Limited time only

THESITTERLOOP.COM

For a limited time only $14.99 for the year!!!!!!

You know you grew up in the 80's if:

You Know You Grew Up In the 80's if:

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.





2. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton



3. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom


4. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock"



5. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.




6. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.



7. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.



8. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.


9. You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)




10. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.


11. You know the profound meaning of " WAX ON , WAX OFF"




12. You wanted to be a Goonie.




13. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe)




14. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.



15. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.




16. You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pailkids in the schoolyard.




17. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.



18. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.



19. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.



21. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.


22. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"



23. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"




24. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.







25. You have ever played with a Skip-It.


26. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.



27. You remember watching both Gremlins movies.







28. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.




29. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.



30. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB"




31. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell," The ORIGINAL class.




32. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.

33. You just sang those words to yourself.




34. You still sing "We are the World"




35. You tight rolled your jeans.



36. You owned a bannana clip.


37. You remember "Where's the Beef?"




38. You used to (and probably still do)
say "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?"



39. You're still singing shot through the heart in your head, aren't you!

National Adoption Day

NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY 2007 – NOVEMBER 17

ABOUT NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY
National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness of the 114,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families. For the last eight years, National Adoption Day has made the dreams of thousands of children come true by working with courts, judges, attorneys, adoption professionals, child welfare agencies and advocates to finalize adoptions and find permanent, loving homes for children in foster care.

National Adoption Day is celebrated every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. For the first time in 2006, National Adoption Day was celebrated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In total, more than 250 events were held throughout the country to finalize the adoptions of more than 3,300 children in foster care, and to celebrate all families who adopt.

Monster Cupcake

M is for Mini Monster Cupcake

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
	1 mini cupcake
	Blue frosting
	2 candy eyes
	Red whip licorice
	1 Circus Peanut, halved

1. Unwrap the cupcake and turn it upside down. With a writing or star tip, frost the cupcake from the top down.

2. Add the eyes, the licorice antennae and peanut halves for sneakers.

Halloween safty tips for trick or treating

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR TRICK OR TREATING
	Trick or Treating should be one of the great adventures of Halloween for kids! They can get dressed in scary costumes and go door to door, begging "Tricks or Treats!" from neighbors or at the local mall. Lots of towns have a Harvest Festival so kids can Trick-or-Treat safely. But going door to door is the stuff of childhood memories! It should be a fun time, without trouble and pain, so following some easy tips can keep your child safe every Halloween. Children should go out during daylight hours only unless accompanied by a responsible adult. Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times. Set a time for their return home. Make sure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out by themselves. Let your children know not to cut through back alleys and fields. Make sure they know to stay in populated places and don't go off the beaten track. Stay in well lighted areas. Stop only at familiar houses in your own neighborhood unless they are accompanied by an adult. Small children should never be allowed to go out alone on Halloween. Make sure an older sibling or adult is with them. Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you. Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car. Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars. Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to Trick or Treat without an adult.

Are homework Expectations realistic for our children?

Are Homework Expectations Realistic for Our Children?
by Sally Sacks, www.sallysacks.com

I become increasingly concerned when I see the expectations being forced upon kids nowadays. It seems that so many kids are cutting themselves, a newer form of stress reduction, and engaging in other escapist, avoidant behaviors to dodge the pressure cooker they live in every day called school. Teachers are pressured by state requirements; they, in turn, pressure the kids, and the parents become pressured by the teacher and the school�s expectations.

Sometimes the expectations are over the top, and your job as a parent is to realize when that is happening and when the expectations are reasonable.

So many kids tell me that if they miss a day or two of school, they are so far behind, that they say, �Why bother,� and subsequently get a poor grade. Kids get sick, and they should feel that they can take the time they need to get well.

Many parents are worried, even at the fourth grade level when homework isn�t done and grades are not A�s and B�s. If the child isn�t motivated to come home after school and begin two hours of homework, they are worried they have a slacker, a lazy kid. I work eight plus hours a day and I don�t usually come home looking for more work to do.

Let�s put things into perspective. Children need to know that they have to do homework to make it through school, and most kids, unless they have serious academic limitations or other learning issues, will attempt to do it. If they downright refuse to do any homework, even a reasonable amount, then you have another problem that needs addressing. Maybe they really don�t understand the work, and aren�t telling you. Maybe they need a different school. Maybe there are emotional issues to be examined. Let them pick a time that�s best for them, and you help them structure that time. If they get restless, and need a break, let them take a break. As long as they return to it, that isn�t a problem.

It is important for parents to admit that most young kids don�t love homework and think of creative ideas to help them through it. Here is what not to do in helping your child with homework:

1. Don’t ask them to do homework as soon as they get off the bus.

2. Don’t assume that they aren’t overwhelmed by the amount, and are just lazy.

3. Understand that most kids don’t love homework

4. Don’t compare them to others and push them with your own anxiety

5. Many successful people in life didn’t love homework

6. Keep in mind your child’s age and motivation to get homework done

7. Don’t overlook the strengths of a kid who doesn’t think certain things are necessary to learn.

8. That may be true. That kid may have many independent strengths!

9. Don’t forget to help them when you can. They need support. Some of the work is very difficult

10. Don’t forget what being young was like for you.

What To Do To Help Kids With Homework:

