a wider selection of things to choose from.

A Donation To Their Savings Account

Many parents set up a savings account for their baby. Instead of buying a gift, you could make a monetary donation. Parents could use the donation toward their child’s education or an that the baby needs in the future. It’s something that will make a substantial difference to their lives, and all of these smaller contributions add up over the years.

Baby Clothes

All parents need baby clothes. A sweet outfit with booties and a hat wouldn’t cost much. However, they grow so quickly. Chances are the parents will be going through clothes like crazy. Baby clothing of any kind will be useful and well used.

We hope you find our gift ideas for babies helpful.

Filed Under: Shopping Tips Tagged With: baby gifts, Christmas, Christmas gift ideas

7 Christmas Morning Items You Need

December 6, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on preparing for Christmas Morning Items You Need. The only time I remember my daughter or grandchildren getting up at 6:00 am willingly is on Christmas morning. When the light penetrates the windows, it’s time to get up. Knowing that Santa has left gifts under the tree is too exciting to stay in bed. No matter how late you were up putting gifts together or wrapping presents, you head downstairs to see the excitement on their darling little faces.

Christmas Morning Items You Need:

Once the gifts are under the tree, we head off to bed for that much needed hour or two of sleep. Other things are needed besides gifts on Christmas morning. So, we have prepared a list of Christmas morning items for you. Be sure to check it twice before you head to bed:

Batteries – Check the size of the batteries needed for any toys or other items before you wrap them and make a list. There’s nothing more frustrating to a child than not being able to play with a toy on Christmas morning because there’s no batteries.

Scissors – Put your scissors in a place where you can find them. Mine disappear like socks in the dryer. You may need them to get toys or other gifts out the box.

Trash Bags – I always have large trash bags on hand for wrapping paper or pieces of boxes ripped apart on Christmas morning. Kitchen trash bags are too small for the mounts of wrapping paper and boxes that we leave behind.

Notebook or Paper and Pencil – Use these to keep track of who gave the kids and you gifts and what you received so you can write a thank you note. Thank you isn’t a thing of the past in my home.

Tools – Make sure you can find your Philips and Flathead screwdrivers to remove covers from toys if needed. You may also need a wrench or pliers. Kids have little patience on Christmas morning. Everything is fair game, and they want immediate access.

Camera and Batteries – Make sure you have your camera battery charged. If you’re not using a DSLR, make sure you have camera batteries on hand. You don’t want to miss a precious memory because the batteries are exhausted or you forgot to charge the camera battery.

Phone Charged – My phone starts ringing early Christmas morning. Between texts, calls and posting on social media, I need my phone to fully charged. I also have a land line, so that phone needs to charged as well.

Be sure to check the my list twice. The most wonder time of the year requires organization. Capturing memories is just as important as showing love and appreciation during the holiday season. Besides, changing out of nice warm pajamas to search for a 7-Eleven on Christmas morning is depressing.

Filed Under: Holidays Tagged With: Christmas ideas, Christmas Organization, Christmas tips, holidays

Tips When Choosing Camps For Kids

How to Honor the Memory of Family Pets

How To Keep Your Home Tidy and Save You Time

Kindergarten Christmas Craft: Christmas Lights

Kindergarten Christmas Crafts

Kid’s Christmas Craft: Christmas Tree

Kid’s Christmas craft:

Choosing The Perfect Pet For Your Family

Gift Ideas For Babies This Christmas

Here are a few gift ideas for babies and be sure to check out our Christmas morning tips:

7 Christmas Morning Items You Need

Christmas Morning Items You Need:

Welcome to Mother 2 Mother

Follow Us On

Subscribers

Search This Blog

Bring these Beauties to Your Backyard

Grow Fresh Vegetables

This Master Gardener Is Here to Help You!

Guest Bloggers

Follow Me On Pinterest

Disclosure Policy

Subscribe to Mother2Mother Newsletter