1. Do help them find a time that works for them to do it.

2. If they are having trouble with it, troubleshoot as to why. Ask questions.

3. Do help them find solutions, and acknowledge their negative feelings or difficulty.

4. Spend time with them when you can, showing enthusiasm toward their subject.

5. Expect rebellion and procrastination. It will happen.

6. Keep calm about their consequences if they can’t get it done. They will eventually learn how to handle this.

7. If you push too hard, you will get your children to lie about doing it.

8. Show calm when they are filled with anxiety.

9. Hire a tutor if they need more support.

10. Love them and believe in them, even when they are not doing what you feel they should be to get ahead.

Sally Sacks, M.Ed is a licensed psychotherapist, with 20 years of experience, counseling individuals, children, families and couples. Sally is the author of How to Raise the Next President, a groundbreaking parents' guide to teaching and instilling in their kids the qualities they'll need to be happy, successful and productive, no matter which path they choose in life. Sally offers personal and group coaching and can be reached through her website at www.sallysacks.com.

Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide

Check out The Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide

2007 Back to School Shopping Guide

While most of our readers have children a good decade or more away from the SATs, this might be more of an "Off to School Guide" than a "Back to School Guide." Even so, by popular request, we've poked around the net to dig up some fabulous goodies for the beginning of daycare, preschool, the first day of kindergarten or those early grades. And some awesome discounts to boot.

The picks here are entirely, as always, totally advertorial free. Just the stuff we love from sites we trust.

(Although as far as our sponsors, we looooove them too and can personally vouch for all of them.)

Remember, when you shop a Cool Mom Picks pick, you're not only getting a fantastic product that you can love for all of eternity (or at least the season), you're most often supporting an independent business or emerging company, many run by hardworking moms. Happy clicking!

Doll Pouch/Sling Give Away from Crunchy Domestic Goddesss

Doll pouch/sling giveaway

Enter to win at Musings of a Crunchy Domestic Goddess

http://crunchydomesticgoddess.com/2007/08/26/doll-pouchsling-giveaway/#comment-5495

It’s time for another giveaway!

Want to win this cute doll sling for your child? My mom made it for Ava, but it’s a little too snug (and she’s making her a new one), so I’d like to give this one away to another future attachment parenting (AP) daddy or mommy. :) It’s reversible - pink on one side, blue on the other (see below). I think it would fit most 2 and 3 year olds, but Ava is a pretty big girl (38 inches tall, 36 lbs.), so that’s why it’s snug on her. Ava loves the pouch and was so delighted to do some baby wearing of her own with a sling that’s her size! Thanks, mom!

If you’d like to win it, (1) sign Mr. Linky, (2) leave me a comment telling me why you’d like to win, and (3) link back to this post on your blog - you can use the button from my sidebar if you’d like, but it’s not required. (If you don’t have a blog, you can still enter, just be sure and tell a friend about the giveaway.) You must do all three steps to be eligible. The deadline to enter is 10 p.m. Mountain Time Friday, Aug. 31. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Sept. 1. Thanks!

TheSitterLoop.com has a new look !!

TheSitterLoop.com has a new look . Check us out today.
http://www.thesitterloop.com Linking Parents and Sitters in a Snap !

HowManyOfMe.com

http://howmanyofme.com/

There are 301,805,272 people in the United States of America. If everyone in the U.S. lined up single file, the line would stretch around the Earth almost 7 times. That's a lot of people.

The U.S. Census Bureau statistics tell us that there are at least 88,799 different last names and 5,163 different first names in common use in the United States. Some names are more common than others.

There are 49,839 people named John Smith in the United States. There are 1,055 people named James Bond, 114 people named Harry Potter , 506 people named George Bush, and 31 people named Emily Dickinson. However, Johnny Cash (39 people) songs aside there are, statistically speaking, very few boys named Sue.

What about you? How many people share your name? Enter it and find out how many of you there are.

What I Owe My Mother

WHAT I OWE TO MY MOTHER

01. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished
cleaning."

02. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

03. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of
next week!"

04. My mother taught me LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."

05. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to
the store with me."

06. My mother taught me FORESIGHT ..
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

07. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

08. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

09. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY .
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't
have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that
way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS .
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.

THESITTERLOOP.COM

THESITTERLOOP.COM
http://www.thesitterloop.com

A web based sitter directory.
Helping families find sitters and sitters find jobs

The Baby Name Bible

Book Description
How can you tell if a name is too popular or not mainstream enough, wonderfully creative or just plain weird? How can you find the name that is perfect for you and your baby?

More than 50,000 names, with their meanings and derivations

Expert opinions on every name

Unique symbols that highlight unisex names, starred recommendations, and names that are on their way up or down

The latest celebrity-baby names

Ethnic and international names

Fresh alternatives for popular names

More than 200 fascinating lists, from "Cool Biblical Names" to "Names Headed for Harvard" to "Names Kids Love Having"

...and more. Informative and inspiring, entertaining and enlightening, The Baby Name Bible is the only book that offers such far-reaching advice on the full range of classic, multicultural, and creative choices—helping you figure out what's hot, what's cool, and what's right for your baby.

Out of the Ballpark

Out of the Ballpark
By Alex Rodriguez and Frank Morrison
Baseball superstar A-Rod draws from his own childhood experiences in the story of a boy determined not to let his mistakes hold him back. A determined Little Alex works hard on his hitting and fielding before school each day, and hits the books when it’s time for challenging math problems. Also available in Spanish. Ages 4-8.

Different Like Coco

Different Like Coco
By Elizabeth Matthews
This charming story follows the extraordinary life of Coco Chanel, who went from an orphanage in Paris to legendary designer. Coco’s special talent for sewing and her unique creativity come through in this chic picture book chronicling the lively and inspiring lady. Ages 4-8.

Lead in Sidewalk Chalk

Be careful when buying your children sidewalk chalk. Some brans contain lead, click on the title above to learn more.

Admiral Road

Baby Zebra Blanket

Nothing is ever black and white - except when it comes to our new zebra blanket! This graphically striking blanket is modern and fun. A portion of the proceeds from this blanket will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation.

Price

USD 44.00

NY Times Bestselling Children's Books

NY Times Bestselling Children's Books 3/18/07

PICTURE BOOKS

1. FLOTSAM, by David Wiesner. (Clarion, $17.) The things that wash up on the beach: a story in pictures. (Ages 4 to 7)
18 weeks on list

2. DOG, by Matthew Van Fleet. Photography by Brian Stanton. (Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster, $14.99.) An interactive look at 20 breeds. (Ages 3 to 5)
4 weeks on list

3. A GOOD DAY, written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes. (Greenwillow/HarperCollins, $16.99.) A bad day turns around. (Ages 3 to 5)
1 week on list

4. PIRATES DON'T CHANGE DIAPERS, by Melinda Long. Illustrated by David Shannon. (Harcourt, $16.) To recover buried treasure, a crew of pirates first has to baby-sit. (Ages 4 to 8)
1 week on list

5. DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE, written and illustrated by Tad Hills. (Schwartz & Wade, $15.99.) Duck and goose are best friends, until another duck shows up. (Ages 3 to 7)
2 weeks on list

6. FANCY NANCY, by Jane O'Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. (HarperCollins, $15.99.) A girl takes her family out. (Ages 4 to 7)
60 weeks on list

7. GONE WILD, written and illustrated by David McLimans. (Walker, $16.95.) An A-to-Z of endangered animals. (Ages 4 to 8)
3 weeks on list

8. NOT A BOX, written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis. (HarperCollins, $12.99.) Imagination turns a young rabbit's cardboard box into anything but. (Ages 3 to 6)
5 weeks on list

9. LIBRARY LION, by Michelle Knudsen. Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. (Candlewick, $15.99.) A lion obeys the library rules until there's good reason not to. (Ages 5 to 8)
16 weeks on list

10. DUCK AT THE DOOR, written and illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic. (HarperCollins, $16.99.) Max the duck didn't fly south, so now he needs winter shelter. (Ages 4 to 7)
1 weeks on list


CHAPTER BOOKS

1. NEW MOON, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/ Little, Brown, $17.99.) A human and a vampire continue their love affair; a sequel to ''Twilight.'' (Ages 12 and up)
30 weeks on list

2. THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY, by Susan Patron. Illustrated by Matt Phelan. (Richard Jackson/Atheneum, $16.95.) A 10-year-old plans to leave her small town. (Ages 9 to 11)
6 weeks on list

3. ELDEST, by Christopher Paolini. (Knopf, $21.) Eragon in the land of elves; Book 2 in the Inheritance trilogy. (Ages 12 and up)
80 weeks on list

4. THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET, written and illustrated by Brian Selznick. (Scholastic, $22.99.) A novel "in words and pictures"; an orphaned thief must decipher his father's last message. (Ages 9 to 12)
6 weeks on list

5. RULES, by Cynthia Lord. (Scholastic, $15.99.) The challenges and rewards of life with an autistic brother. (Ages 9 to 12)
6 weeks on list

6. THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. (Knopf, $16.95.) In Nazi Germany, a girl shares books with a Jewish man. (Ages 14 and up) First Chapter
47 weeks on list

7. IMPULSE, by Ellen Hopkins. (McElderry, $16.99.) Three suicidal teenagers meet at a psychiatric hospital. (Ages 14 and up)
5 weeks on list

8. THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE, by Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. (Candlewick, $18.99.) A china rabbit learns about loss. (Ages 8 to 12)
44 weeks on list

9. THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, by Trenton Lee Stewart. Illustrated by Carson Ellis. (Little, Brown, $16.99.) Four gifted children on a secret mission. (Ages 9 to 12)
1 weeks on list

10. SWORDBIRD, by Nancy Yi Fan. (HarperCollins, $15.99.) According to legend, only one bird can restore peace between the blue jays and cardinals. (Ages 8 to 12)
4 weeks on list


PAPERBACK BOOKS

1. BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA, by Katherine Paterson. (HarperCollins, $6.99.) Unlikely friends rule an imaginary land. (Ages 9 to 12)
9 weeks on list

2. ITS NOT EASY BEING MEAN, by Lisi Harrison. (Little, Brown, $9.99.) Actually, it's easier than you might think. A "Clique" novel. (Ages 14 and up)
3 weeks on list

3. TWILIGHT, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/Little, Brown, $8.99.) The new girl falls in love with a vampire. (Ages 12 and up)
29 weeks on list

4. ERAGON, by Christopher Paolini. (Knopf, $9.95.) A boy and a dragon must navigate a world of dark powers. (Ages 12 and up)
97 weeks on list

5. MUGGLENET.COM'S WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN HARRY POTTER 7, by Ben Schoen et al. (Ulysses, $13.95.) Predictions from a leading fan Web site. (Ages 8 and up)
4 weeks on list

6. JUMP IN!, adapted by M. C. King. (Disney, $4.99.) An aspiring boxer discovers jump-rope; based on the TV movie
5 weeks on list

7. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: BATTLE OF THE BANDS, by N. B. Grace. (Disney, $4.99.) Will Troy ask Gabriella to join him for East High's Battle of the Bands? (Ages 9 to 12)
5 weeks on list

8. UGLIES, by Scott Westerfeld. (Simon Pulse, $7.99.) In a dystopian world, beauty is mandatory. (Ages 12 and up)
9 weeks on list

9. SEPTIMUS HEAP: MAGYK, by Angie Sage. (Tegen/HarperCollins, $7.99.) A boy stolen at birth, a girl left for dead and raised by her rescuers, and their quests to uncover their true identities. (Ages 9 and up)
8 weeks on list

10. BLOOD & CHOCOLATE, by Annette Curtis Klause. (Laurel Leaf, $6.50.) A werewolf falls in love with a human. (Ages 12 and up)
5 weeks on list


SERIES BOOKS

1. MAGIC TREE HOUSE, by Mary Pope Osborne. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. (Stepping Stone/Random House, hardcover and paperback.) Children travel in time. (Ages 6 to 9)
127 weeks on list

2. THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS, by Ann Brashares. (Delacorte, hardcover and paperback.) Four friends share magical pants. (Ages 12 and up)
92 weeks on list

3. JUNIE B., FIRST GRADER, by Barbara Park. Illustrated by Denise Brunkus. (Stepping Stone/Random House, hardcover and paperback.) Adventures in school. (Ages 4 to 8)
127 weeks on list

4. HARRY POTTER, by J. K. Rowling. (Levine/Scholastic, hardcover and paperback.) Trouble at Hogwarts. (Ages 10 and up)
127 weeks on list

5. INTERNET GIRLS, by Lauren Myracle. (Amulet, hardcover and paperback.) Social life, via instant messages. (Ages 14 and up)
1 week on list

6. SKIPPYJON JONES, written and illustrated by Judy Schachner. (Dutton/Puffin, hardcover and paperback.) A Siamese kitten unlooses his imagination. (Ages 3 to 6)
2 weeks on list

7. A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, by Lemony Snicket. (HarperCollins, hardcover only.) The poor Baudelaires. (Ages 10 and up)
126 weeks on list.

8. THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM, by Garth Nix. (Scholastic, hardcover and paperback.) A boy and his friend visit a parallel world to recover parts of ''the Will'' he inherited. (Ages 9 to 12)
4 weeks on list

9. D'LACEYS DRAGONS, by Chris D'Lacey. (Orchard/Scholastic, hardcover and paperback.) Clay figurines come to life. (Ages 9 to 12)
2 weeks on list

10. OLOGIES,by Dugald A. Steer. Various illustrators. (Candlewick, hardcover only.) Facts about dragons, wizards, etc. (Ages 9 to 12)
76 weeks on list

Tampontification

Women’s shelters in the U.S. go through thousands of tampons and pads monthly, and, while agencies generally assist with everyday necessities such as toilet paper, diapers, and clothing, this most basic need is often overlooked. You and I may take our monthly trips down the feminine care aisle for granted, but, for women in shelters, a box of tampons is five dollars they can’t spare. Here’s some good news: you can help us contribute to rectifying this situation by making a virtual donation below!
For each virtual donation, Seventh Generation will send a pack of organic cotton tampons or chlorine-free pads to a shelter in your state.

Visit website and make a virtual donation
http://www.tampontification.com/donate.php

Brad and Angie Set to Make Jolie-Pitts a Party of Six

The rumors have been around for some time, but now it's official -- the Jolie-Pitts are adopting a Vietnamese child. Vietnam's top adoption official confirmed that Angelina filed the papers to begin the adoption process. She applied as a single parent, though we assume this has something to do with the process (since she and Brad are not officially married) rather than anything about their relationship. There's no telling how long this process will take, but we can't wait to meet the new addition to their beautiful family. We bet Maddox is pulling for a boy. Congrats to the whole family!

And since we can't post them, you must go check out the Cutest. Pictures. Ever. Seriously. Hot Brad with baby Shiloh on his shoulders? In his arms? Previously unreached levels of cute.

Who has a toddler ?

Which One of These "Love"-ly and "Hart"-y Ladies Has a Toddler? Only one of these celebrities has a hearty little toddler running around. By Deirdre Byrne

In the February 2007 issue of American Baby magazine, we asked you, in honor of Valentine's Day, which of these "love"-ly and "hart"-y ladies has a toddler: Courtney Love, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melissa Joan Hart, and Calista Flockhart. ANSWER! Melissa Joan Hart, and her husband, musician Mark Wilkerson, are the proud parents of the only toddler in the bunch. Mason Walter turned 1 year old on January 11, 2007. Hart is known for her roles as Clarissa, from Nickelodeon's Clarissa Explains It All, and Sabrina, from Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Apart from her television career, she also starred in the teen movie Can't Hardly Wait, and is the vice president of Hartbreak Films, a production company she runs with her mother.

•

No Brothers & Sisters

Golden Globe winner Calista Flockhart, best known for her role as Ally McBeal on the show of the same name, adopted her 10-day-old son, whom she named Liam, on January 11, 2001. Her professional acting debut on the New York stage was ironically appearing alongside Melissa Joan Hart in Beside Herself. Apart from Ally McBeal, she has since been in a number of other plays and feature films, but can currently be seen in the prime time television series Brothers & Sisters. In her personal life, Flockhart is a strong supporter of breast cancer research, and serves as the national spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women (LACAAW).

•

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Courtney Love, former lead singer of the rock band Hole, and her deceased husband, Kurt Cobain, former lead singer of Nirvana, welcomed daughter Frances Bean on August 18, 1992. Love, born Courtney Michelle Harrison, has had success as a musician and as an actress, appearing in such films as 200 Cigarettes, Man on the Moon, and The People vs. Larry Flynt. She currently lives in Hollywood with her teenage daughter.

•

Party of One

Jennifer Love Hewitt, born February 21, 1979, does not have any children. Her acting (and singing) career began on the Disney Channel's variety show Kids Incorporated. She starred as Sarah Reeves on Party of Five from 1995, when she was just 16, to 1999, and currently stars in The Ghost Whisperer. Hewitt has also appeared in such films as the I Know What You Did Last Summer series, and Can't Hardly Wait (also alongside Melissa Joan Hart).

Children's wall art

Introducing Mimi'lou, a unique line of simple but enchanting wall decals by French artist Miriam Derville.

Mimi'lou will bring your childrens rooms and nursery to life with a collection of colorful line drawings decals providing a no mess, no fuss fashion forward wall transformation. Once transferred, only the lines of the decals remains on the wall, giving the effect of simple, hand-drawn mural.

Mimi Lou decals can be applied to any smooth surface: walls, furniture, windows, and mirrors. Transferring them is remarkably simple. If necessary, they can be removed easily and without leaving a trace.

Patrick Dempsey's Twins

Patrick Dempsey, who plays Dereck (Dr.McDreamy) Shepherd, on Grey’s Anatomy and his wife Jillian are the proud parents of baby twin boys. The twins were born on Thursday in Los Angeles.

The twins, named Darby Galen and Sullivan Patrick, were born in Los Angeles. They join 4-year-old sister Talula in the Dempsey household.

Asked how fatherhood has changed him, he told the magazine, “Now, making money is about providing for my children. And being a father makes you look at yourself. You look at your marriage and go, ‘How do I improve this? How do I keep growing and create a stable environment for my children?’ “

Congrats to Patrick and Jilian!

Cute Bib

Pump up the Volume Bib Your little DJ keeps the party going from AM to PM. This bib will limit the cleanup after a very spirited jeroboam of milk.

Valentine Movies

Does your Valentine's Day romance include cuddling up to a great romantic movie? If so, browse our movie list to find the perfect choice!

Top 20
Titanic
City Of Angels
Ghost
Bridges of Madison County
Sleepless In Seattle
Love Story
Last of the Mohicans
Romeo And Juliet
Pretty Woman
Gone With The Wind
Somewhere In Time
Sixteen Candles
A Walk In The Clouds
The Princess Bride
When Harry Met Sally
Endless Love
Armageddon
Legends of the Fall
The American President
Dirty Dancing

Romantic Comedy
20 Dates
A Chef in Love
A Fish Called Wanda
A Little Romance
About Last Night
Always
American Graffiti
An American in Paris
Annie Hall
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Broadcast News
Butterflies Are Free
Circle of Friends
City Slickers
Clueless
Father of the Bride
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Flirting
Forces Of Nature
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Ghostbusters
Grease
It Could Happen to You
Jerry Maguire
Junior
L.A. Story
Life 101
Lotto Land
Love Jones
Married to the Mob
Men Don't Leave
Mickey Blue Eyes
Moonstruck
Naked in New York
Never Been Kisses
Notting Hill
Playing By Heart
Roger Rabbit
Romancing the Stone
Runaway Bride
Say Anything
She's All That
Singles
Sleepless in Seattle
The Apartment
The Breakfast Club
The Graduate
The Out-Of-Towners
The Princes Bride
The Sure Thing
The Truth About Cats & Dogs
There's Something About Mary
Tommy Boys
Twice Upon A Yesterday
Valley Girl
Walt Disney Classics
Wedding Bell Blues
When Harry Met Sally

Drama
A Tale of Winter
About Last Night
Absent Without Leave
Avalon
Bed Of Roses
Bitter Sugar
Broken English
Congo
Dead Poet's Society
Different for Girls
Ghost
Great Expectations
Happy Together
Henry and June
Jungle Fever
Just the Way You Are
Legends of the Fall
Like Water for Chocolate
Lone Star
Love Story
Love Without Pity
Love! Valour! Compassion!

Drama (cont.)
Meet Joe Black
Message In A Bottle
Quiz Show
Rob Roy
Romeo and Juliet
Sea of Love
Shadowlands
Sliding Doors
Spellbound
Splendor in the Grass
Strapless
Surviving Picasso
Tender Mercies
The English Patient
The Man I Love
The Man Who Loved Women
The Milagro Beanfield War
The Sound of Music
Titanic
Washington Square
Wild at Heart
You've Got Mail

Adventure, Action
Another Stakeout
Apollo 13
Backdraft
Batman Forever
Bonnie and Clyde
Chinatown
Crimson Tide
Entrapment
FX
Goodfellas
Mask Of Zorro
Point Break
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Robin Hood
Sneakers
Star Wars
The Client
The Firm
The Fugitive
True Lies

Mystery, Thriller
Dead Again
Jaws
Psycho
Spellbound
The Hand that Rocks the Cradle
The Pelican Brief

Science Fiction
Cocoon
Star Trek (any)
Star Wars
Superman
Willow

Alternative
Harold and Maude
Jacob's Ladder
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Strictly Ballroom
The Player
Truly, Madly, Deeply

Artistic, Foreign
A Room with a View
Carrington
Enchanted April
Fellini Films
Hope and Glory
Howard's End
Life Is Beautiful
Much Ado about Nothing
My Life as a Dog

Magical
Beauty and the Beast
Celestial Clockwork
Groundhog Day
Heaven Can Wait
Like Water for Chocolate
Mannequin
Miracle Beach
Night Tide
Only You
Practical Magic
Princess Carabo
Simply Irresistible
Splash
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
True Stories

Valentine's Day Books

Top 10 Valentine's Day Books

1) "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch"

The Valentine's Day picture book "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch," by Eileen Spinelli, wonderfully illustrates the power of love and would make an excellent Valentine's Day gift for a four to eight year old. It is a charming book with a powerful message. The importance of love and kindness comes through loud and clear. Even very young children will understand how good it is to feel loved and how important it is to help others feel loved. (Simon & Schuster, 1992. ISBN: 0027860159)

2) "Valentine's Day"

"Valentine's Day" was written and illustrated by the mother and daughter team of Anne and Lizzy Rockwell. It takes place in Mrs. Madoff's elementary school class. The children in her class come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. The story, told as much in pictures as in words, centers on the students' creating Valentines for their friend Michiko, who is thousands of miles away in Japan. This book is perfect for three to six year olds. (HarperCollins, 2001. ISBN: 0060277947)

3) “Queen of Hearts”

Here's another in Mary Engelbreit's beautifully illustrated series of Ann Estelle picture books. Ann Estelle loves to make things. She spends hours and hours creating an extravagantly decorated Valentine's Day box to hold the cards she'll receive from her classmates. She focuses so much on the box that she forgets to make Valentine's Day cards to give to her classmates. How creative thinking by Ann Estelle saves the day makes an entertaining story. (HarperCollins, 2005. ISBN: 0060081813)

4) "Too Many Valentines"

This Level 1, Ready-To-Read book is part of the Robin Hill School series. It was written by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by Mike Gordon. The story centers on class preparations for Valentine's Day and one little boy, Neil, who says, "I get too many Valentines. I do not want any more." How the class honors his feelings and still includes him in the celebration makes an entertaining story. (Simon & Schuster, Aladdin Paperbacks, 2003. ISBN: 0689855370)

5) "Nate the Great and the Mushy Valentine"

This children's Valentine's Day book is from the Nate the Great detective series for beginning readers by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. Nate the Great starts out with one case, finding out who gave his dog a Valentine, and then, his friend Annie asks him to help her find a missing Valentine. This entertaining story, with lots of illustrations by Marc Simont, is both a good read-aloud for 4-8 year olds and a good book for beginning readers, grades 2-3. (Yearling, 1995. ISBN: 0440410134)

6) "Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink"

This amusing picture book was written and illustrated by Diane de Groat. While I am not a big fan of books in which children are portrayed by a group of animals, I am willing to make an exception for a story like this one that deals with kindness and teasing. Teasing and hurt feelings are common among elementary school children. The author does a nice job of showing the consequences of both unkindness and kindness when exchanging Valentine's Day cards. (HarperCollins, 1996. ISBN: 0688136044)

7) “Olive, My Love”

Yes, it's the same lovable dog from "Olive, the Other Reindeer." This time, Olive is surprised when her friend Dexter the winged dog flies by singing of love and drops a giant heart by her door. Thinking it's a mistake, Olive goes to great lengths to return the heart to Dexter's home at the top of a cliff, only to find out, to her delight, that the heart is a Valentine's Day gift for her. The detailed computer art adds a cartoonlike flavor to the story. (Harcourt, 2004. ISBN: 0152047204)

8) "It's Valentine's Day"

Jack Prelutsky's humorous story poems cover a wide range of emotions, from the love of family, pets, and friends to the awkward love/hate relationships that develop between pre-adolescent boys and girls. Yossi Abolafia's amusing illustrations add to the fun. This is both a good read-aloud for middle and upper elementary school children and a good read-alone for beginning readers. (Greenwillow Books, 1983. ISBN: 0688023118)

9) "Guess How Much I Love You"

The gift edition of the popular picture book by Sam McBratney, with its captivating illustrations by Anita Jeram, is perfect for Valentine's Day. The small hardbound book has a red cloth cover with cover art of Little Nutbrown Hare inset. This story of the love between parent and child has become a classic since it was first published more than a decade ago. It would make a good Valentine's Day gift for both children and adults. (Candlewick Press, Gift edition, 2003. ISBN: 0763622400)

10) "Valentine Hearts Holiday Poetry"

Lee Bennett Hopkins edited this collection of Valentine's Day poetry and also wrote several of the poems in this beginning reader. The one dozen poems by a variety of poets range from humorous to sweet. The emphasis is on kids' emotions and experiences: feeling shy, feeling joy at receiving a Valentine, feeling blue at not receiving one, and feeling love - love for a pet, mother love, and more. The joyfully bright illustrations are by JoAnn Adinolfi. (HarperCollins, 2005. ISBN: 0060080574)

Valentine's Day History

Every February we celebrate Valentines Day by giving flowers, candy and cards to those we love. We do this in honor of Saint Valentine. You may be wondering, "Who is St. Valentine"?

Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. There was an Emperor at that time by the name of Claudius II. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger military base. Supposedly, Valentine, decided this decree just wasn't fair and chose to marry young couples secretly. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine's actions he had him put to death.

Another legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor's daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first 'valentine' himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it 'Your Valentine', words still used on cards today.

Perhaps we'll never know the true identity and story behind the man named St. Valentine, but this much is for sure...February has been the month to celebrate love for a long time, dating clear back to the Middle Ages. In fact, Valentines ranks second only to Christmas in number of greeting cards sent.

Another valentine gentleman you may be wondering about is Cupid (Latin cupido, "desire"). In Roman mythology Cupid is the son of Venus, goddess of love. His counterpart in Greek mythology is Eros, god of love. Cupid is often said to be a mischievous boy who goes around wounding both gods and humans with his arrows, causing them to fall in love.

Valentine's Day History

Every February we celebrate Valentines Day by giving flowers, candy and cards to those we love. We do this in honor of Saint Valentine. You may be wondering, "Who is St. Valentine"?

Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. There was an Emperor at that time by the name of Claudius II. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger military base. Supposedly, Valentine, decided this decree just wasn't fair and chose to marry young couples secretly. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine's actions he had him put to death.

Another legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor's daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first 'valentine' himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it 'Your Valentine', words still used on cards today.

Perhaps we'll never know the true identity and story behind the man named St. Valentine, but this much is for sure...February has been the month to celebrate love for a long time, dating clear back to the Middle Ages. In fact, Valentines ranks second only to Christmas in number of greeting cards sent.

Another valentine gentleman you may be wondering about is Cupid (Latin cupido, "desire"). In Roman mythology Cupid is the son of Venus, goddess of love. His counterpart in Greek mythology is Eros, god of love. Cupid is often said to be a mischievous boy who goes around wounding both gods and humans with his arrows, causing them to fall in love.

Recipes for the Busy Mom

�

Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen with Mr. Food

Busy Moms, Here's the Next Best Thing to Having a Personal Chef

Do you find yourself scrambling to pull together a healthy meal at the end of a hectic day, let alone a meal that doesn't come in a take-out container? Are you looking for some deliciously simple recipes to add to your family's favorites? Look no further: Help has arrived come mealtime!

Mr. Food is famous for his quick-and-easy approach to cooking. Here, he has assembled a comprehensive collection of his field-tested family favorites for moms who have little time or energy to spare. You'll find:

• Recipes for snacks that kids won't trade and side dishes that don't come from a can
• Take-along breakfasts that are tasty and nutritious
• Tips to get kids involved in meal planning and preparation
• Fancy guest-worthy dinners that don't require elaborate ingredients

You'll also find heartwarming Chicken Soup stories from other moms that underscore the importance of sharing time with loved ones, enjoying good food and building family traditions. With resourceful kitchen hints for stretching your budget and using leftovers, you can bring your family to the table with meals that everyone will enjoy. This is one cookbook you won't want to be without.

Large Money Savvy Piggy Bank

by:

Money Savvy

The Money Savvy 4-chambered piggybank makes learning about money fun! The award-winning Money Savvy Piggy Bank has four separate chambers, one for each of the "money choices" that children have when they earn or receive money .


Manufacturer's Age: 4 - 11 years Our Recommended Age: 4 - 11 years

Top 10 cutest celebrity kids

Cutest Celebrity Kids

Sun, 03/19/2006 - 9:24pm by PopSugar •

There's a list for everything. This time it's all about the kids. Maddox Jolie-Pitt has been voted the cutest of them all. Could it be that Mohawk or maybe it's the the moon boots? Here's more of the list according to In Touch:

The "top tots" are:
1. Maddox Jolie-Pitt
2. Rowan Henchy (Brooke Shields)
3. Liv Helen Freundlich (Julianne Moore)
4. Ava Phillippe
5. Rudy Law (Jude Law)
6. Ella Bleu Travolta
7. Charlie Crowe
8. Rocco Ritchie
9. Willow Smith (Will Smith)
10. Apple Martin (Gwyneth Paltrow)

PlasmaCar

( PlaSmart $$69.95$ ) Our testers from ages 4 to 12 could not get enough of this new ride-on that according to the manufacturer runs on “inertia, centrifugal force, and friction.” Sounds like a lot of serious scientific principles - but this is sheer fun rolled up in one zippy vehicle! There are no pedals, or batteries needed. Rotate the steering wheel and you’re off on any smooth surface. This was tested indoors in a room with the furniture moved out of the way for clear sailing. Your feet are your brakes and this will support riders up to 220 pounds on a smooth, even surface and 120 pounds on an uneven, rough surface. One mom suggested the manufacturer should add bumpers to the front and back to protect the walls. That said- it’s the new favorite toy in their neighborhood. 4 & up. (877) 289-0730. Age: Preschool, Early School Years, Late School Years. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2006

Many parents doubt their discipline methods

Many parents doubt their discipline methods

SATURDAY, Jan. 13 (HealthDay News) — About a third of parents believe that their methods of disciplining their children are not all that effective, says a study that also found that many parents use the same discipline techniques as their own parents.

The study, published in the January issue of the journal Clinical Pediatrics, included parents from 32 states in the United States and from Puerto Rico and Canada. When it came to discipline methods, 45 percent of the parents said they used time-outs, 41.5 percent said they used removal of privileges, 13 percent said they yelled at their children, and 8.5 percent often or always used spanking.

About 31 percent of the parents said they "never" or "sometimes" perceived that their discipline methods were effective, the study found. It also found that 38 percent of parents said they used the same methods of discipline as their own parents — an approach that was often considered ineffective.

"There was actually an inverse relationship between self-reports of yelling at children and perceived effectiveness of discipline," said study author Dr. Shari Barkin, chief of the division of general pediatrics at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

"But we strongly suspect that both yelling and spanking might be underreported, because we know when parents perceive their methods are not working, as a third reported, then emotion can quickly escalate," Barkin added in a prepared statement.

Parents with children ages 6 to 11 were about 25 percent less likely than parents with younger children to use time-outs and spanking. When children reached school age, parents were more likely to use yelling and removal of privileges as methods of discipline.

-- Robert Preidt, HealthDay News

Picnicking On The Road - Article

Recipes for Picinics

PICNICKING ON THE ROAD I remember waking up as a kid heading out on our annual road trip from Tennessee to Florida. While my dad packed the suitcases in the trunk, Mom prepared her giant food hamper, enough food to last us on our marathon drive (non-stop!) and breakfast when we got there. I think taking a hamper of food with you makes really good sense. Not only is it a big money saver, but you control the quality of what you're eating, and can cut down on the quantities of sugar, salt, food dyes and MSG, all of which make many kids hyper. You may want to carry a basket or simply a box for dry goods, and a small cooler for cold drinks and milk. A few points to keep in mind: * Cool it. To help foods stay cold, fill your cooler with ice and let it stand about an hour before packing. * Double-wrapping, first in paper, then in aluminum helps things like sandwiches stay cold. Use plastic containers for things you don't want to squash, and to keep it neat--olives, pickles, custard for the baby, etc. * Keep your sandwiches from getting soggy by putting the condiments in the middle of the sandwich, and put meat or cheese directly next to the bread, followed by the tomato, lettuce, then the mustard and mayo sandwiched in between. One of the joys of picnicking is that you can choose a great spot in which to enjoy your al fresco meal far away from the maddening crowds and the fast food emporium. We always look for state parks, lakes and resort areas, where there are often playgrounds for the kids to enjoy and let off some steam. In the city, search out a park with a kids' area, or try the zoo!

Bicycling with Your Children

Bicycling

BICYCLING WITH KIDS You get to know a place better on a bicycle than you do whizzing past it in a car and kids love riding bicycles. Why not take advantage of that affinity when making your vacation plans? Bicycling is something the whole family can participate in. Children that are too young to ride on their own can come along in a child seat or trailer. Older kids relish the independence of covering the countryside under their own power. And everybody gets plenty of fresh air and exercise. Can you see yourself gliding along winding back roads, stopping for chats with a local farmer, or for a picnic with a view? A bicycling trip may be the solution for your next vacation. You can plan to make a series of day trips from a central base, or an extended tour for the more ambitious families (with careful planning, you can carry camping gear along). And bicycles can be rented just about anywhere, so you might consider a day or two of bicycling at whatever vacation destination you've picked for your next trip. Tips for Bicycling with Kids ---------------------------- Take it easy! This is a vacation, not the Tour de France. Don't set a rigid itinerary for your trip: nothing is worse than stressing about getting to the next stop along the road when you're supposed to be enjoying the great outdoors. Get an early start, but park the bikes early, too, to give the kids time to play, and yourself some time to relax. Let the kids set the pace on the road-remember, they're working harder than you are, and if you're toting a little one in a child seat or trailer, you'll appreciate the leisurely approach they take. Plan on taking frequent short breaks, and don't be afraid to take time for distractions and mini-adventures along the way: they're the stuff memories are made of. Safety first! Make sure that you have good bicycles, helmets and child seats for the little ones. Ride with one parent in front and one in back. Always bicycle with the flow of traffic and be sure your kids know about hand signals and traffic laws (like obeying traffic lights and stop signs). Pack a small bag for each child to carry on the handlebars, with favorite toys and a notebook. You might give each child one of those disposable cameras to chronicle their favorite sights along the road. Pack snacks and plenty of liquids. Everybody should have their own water bottle attached to the bike, to cut down on drink breaks. Juice boxes are a nice treat. Think layers. The early morning chill may find you overheated after a bit of exertion under the midday sun. Make sure everybody is dressed comfortably, and bring along extra sweaters and jackets in case the weather changes. Enjoy the ride!

About Us

About The Sitter Loop

Committed to changing the face of online childcare services, one child at a time.

The Sitter Loop is a web-based sitter directory, helping families find reliable sitters as well as helping sitters connect with parents to find jobs. The registration process serves to help both parents and sitters find exactly what they are looking for according to childcare needs, availability, and location.

The Sitter Loop was founded in Raynham, Massachusetts in 2003 by Jamie McCarthy and Corrie Larson.Two young moms, who know the value of a night out as well as a reliable sitter. Both have extensive background within early childhood education. Both have held childcare positions from nannies to daycare providers.

Jamie is the mother of three with a B.S in Cultural Anthropology. She also works as a nanny . Corrie and her husband have a 5 year old son and are in the process of adopting a daughter from China . She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education.